Varana Hotel Krabi
Words: Claire Matheson
Photos: Monica Tindall
The newly opened Varana Hotel in Thailand’s Krabi Province is a holistic wellness vacation destination that will have you feeling reborn and renewed. Combining the Thai words for forest, humans and water, Varana’s triangle motif is not only present in their name but also throughout the grounds, a subtle reminder that all aspects of the body, mind and spirit must be in balance for wellness to occur.
Varana Hotel Krabi
Wellness looks different for each of us at different times of our lives. Some guests at Varana might seek to revitalise their body through a range of physical activities to stretch and work the muscles. For some, a juicy steak and a glass of fine wine might replenish your joy. For others, various relaxation opportunities will quiet your mind and help restore calmness and peace for greater happiness. Rather than being locked into a rigorous or predetermined schedule, guests at Varana are given more choice and control in their journey to revive their health, vitality and joy.
At the core of Varana’s vision is the provision of luxury wellness with a sustainable mindset and practises. Experienced hotelier mother-daughter team Wipawan ‘Wan’ Laotanasin and Rachakorn ‘Jan’ Nanthavisai are the powerhouses behind the Varana. Owner-managers of the nearby Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort, their implementation of a range of sustainability shifts at The Tubkaak inspired the design of a new hotel, where active and passive sustainable practices could be implemented from the very beginning. The result is a hotel that seeks to improve the wellness not only of guests but also to the surrounding Krabi environment using a Bio-Circular-Green Model. When our surrounding environment is healthy, we, in turn, also become happier and well.
Located in Thailand’s Krabi Province at the base of Dragon Crest Mountain in Khao Ngon Nak National Park, Varana Hotel embraces the healing powers of the region’s mythical Naga. Legend has it that the dragon that forms this mountain laid down to rest and was cast in stone due to lost love and a broken heart. His tears created the waterfalls and freshwater pools on the mountain, purported to have healing energy. It is this water that flows down to the Varana and her sister hotel, The Tubkaak.
Join us for an exclusive pre-launch, backstage pass glimpse at this fantastic, sustainably-minded wellness hotel.
Sustainability at Varana
Planning for the highest possible levels of sustainability from the very beginning, Varana’s sustainability measures have been over nine years in the making, with construction lasting more than five years. This patient and meticulous attention to detail has resulted in Varana implementing a truly impressive array of recycled, repurposed and reclaimed resources. Wan and Jan have gone to great lengths to find environmentally conscientious suppliers, tracking the origins of materials used, working towards a hotel-wide zero waste policy, and actively reducing the waste of others.
Throughout the grounds, guests can witness the innovative underground water banking system, using deeply dug bamboo poles for an aerated, filtered water retention system that keeps soil and plants moist year-round and grounds cooled, with no need for additional pumps or electricity. Garden beds have been planted with trees recovered from the original site, as well as plenty of edible plants used in Varana’s kitchens, and plants with healing properties, such as the cape lily, or crinum asiaticum, have been incorporated into their spa aromatics and compresses.
Rain and greywater systems safely and stringently recycle water on site to water the garden. A contained laundry system ensures no chemical waste enters local waterways, with organic, biodegradable cleaning products reducing the hotel’s chemical footprint.
The rooms’ furniture and furnishings feature incredible repurposing and recycling of recovered wasted materials. Additionally, air conditioning and water heating systems use passive energy sharing and retention to minimise energy use. Varana’s fleet of EV mint green tuk tuks are equally impressive, used to ferry guests, luggage and goods around the expansive grounds and up to The Tubkaak, further reducing emissions.
A Wellcation Like No Other
Naam Wellness Pools
The architecturally stunning buildings of Varana Hotel encircle the multi-tier pools, spa and onsen facilities, and the lush, landscaped gardens that form the heart of this luxury wellness destination. Of the five differently designed pools, the uppermost one is Krabi Province’s first ever Olympic-sized pool, its seven lanes providing plenty of space for guests wanting to meet their daily lap goal.
The four other terraced pools are a journey in massaging jets for every part of the body, from high-powered, whole body jacuzzi style jets to waterfall-mimicking neck massaging jets, to targeted neck and upper back jets, to feet and leg massaging jets. A shallow kids’ pool at the bottom of the pool terraces also contains fun water fountains, which can be aimed and targeted, perfect for splashing your friends or starting water fights. After trialling each and every jet multiple times, we establish our favourite position: a seated, in-pool area looking out over the lower three pools, with sunset views and back and feet jets to massage any remaining aches or tightness. Although once the Sip swim-up pool bar officially opens, this opinion may change!
Spa and Onsen Manager Timmy takes us through a self-guided water journey, keeping us fully hydrated and stocked with fresh towels during our experience in the steam room, sauna, and three plunge pools of varying temperatures. In the steam room, a secret blend of medicinal herbs grown in the surrounding gardens is infused into 40-degree clouds of sweat-inducing, healing aromatherapy. Moving into dry heat, the entire back wall of the sauna is constructed from pink Himalayan salt bricks. The warm, ethereal glow of its pink stained glass effect is bettered only by the feeling of the salt air clearing out our airways and making our skin glow while also creating an aesthetic, calming euphoria. We are thankful for the plentiful supply of glass bottled water and the timer on the wall, reminding us to go and jump into alternate plunge pools. We could have easily stayed there all day.
The three half-metre deep plunge pools are set at 38, 30 and 15 degrees Celsius, their jets moving around the luxurious rose petals in swirling eddies as we juxtapose warmth and chilling effects on our skin. For those chasing mindfulness as a key focus of their wellness journey, this self-guided room of alternating heating, cooling and aromatherapy is ideal for keeping you present in the moment and appreciating every second.
Faa Spa
Eight separate spa chalets provide a range of spa services under the sky for individual guests and couples. Their triangular, skylit shapes look like they belong in a futuristic, utopian science-fiction world scape. Inside, natural lighting and earthen tones are calming and minimalistic. Ceramic floors have been repurposed from a ‘ceramic graveyard’, giving new life and value to shattered or unused ceramic scraps. The result is an intricate interweaving of triangular terracotta, naturally cooling underfoot. The vaulted skylights further accentuate the rich navy colours of locally designed and printed Thai batik fabrics. Each spa chalet comes with its own private bathroom for maximum convenience and ease, again inviting and naturally lit in with an opaque glass brick wall.
A combination of both the water and sky elements already explored, Timmy shows us the outdoor and indoor onsen to be launched in October. Walking through a waterfall shower, we enter into a light-filled space, underneath a skylit canopy of rough-woven bamboo, with differing heated temperatures to relax and absorb the sun’s rays in zen-inducing surrounds. An additional cold water plunge pool will alleviate muscle soreness and help clear the mind.
Fab Fitness and Gym
In addition to the Olympic-sized pool, Varana has an entire building dedicated to physical fitness, with a fully kitted-out gym for various workout styles on Technogym machines. A multi-purpose studio will also be running a range of yoga, pilates, Muay Thai boxing, and body pump classes, and a full rock climbing wall will be installed and ready for use in the October launch. If you prefer to work out outdoors, the Varana’s pathways form a one-kilometre walking and jogging track, and hikes of the breathtaking Dragon Crest Mountain peak, with Krabi’s best viewing points, can be facilitated by staff.
The Room
Delivered directly to our room by smiling Varana staff, we arrive at Block 3 via fun, electric tuk-tuk. Our ocean-facing balcony with lounge chairs also provides glimpses of Dragon Crest Mountain in Khoa Ngok Nak National Park. Uninterrupted sunset views of Phang Nga Bay and its islands are sensational, reflected in the brand-new Olympic-size pool beneath us.
When fully launched in October, Varana will have 141 rooms of differing sizes and capacities. The design characteristics are incredibly well thought out, with every minor detail thoroughly considered for ultimate sustainability and comfortable luxury for guests. The furniture has been sustainably sourced with an earthy, neutral palette, using renewable bamboo forested timbers, reclaimed teak wood pieces, and natural woven finishes. The rug is made from recycled plastic bottles, the bed head is from recycled and painted canvas sacks, and the lounges are covered in a hard-wearing yet soft fabric, also made from reclaimed and recycled fabrics.
An overall feeling of quiet elegance and refinement is achieved through high-quality finishings, from muted black bathroom hardware, artisanally crafted glass and ceramic wear, and a gorgeous, romantic freestanding egg-shaped bathtub. The bathroom has plenty of natural light, with floor-to-ceiling windows covered by dark wood colonial-era blinds. The mirror has inbuilt multi-toned lighting for guests whose idea of wellness includes self-care skincare routines – an intelligently considered choice we love to see. In-room, Nespresso coffee machine and Harman Kardon Bluetooth speaker are the extra touches of stylish flair that further elevate our stay.
Dining
At the time of writing, Varana Hotel has three dining establishments open for guests: Xin for Modern Chinese Dining, Nook for contemporary all-day dining, and Sip for poolside light fare and cocktails. They also have a Spanish Tapas Bar and Beachside cafe planned for the future. An on-site bakery has been established with consultation from Bangkok’s renowned Conkey Bakery, with a range of sourdoughs, crusty bread, croissants and pastries baked every morning. Guests can stop and watch the bakery crew’s craftsmanship through a wall of windows as they knead, roll and glaze their intoxicating-smelling goodies.
Consultation with industry greats is a theme across both Varana Hotel and The Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort, with menus developed in partnership with Thailand’s beloved Iron Chef, Pom Thanarak Chuto, helping to create Xin’s Chinese fine dining experiences and Michelin-starred Thai cuisine great Chef David Thompson’s curating The Arundina at Tubkaak’s exalted menu which Varana guests can visit via hotel tuk tuk. Chef Joe Worawut Triyasenawat, an expert in ‘food medicine and therapy’, also collaborated with Varana Hotel to cultivate drinks and meals with healing properties.
However, we’ve come to taste the incredible genius of Executive Chef Tyson Gee, whose food combines biodynamic, sustainably sourced produce and high-quality ingredients with sensationally delicious and highly original flavour combinations. Born in Canada, Chef Tyson has previously worked in luxury kitchens in Melbourne and Kuala Lumpur and is now expanding his mastery to Thai and Chinese cuisines. His menus are a high point in a wellness vacation at Varana, achieving an equilibrium between the East and the West, showcasing that peak nutrition and healthy eating can carry a wealth of uncompromised taste to enliven the palate. Tyson has also personally curated all menus on Varana Hotel’s impressive wine list. Featuring organic, biodynamic and sustainably produced wines from small batch producers all over the world, the list reflects high-level sommelier knowledge with an eye for clever food pairings.
The key point of difference in Varana’s dining is the intensity of the flavours. With the bulk of their ingredients sourced from surrounding farms or created on-site, everything tastes brighter, juicier, and more impactful flavour. It’s like the brightness has been turned up on our palettes.
Buffet Breakfast
For breakfast each morning, guests can choose from a full buffet or select a la carte options from Nook’s contemporary menu. At the buffet, foods are of elevated quality, healthy, bright and delicious. We begin with eggs made to order, and today’s choices include avocado on multigrain bread, salmon and eggs benedict, and eggs of any style. There is also a mixed vegetable and cheese omelette and a vegan chickpea omelette available for those wanting vegetarian or animal product-free options.
Heaping our plates with a helping from the hot buffet section, we indulge in crisped bacon and pork sausages as well as fried potatoes with onions, stir-fried thick flat freshly-made rice noodles with chicken and bok choy greens, and baked cauliflower and carrots with a cheese sauce. A fluffy Thai omelette is served with stir-fried water spinach and white and red rice soups. We also can’t resist an eggs benedict with smoked salmon and locally grown avocado halves as Western choices to match our cappuccinos.
Making a choice from the pastry and bread station is no easy task. Still-warm, freshly made crunchy shells encase soft and fluffy insides, ready to be smeared with the concentrated natural goodness of Varana’s conserve and preserve toppings. There is also a well-stocked salad bar, tropical fruit selection, and a chilled charcuterie and fromagerie cabinet full of cheese and cold cuts.
Ensuring we’re filling our bodies with plenty of nutrients and plant-based nourishment, the wonderful Varana staff bring us glasses of their daily juice mix, as well as a shot of Thai leafy greens. The shot contains yanang leaf with sweet basil and honey, packed with aromatics and healing antioxidants. In the juice, carrot, pineapple and lime balance out a punchy dose of fiery ginger to boost our immune systems. Sweet and restorative without any bitterness, you would never know something that tastes so good is so healthy. For a little more vegan sustenance, we also try the acai bowl with chia and flax seeds, banana, shaved dried coconut, mango and mint leaves.
Lunch at Nook
For lunch, we sip on bitingly sharp and ultra-refreshing Vegivore Kombuchas in Ginger and Passionfruit (THB190) – an ideal drink to combat Krabi’s steamy afternoon temperatures. Sweet Potato Fries (THB300) with a trio of house-made sauces: a naturally sweet, dark tomato sauce, creamy and herbaceous pesto, and smokey, umami truffle mayonnaise, are the ultimate pre-lunch snack. Served by the wonderfully attentive Mook and Wawa, and the faultless hospitality of Stephen Innes-Taylor, Manager of F&B, we are very well taken care of, and our every need is anticipated and met.
Specialising in more healthy choices while not compromising on taste, Tyson Gee’s salads are a highlight. We try the Zucchini Salad with Tahini Sauce (THB380), with grilled zucchini, snap peas, cucumber ribbons, feta cheese, dill and other soft herbs, including mint and Italian parsley. Roasted pine nuts, minute segments of peeled lime, and edible flower garnishes round out this creamy, well-textured plate of green goodness.
The Pumpkin Salad (THB380) features organic kale, roasted pumpkin, smoked yoghurt, water chestnut, and quinoa with sprinklings of pomegranate, walnut, and edible flower petals. Fresh and unbelievably tasty, the locally grown produce is packed with tasty nutrients.
Moving onto slightly less healthy but equally satisfying and enjoyable fare, the Chicken Pate with Homemade Sourdough (THB250) is smooth and smokey with peppery undertones. The sourdough is fresh from the oven, made from a ten-year-old mature starter, and toasted with a healthy serve of olive oil. Topped with fresh, garden grown rosemary, the pate is rich with liver fats and decadently moreish.
The open faced Smoked Salmon Tartine Sandwich (THB400) comes with crème Fraiche, horseradish, thinly sliced radish, pickled shallot, capers, dill, and pearls of salmon roe on freshly baked sourdough with edible flower petals. Varana also makes their own horseradish, leaving them to overgrow for extra pungency before pickling them in their house recipe.
To eat the Angus Beef Burger (THB480), you will need to unhinge your jaw, snake-like, to fit in the towering layers of juicy, thick beef patty, crispy fried bacon, Spanish onion, locally grown tomatoes, Thai lettuce, and Varana’s own house-made tomato relish and creamy mayonnaise. Sandwiched in a freshly baked, sesame covered brioche bun, the burger also comes with melted cheese from the cooler climes of Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand. A final treat of Varana’s very own pickles completes the delectably satisfying burger.
With such healthy, wholesome, yet truly tantalising food, we leave with glowing skin, happy stomachs, and a general feeling of fulfilment, our hunger fully satiated.
Wellcation at Varana Hotel, Krabi
Currently, in a soft launch phase, the Varana Hotel will be fully opened in October 2023. Incorporating elements from Northern and Southern Thailand, guests can enjoy a luxury wellness vacation designed to replenish, renew and revive while taking comfort in sustainable, environmentally friendly and ethically mindful travel. An ethically aware hotel destination, you will leave with your body, mind and soul feeling wholly restored.
Reasons to visit Varana Hotel, Krabi: Sustainable wellness that’s good for the conscience, the body and the soul. Feed your health with the revitalising energy and water from the region and delicious, nourishing food from Tyson Gee.
Varana Hotel, Krabi
258, Tambon Nong Talay
Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81180, Thailand
+66 75 656 989
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