I write this from the terrace of what could be a castle in a fairytale. A German Palace in the style of Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, or a French chateau in the wine region of the Loire. The expansive manicured gardens stretch out before me for as far as the eye can see and beyond them the valley of Khao Yai National Park.
The wind is fresh, clean and the skies are clear looking over the first tee of an 18 hole golf course at the Movenpick Khao Yai, probably one of the very best views that I, a country boy from England, have ever see in Thailand.
Set in 2,000 rai on the edge of the National Park 180kms - under three hours above Bangkok en route to Nakhon Ratchasima is the most beautiful white walled multi turreted classic hotel. Beauty like this is rarely seen in Thailand. I think that the owner must have visited France and Germany and seen similar buildings set in green and verdant lands and returned to Thailand with that vision in his mind. He then set about building it for the residents of Thailand.
Now here, Thailand’s residents can be whisked away to a land of dreams and fairytales. Natural beauty is no stranger to Thailand’s residents but this has been created or assisted in the most scenic of settings.
I was lucky enough to meet the French General Manager Benoit Metanomski and it was no surprise that the owners have chosen a European to lead his team of hospitality staff. The Movenpick brand is renowned for its excellence in cuisine and the food quality is first class. The chef Antonio …….. is Italian and his Thai Executive chef Amorn (Jackie) …… have both worked in some of the best hotels in the world to reach this nirvana.
The hotel was originally called My Ozone but 3 (?) years ago the management contract was awarded to Accor the French based international hotel giant. I truly cannot find the words to do justice to this beautiful edifice. A monument of design. It’s impressive entrance guarded from the hordes of Thai ‘instagramers’ that would surely plague the chosen few that have paid for such serenity.
Our room was immaculate and equipped with fresh white linen and towels, comfortable furniture and every luxury you would expect in a 5 star hotel. It was busy despite the lack of international tourists so obviously word has travelled fast and the domestic residents – both Thai and expats want to experience the luxuries of high society.
They are opening an Italian signature restaurant upstairs so I hope to visit again soon to sample the excellence but in the meantime I have pleasant memories of my all to brief visit and highly recommend a visit to explore the area, the flora and fauna and what must be a candidate for the cleanest air in Thailand.
Movenpick Khao Yai
https://www.movenpickresortkhaoyai.com
334 Moo 6, Tambon Wangsai, Amphoe Pakchong, 30130 Nakorn Ratchasima, 04 400 9100
