WELCOME TO THE ‘MARIGOLD KRABI’, THAILAND

'Marigold Krabi' is our first pop-up community, located within a boutique wellness retreat in the Province of Krabi.

Located in Ao Nam Mao in south-western Thailand, Marigold Krabi is part of a stunning wellness resort just 10 minutes from the popular tourist destination of Ao Nang (Krabi). it’s close to Koh Phi Phi (1 hr), Phuket (3.5 hrs), Koh Lanta (3 hrs), and Koh Samui (4 hrs to the ferry terminal).

Cocooned within an expansive property adjacent to the Andaman Sea and with dramatic limestone mountains protecting it from harsh winds, preserved forest areas provide habitats for squirrels, hornbills, and song birds. Organic gardens feature an local medicinal plants, as well as tropical fruits such as coconuts, pineapple, mango, banana, cashew trees. There are over 100 other native plants species, with many bearing tags informing passers-by of their species and therapeutic uses.

The land is gently sloping, and an abundance of wildflowers attract colourful butterflies and birds. Gibbons can be heard calling across the canopy and below, shaded hiking/ biking trails meander around large fishponds, eventually leading to a 5km coastal walk.

Owned by a delightful Thai lady, this absolute treasure is managed by her UK-educated daughter and run by a (primarily) female team. They are Buddhists and believe that to achieve true happiness, one must be mindful and still in the present. Therefore, the landscape, facilities, and services at the property, are all aimed to create mindfulness and a happy lifestyle for those who stay here. 

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Although we refer to the property as ‘Marigold Krabi’, that’s not actually its name. In order to protect the original brand and its retail business, we refer to it by a pseudonym reminiscent of the movie: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Guests are provided with the address and legal name of the hotel, once they make a booking to stay.

THE PHILOSPHY

Our aim is to be a sanctuary for those seeking to:

·     Ignite knowledge of health and self-care.

·     To boost one’s confidence and embrace the physical changes that one might experience with age.  

·     Adopt new routines that allow for good health and happiness. 

·     Meet like-minded people become part of an instant, travelling community of women.

·     Learn and share knowledge. 

·     Have the time to heal, enhance an art or skill, find your purpose.

·     Breathe, relax, and discover the new you!

THE VILLAS

The property has 24 meticulously designed 1-bedroom villas, which sit nestled within leafy, green gardens. Each of the villas has been thoughtfully positioned, ensuring both privacy and a sense of community. Sited well back from the road, this provides residents with safety and a true sense of belonging.

Modern interiors are characterised by deep comfort and each villa comes complete with essential amenities. Make yourself at home with air-conditioning, a kitchenette with a refrigerator, rice cooker, toaster, kettle, and a microwave.

The the villas are perfect for single occupants or those sharing with a maximum of one other person. You can choose between a king-sized bed or twin bed configuration.

Wired and wireless Internet access is complimentary, and a flat-screen television with cable programming provides access to 44 channels of entertainment.

Other conveniences include a private spacious bathroom, a safe, a separate sitting area, private balcony, panic button, insect screens on windows and doors, free drinking water, and weekly housekeeping. A limited number of the villas are wheelchair accessible with ramps.

If you're looking for a safe, clean, affordable, place to call home for up to 3 months at a time, but want to avoid the constraints of a long-term lease agreement or buying, then Marigold Krabi provides a flexible solution that’s within most budgets.

SAFE, CLEAN, AFFORDABLE

Long-term leases are commonplace in Thailand where properties are rented to a tenant for a minimum term of 6-12 months. In such cases, a lease agreement and bond is payable by the tenant. They would also have to ensure the home is cleaned prior to vacating, then negotiate the return of their bond. That is NOT the case with us. No lease is required and a security card swipe suffices to serve as your bond. Cleaning is done by us.

A rental property would come either furnished or unfurnished. Ours villas are all tastefully furnished, even with linen and crockery!

Elsewhere, rental tenants would be responsible for payment of water, electricity, WiFi, cleaning, grounds, and pool maintenance. With us, those costs are all included, as are Government fees and charges. that way, you know EXACTLY how much you need to budget each month, and there are no unexpected surprises.

WHO CAN BOOK

Only members of the (female-only) Empty Nester Tribe are eligible to make the Marigold Krabi their full-time or part-time home at these discounted rates. Only they can participate in group activities so you can feel safe, supported and free to relax.

WHO CAN STAY

While we love our children and grandchildren, we are an adults-only community to ensure peace for everyone is maintained. A maximum of two people may stay in each villa (there is no price difference), and - if you are married or partnered - you are welcome to be accompanied by your significant other. However, as mentioned above, group activities are only for those who are members of our Tribe.

HOW TO BOOK

Please submit a booking request for your desired dates, using the form below. If we have availability for the dates you’ve requested, we will then request an invoice be issued, or suggest an alternative date. The hotel will email the invoice directly to you. It will contain a time-sensitive payment link so you can pay the deposit using a Mastercard or Visa. The balance is due on check-in. (NB: a $50 booking request fee applies).

SAVE 50% ON YOUR ACCOMMODATION!

As with the namesake movie, by leveraging our combined purchasing power to access long-term rates, Empty Nester Tribal members can access hugely discounted monthly rates! (NB: a $50 booking request fee applies).

RATES

2024 & 2025 LOW SEASON RATES

May-October

THB 22,500 (approx USD 620/ month)

That's a 50% discount on the normal rate of USD 1214!

INTAKE DATES

Please note that as of November 2024 and for all of 2025, new booking arrival dates will be the first and 15 of each month only. Duration is minimum of 30 days.

FINDING YOUR PURPOSE

Marigold Krabi sits within a community that values its natural assets. Green-thumbed residents may like to help tend the organic food gardens or learn about the many traditional uses of plants in the therapeutic medicinal garden. Locals have started a Blue Carbon project with some of the expat residents, This involves a mangrove nursery, and coastal seagrass beds. Trash Hero is also active, helping keep coastal areas rubbish-free. There are also opportunities to help regenerate coral reefs, volunteer with street dogs/ cats, help at elephant sanctuaries, volunteer with the turtle sanctuary, and even build next boxes for hornbills.

As for social projects, the local school welcomes volunteers who are willing to help students improve their English skills. Art classes, cooking classes, sports coaching… you name it, there will be a grateful group who would love to learn from you .

WHAT TO DO

Shared recreational facilities include a sala, a small gymnasium, the reception area, bike/ hiking trails, lawns, and several social spaces. Daily Yoga, Pilates, meditation, breathing, massage, and sound therapy can be arranged.

A collection of books is available for loan from the reading library and there are peaceful reading spots throughout the grounds. You may like to start a book club or write a book while here.

Classical southern music and poetry reading events happens once a month. If you’re keen to learn an instrument, there are plenty of quiet places where you can do so without anyone complaining.

A pool (with jacuzzi jets) sits at the heart of the property, making it easily accessible for all. It’s perfect for cooling the body down, watching the dragonflies dart between the lotus blossoms, or watching the birds and squirrels at play,

As for local groups and clubs, you might like to join a bike riding, rock climbing, caving, or hiking group, a scuba or free diving club, or take Thai language or Muay Thai lessons. There are also art lessons, massage lessons, cooking lessons, and workshops that can teach you Thai traditional medicine or aromatherapy.

WHERE TO GO

Krabi is one of the most spectacular provinces in Thailand. Limestone mountains are pock marked with caves, blue spring water bubbles up from the earth, thermal hot springs exist within the forests, and an abundance of rivers and lakes beg exploration by kayak or SUP.

There are dozens and dozens of islands, islets and coral reefs just offshore, which can be reached by private or public boat. A 5km coastal walk starts at the base of the property, and a ferry service is approximately 2km from home. There are oodles of beaches, lagoons and coves; some of which are popular with tourists, while others are absolutely free from the footprints of others.

There are an abundance of lookouts, temples, rock art sites, and it would take you all year to try out each cafe and eatery, Koh Samui and Phuket are close enough to hop over for the night, as is Koh Phi Phi and the National Park (Khao Sok), where tigers still exist.

WHERE TO EAT

If you don’t wish to cook in your villa, and don’t feel like heading into town to an eatery, then the on-site restaurant serves delicious meals made using ingredients from the property’s own organic gardens and local farmers.

In Thai culture and Thai medicinal therapies, food and medicine are one in the same. Herbs, vegetables, fruits, and plants that are native to this part of the world can all be used to boost and nourish our health. This ancestral knowledge of medicinal plants has been passed on to staff, who provide guests with rare traditional foods, and explain the knowledge and health benefits of ingredients.

SHOPPING

Marigold Krabi is a tranquil refuge located 7 mins drive from the bustling tourist area of Ao Nang, and 20 minutes drive from the administrative center of Krabi Town. ATMs, 7-Elevens, cafes, local eateries, small supermarkets, local fresh produce markets, are all within 3 - 5 minutes bike ride away. For larger shopping trips for groceries, there are multiple medium sized supermarkets offering inexpensive food ingredients, just 10 minutes drive away.

A vibrant cafe and shopping scene can be found in Ao Nang and it’s a good place to pick up inexpensive shoes and clothes made using local (breathable) fabrics. Krabi Town is where the locals go for homewares, night food-markets, non-tourist cafes, live music, open air bars, administrative/ Government services, schools, the hospital, and to walk the extensive parklands that come alive in the cooler evening hours. Pharmacies can be found everywhere, as can money exchange places, and ATMs.

GETTING THERE AND AROUND

The property is located in Ao Nam Mao in Krabi Province, Thailand.

AIR: Krabi International Airport (KBV) is the local international airport and numerous flights depart daily to destinations such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Dubai, etc. We also see Polish planes here, so there may be other locations too… Here’s a link that helps a lot https://www.flightsfrom.com/KBV

SEA: Large passenger ferries, speedboats, and longtails connect various areas in Krabi with surrounding destinations. A jetty exists just 5 minutes walk from the property, offering quick and affordable transport to East Railay Beach (TB100) and onwards from West Railay to the tourist hub of Ao Nang (TB100).

TRANSPORT: The property also has a shuttle van (with driver) who will happily transport you from A to B for a small fee. It can also be hired for the day to take you to various tourist attractions. Songthaews and Tuk-Tuks all provide cheap public transport, with the cost to go by Tuk-Tuk to Ao Nang, being TB200 each way.

SELF-DRIVE: Apart from using longtail boats, most people get around by scooter/ motorbike or car. Traffic tends drive slowly, yet it can still seem like you’re in a Crash Bandicoot game, Renting a car costs approx TB900/day. It takes approximately 3.5hours to drive to Phuket, 3 hours to Koh Lanta, and 4 hours to Koh Samui’s ferry terminal. To get to Ao Nang by road, it takes approx 7 minutes. To reach Krabi town, it takes approx 20 - 25 mins. Driving is on the left side of the road (like they do in the UK and Australia). International driver licences are required. Mopeds can be rented, but we do not recommend this. A Motorbike licence is required by law, as is the wearing of a helmet. NB: your insurance will NOT pay out if you have an accident if you have not complied with Thai law,

BIKE: Bicycles are available for guest use at the property, allowing you to explore the beauty of this peaceful village at your own pace.

2024/ 2025 AVAILABILITY

INTAKE DATES

Please note: as of November 2024 and for all of 2025, new booking arrival dates will be 1 and 15 of each month only. NB: a $50 booking request fee applies.

(As of 20 April 2024, we have the following villas available in 2024)

April = Fully booked

May = Fully booked

June = 2 villas

July = Fully booked

August = Fully booked

September = Fully booked

October = Fully booked

November = Fully booked

December = Fully booked

2025:

Jan FULL

Feb FULL

March 3 villas available

Apr 10 villas available

May 9 villas available

June 8 villas available

July 10 villas available

Aug 10 villas available

THE FINE PRINT

INTERESTED IN PARTNERING?

If you’re interested in having a conversation with us regarding your hotel or one that you feel would be suitable as a Marigold, then please click here. Thank you