Calm, Charm, and Golden Shores
BY MAHMOOD HOSSAIN
The Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa is attached to the white sands of Bangsak Beach, contrasting cool blue waters and the calming stillness of the Andaman Sea. Roughly an hour north of Phuket International Airport, this luxury resort welcomes guests who desire to indulge in opulent comfort and breathtaking views away from their everyday hustle and bustle. While the expected romantic getaway is always a tempting proposal, boasting enchanting evenings and intimate culinary experiences with the sunset as the backdrop, the Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa team also takes pride in accommodating wonderful experiences for families and groups. Combining romance, familial bonding, and fun, the property is also capable of hosting large conferences, meetings, and of course, breathtaking beachfront weddings.
To delve more into what the resort has to offer so you can celebrate your union with your loved ones in style, Trevor May, Cluster General Manager, provided insight into what makes this magnificent property so alluring.
Why is Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa the perfect location for Indian celebrations?
Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa offers more than just a venue – it delivers a true destination wedding experience. Khao Lak is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered, a destination that blends natural beauty with seamless logistics.
The convenience of logistics, combined with the availability of top-tier wedding planners and suppliers, ensures that every detail of your celebration is handled with precision. Whether you’re seeking traditional décor, elaborate setups, or expert guidance on cultural nuances, the local network of professionals in Khao Lak has you covered. What truly sets Khao Lak apart is the endless array of activities available before and after the wedding. From hosting a lively pre-wedding party in the vibrant city of Phuket to enjoying island-hopping adventures with family and friends after the big day, there’s something for everyone. Your guests can indulge in the beauty of the surrounding islands, explore the pristine beaches, or even unwind with a relaxing spa day.
The resort offers not just a picturesque setting but also a well-rounded, unforgettable experience, making it the ideal choice for Indian destination weddings. In addition, our Indian Wedding Team, with extensive experience in operations, events, and food & beverage, possesses a profound understanding of the intricate details and cultural nuances that make Indian weddings unique. Their deep knowledge of Indian customs, combined with their seamless coordination, gives us a distinct advantage in delivering an exceptional experience that balances cultural authenticity with modern hospitality.
How many Indian weddings have you hosted, and what makes them special?
In the past two years, the resort has proudly hosted over 20 Indian weddings. What distinguishes us is our exceptional
Indian Wedding Team, who bring a wealth of experience and deep cultural understanding to every celebration. Wedding planners appreciate our collaborative approach, flexible and spacious venues, and convenient parking, which all contribute to seamless event preparation. Moreover, our ability to offer customisable menus with authentic Indian cuisine, paired with stunning beachfront settings and luxurious accommodations, ensures a one-of-a-kind experience that leaves a lasting impression on both couples and their guests.
How does the resort seamlessly facilitate Indian and international cuisine for celebratory events?
We understand that F&B and catering are vital to the success of Indian weddings. Our Executive Chef, with over 20 years of experience in Indian weddings and big events, leads our culinary team in delivering exceptional, authentic Indian cuisine alongside a variety of international options. Whether couples prefer traditional vegetarian dishes or a fusion of Indian and global flavours, we ensure that the menus are meticulously crafted to suit their preferences, alongside access to the finest and freshest ingredients. We offer complete flexibility in menu customisation, allowing us to cater to every aspect of the celebration, from the mehendi to the grand reception.
Which venues are guests attracted to the most for Indian events?
We offer a variety of stunning venues: our Beach Lawn, which can accommodate up. to 350 guests and overlooks the Andaman Sea, is a popular choice for the haldi ceremony, providing a serene and picturesque setting for this vibrant pre-wedding ritual. Additionally, it becomes a breathtaking backdrop for the wedding ceremony, complete with a mandap set against the ocean, ensuring an unforgettable celebration. The Pool Bar and Le Scoop outdoor areas are ideal for the mehendi ceremony, poolside fun, and a lively al fresco lunch, creating a festive atmosphere. For the sangeet and after-party, the Merlin Ballroom stands out as the top choice, offering ample space for dancing and entertainment. Each venue enhances the beauty and tradition of Indian weddings, making the experience truly special.
Could you introduce us to the resort’s Indian Wedding Team and what role they play in helping wedding dreams come true?
Our dedicated Indian Wedding Team is committed to making every couple’s wedding dreams come true. Vijay Narwar Kumar, our Events Manager, is the main point of contact for weddings, ensuring that every detail is flawlessly executed, allowing couples to enjoy a stress-free and memorable celebration. Chef Anil Rawat has over 20 years of experience leading the culinary team, which includes many Indian cook assistants, and he provides authentic and personalised cuisine to elevate every event. Suyash Kumar, our Hotel Manager, brings a strong background in F&B and has handled numerous Indian weddings across Thailand, ensuring smooth operations and impeccable service.
Manish Hegde, the Food & Beverage Director, who has a rich background in events, oversees the F&B team, which includes Indian attendants, to deliver a flawless dining experience. The team also has Shannon Creado, the Market Director of Sales & Distribution in South Thailand and Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing, with extensive experience in sales and a strong presence in the wedding network. He leads the overall strategy and ensures every couple is supported throughout the planning journey.
What are the current challenges of hosting large-scale events such as Indian weddings?
One of the main challenges in organising Indian weddings is coordinating across multiple departments, including events, culinary, F&B, and guest services, while accommodating the specific cultural and personal preferences of each family. Managing logistics is also critical, particularly with large guest lists, requiring careful planning for accommodations, transportation, and timing to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Outdoor events add another layer of complexity due to unpredictable weather, making backup plans essential. Customisation is often a priority, with families looking for personalised touches in décor, entertainment, and catering, which requires a high level of flexibility and precision from every team involved.
Coordinating with multiple vendors—such as decorators, entertainers, and photographers— on a tight schedule can be a challenge as well. Despite these complexities, with an experienced and dedicated team like ours at Le Méridien Khao Lak, these challenges can be overcome to deliver successful and memorable celebrations.
Are there any new features or additions to the property that will enhance future celebrations?
The beachfront restaurant is undergoing an enhancement, offering an even more refined dining experience with stunning views, perfect for pre-wedding dinners and celebrations. The pool bar is also being upgraded, providing a fresh and lively space for poolside events and parties.
Our rooms are consistently undergoing care and maintenance, ensuring guests enjoy a comfortable and updated stay. For families, we are introducing additional recreational activities for kids and families, making the resort a great destination for multi-generational celebrations. We are also adding sustainable activities, including a solar-powered roof, supporting our commitment to eco-conscious practices. These enhancements will elevate the experience for future celebratory events, solidifying Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa as a premier choice for Indian weddings.
Le Meridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa
31 Moo 7, Bangmoung, Takuapa District, Phang Nga Province, Khao Lak, Thailand
Tel: +66 76-429000
Facebook and Instagram:
@lemeridienkhaolak
Email: hktml.sm@marriott.com
www.lemeridienkhaolak.com
