Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra: Colonial Family Grandeur on the Andaman Coast

Krabi is often overshadowed by its louder neighbours—but tucked between jungle-covered cliffs and the calm Andaman Sea is a resort that whispers rather than shouts. Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort is a grand estate with colonial charm, oversized swimming pools, and an almost old-world elegance that manages to be incredibly family-friendly. No wonder its voted Best Luxury Family Resort in Krabi for several years running.

This is where families with style come to exhale. With white-starched facades, towering columns, and some of the warmest hospitality in southern Thailand, Sofitel Krabi blends luxury and leisure like few places can.

The Arrival: Elegance in Every Detail

We arrived in the early evening, just as the sky turned lavender. The entrance—palatial and surrounded by fountains—set the tone. We were welcomed with cool towels, passionfruit tea, and a seamless check-in experience. Our son was given a treasure hunt map and immediately took off on an adventure around the gardens, dragging us behind with delight.

A Room Fit for a Family

Our suite was everything a family needs: spacious, calm, and designed for actual living. The king bed was enormous, the rollaway thoughtfully made up, and the bathroom felt spa-worthy with its deep soaking tub and marble finishes. French doors opened to a balcony overlooking the lagoon-sized pool—a view we never tired of.

Each evening, turndown service left little treats on our pillows, including tiny elephants carved from coconut wood. Our son collected them like souvenirs.

The Pool: Where Time Slows

Let’s talk about the pool. It’s one of the largest in Thailand—a winding, palm-lined masterpiece that feels more like a tropical river than a resort amenity. There are shaded alcoves, built-in jacuzzis, and poolside service so efficient it borders on telepathic.

We spent hours floating, racing, and occasionally lounging while our son joined in on organised kids’ games (water balloon fights, treasure dives, pool limbo). The staff knew his name by the end of day one.

Beachfront Calm and Offshore Adventure

While the beach directly in front of the resort is more for strolling than swimming, the real gems lie just beyond. Sofitel arranges private longtail boat tours to nearby islands, including Hong Island and Phang Nga Bay.

We booked a family-friendly half-day outing to the nearby islands and were amazed by the logistics—snorkels, snacks, towels, even reef-safe sunscreen included. We paddled in lagoons, picnicked on white sand beaches, and spotted sea eagles soaring overhead.

Back at the resort, the beach became our evening ritual. Shell collecting, sandcastle building, and watching the sun slip behind limestone cliffs.

Dining Options for All Tastes

Sofitel offers several dining venues, all well-appointed and relaxed:

• White Lotus serves excellent Thai dishes with just enough flair—our son devoured the satay skewers while we savoured delicate green curry.

  
  

• Maya Restaurant features an expansive international buffet. Mornings here were a joy—perfect eggs, fresh fruit, baked goods, and smoothie stations.

  
  

• Poolside snacks and the swim-up bar kept us fuelled between activities.

  
  

Room service also impressed—our midnight order of pad Thai and mango sticky rice arrived in silver cloches, much to our son’s delight.

Kid-Friendly Activities and the So Spa

The kids’ club, nestled under palm trees, offered crafts, movie time, and Thai dance classes. One afternoon, while our son painted coconuts, we slipped away to the So Spa for a couples’ treatment in a private garden sala. It was bliss: birdsong, cool towels, and a massage so relaxing I forgot what day it was.

There are also free family activities each day—from yoga on the lawn to Thai cooking classes. Our favourite? The family bike ride around the lagoon at golden hour.

A Little Touch of Grandeur

Sofitel Krabi exudes a kind of colonial romance—think uniformed doormen, polished wood floors, and chandeliers in the lobby. But it never feels stiff. Children are genuinely welcomed, with thoughtful touches throughout: kid-sized robes, bubble bath delivered on request, early dining options.

The resort even hosted a Thai storytelling night, where staff in traditional dress performed folk tales by lantern light. Our son was spellbound—and we were too.

Final Thoughts: Grandeur That Welcomes You In

Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra is ideal for families who want luxury with a sense of place. The grounds are stunning, the service impeccable, and the atmosphere one of warm generosity. You feel looked after—but never hovered over.

It’s a place to slow down, explore, and remember that family travel can be both indulgent and incredibly grounding.

We left with sandy toes, full hearts, and a new standard for what a “resort” could mean.

Much love,

Shanti

The Kensington Diary

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