Maliblue Resort Khanom: Family & Friends Paradise in Nakhon Si Thammarat!
Maliblue Resort Khanom: My Honest (and Slightly Rambling) Take on Paradise in Nakhon Si Thammarat!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Maliblue Resort Khanom, and let me tell you, I have opinions. Forget those perfectly curated travel blogs – this is the real deal, the unfiltered, the "did I pack enough sunscreen?" version. Maliblue isn't just a hotel; it's a… well, it claims to be a family and friends paradise, so let's see if it lives up to the hype, shall we?
First Impressions & Settling In (or, the Great Wi-Fi Debacle)
Getting to Maliblue is a breeze, thankfully. Accessibility is pretty decent overall, with the obvious caveat that I'm not in a wheelchair! There's airport transfer (thank god, because navigating a foreign airport is not my idea of fun!), and car park [free of charge] on-site – a massive win for anyone road-tripping. And let's be honest, a car park [on-site] is simply a godsend, especially with my penchant for losing my car in the most inconvenient places.
The first hurdle? The Internet. Now, I'm a digital nomad, a Wi-Fi junkie, a creature of the cloud. The website promised Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Internet access – wireless. Awesome! In theory. In practice, the initial Wi-Fi connection was… well, let's just say slower than a sloth on tranquilizers. I'm talking dial-up era speeds. I spent the first hour muttering darkly about "Internet access – LAN" which wasn't much better even though they had it available in all rooms! I even tried the Wi-Fi in public areas, which was marginally less painful. Eventually, after some pleading (and a few choice words directed at the router), the wi-fi did improve. But I'm telling you, people, good Wi-Fi is a necessity! I really hope it's not a standard problem, because it was a bit of a buzzkill at first. Note to self: bring a portable hotspot next time.
The Room (and the Pursuit of Blackout Curtains)
Once connected, the room itself was a lovely sanctuary. The non-smoking rooms are a HUGE plus. I'm not a smoker, and I hate the lingering smell of cigarette smoke. The air conditioning – a must in tropical Thailand – worked beautifully. I loved the blackout curtains, which were essential for sleeping in after all the sun and the internet stress. The bed was comfy, with extra long bed options (thank goodness, I'm tall!). There was a refrigerator stocked with free bottled water (another win!). I even had a window that opens, which is a small detail, but a nice touch for fresh air.
The bathroom had a separate shower/bathtub (luxury!), and the usual toiletries. There was even a bathroom phone, which I'm not sure if I'll ever use, but it looks fancy I guess. My room also featured a seating area, great for chilling out after a day of adventures and writing my review . I really appreciated Daily housekeeping, the daily disinfecting in common areas and the rooms sanitized between stays – especially in these times.
For the Kids (and the Big Kids Too!)
The "Family & Friends Paradise" part? They're really trying! The resort offers babysitting service of course, and there were a ton of family/child friendly features. I saw several families loving the swimming pool [outdoor]. The kids looked happy, and there was a dedicated area for them. There's a little kids facilities area. I didn't partake, obviously, being sans-child, but they looked great and I'm sure kids of all ages would love it.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Mystery Meal)
Okay, let's get to the good stuff: food! Maliblue offers a solid range of choices. Restaurants, a bar and a coffee shop are on-site, and the poolside bar has a lovely view. Breakfast [buffet] was the standard continental fare, but with a generous selection of options, including Asian breakfast and the ever-present Western breakfast. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was actually pretty good!
The Asian cuisine in restaurant was excellent. The vegetarian restaurant option was nice for my friend and he said the salad was great! However, there were also moments of culinary confusion. One night, I ordered something from the room service [24-hour] menu, and… look, let's just say it arrived in a state of "creative deconstruction." (Think: soup, in a bread bowl, upside down). But hey, it made for a good story (and a hilarious Instagram post!). The Snack bar was a godsend during the day, especially after all the swimming. And the desserts in restaurant were simply divine. They put a smile on my face.
Relaxation, Rejuvenation, and the Quest for the Perfect Massage
Now for the truly important stuff: relaxation! Maliblue really shines here. There's the spa (of course!), offering a range of treatments. I dove headfirst into the massage. Oh. My. God. Best massage of my life! Or at least in the top 3! I was expecting the usual, hit-and-miss experience I've had in some Thai resorts, but this was truly exceptional. Deep tissue, perfect pressure, and I walked out feeling like a brand new person. I have to give a massive shout-out to the masseuse, I can't remember her name but my back thanks her a thousand times!
Also, they have a sauna, a steamroom, and a fitness center. I gave the fitness center a miss (vacation is for relaxing, not working out!), but I did venture into the pool with view (gorgeous!). The resort offers Body scrub options and Body wrap, so you can treat yourself if you have the time. The Foot bath made me feel like I was a deity. The Spa/sauna was pretty amazing, really good facilities with showers and more.
Safety & Security (and the Slightly Overzealous Staffing)
Let's talk safety. The resort seemed very focused on it. They were very thoughtful about Cleanliness and safety, and I appreciated the Hand sanitizer stations everywhere. There's CCTV in common areas and even CCTV outside property, giving a feeling of security. There’s the usual stuff like Fire extinguisher, Safety/security feature in the rooms, and Smoke alarms. They also had Front desk [24-hour] and Security [24-hour].
I'd say they were almost too careful on occasion! The staff were incredibly attentive, which is usually a good thing, but could verge on hovering. One time, I was trying to enjoy my coffee at the coffee shop and someone kept asking me if I was okay every 5 minutes. I just wanted to enjoy the coffee/tea in restaurant in peace! But hey, better safe than sorry, right?
The Verdict (and a Plea for More Coffee)
So, is Maliblue Resort Khanom a "Family & Friends Paradise"? Yeah, pretty much! It has its quirks (that Wi-Fi, the occasional upside-down meal), but overall, it's a fantastic place to relax, unwind, and soak up the sun. I'd definitely recommend it, especially for families.
My Final Plea: Maliblue, if you're reading this – PLEASE upgrade that Wi-Fi, and maybe invest in a coffee machine upgrade! Other than that, you're doing an amazing job! I will see you again!
*Here’s a quick rundown of what makes Maliblue great, and how you can book it:
- What I loved: The massage, the pool, the food, the staff, clean rooms, convenient location.
- What could be better: Wi-Fi speed, and a bit more downtime.
- Perfect for: Families, couples, anyone looking for a relaxing getaway.
Book your stay NOW! (But pack your own portable hotspot, just in case!)
Seychelles Paradise Found: Chateau Sans Souci Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're diving HEADFIRST into the glorious, chaotic mess that is a trip to Maliblue Resort in Khanom, Thailand. Family room, friends, Nakhon Si Thammarat? Oh honey, this is going to be…something. Let's just say my "perfect itinerary" brain is already twitching. But hey, that's the fun, right?
Day 1: Arrival, Coconut Dreams, and the Great Luggage Debate
- Morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Wake up, drag myself out of bed (or whatever flimsy excuse for a bed the airport hotel offers), and attempt to wrangle a small army of friends. Let’s call them…The Chaos Crew. First hurdle: convincing everyone to actually be ready on time. This always takes longer than the flight itself. The "coffee-before-anything-else" crew is already circling like buzzards. I am one of them.
- Late Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The blessed, beautiful flight. Hopefully no screaming babies within ten feet (cross fingers!), and the plane stays up. We're flying into Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport. Ugh, small airports. Always a crapshoot. Pray the luggage arrives. Because there will be a luggage debate. Someone always overpacks. Someone always underpacks. And someone inevitably left their passport at home. (It wasn't me, this time, I SWEAR).
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Assuming the luggage (mostly) arrives, it's on to Maliblue! The drive is supposed to be scenic. "Scenic" could mean anything in Thailand – from breathtaking rice paddies to a guy on a motorbike selling questionable mango sticky rice. I'm hoping for both. Arrival at Maliblue…hopefully the rooms are ready. Crossing my fingers. Family Room! That’s where all the stories will happen, I just know it.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Check-in, unpack (or shove everything into a corner), and the first official "Wow, we're here!" moment. Gotta find the nearest beach bar. COCONUT WATER. Mandatory. My happy juice. Seriously, the first coconut is critical for establishing the vacation vibe. We're probably all slightly grumpy from travel, so coconut water is the first line of therapy. Someone will complain about the sand. Someone will find a perfect seashell. And someone else will probably already be arguing about dinner. It's the circle of life!
- Evening (5:00 PM - whenever): Sunset. Dinner (hopefully some delicious, freshly caught seafood). Someone (it will be me) will attempt to take artsy sunset photos and fail miserably. The first Chang beer of the trip. The first mosquito bites. The first "OMG, I love being here!" declarations. The first… wait for it… board game. Yes, we actually brought a board game. Prepare yourselves.
Day 2: Beach Bliss and the Mystical Khanom Pink Dolphins
- Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Wake up…eventually. Breakfast! Hopefully, there's decent coffee. I'm starting to get withdrawal symptoms. Beach time! Swimming, tanning (responsibly…mostly), building sandcastles. Who am I kidding, I'll probably spend an hour trying to get the perfect Instagram shot of my toes in the sand. Embarrassing but true.
- Late Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): The Dolphin Hunt. This is the main event. We're supposed to go out on a boat and see the famous Pink Dolphins. Fingers crossed they show up! Imagine, actual pink dolphins! I've seen pictures, but… this is nature, things happen. I’m really hoping for this, because I saw a documentary on them once and I’m obsessed. I hope there isn’t heavy sea. I am so sick of sea sickness remedies!
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Lunch after the dolphins. Wherever we find it. Thai food is always a gamble. You can get amazing, life-changing food, or… something that tastes like spicy cardboard. The anticipation is half the fun, right? This is also the period where everyone starts complaining about sunburn, so plenty of sun cream is in order.
- Afternoon/Evening (4:00 PM - whenever): Back to the resort. Another sunset (because, why not?). Relaxing. Maybe another swim. Talking by the pool is a must. Dinner. Attempting to find a decent karaoke bar. (This always ends in disaster, and one person inevitably always picks "Bohemian Rhapsody"). The real fun begins after dark.
- An aside: I'm already picturing someone (probably the friend who is always late) getting lost on the way back from dinner. Or tripping over a stray dog. Or accidentally ordering a dish so spicy our faces melt off. Yep, this is going to be good.
Day 3: Temples, Markets, and the Great Food Experiment
- Morning (8:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Wake up, perhaps feeling a bit rough around the edges. Breakfast. We are going to a temple. Possibly the Wat That Noi temple (details, details…). Visiting temples is a must when travelling Thailand. Hopefully, there will be dragons and gold leaf and all the amazing things. The friends are usually not so keen on religious sights so this part of the trip will be a test of patience, but I don't mind.
- Late Morning (11:00 AM - 2:00 PM): Time to explore the local market! Fruits, spices, maybe some questionable souvenirs. This is where the real food adventures begin. Street food is the key to a great trip, but also the key to potential stomach troubles. Embrace the chaos! I’m planning on trying everything. Everything! (Except the fried insects. No way.)
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Back to Maliblue (hopefully with loads of snacks). Pool time. Naps. Recovering from the market madness.
- Evening (5:00 PM - whenever): The "Farewell Dinner." We're already talking about the next trip (even though we're not even done with this one). Reflecting on all the memories, laughter, and minor disasters. Tears will be shed. Hugs will be exchanged. Someone will start to pack. And then, of course, the karaoke. It's inevitable.
Day 4: Departure (and the inevitable post-vacation blues)
- Morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Packing. The worst part. Realizing you bought way too many souvenirs. Trying to squeeze everything into your bursting suitcase. Last breakfast with delicious Thai food.
- Late Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Check out. Saying goodbye to Maliblue. The drive back to the airport. The usual airport mayhem.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - whenever): The flight home. The sadness. The post-vacation blues start to set in. Already planning the next trip.
Important Notes (and Ramblings):
- Flexibility is KEY: This is more of a suggestion than a rigid schedule. Things will change. Plans will get derailed. Embrace it! That's where the best stories come from.
- Food is Paramount: I cannot stress the importance of good food enough. Research restaurants. Ask locals for recommendations. Be adventurous! (But maybe avoid that suspicious-looking street meat).
- Sunscreen! Seriously. Reapply. You don't want to spend your vacation looking like a boiled lobster (been there, done that).
- Embrace the Chaos: This is what makes travel with friends so special. Embrace the silly moments, the mishaps, and the shared laughter.
- Take Lots of Pictures (But Put the Phone Down Sometimes): Document the memories, but also be present in the moment. Breathe it all in!
And that, my friends, is my (somewhat) realistic itinerary for our Khanom adventure. Wish us luck. May the odds be ever in our favor. And may the coconut water flow freely!
Escape to Paradise: Huaneng & CYTS Holiday Hotel, Dalian Awaits!
Maliblue Resort Khanom: Your Messy, Honest FAQ (Because Real Life Ain't Perfect)
Okay, so, is Maliblue *actually* a "Family & Friends Paradise" or is that just marketing fluff?
Alright, let's be real. "Paradise" is a strong word. I mean, I've seen paradise. It involves unlimited gelato and a personal cloud that rains only champagne. Maliblue is... solid. It's *mostly* a good time. I went with my family (two rowdy kids, a husband who thrives on Wi-Fi, and my drama-queen mother), and we survived. That's gotta count for something, right? The kids loved the beach – endless sandcastle potential. The husband was… well, he got decent Wi-Fi, so progress. Mom? She found a bug. A tiny, insignificant bug. Cue the melodrama. But even *she* admitted the sunsets were something special. So, yeah, more like "Mostly Pleasant Family & Friends Experience Inclined Towards the Beach and Occasional Bug-Induced Panic."
What's the beach *really* like? Is it crowded? Is the water clean? Spill the tea!
The beach is… dreamy. Think powdery white sand, turquoise water that actually ISN'T full of plastic, and, on our visit at least, thankfully *not* overrun with hordes of tourists. We went in what I thought was the "off-season," which clearly meant "the season where everyone else realizes how awesome this place is." There were people, sure, but not "shoulder-to-shoulder selfie stick hell." The water? Crystal clear! The kids spent hours splashing and building sandcastles. I spent hours trying to relax (keyword: trying). The only downside? Those tiny, sneaky crabs that kept building tunnels *right* under my beach chair. Seriously, they were plotting something.
Are the rooms any good? I'm picky about my hotel rooms. Gimme the deets!
Okay, okay, the rooms… They're decent. Not the Ritz, mind you. More like "clean, functional, and with air conditioning that *actually* works." Which, honestly, is a victory in itself. We got a family room. Plenty of space for us all to spread out (which, with my kids, is essential for preserving what's left of my sanity). The balcony was a nice touch, perfect for sipping my morning coffee (or, let's be honest, hiding from the kids and enjoying five minutes of blessed silence). The decor is simple, maybe a little… minimalist. But hey, you're not there to stare at the wallpaper, are you? You're there to be on the beach! Although, I did feel like the bathroom could have used a little… *oomph*. Maybe some more interesting tiles? Minor detail, though.
Food! Tell me about the food! What's good? What should I avoid?
Food! Ah, yes, the fuel that keeps the family machine running. The restaurant at Maliblue is, well, it's good. Honestly, the breakfast buffet was a highlight. I, personally, have a weakness for a good omelet station. The kids, well, they found the rice and fruit. Everyone was happy. I did think the lunch and dinner menus felt a bit… samey. Lots of seafood (which is great, don't get me wrong, but sometimes a burger craving hits!). The Pad Thai was reliably delicious, though. Avoid the… okay, I'm not going to name a specific dish. Let's just say, try a bunch of things. You'll find some gems. And maybe bring some snacks. Just in case.
Is there anything to do besides sit on the beach? (Because I get bored easily.)
Okay, so, the beach is the main event. But let's be honest, even beach bums need a break. They do have kayaks and paddleboards you can rent, which is fun. I tried to paddleboard. I fell. Multiple times. My dignity may still be floating somewhere in the Gulf of Thailand. They offer boat trips to see the pink dolphins (yes, really! Pink dolphins!). I'm a sucker for cute aquatic life, so we did that. Highly recommend. Otherwise, there are a few massage places nearby, and you can always explore the local town of Khanom. Which is… let's just say it's not exactly bustling. But it's charming in its own, slightly sleepy way. Honestly, I was happy just chilling at the resort.
What age range would work well with this resort?
I'd say... all ages. This is a family resort and you can feel it. Obviously, younger kids will *love* the beach. Teens? They'll probably complain about Wi-Fi and the lack of nightlife. But even *they* might be impressed by the sunsets. My mother, let’s just say she's beyond the teen years, enjoyed it (once she got over the bug-related trauma). Honestly, it's a pretty chill place. If you're looking for wild parties, this ain't it. If you are not, you will fit in fine. And I saw couples as well, so if the kids want to stay at home for a few nights, that also works.
Okay, let's talk about the drama. Did anything *go wrong*? Be honest!
Oh, where do I even begin? Let's see... First, the aforementioned bug incident. Mom had a full-blown meltdown when she saw said bug. I had to spend a solid hour convincing her it wasn't going to eat her alive. Second, the kids fought. Constantly. As per usual. Third, the Wi-Fi went down for a solid 2 days. The husband went into a mild state of panic. Fourth... the air con in our room failed. Finally, it got fixed, but it took 3 hours. It was not ideal. BUT! These are the imperfections of life, and they add a certain patina to the memory. And overall, it was a great experience, even with the quirks. The biggest thing is, will I return? Absolutely.
Overall, would you recommend Maliblue Resort? Would you go back?
Look, is Maliblue perfect? Absolutely not. But it's a solid choice for a relaxing family vacation. The beach is gorgeous, the staff are friendly (even when dealing with my mom's bug-related dramatics), and the overall vibe is laid-back and welcoming. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. I'm already planning our next trip. Maybe I'll even bring my own bug spray this time. And maybe, just maybe, I'll finally master paddleboarding. (Spoiler alert: probably not.) Go! And have fun. And hey, if you see a woman frantically swatting at imaginary bugs, it might be me. Don't judge.
