Is English the language of communication at Pimalai & Thailand in general?
( 8 view)
Yes, English is the common language of communication in Thailand’s tourist resorts. We require and try to employ staffs who have different levels of English proficiency depending on their positions. For example our Guest Service Officers and senior staff have usually graduated from university with a strong English component in their degree. The waiters and waitresses normally have had post-secondary training at a technical institute or vocational training school. Our policy is to hire local people as much as possible but unfortunately the educational opportunities are minimal on Koh Lanta so their English may be somewhat limited. They fill the positions as housekeepers, boat crews, laundry maids, etc. However, we do have regular professional English language instruction for all staff that interface with the guests.
This year, during the green season we have scheduled 4 months of intensive English instruction using a recently developed SHELL (Specific Hotel English Language Learning) program created by an Englishman who has had many years of teaching experience in Thai hotels. Pimalai’s guests come from many different countries and speak English with a variety of accents which may impede the understanding of questions the guests may ask. If this occurs we ask that the guest to please be patient, repeat the question and talk slowly. If a satisfactory answer is still not forthcoming then a supervisor should be called. Most of our guests understand how difficult it is for Thais to learn English, a language that is completely different in pronunciation, tone, structure and script from the Thai language.
|
Helicopter transfer
( 6 view)
The resort can also offer transfers by helicopter both from Phuket and Krabi airports. Estimated flying time to/from Krabi airport is 31 minutes, and to/from Phuket airport 36 minutes. Price and availability upon request.
|
Can the restaurants cater to people with special dietary requirements?
( 5 view)
Our menus have been expanded to cater to the dietary requirements of vegetarians and vegans. Also, on occasion, we have managed to provide gluten-free bread and halal foods if so requested. The more lead time that you give to our kitchen staff the more readily we can cater to such requests. If you have special needs regarding food please inform our staff when you reserve your accommodation.
|
What is the swimming like?
( 5 view)
During the high season the seas are calm and guests have the option of swimming in either of the resort’s 2 infinity pools or in the warm blue waters of the Andaman Sea. During the green season (May to October), we may have the red flag raised about 20 times during that period. In general and because of the bay being sheltered, swimming in the sea is almost all year round..
|
|
|
Is there a golf course nearby?
( 4 view)
There is no golf course in the vicinity of the resort. We may be able to assist you in finding a suitable course on mainland Thailand before or after you visit Pimalai.
|
Are there souvenir or craft shops on Koh Lanta?
( 4 view)
There is a small but active market in the village of Baan Saladan at the northern tip of Koh Lanta. You can arrange for resort transportation to take you there. There are limited shopping available from May to October.
|
Is there malaria on Koh Lanta Island?
( 4 view)
To our knowledge there have not been cases of malaria recorded on Koh Lanta. The resort has a pest control program in operation and for that reason the population of mosquitoes is rather low on our property. If you are concerned then you may wish to apply an insect repellent.
If you intend to spend a lot of time in the northern regions of Thailand where malaria is more common you should consult your doctor or local health authority for advice re anti-malarial medications.
|
What medical facilities are available?
( 4 view)
The resort has a qualified nurse on duty for 24 hours a day. More serious ailments may be treated at the Koh Lanta Hospital which has English speaking medical staff, a pharmacy and dental clinic. We will always be able to help with language via one of our Guest Services Officers.
|
Are facilities at the resort accessible by wheelchair?
( 4 view)
Not all of the accommodation units are readily accessible by wheel chair but most of the restaurants, libraries and other facilities may be reached by wheelchair. The paths within the resort, though steep in places, are also navigable. For more information contact our reservations department and indicate that you would like an accommodation unit that is easily accessed by wheelchair.
|
| |
