Lakes, trees, waterfalls, hills. There’s something about this enchanting mix that brings restoration to the mind and soul. Infuse this with a rich royal heritage, a UNESCO Heritage Site provenance, and architecture that breaks boundaries –¬ and what you have is a world-class resort that stands apart from its contemporaries. The InterContinental Khao Yai Resort is all these and more, thus winning Savour BlackBookAsia Magazine’s Best New Bill Bensley Masterpiece 2024.
Located on the edge of the Khao Yai National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the InterContinental Khao Yai Resort is nestled within a lush tropical landscape of numerous lakes and abundant trees. It is a sanctuary offering authentic commune with nature and wildlife. Revered by royalty dating to the ancient Khmer and Siamese empires, this is where wild elephants and deers, blossoming tropical wildflowers and rare yellow dragon fruit can be found and experienced.
The resort is an architectural feat on a class of its own. A regal lakefront mansion in distinct white and green, blending open green spaces with waterfall pavilions in the forest, greets you upon your arrival. Step inside and you will be transported into a world of warmth and opulence befitting royalty, and bursting with one-of-a-kind experiences.
Designed by award-winning architect Bill Bensley, the resort is a tribute to Thailand’s golden age of train travel. A local rail enthusiast, he drew inspiration from the region’s history as the gateway to Thailand’s northeast, and the early days of rail transportation which was established during King Rama V’s reign. Bringing to life this golden age through the architecture and designs of the resort’s rooms, suites and villas, as well as dining venues.
Accommodation
The suites and villas, in particular, are retreats created for unrivalled luxury. The creative genius of Bill Bensley is on full display here, as each of the accommodations is painstakingly and exquisitely designed in its own eclectic style. Taking centre-stage are the heritage railcar suites. Created from upcycled train carriages, these historic pieces rolled along the rails in North Eastern Thailand more than a century ago.
The Heritage Railcar One Bedroom Suite, in particular, is a rare treat. A large indoor living room, a lounge area, a choice of king-sized bed or twin beds, and an outdoor bathtub are put together with opulence and craftsmanship to take your stay to another level of indulgence. And you can bring your pets too! These pet-friendly rooms come with pet amenities for a maximum of two pets per room, including cats and dogs.
Dining
Somying’s Kitchen serves a delectable breakfast spread that has a wide selection of cheeses, cold cuts, greens, fruits and almost everything else. There is also a good range of beverages from healthy juices to cold brewed coffee and even Thai iced milk tea. Try the Sai Ua Omelette which is served with Thai sausages that is famous in the northern parts of the country. The Khao Tom Gai is also a favourite, think brown rice soup with chicken, spring onion and fried garlic. Rounding up our Thai choices is Pad Mee Sua Moo which is egg noodle stir-fried with pork.
Dining at the InterContinental Khao Yai Resort is undoubtedly its masterstroke. Top among its culinary experiences is dinner at the Poirot restaurant, which takes you back to the golden age of first-class train travel in an upcycled railcar. Named after Agatha Christie’s famous detective Hercule Poirot, this French-inspired restaurant is set on an elevated vantage overlooking scenic Swan Lake. Besides its French culinary treats and elegant service, guests can also take part in its quarterly murder mystery dinners to immerse themselves in the full cinematic encounter.
Another must-do experience is afternoon tea at the Tea Carriage. Nestled within a repurposed train carriage and offering breathtaking views of Swan Lake, this is an instagrammable haven. Not to be out-classed is its traditional afternoon tea set with its array of sweet and savoury bites infused with local cultural influences. Optional champagne and rosé wine pairings make this a tea excursion like no other.
Wellness/Facilities
Aptly named Back On Track: Spa, this wellness destination brings a fun touch to your spa session whereby the treatment rooms are actually designed again as train carriages. Each with it’s own en-suite changing room, toilet and bathroom. There is everything you need for a pampering treatment of your choice. Excellent selection is the Traditional Thai Oil Massage where hand blended oils are used along with light stretching and gentle palm strokes to bring relaxation and balance to both body and mind.
Activities are also held here by the same well trained therapist, such as making your own home made body scrub reusing ingredients like coffee powder as part of sustainability and zero waste initiatives. Simple yet effective and natural; mix used coffee powder with oatmeal, honey, oil into a paste and gently spread it over your body. Wait for the mixture to dry, than simply wash off without any soap. Deeply moisturising and fun to do together with family, friends, colleagues or even by yourself during some “me time”.
A well equipped gym and welcoming pool is available for those who like to keep up with their fitness routine or just to enjoy a soothing soak surrounded by lush greenery. The concierge is also able to arrange a special tour (at additional costs depending on the package) to the nearby GranMonte Vineyard and Winery. The team at Savour BlackBookAsia Magazine recommends the Winery Tour with Wine Tasting and Lunch for a full experience of this unique location. Featuring a variety of award winning wines where guests can taste and purchase on the spot after a nice ride around the vineyard and educational tour of how wine is made.
Such one-of-a-kind experiences, coupled with a rich royal heritage, architectural excellence and proximity to natural wonders, makes the InterContinental Khao Yai a resort of choice and an attraction in its own right. It is a sanctuary for those searching for inner peace and perspective, an elegant experience for adventurous explorers, and an ideal destination for family bonding. A world of enchantment awaits you here.
ADDRESS:
262, Pong Talong Sub-District, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30450, Thailand
PHONE:
800 852 8164
WEBSITE:
https://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/us/en/khao-yai/bkksw/hoteldetail