THIS is where mind, body and spirit unite. Where you and nature get acquainted. Where the words “worry” or “stress” hold no meaning. And where your imagination can be turned into reality. Quite easily.
What sets The Sarojin apart from the rest is the IMAGINEER … their answer to putting together just about anything and everything you can create in your head …. within any amount of money you have/want/need to spend. But let’s get into all those details a little later … for now, let’s take a look at what you can expect ….
Upon entering The Sarojin, you’re welcomed by 10 acres of lush landscaping, meandering waterways, the sound of the ocean in the distance and the music of the birds and nature. And throughout your stay, not a single car or airplane to break the silence that is truly golden.
Cleverly thought-out stone pathways lead you to everywhere you need to be. And most always, shaded by gorgeous trees of all sorts of tropical species. Most of the plants here serve a purpose; from being used as ingredients in the incredible cuisine (like the pandan leaves that make up the iced-tea that is your welcome drink) to medicinal purposes (different parts of the Sea Almond Tree have been used throughout the world for various ailments). Sustainability.
Legend has it that Lady Sarojin was the daughter of a prominent noblemen who was brought up running the household and entertaining visitors. She gained the reputation of being the “hostess with the mostess” in the province. Her spirit, till today, still guides the amazing staff on the property. And her protection saw them through THE tsunami. Khao Lak was one of the most devastated areas in Thailand that dreadful Boxing Day. The Sarojin was due to open in January of 2005. Having completed construction and being ready to go for business, the resort was empty that Sunday, except for a few workers who were doing last minute fixes on the ROOF. The force of nature destroyed EVERYTHING (the workers were safe) except the structure and the 200 year-old Ficus Tree. Furniture, landscaping, anything made out of wood and glass was not spared. Needless to say, there was work to be done. The employees were told to take a 3-month break, look after their loved-ones who were affected, and were given the option of returning to work upon the opening. About 50 of these staff returned, eager and ready to make sure that Lady Sarojin’s legend continued. In appreciation of their dedication, the owners named each residence after the individual members of the extraodinary staff.
Apart from the staff, who truly become friends on the day of your arrival, and its tranquility, The Sarojin has much to offer.
Breakfast at The Ficus is magical. Under the shade of its namesake, your view consists of amazing landscaping, the magnificant lotus pond, and birds and butterflies of all sorts going about their day.
Your meals are selected from a menu and the choices offer a wide variety of local and western cuisine. The resort has gone one-up by offering ALL-day breakfast. And that means no longer having to set your alarm to 10am, just to make breakfast before 11. This one goes on till 6pm! At dusk, The Ficus evolves into a Mediterranean restaurant, offering cusine subtly infused with delicate flavours and twists.
If food from the Med is not your cup of tea in Thailand, The Edge might be. Offering amazing beach and sea views, The Edge is perfect for a sundowner (or three). Choose to dine under the open-air timber pavillion or by the beach! A little table will be set-up by your lounge chair and slices of watermelon and ice-cold water served constantly to keep you hydrated under the hot, Thai sun.
The rooms are tastefully done and make you feel like you’re walking into a friends’ home. From Garden Residences to Pool Villas and Suites, all have outdoor areas where you can soak up the rays and work on your colour. The Garden Residences each have Thai Salas on the patio. Perfect for that aftternoon Mimosa.
For the gym-bunnies, a fully equipped space is available. OR you can opt to hire (more like, borrow) a bike from the resort and cycle 8km to the nearest waterfall.
Sai Rung (Rainbow) Waterfall is one of three in the area (there are FIVE National Parks ready to discover too) and the ride is so worth it. The reward at the end of your journey is fresh ice-cold water that’s almost therapeutic to be surrounded by. Choose to cycle back … OR call the hotel (map and number are on a little tag attached to the handlebar (“in case of emergencies”) and get them to pick you up. Easy. The Sai Rung Waterfall is also the location of what could be the most romantic or unique meal you’ve ever had with someone special. Just speak to the “Imagineer“ at the resort and he’ll help you plan just about anything you can … well, imagine.
If you’d like to interact with animals, Elephant trekking and bathing with them is available. Your journey starts with sitting like a maharajah on one of 6 available elephants at a camp near-by. Your seat is made comfortable with cushions and towels provided for by the hotel. Trekking takes you through rubber plantations and foliage a layman may not be able to name. You’ll also pass a rubber “factory” where sheets of rubber are made the “old” way, with no fancy machinery or technique. One kilo of rubber here is sold for 100 Thai Baht (that’s just over USD3). And mind you, attaining one kilo is no easy feat.
There really is no limit to what you can do. The Imagineer is there to help you bring to reality your craziest (within reason, of course) dreams. A Thai cooking class by the waterfall? A FULL day at the spa just for the TWO of you? Meals on a deserted island? Something involving a helicopter? It’s ALL possible. Just ask.
The Sarojin. Beyond my expectations. And that’s no easy feat.
Much love and light,
xA
The stay at The Sarojin was made possible by GHC Asia. A BIG “thank you” to the incredible staff, inc. GM/Imagineer, Dawid, Head of Front Office Alex, Head of F&B Kade, Nam, Nikorn and everyone who’s name I didn’t get. I thank you all. And I’ll see you soon.