Marriott Expands in Khao Lak With Moxy and Thailand’s First Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy

Two new Marriott properties will join the 200-hectare Matalay development, bringing a surf-inspired Moxy and apartment-style stays to 1.4 kilometers of Andaman beachfront

Khao Lak is getting two new Marriott properties as part of Matalay, a 200-hectare development designed to bring together beachfront stays, outdoor activities, wellness and longer-term living on Phang Nga’s Andaman coast.

Marriott International has signed an agreement with KS Hotels and Resorts for Moxy Khao Lak Memories Beach and Matalay Khao Lak, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy. The latter will mark the Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy brand’s first property in Thailand.

Both will be located at the northern end of Memories Beach, adding two different styles of accommodation to a destination that already includes JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa farther south.

A New Side of Khao Lak

Matalay spans 1.4 kilometers of beachfront, with beaches, lakes, forest and mountains forming much of the setting.

A new three-kilometer dedicated jogging and cycling track is planned to wind through forest and around lakes, connecting JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa with Matalay.

The wider development is also expected to offer surf lessons with Khao Lak’s local surf community, kayaking on lakes and lagoons, forest bathing and other wellness activities. Plans also include experiences related to elephant care and conservation, a 36-hole mini-golf course, live music at beach bars and a range of dining options.

Moxy Brings a Surf-Inspired Stay to Memories Beach

Moxy Khao Lak Memories Beach will be the brand’s first hotel in Southern Thailand.

Located next to the Memories surf village, the 160-room property will draw on the area's surfing culture, with retro design references to the sport’s earlier days.

Rooms will surround a freeform swimming pool, while facilities will include Moxy Bar & Restaurant, pool and beach bars, a large gym and a beachfront events lawn.

The positioning adds a more social, casual hotel experience to Khao Lak, particularly for travelers interested in combining beach time with surfing, nightlife and outdoor activities.

Thailand’s First Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy

The second property takes a different approach.

Matalay Khao Lak, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy will feature 60 two-bedroom apartments, each measuring 110 square meters and equipped with a full kitchen and washer-dryer.

Designed for longer stays, the resort-style residences will offer either pool access or ocean views. The format could particularly appeal to families, groups and digital nomads looking for more space and practical facilities while retaining access to a resort environment.

Its arrival will also introduce Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy to Thailand for the first time.

Linking Beach, Forest and Longer Stays

Together, the two hotels reflect the changing ways travelers are using resort destinations such as Khao Lak.

A traditional beach holiday remains part of the equation, but longer stays, remote working, wellness, outdoor activities and experiences connected to the surrounding community are increasingly part of the mix.

Moxy Khao Lak Memories Beach caters to the more social and activity-focused side of that equation, while Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy provides the space and facilities needed to settle in for longer.

Both properties will be approximately 75 minutes by road from Phuket International Airport.

For Khao Lak, the additions also expand the Marriott presence beyond a conventional resort model, creating a connected destination stretching from JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa through the forests and lakes of Matalay to Memories Beach.

[PHOTO: Courtesy of Marriott]