Have you ever dreamed of staying in a European style castle? The good news is that you don’t need to travel to Europe to fulfil that dream. Your castle awaits in the verdant valleys of Khao Yai, less than a three-hour drive northeast of Bangkok. In itself, Khao Yai is a magical escape with its cooler temperature, exceptional fresh air, the abundance of nature, including one of Thailand’s best National Parks, as well as plenty of family-friendly attractions.
Just arriving at the resort’s large tunnel-like entry with gatehouse, security sentry, and health checkpoint provides a sense of theatre and expectation. Once cleared to pass through, the expansive lawns and gardens unfold before you. It is as if you’ve arrived at some grand estate. In the distance, atop a low ridge, is the ‘castle’ with several high turrets complete with conical roofs pointing to the sky.
This modern-day castle is Mövenpick Resort Khao Yai and overlooks the first fairways of the links-style My Ozone golf course. The resort encompasses 60 expansive guest rooms and suites, complete with a private balcony that offer garden, golf course and verdant district views. A further 50 self-contained villas and pool villas ranging from two to five bedrooms are in a gated compound across the fairways.
Hotel rooms start at a spacious 47 sqm, feature high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows with stylish, refined furnishings in neutral tones that blend with the natural environment. Carrara marble-floored bathroom with walk-in rain shower and separate bathtub, complimentary Wi-Fi, HD LED television with both national and international satellite channels, minibar, and tea/coffee-making facilities are all available for your comfort and convenience.
Two-Bedroom Ozone Suites offer 170 sqm of refined luxury, including two superb bedrooms with king bed options and ensuites, a generously sized living room and the large terrace to take in the horizon defining district and mountain views. Watch the sunrise or gather for sundowners at the end of an activity-filled day.
The 350 sqm Three-Bedroom Penthouse with an expansive private balcony is ideal for large families or guests celebrating special occasions. The master bedroom and two additional guest rooms feature king-size beds, while a spacious living room and a fully equipped kitchenette provide you with every home comfort you desire.
The elegantly decorated 2, 3 or 5 bedroom Tuscan-style Garden or Pool Villas are an ideal hideaway for families or friends. Featuring Carrara marble flooring, a spacious living room, a large terrace and an open kitchen, you can immerse yourself in the charm of Khao Yai in these relaxing havens. Bedrooms offer king and queen bed options, bathrooms feature a walk-in rain shower, and amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, an HD LED television, minibar and tea/coffee-making facilities, as well as a dedicated parking area.
When your appetite kicks in, ‘Flavours of Khao Yai’ all-day dining restaurant offers a choice of indoor and al fresco dining with a diverse menu of delectable local Thai and international cuisine. The expansive open-air terrace overlooks the golf course and provides unobstructed mountain views.
Given Mövenpick’s origins stretching back to the 1940s as a quality Swiss restaurant chain, do watch for Mövenpick Signature items. For example, their jams, conserves, and Bircher muesli at breakfast, or dishes like Beef Tartare, Zurich Style Veal with traditional crispy rösti, Weiner Schnitzel, or on the sweet side, Swiss Carrot Cake and famous Movenpick Ice-cream. Another Mövenpick Signature is Chocolate Hour which happens mid-afternoon. Check with the restaurant for details.
Needing a between-meal gourmet snack, delicious pastry, cake, freshly brewed coffee, or to sip on a wide selection of organic tea? The green-hued, light-filled glassed conservatorium, Castleton Café, hidden amongst the expansive grounds, is where you need to be.
If wanting to expend some energy or keep your workout regime going, the fitness centre has the latest exercise equipment. The outlook over the resort pool is a reminder you are on holiday so enjoy the health and healing benefits of your exertion. Professional trainers do conduct scheduled yoga sessions which you can join as an extra activity.
An alternate activity to try is Nordic Walking, and the trainers can provide instruction and guidance. Originally designed as a summer training routine for cross-country skiers, now Nordic walking is catching on as an exercise regime in many countries. The unique Nordic poles allow you to engage all the upper body muscles not used with regular walking.
Research confirms that Nordic walking burns more calories than regular walking and employs 80% to 90% of your muscles. Mövenpick Khao Yai’s extensive lawns and grounds are an ideal place to try this health affirming activity.
The resort pool is excellent for early morning recreational swimming, lounging with a good book or unwinding after a day of activities. It is, in essence, three pools. An open-air indoor pool, an expansive outdoor pool, plus a ‘kid’s pool. All with golf course and villa views. Golfers can find the My Ozone Pro Shop between the pool and lobby, assisting with course information and tee times.
Panacee Wellness and Spa is much more than your typical resort Spa. Their holistic health check-up uses German created technology to do an Electro Interstitial Scan and live blood test. This whole process takes just 20 minutes and is non-invasive. The resulting report informs you on how to focus efforts on achieving optimal health and wellness.
Panacee can undoubtedly assist with treatment programs, or you may choose to take advantage of their Spa and Massage treatments. With a certified on-site cannabis farm, several detox and massage treatments feature the medicinal properties of cannabis.
If travelling with children, the My Ozone Animal Club will keep them entertained with opportunities to get up close and personal with various farm animals, including ponies, horses, chickens, rabbits, sheep and goats. Maybe even take a pony ride across the lawns with your ‘castle’ as background for that perfect insta-shot.
Mövenpick Khao Yai’s stunning European-like ambience lends itself to spectacular events, including wedding parties and pre-wedding photoshoots. As well as the expansive gardens, Ozone Hall, located on the ground floor near the lobby area and restaurant, can accommodate 120 guests in theatre style or 200 guests for cocktail parties.
As part of Accor’s world-leading hospitality group, Mövenpick Resort Khao Yai has implemented strict measures adhering to governmental requirements and Accor’s ALLSAFE sanitary guidelines. As an additional service, My Ozone Khao Yai’s owner (the integrated resort destination where Mövenpick Khao Yai is located) is extending complimentary COVID-19 rapid tests to all non-vaccinated guests upon arrival at the resort. Guest are encouraged to take advantage of this.
Be it families, groups of friends or couples, Mövenpick Resort Khao Yai offers a magical or even dream fulfilling escape in the freshest green environment that is Khao Yai.
Mövenpick Resort Khao Yai
334 Moo 6, Wang Sai, A. Pak Chong,
Nakhon Ratchasima 30130
+66 44 009 100
www.movenpick.com/en/asia/thailand/khao-yai/resort-khao-yai
By Michael Cullen