Our review of The Emerald Cove, Koh Chang, Thailand
August 18, 2019
We love Thailand, in particular the stunning and vast array of islands the country has to offer is irresistible. When you think of Thai islands it conjures up images of long tail boats serenely bobbing in turquoise waters, swaying coconut palms on soft white beaches and sunsets with dazzling golden hues. Thai islands really are all you imagine them to be and so much more. From the incredible range of unique Asian cuisine to the infectiously happy locals, this really is the land of smiles.
We recently visited Koh Chang, just a few hours drive East from the bustling metropolis of Bangkok. While there we were very fortunate to be invited along to stay at the luxurious 5-star Emerald Cove resort at Klong Prao Beach to sample their amazing hospitality and beautiful surroundings.
On arrival we were warmly greeted at the reception by the professional and friendly staff, even the security guard at the gate had given us a chirpy hello and a big welcoming smile as we entered the gates. Complimentary drinks and ice-cold towels were more than welcome as our check in was completed in the stylish lounge like reception area. With our check-in complete we were guided to our room and left to settle in and enjoy our surroundings.
Our Deluxe Ocean-Facing room was on the third floor and provided a spectacular view out to the glimmering waters of the gulf of Thailand just a stones throw away. The room itself was luxurious, spacious and nicely designed with some beautiful little touches to make you feel that extra bit special. Fresh fruit and flowers were waiting for us on the table near the balcony, the aircon was already on and the space felt relaxed and stylish. Sumptuous wooden flooring supported the huge comfortable bed and it was all too tempting just to stay in and enjoy the room itself, but with blue skies and the tropical sun beating down the pool was calling us. A quick shower later and we were relaxing in the beautiful cool waters of the 50 meter pool.
The pool is magnificent. If you fancy a good swim it’s the length of an Olympic pool, so even the most die hard of swimmers will be happy here. The pool sits almost at the beach edge so if you fancy a dip in the sea you haven’t got far to go. Fancy a beer or a cocktail? There is a bar at one end of the pool. Tempted by a massage or some spa treatment? Not a problem the spa is situated at the other end of the pool. A quick bit to eat? One of their many restaurants is less than 10 meters walk from the pool. The whole resort is thoughtfully laid out to cater to your every need.
Speaking of restaurants, the food at Emerald Cove is amazing. We were invited along for 5 days and had breakfast at the resort every day. It’s a buffet style affair and we didn’t have the same thing twice during our stay there. The usual cereals, fruits and yogurts as well as an egg/omelette station where they will serve your eggs or omelette up whichever way you wish. Bacon, sausages, beans and toast for those who want to get their full-English style fix and they also serve up some great local fare as well. Noodles, pork with chili and basil, pepper corn chicken…..I could go on. The choice was amazing, with the local dishes changing each morning to give you some great variety.
On our last full day there we were invited along for both lunch and dinner as well as to sample some of their very tasty signature cocktails. When the food arrived we were both gobsmacked. It was an absolute feast of Thai food, cooked and presented to the highest standard. Beautiful rich, deep lobster bisque. Juicy pink prawns drenched in amazingly punchy and zesty sauce. Salmon in Banana leaf that was to die for. The food just kept coming all of it to the same amazingly high standard. Chicken satay with three unique and amazing sauces to dip in was a real highlight, even the range of breads they brought out with lunch were stunning and different in their own way. We felt well and truly spoiled. Even if you come to Koh Chang and don’t manage to stay at the Emerald Cove I would recommend coming along to sample the food, it’s excellent and all served up in stylish surroundings.
Our five days spent at the Emerald Cove were a little slice of paradise that we wont forget in a hurry. Stunning sunsets, lazy days by the pool and great food are hard to beat. To us there is something a little bit special about high end Asian resorts. The design itself, the feeling you get when your there in these beautifully thoughtful spaces. The juxtaposition of materials and the use of colour combined with light and stunning natural beauty as a backdrop is something unique to Asia and the Emerald Cove does it very well. We can’t thank the team there enough for making us feel very welcome and relaxed at their resort. Their hospitality was beautiful and we hope to return again some day to enjoy more of these stunning sunsets.
