Thailand’s Sarojin Hotel has been nominated as Asia’s Leading Boutique Hotel in the 2008 World Travel Awards. The luxury beachfront resort in Khao Lak on Thailand’s mainland won the accolade in 2006 and 2007 and is going for three in a row. The awards will be announced at a ceremony in Shanghai in June.

Sarojin is set among ten acres of gardens which feature a lotus pond and giant ficus tree, and has 56 suites and residences, all with garden sun terraces and contemporary Asian decor.

There is a large infinity pool with shaded private pavilions raised up in it, along with a luxury spa centre and a yoga and tai chi deck.

One of the resort’s most unique features is its onsite ‘imagineer’, who job is to devise custom-made excursions and personalised experiences for guests. These could range from a private Thai cooking lesson next to a cascading tropical waterfall, a sunset cruise for two or a champagne jungle adventure.

Sarojin is also very active in the local community, and established the Sarojin Khao Lak Community Fund as a response to the tragic 2004 Asian tsunami.

“To date through our international contacts and partners we have been able to support a significant number of projects in Khao Lak and wider areas of Phang Nga province,” explained Executive Director, Andrew Kemp. “Whilst the critical aid, relief and immediate needs have in the main now been met we continue to focus on specific projects we identify locally that still require ongoing support.”

The fund is distributed solely to community projects in the Khao Lak and Phang Nga area in Thailand, including support for local orphanages, road building, and finance towards the creation of a boatyard to restore the local fishing fleet.