Mandalai
61/1 Moo 7, Chaloklum Road, Phangan Island - Thailand
Lifestyle Hotel, Hip Hotel, Gen-X Hotel, Beachfront Hotel |
Today's rate: 69 USD |
Bringing a new dose of chic to Koh Phangan, Mandalai is a 12-room luxury resort with a stunning 55-foot yacht available for the day. Once known for its full-moon parties, Phangan Island now welcomes the young elite to an upscale boutique hotel that offers its guests the chance to relax away from the beach parties.
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The name Mandalai comes from the Tibetan word “Mandala” which is a form of painting and the transformation of an experience just like to go on holiday.The hotel owner who spent three months in the Himalays searching for spectacular footage of nature, brought back beautiful shots of the sun on rocks or trees blowing in the wind. Upon his return he transformed them into geometric forms or video Mandalas and gradually these inspired his vision of the dream holiday destination; Phangan Island.
The design concept of “Mandalai” was kept in line with the beautiful Fisherman’s village of Chaloklum far away from the full moon party celebrations the island is best known for. The complex is cozy yet luxurious. It is practical which is what you wouldn’t usually find on the island. It is comprised of 12 suites all with their very own private Jacuzzis. The hotel is right in the middle of the village, so at six in the morning you can mingle with the local fishermen and choose your own fish for your lunch BBQ.
WHERE?
Koh Phangan: The north of the island has become a lot more accessible since the northwest concrete ring road was completed and the road to the nearby bay of Had Khom was patched up. Koh Pha Ngan has been expanding its road network and the newly concreted North-West ring road has created a more vibrant feel with more visitors to the area.
Chaloklum Village: The main northern village of Chaloklum is expanding to cater for more than just the fishing trade that it's well known for. It is still mainly a Thai village that hasn't yet been over-effected by tourism and there is a wealth of local Thai restaurants serving tasty fresh squid and other local catches; but the place is also getting a bit of a funky feel with the opening of some cool bars and cafes including Cafe Del Mar, an open air club / bar in the village.
There are a couple of Wats (Temples) in the area, the most interesting being the Chinese Temple situated on a hillside with views over the bay not far south from Chaloklum Bay Resort and within easy reach from Chaloklum Town. The temple is well-known for those wishing to try or trust in luck and holds some beautiful sculptures of the Chinese Buddha Jaomae Kuanim.
Chaloklum Beach: The beach on Ao Chaloklum is about two and a half kilometres long, with the main village of Chaloklum right in the center. As the place is still primarily a fishing village, the fishing trade dominates the mid-section of the beach where the village is located. This is where the local fishermen keep their long tail boats, and the image of all the wonderfully colorful handcrafted boats with their 100 BHP truck engines on the back is a great view to take in while eating in the local restaurants there.
At either side of the village there are some nice stretches of beach, good for swimming when the tides are high (December to March), but during lower tidal seasons, you may have to time your swim to the daily high tides. The sand is more yellow and slightly coarser on the more exposed North and East coasts. The sea can be fairly choppy in high winds as the weather comes across the Gulf of Siam and breaks on the surrounding mountains.
Most of the coral reef in the main part of the bay is now dead due to the extensive fishing that has gone on in the area, but the waves that break on the reef can be plenty big enough for a bit of body surfing. Due to its Northerly location, neither sunset nor sunrise can be seen from this beach.
Facilities:
Sheesha Restaurant & Bar named after the hookah pipes - here there are beautiful hand painted Syrian hookahs - is fully equipped to create anything from a mouth watering barbecue to a romantic sunset wedding party for their guests. The restaurant, created in a tropical and minimalist approach in tones of white,
is decorated with the trademark red “Ganesh”.
Eat from an extensive international and Thai menu', Drink chanpagne, signature cocktails, wines and smoothies, Dance to fresh and funky cuts all day, all night on the dance floor of the deck, Tan on the stuffing fine sand beach, Lounge in a private outdoor white leather booth, Smoke sweet fruitee molasses from an authentic hand painted sheesha or a cigar from the humidor.
Breakfast on the Deck: enjoy a full American Breakfast; egg Benedict or a breakfast of your design whilst taking in the view and tranquility of Chaloklum Bay.
Let the ambiance of the indoor and outdoor dining area enhance that perfect lunch or dinner.
The “Entheogen” is the hotel’s very own private refurbished 55 foot “fishing vessel”. When stepping aboard you will experience old world charm while cruising in the tranquil waters of the pristine bays of the island. Unlike the traditional fishermen’s boat you will enjoy the luxury of hot and cold showers, full kitchen, Full Dining Facilities, Refrigerator, Microwave, Work Burner, Stereo, DVD player and TV. etc. The boat is equipped with Fishing Equipment, Snorkeling gear, Sonar, Fish Finder, GPRS, ladder access for snorkeling and swimming.
Versatile packages can be arranged for 2 hours or half / full day excursions, overnight and multi day trip capability.
While you’re on your way to a scuba diving, snorkeling or fishing trip. While you are on the island you can partake in many other activities like sea kayaking, wake boarding, kite surfing, elephant trekking, archery, trekking or opt for some less intense activities like Thai cooking lessons or traditional temple visits.
In-Room Facilities: all suites have private Jacuzzi baths. All suites and rooms have: Air-conditioning, Ceiling Fan, Fully Stocked Mini-Bar, In-Room Safe, 29" Flat Screen, DVD Player, ISD Direct Dialing Phones, High Speed Wireless Internet,, Bath Robes and Slippers.
Hotel Amenities: Swimming Pool, Full Massage Service either in the comfort of the Suites or rooms, or at the dedicated massage facility, Restaurant and Bar, Room Service, Laundry Service, Motor Bike Hire, Roof-Top Function area, Local Tours and Excursions, contact with local Dive Operators.