Information

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  Your Host

  The Narima Resort is owned and managed by Thai couple Dr. Yodchai and Dr. Nopawan Jotiban.

  They both left Thailand to study in Colorado where they achieved their PhD degrees in Engineering and Sociology.

  After meeting and falling in love in Colorado, they returned to Thailand in 1977 and married the next year.

  In 1989 they visited Ko Lanta where they fell in love with this fabulous plot of land on the rugged coastline.

  For the next eleven years they daydreamed about designing and building their retirement home.

  During this time, Nopawan taught graduate
  programs in Bangkok while Yodchai enjoyed an illustrious career at the Petroleum Authority of Thailand.

  In 2001 they were both offered early retirement and seized the chance to make a start on their beloved island dream. They approached their Colorado friend Seri Thanachanan, now one of Thailand’s top architects, to design The Narima.

  While they are new to tourism, both share a love of people and a clear vision of how a resort should be.

  The Narima is fast becoming famous for their special brand of hospitality and the beautiful place they have made.

  Since adding a PADI Dive Centre to their resort, Yodchai has discovered a passion for Scuba Diving. At age 61 he gained his PADI Open Water certification and experienced swimming with giant Manta Rays for the first time. Yodchai is also a keen golfer and mountain biker.

  Yodchai can often be found in the 5 Island Bar, putting his favourite Jazz tunes on the music system.

  Nopawan is the driving force behind Narima. She personally ensures that every aspect of your stay is as perfect as humanly possible. She is an absolute mine of information about the hidden delights of Ko Lanta and ensures that all Narima staff have been well trained in providing great recommendations to guests for tours to all beautiful places. Nopawan is an avid snorkeller and nature lover.

  Following in her father’s footsteps, Nopawan has recently been awarded judge-ship in the juvenile court in Krabi.

  Dr. Yodchai and Dr. Nopawan have two children, Narisa and Chanchai.
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  Eco-Philosophy

  Narima is the old name for Ko Haa, the group of five islands that can be seen on the horizon from Narima.

  The Narima logo has been designed to reflect the shape of these islands. This is very much in keeping with the wider philosophy of Yodchai and Nopawan, who wanted their resort to blend as naturally as possible with the un-spoilt, rugged beauty of their retirement dream.

  When designing the layout of the resort, one of their main concerns was to preserve as many of the original trees and plants as possible. They built the bungalows around existing trees and only felled when absolutely necessary. All the buildings have been constructed from natural, ecological materials that blend well into their surroundings. It is hard to spot the resort from the sea as it seems to disappear into the natural rainforest backdrop.

  Narima has a magical, soothing effect on visitors — many people arrive planning to stay only a few days and end up staying for weeks, or even months, enjoying the friendly relaxing ambience.

  When you arrive at Narima, it is as though Yodchai and Nopawan are welcoming you into their own home. This might be the reason why so many guests return, time and time again.

  In keeping with traditional Thai philosophy, everyone who arrives at Narima is greeted with a glass of water. It is believed that a weary traveller or friend should be greeted with equal hospitality, and that the simple act of offering a glass of water will bestow an aura of friendship and goodwill. In keeping with this philosophy, there is also fresh tropical fruit available to guests at all times.

  Yodchai and Nopawan chose not to remove the large flat rocks that lie just off the beach. They are home to many crabs and other small crustaceans and provide a natural protection to the bay.

  Depending on the time of year, a layer of sand covers the rocks, at other times of the year, these beautiful rocks can be seen and explored at low tide.
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  Narima – A Sanctuary for Hermit Crabs

  Our resort is home to thousands of hermit crabs. These fragile creatures are part of our eco-friendly mission.

  How Can I Help?
  • Watch your step
  • Observe – don’t touch
  • Educate your children

  Did you know?
  These eco-system engineers:
  • Improve soil drainage
  • Create habitat for other animals
  • Provide a food source for birds and fish
  • Recycle nutrients to support plant growth
  • Break down organic matter

  Education is Key!
  Picking up a hermit crab could result in injury, loss of a shell or even death

  Please educate your children. They too can become eco-guardian to help these wonderful creatures.

  Narima is their home.

  Narima is their sanctuary.

  Please help us to protect it.