Khao Lak's Hidden Paradise: Cousin Resort's Unbeatable Luxury!
Khao Lak's Hidden Paradise: Cousin Resort - Okay, Maybe It's More Than 'Unbeatable'
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (or, you know, the ridiculously good iced coffee they serve at Cousin Resort) on a place that nearly made me pack my bags and become a permanent resident of… well, Khao Lak. Forget "unbeatable luxury," this place is almost… spiritual. Almost.
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- Meta Description: Escape to Cousin Resort in Khao Lak, Thailand! Discover stunning luxury, accessibility, and unforgettable experiences. Read my honest review, from amazing food and incredible accessibility to their top-notch COVID-19 safety measures. Seriously, it's almost too good to be true!
Accessibility - Let’s Get Real (and I Mean Really Real):
Okay, as someone who gets a little antsy about accessibility, I was genuinely impressed. Forget those "accessible rooms" that are just glorified closets. Cousin Resort actually gets it. I saw wheelchair access everywhere - ramps, elevators (yes, elevators!), and even the damn pool. The pool. With a ramp! I actually got a little emotional seeing that. So often resorts just… forget. They don’t.
*(And you know what was even better? The staff. They actually *knew* how to help. No awkward fumbling or "oh, we weren't expecting that." Pure efficiency and a genuine desire to help. This deserves a huge shoutout!).*
Let's Get into the Nitty-Gritty - Okay, the Good Nitty-Gritty:
- Wheelchair Accessible: Absolutely. Top marks.
- On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Major yes. Plenty of space to maneuver, and helpful staff.
- Internet Access: Oh, the Wi-Fi. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms, baby! And it actually works! I'm a digital nomad at heart, and this was vital. I could actually upload my Instagram stories without wanting to hurl my laptop into the ocean.
- Internet [LAN], Internet services: They have it all, even if I didn't really need it.
- Wi-Fi in public areas: Of course, duh.
Things To Do, Ways to Relax – My Soul is at Peace (Mostly):
Okay, this is where things get really good. The resort is like a self-contained happiness factory. Let's break it down:
- Spa/Sauna, Body scrub/Wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Spa, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Basically, a hedonist's dream come true. I spent a solid afternoon floating in the infinity pool (the view… GORGEOUS). The massages were… well, let's just say I left feeling like a perfectly sculpted puddle of bliss. The spa area? Let's just say it's a place you could lose yourself for hours. The sauna and steam room were impeccably clean.
- Couples' rooms: Perfect for a romantic getaway (or just pretending you're a romantic get away).
- Proposal spot: If you're looking to pop the question, this is your place. (Hint to my future significant other: I accept proposals here. Just sayin'.)
- For the Kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal. They didn't completely annoy me, so… success!
Cleanliness and Safety - COVID Be Gone (Probably):
Look, I get it. We're all paranoid right now. Cousin Resort gets it too. Here's what I witnessed:
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: They've thought of everything. I felt safe, and I'm usually the one scrubbing down door handles with hand sanitizer.
- Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit: Always a good sign.
- Room sanitization opt-out available : They offer a way for you to choose not to have your room sanitized which is very thoughtful !
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Prepare to Unbutton Your Pants:
Okay, this is where I truly lost it. I'm a foodie, and Cousin Resort basically became my personal culinary playground.
- A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: Where do I even begin? The buffets were epic (and safe – remember the COVID precautions!), the a la carte options were divine, and the pool bar served the BEST cocktails I've ever tasted.
- The Asian breakfast: Fresh, flavorful, and the perfect kickstart to a day of lounging.
- The International Cuisine: I ate my way through the menu. The salads were on point, and the soups were pure comfort in a bowl.
- The happy hour: Essential. Two-for-one cocktails? Don't mind if I do!
(Personal anecdote: I may or may not have attempted to recreate their Pad Thai recipe with disastrous results. Let's just say, stick to the pros.)
Services and Conveniences – They Anticipated My Every Need (Even the Ones I Didn't Know I Had):
- Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: basically, everything. Seriously, if you need it, they've got it.
- Concierge: These people are worth their weight in gold. They helped me with everything from booking excursions to finding the best local massage parlors.
- Laundry service and Dry Cleaning: Saves a world of hassle.
- **Contactless Check-in/out: ** So easy!
For the Kids – (Mostly) Everyone Wins:
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: They seem to have it all figured out. I didn't personally test the babysitting service, but the kids seemed happy.
Access – Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy:
- CCTVs in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Exterior corridor, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Proposal spot, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms: Pretty darn secure. I felt safe.
- Getting around: Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking.
Available in all Rooms – Home Away From Home:
Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. Basically, everything you need and a whole lot more. The rooms were spacious, well-appointed, and impeccably clean.
The Bed: Let's just say I slept like a baby. The sheets were heavenly.
**The
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your polished, Pinterest-perfect itinerary. This is real vacation planning, warts and all, for a chaotic, possibly sunburnt, and definitely food-obsessed trip to Cousin Resort in Khao Lak, Thailand. Prepare for the mess.
Khao Lak Chaos: A Cousin Resort Survival Guide (and Possibly Triumph)
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Mosquito Massacre (and My Existential Crisis)
Morning (aka, the Death of My Sleep): Flight arrives at Phuket International Airport (HKT). Ugh, airports. Already regretting that extra shot of espresso before boarding. The immigration line? A slow-moving purgatory. I’m pretty sure I saw a woman trying to smuggle a small dog in her purse. Unbelievable.
- Transportation: Pre-booked transfer to Cousin Resort. Praying the driver's AC works. Please, sweet baby Jesus, let the driver have some English.
- Emotional State: Excited, but also deeply, deeply tired. The kind of tired that makes you question all your life choices. Including, perhaps, this whole "vacation" idea.
Afternoon: Cousin Resort – Paradise (Maybe?)
- Arrival & Check-in: Cousin Resort… well, it looks heavenly. Lush greenery, that beachfront view I'd been drooling over online… and a swarm of mosquitos. Like, biblical plague levels. First impressions: pretty, but also a potential vector for tropical disease. Note to self: apply insect repellent liberally. And maybe invest in a full-body net.
- The Room: Okay, the room is… acceptable. Not the gleaming, brochure-worthy space I’d envisioned, but hey, a bed is a bed. And the air conditioning does work! Score! Also, the bathroom smells faintly of mildew. Minor detail, right? We'll just ignore that.
- The Great Mosquito Massacre: Seriously, the mosquitos were relentless. I spent the better part of an hour swatting at them, feeling incredibly pathetic and utterly defeated. This is not the relaxing beach holiday I envisioned. This is a battle for survival.
- Emotion: A roller coaster. First, elation at the beauty, then a plummet into despair at the insect onslaught. Finished off with a lingering existential dread: Are we just tiny specks of food in a vast, hungry universe? Possibly.
Evening: First Thai Meal (and Possible Food Poisoning?)
- Dinner: Found a little beachside restaurant a short walk from the resort. Ordered Pad Thai (of course). It smelled AMAZING. Ate it all. Possibly a bit too enthusiastically. Hoping my stomach doesn't hate me later. Seriously considering bringing Pepto-Bismol.
- Sunset: Gorgeous. Truly breathtaking. Briefly forgot about the mosquitos and the existential dread.
- Emotional state: Content, full of delicious noodles, and… a little bit terrified of what my GI tract might do overnight.
Day 2: Beach Bliss (Mostly) & A Fishy Encounter
Morning: Beach Time & My Inner Child
- Activity: COCONUT! YES! I got a coconut on the beach, and let me tell you, I felt a ridiculous amount of joy. The sand's so soft, and the water's that perfect turquoise. I'm like a ridiculously old child playing in the sea. This is why I go on vacation!
- Imperfection: Got a little too eager for a dip and managed to get my sunglasses knocked in the water. Crap. Had to snorkel to rescue them. Embarrassing, but worth it!
Afternoon: Snorkelling adventure (or, my encounter with a judgmental fish)
- Activity: Took a snorkelling trip to the Similan Islands. Now, this was supposed to be the highlight! Beautiful coral reefs, colourful fish… and the waves made me a little seasick. That's not the vibe, honestly. Thought I would find Nemo (haha).
- The Judgmental Fish: There was one particular little fish that seemed to be staring me down, judging my flailing attempts to see things. This little fish was judging ME! It was quite unsettling. Maybe it was the way I looked in the mask, or, you know, my general ineptitude, but this fish was NOT impressed!
- Messy Reflection: The boat was crowded, the sun was brutal, and I had to pee. Also, I'm pretty sure I saw a sea snake. Nope. Definitely not my favourite part of the holiday, but the coral was lovely.
- Mood: Mixture of overwhelmed and inspired.
Evening: Thai Massage and Deep Fried Something (Probably Bad for Me)
- Activity: Had a Thai massage on the beach. Bliss. Pure, unadulterated bliss. My back finally feels human again!
- Dinner: Found a small, local restaurant – the kind with plastic tables and a perpetually confused-looking cat. Ordered something deep-fried that I couldn't quite identify (it tasted suspiciously like a shrimp roll), but it was delicious. Followed it up with Mango Sticky Rice (which I knew would be my weakness). I was a mess of good food.
- Emotion: Utterly relaxed, deeply satisfied, and slightly worried about the long-term consequences of my culinary choices.
Day 3: Elephant Encounter & Culture Shock (the good kind) - DOUBLING DOWN
Morning: Ethical Elephant Experience (and Tears, Possibly)
- Activity: Visited an ethical elephant sanctuary! This was VERY important to me… It was probably the single thing I most wanted to do on this whole trip. And oh my god. So much better than I thought!
- Moment: Spending the morning with these magnificent creatures… feeding them, bathing them, watching them play… My heart utterly melted. I'm not even a "cryer," but their gentle nature and the dedication of the staff brought a tear to my eye. The best part of my holiday EVER.
- Realization: You know what? Animals are good. Animals are amazing. I am pretty sure I could have stayed there all day, just petting the elephants.
- Messy, Rambling Reflection: Okay, so, I’m going to be honest: I teared up when I saw them. I may have nearly cried again when an elephant started trumpeting. Elephants! What a fantastic, wonderful animal, and the way they were treated… It was so great.
Afternoon: The Local Market – Sensory Overload
- Activity: Went to a local market. Wow. Just, wow.
- Observation: The smells! The spices, the seafood, the… everything! Not knowing the language here. So many things I want to eat, but I don't know WHAT they are.
- Experience: Got slightly overwhelmed by the sheer chaos, but it was fantastic. Got some amazing (and cheap) fruit. Bought a ridiculously colourful scarf.
- Emotional State: Overstimulated, but also deeply, deeply happy. Love this side of travel.
Evening: Cooking Class & Culinary Adventures
- Activity: Took a Thai cooking class. Learned to make Green Curry! It wasn't half bad!
- Imperfection: Set the wok on fire. Kinda. Okay, maybe it was a lot on fire. But the food was amazing.
- Reflection: Turns out making Thai food is surprisingly hard, but the end result was utterly delicious. And now I know how to make my own green curry when I get home!
- Emotion: Pride! Slightly burnt, but proud nonetheless.
Day 4: Beach Day… Again (and The Great Sunburn Scare)
**Morning: More Beach, More Sun!
- Activity: Spent most of the day on the beach, soaking up the sun. Pure relaxation.
- Imperfection: I forgot to reapply sunscreen. OOPS.
- Observation: Sunburn is the worst enemy.
- Mood: Relaxed, slightly panicky
**Afternoon: Spa Day & Regret (Partly)
- Activity: A lovely spa day. Massages and body wraps!
- Regret: The sunburn.
- Emotion: Blissed and panicked.
**Evening: Farewell Dinner & Packing
- Activity: Last dinner.
- Emotion: Sadness!
- Activity: Packing.
- Emotion: Hopeful
Day 5: Departure – Until next time, Khao Lak?
- Morning: Final breakfast, last-minute souvenir shopping (probably overpriced, but who cares?).
- Transportation: Transfer back to Phuket airport. Please, please, no delays!
- Emotional State: Bittersweet. Sad to leave, but also ready for my own bed and normal food. And already dreaming of my next adventure… maybe even back to Khao Lak.
- Messy Reflection: Wow, what a trip. It wasn't perfect, by any
Khao Lak's Hidden Paradise: Cousin Resort FAQ - Because Let's Be Honest, You Have Questions!
Okay, spill the tea! Is Cousin Resort *really* as dreamy as those Insta-influencers make it seem?
Alright, look, I'm gonna be real with you. Those photos? They're *pretty* accurate. The sand? White. The water? Turquoise. The sunsets? Forget about it. Utterly Instagram-worthy, yes. But the *vibe*? That's where it gets REALLY interesting.
It's not just pretty. It's… peaceful. I mean, you can actually hear the birds chirping over the gentle lapping of the waves. (And, thankfully, *way* less of the incessant "click-click-click" of selfie sticks than you might expect). I went expecting staged perfection, and instead found… well, almost. More on that later.
There's this one particularly glorious sunset, though. I was sprawled out on a beach chair, sipping a ridiculously expensive cocktail (worth it, trust me), and just… *breathed*. I swear, all my work stress just melted away in the golden light. It was so stunning, I almost cried. Almost. (Okay, maybe a little. Don’t judge me.)
Rooms! What are they like? Are they all "perfect-couple-goals" territory?
Okay, the rooms. Prepare to be impressed. The suites? Spacious. The decor? Thai-chic meets Instagram-ready. Think four-poster beds draped in mosquito netting (yes, actually comfy!), massive bathrooms with rainfall showers, and private balconies overlooking… well, paradise.
I booked a beachfront bungalow, and it was AMAZING. Waking up literally steps from the sand? Unbeatable. Bonus points for the outdoor shower – showering under the stars after a day at the beach? *Chef's kiss*.
Now, a confession: one day, I locked myself out. Yep, totally my fault. Realized my key card was inside when I was already in my swimsuit. Flustered, I stumbled back to the reception in a towel. The staff, though, were super nice, and laughed it off. It’s that kind of low-key vibe that I appreciated.
Food, glorious food! Tell me about the Cousin Resort restaurants. Are they worth the price tag?
Alright, listen up, fellow foodies. The food at Cousin Resort? *Fantastic*. Yes, it’s pricey. But you’re paying for quality, ambiance, and views that will make your jaw drop.
The main restaurant, with sand under your feet and a view over the ocean, is amazing and you need to book in advance. The Thai food? Authentic and delicious, from the classic Pad Thai (surprisingly good!) to the more adventurous curries. Fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented.
The other restaurant, poolside, is a bit more casual with your standard fare, and you *must* try their mango sticky rice. And the cocktails? Oh, the cocktails. They weren’t stingy with the rum, let me tell you.
And I have to tell you about the breakfast buffet... I'm not going to lie, I may have gone back for a second helping of the pastries every morning. It's just THAT good.
What's the vibe like? Is it all couples canoodling or is it okay for solo travelers/groups of friends?
Okay, for real, the vibe is… chill. Super chill. It’s definitely got a romantic element, so there are couples. *Lots* of couples. But I didn’t feel out of place as a solo traveler at all.
The staff are so friendly and welcoming, and there's a nice mix of people: families, groups of friends, couples, solo travelers. It's not the kind of place where you feel pressured to be in a relationship. People are generally just…relaxed.
I met some great people by the pool, even ended up grabbing a drink with a group of girls from Germany. We bonded over the cocktails and the sunset. Plus, you're free to just relax by yourself. I spent a solid afternoon reading a book on a beach chair, and it was pure bliss.
Is there anything... wrong? Any downsides? Be honest!
Okay, fine, I’ll be honest. It's not *perfection*. But honestly there weren't many downsides.
The whole "paradise" label has a downside, of course. It's not necessarily cheap. That being said, that's what I paid for, so no complaints there - you get what you pay for.
And the fact that Khao Lak is remote has trade-offs. While it's great that it feels far from everything, you can't exactly pop out for a cheap massage or a random street food snack unless it's pre-planned, so… plan ahead!
Oh, also, there was a little bit of a problem with one of the outdoor lights in my bungalow. It flickered a bit, but it was quickly solved. They immediately sent someone to fix it. And honestly? Honestly, that was my only, like, *slight* complaint.
And actually... oh yeah! The internet wasn't super reliable. But hey, you're on vacation. Disconnect, right? (Though, yes, it was inconvenient for posting those envy-inducing Insta stories.)
What can you do NEAR the resort? Any day trip recommendations?
Okay, so the resort itself is the main attraction. But if you *must* leave, go explore some of the nearby stuff. I was there to relax, so I didn't leave the resort much, but here are some popular options-
* **Khao Sok National Park:** Stunning rainforest, perfect for a day trip. Check out the floating bungalows on Cheow Larn Lake (if you happen to be staying in one, I am incredibly jealous).
* **Similan Islands:** Popular for diving and snorkeling. Water is crystal clear.
* **Local Markets:** Explore the local culture.
I just went to Phang Nga Bay on the boat, and that was amazing. We rented a private longtail boat and visited all the famous viewpoints in the area. Highly recommend!
Is it truly worth the price? I'm on a budget!
Okay, let's be real. Cousin Resort is an investment. It's not the cheapest option.
But honestly? For what you get – the location, the service, the sheer *beauty* of it all – I'd say yes. If you're looking for a splurge-worthy vacation where you can completely switch off and feel utterly pampered, it's worth every penny.
Think of it as an investment in your well-being. You'll return home feeling recharged, relaxed, and probably slightly tanned. (And with a camera roll full of envy-inducing photos, of course.).
One experience you'll never forget? Spill it!
Hotel Search Trek
Cousin Resort Khao Lak Thailand
Cousin Resort Khao Lak Thailand
