Story :  James Goyder   
Images : courtesy of Pavilion   
Photography : Nakarin Banjerdjin
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New developments often boast of providing ‘something for everyone.’ However this is not a concept which stands up well to close scrutiny. Are the needs of a childless couple on a quiet romantic weekend away really compatible with those of a noisy family of five on a two week school holiday?

Not for Everyone
Gordon Oldham, the driving force behind Krabi Pavilions thinks not and with two highly acclaimed developments, Bali Pavillions and the award winning Phuket Pavilions, already under his belt it is difficult to disagree with him.

It would be impossible to put his success down to a single factor but his ability to pick a target group and cater exclusively to their needs, rather than overstretch himself in a futile attempt to try and please everyone has clearly been key. Gordon says, “There won’t be children staying at Krabi Pavilions. It’s a place for romantic getaways so you know you won’t be disturbed by screaming children around the pool.”

Situated on a secluded beach, Gordon explains why he chose this particular location for his third Pavilions development, “It’s in the middle of a national park, completely unspoilt and away from everything. You can only get here via either a two kilometre winding road or by boat so you have a real sense of arrival. There is nothing on that beach at all except a few backpacker huts.”  

Award Winning Developments
Phuket Pavilions was recently awarded the ‘hottest’ resort in Phuket by Conde Naste magazine. Quite an achievement when you consider the quantity and quality of upmarket resorts in Phuket and Gordon was understandably delighted. “It meant a great deal and we’ve actually started work on a second phase of Phuket Pavilions which has sold extremely well.”

However he does acknowledge that, “Phuket is not for everyone. There are those who want to get away from Phuket because they regard it as overbuilt. For me the location of Krabi Pavilions still represents the authentic Thailand, like Phuket was 25 years ago. It’s completely unspoilt and it still has its forestry as well as some spectacular beaches.”

Both the similarity and the proximity to Phuket means Krabi provides some excellent investment opportunities. Many see Krabi as a fledgling Phuket and as the infrastructure catches up with that of its western neighbour the property prices will surely follow. Also the expansion of Krabi airport to take direct international flights can only serve to boost real estate investment in the area

As with every Pavilions development Krabi Pavilions is on a site offering spectacular natural beauty, supreme privacy, and unquestionable exclusivity in what is widely recognised as being one of the world’s most beautiful places

Absolute Privacy
For Gordon a key aspect of his latest development is privacy, “With both our previous developments we’ve tried to provide an intimate hideaway and we want to continue with that tradition. We think people want private pools, we think people want space and we think they want it in a unique setting and so far, judging from people’s responses we have been proved right.

“People are getting much more than just a white shoe box, they are getting space and people living in Hong Kong and Singapore, in particular, aren’t used to space and crave it when they come on holiday.” However, for Gordon what really sets the Pavilions’ developments apart is one thing, “The service. The people who work here all make sure the guests feel special and all of our staff enjoy being in the service industry.”

The architect is Bali based Frenchman, Fredo Taffin who has received worldwide acclaim for the chic Kudeta and Downtown Apartments in Bali. He has incorporated an extensive use of wood, stone, and landscaping to create a harmonious integration with the surrounding landscape.

Top Health and Spa Destination
Due for completion in September 2009 Krabi Pavilions could be destined to become the next top health and spa destination. To help realize this ambition pavilions for the enjoyment of pilates and yoga are placed parallel to the shoreline to fully utilize the absolute beach frontage. All the villas are created with open plans, boasting private pools and spacious decks for lounging and sunning.

Located in the middle of a National Park in a setting of dramatic limestone karsts, turquoise waters and lush tropical jungle there are three distinct types of residence available. Communal services and facilities available to all include a restaurant, beach bar, central swimming pool, spa, fitness centre and library. There is also wireless broadband available throughout.

There are twelve one bedroom pool apartments, each consisting of 115 square metres of internal space. Each apartment comes equipped with a private 7 x 3 metre pool, a spacious sunken living room with stunning ocean views, a master bedroom with striking national park views and a master bathroom with an outdoor shower and a kitchen.

There are six three bedroom pool villas. These have an additional two bedrooms than the pool apartments and the swimming pool is slightly larger. There is a total of 300 square metres of internal space and, as with the pool apartments, residents will have access to full resort facilities.

Finally there are twelve one bedroom pool pavilions each providing you with panoramic ocean views from your pool on the beach. The pools are 9 x 4.4 metres and the kitchen comes complete with a maxi bar.

Is This You?
Gordon Oldham knows exactly which type of person his latest development will appeal to. The type of person who appreciates understated elegance and considerate service all combined with the peace of mind that comes from knowing that the Pavilions teams’ previous two projects have both been an astounding success.

For more information contact
E-mail: sales@krabipavilions.com    www.pavilions-resorts.com