X2 (pronounced Cross Two) chain of resorts are fast gaining a reputation as a high-design, boutique range of holiday destination properties across Asia and Australia. Since their introduction to the market they have risen to be among the most famous of boutique resorts in Thailand and across South East Asia, winning numerous awards and accolades.
I was especially impressed by the resort’s chain mantra – “to have a very unique and unequivocal persona that is embraced by all elements of the resort. Whether it be design, service, location” for as a travel photographer, a destination uniqueness and resort character helped plenty in my quest to capture better pictures. And after experiencing several resorts in Kanchanaburi, I can attest that X2 Kwai Resort is the most instagrammable resort in the province. The theme is one of “industrial chic design”, “sexy and strong” , as enthused by the resort founder Anthony McDonald.
The X2 Kwai Resort
After about a 3 hours car journey from Bangkok, the sight of the lobby, be day or night, sets you at ease. The attention to details, colours and lighting are certainly commendable. The reflecting pond base are stained red, lifting the ambience significantly, especially at night.
Even the icy cold welcome drink, coloured with Butter Pea flowers, is so lovely. It just adds to the chic ambience.
These blue ethnic motif tiles at the swimming pool certainly lends an eclectic feel to the resort.
Looks artsy but water took longer to reach the spray head. But who’s complaining ?
Sun deck loungers just outside the PoolXide Cabin. The rooms are designed to look like cabins and are luxurious and well furnished.
Nice bedroom at the XFloat Cabin, cosy, well furnished and spacious at 65m2 (699 sg.ft with a moon deck). Sleep quality was fabulous, of course.
The X Float Cabin are superb choice for it’s riverfront view and a lovely moon deck on top for stargazing. Although it’s floating on the river, it felt stable as if it’s built on land.
Sleek retro furnishings add to the eclectic ambience, balancing modernity and the archaic.
The bathroom fixtures are rustic, edgy but yet functional. You will feel at ease quickly.
The cabin balcony catches the early morning sun. Perfect place to have a cuppa here and draw in the fresh riverside air. I was happy to be awakened by the Nature’s best alarm clock – chirping of birds along the riverbank.
Dusk comes and cloak the resort with an even lovelier ambience. The skillful attention to lighting placement creates just about the perfect night picture of the resort.
The hub of the resort, The Bridge Bar and Bistro, lit up like a jewel among the resort landscape. Excellent food and beverages await those who enter.
Enjoy low-carbon activities at the resort
Earth-friendly, low-carbon footprint are part of the buzzwords of the resort. So when you are here, slow down, chill out and reconnect with yourself. Try catching up with life at the reading corner.
The immensely beautiful raintree that festoons the resort, providing cool shade and nice picture framing too.
Be prepared to be enthralled by nature as the sun rises over the placid Kwai River, just outside the room balcony.
For XFloat Luxe Cabin, an attached netting sun lounger over the river. You can’t get any closer to nature.
The pace is never hurried and the space is aplenty. Cause there is only 22 rooms at the resort. Finally, a holiday retreat !
Stargazing from the XFloat cabin moondeck. Scene like this, money can’t buy. Per chance, see shooting stars, make a wish.
Explore in-house food and beverages
Afternoon tea session at the Bridge Bar and Bistro. Did I say this place is very food instagrammable too ?
Deep fried spring rolls minced pork with a punch, super spicy ! (you have been warned) Popiah Lab Moo Tod – the cafe signature dish.
Such attention to details, the fruits during breakfast are cut big, chunky and placed individually in a little glass bottle on an ice-bath..
Champagne breakfast. Have a bubbly start to the day. Not into alcohol ? no worries, there’s fresh milk, freshly made fruit juices. Never go thirsty.
Healthy breakkie, love the brown rice porridge (1st time being feasting on this at a resort stay) and a side dish of vegetable spring roll Viet style.
The resort signature fried rice – X2 Special Fried Rice – fragrant white jasmine rice stir-fried with spicy shrimp paste , gourami served with blanched veg and salted egg.
Darjeeling for you ?…
For a virtual tour of the resort. Click here. Do check out a Youtube video of the resort below.
Conclusion
Having experienced this gorgeous resort, I would not be wrong to call it as one of the best kept secrets of Kanchanaburi. So should any readers planned to visit this lovely laid back town and keen on staying at the X2 Kwai Resort, you will be pleased to know of great promo package with Jetabout Holidays. Do check out my article on adventures in Kanchanaburi you can do while in this lovely town. Many thanks for coming along on the pixel journey. Please feel free to check out my other blogs on hotels and activities in Thailand here.
Footnote : All pictures used in this travelogue are copyrighted to Jensen Chua Photography and Holiday Tours and Travel (Singapore) and all rights reserved. Stay at the resort is not sponsored.