Best Luxury Hotels in Thailand

Set in lush, forested grounds on the Khao Takiap beachfront south of Hua Hin, THE BARAI is the first Unbound Collection property in Thailand, growing out of the long-established Barai spa into a standalone resort. Timeless Thai-inspired architecture and landscaped gardens frame 98 rooms and suites, all with large balconies over the forest, ranging from pool-access rooms to Unbound Suites with plunge pools and two-bedroom rooftop penthouses. At its centre is THE BARAI Spa, an award-winning destination spa built around a four-elements philosophy, with 18 treatment rooms, three hydrotherapy rooms and a 30m saltwater swimming channel, backed by a two-storey Wellness Hub with a 24-hour fitness studio and yoga studio. Dining runs across two heritage buildings: McFarland House, a restored 19th-century beachfront pavilion serving modern European cuisine and grilled meats, and White Cottage, a relaxed beach- and poolside restaurant and bar built around seafood and vegetable-forward cooking.

Built into a hillside and surrounded by 160 acres of grasslands and forestry, the Anantara Golden Triangle Resort and Spa is another marvellous choice if you want to commune with the elephants, as it’s next door to a foundation caring for these gentle giants. Lanna culture runs clearly through the resort; from the architecture to the hospitality, Northern Thai cuisine, design in its 61 bedrooms and the spa treatments (which are carried out in a three-storey wellness temple). There are also tennis courts, an infinity pool overlooking the valley, yoga sessions and kickboxing lessons.

People who want to enjoy pure pampering and relaxation are sure to love this luxurious resort, which can be found cascading on the edge of Koh Yao Noi off the west coast of Phuket. Guests are collected from the airport and taken to the hotel in a private boat to this enchanting spot where they can take part in a wide range of activities such as kayaking in the crystal clear waters, cycling and swimming. The Zen garden spa is the perfect place to relax while gazing at views of the enchanting Phang Nga Bay.

Como Bangkok is Thailand’s capital hotspot. It has an Asian aesthetic that has been combined with contemporary urban styles. The hotel is known for its award-winning cuisine served in its featured restaurant, Nham. Dishes are a modern take on traditional Thai fare, with sophisticated spicing of innovative Thai delicacies. Private dining banquets can be arranged and a range of healthy, Italian and child-friendly comfort dishes make up the in-room dining service.  The hotel has 169 rooms, two presidential suites, and four penthouses, all of which were created by Kathryn King, an interior designer based in Singapore. Many have their own yoga mates, private patio areas, outdoor showers, dining rooms and 24/7 butler service.

Staying somewhere eco-friendly need not mean stinting on luxury. The carbon-neutral Soneva Kiri has blended the two expertly. Villas cater for up to six people and have private infinity pools. There are watersports on the private beach, a spa, a tennis and volleyball court, an observatory, an outdoor cinema, several unique dining spots and a kids’ club. Be sure to book the treetop experience while you’re here – your meal will be served in a suspended bamboo pod, providing true birds’ eye views. And take a speedboat to Benz’s, the hotel’s mangrove-based dining concept, it’s built on stilts and lit by lanterns.

Marasca Samui is a boutique beachfront resort on the iconic Chaweng Beach in Koh Samui, Thailand, offering 62 thoughtfully designed rooms and suites. With a focus on comfort and sustainability, accommodations range from private plunge pool rooms to expansive two-bedroom suites, many featuring standalone baths and ocean views. The décor combines casual elegance with high-quality amenities, creating a home-away-from-home atmosphere. At the heart of the resort is the lively Cabanas Koh Samui Beach Club, offering a vibrant social scene with curated music, guest DJs, live performances, and diverse dining from seven specialty food stations. Guests can enjoy a beachfront pool, a spa with signature treatments, and wellness activities such as yoga and Muay Thai classes. Located in the lively Chaweng area, the resort provides easy access to pristine beaches, water sports, and the island’s buzzing nightlife, making it an ideal retreat for both relaxation and entertainment.

The five-star Meliá Pattaya Hotel brings Spanish luxury and Thai heritage together in Pattaya’s vibrant city centre, offering 234 elegant rooms and suites with panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand. Standing 12 stories high on Second Road, the hotel boasts a rooftop Cantonese restaurant and sky bar (Yitong), a Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei eatery (Den), and an all-day seafood dining spot (Sanehh Sarae). Guests can unwind at YHI Spa, a swimming pool with a bar, a fully equipped gym, and an exclusive executive lounge. Families will love the Kidsdom kids club, while business travellers can enjoy two ballrooms, three meeting rooms, and a coworking space. The ‘The Level’ experience offers upgraded services and private lounge access for select guests. Positioned near Pattaya Beach, Walking Street, Central Festival Pattaya, and Bali Hai Pier, this luxurious coastal retreat is perfect for exploring the city’s cultural diversity and nearby islands.

As of 2023, Thai hospitality giant Centara has opened its first property in Ubon, showcasing ultra-local culture, alongside nationally reputed service standards. 160 bedrooms and suites range from 29 to 47 square metres, some with the addition of private balconies. The hotel’s all-day dining concept, House of Kin UBON, serves Thai, Japanese and international dishes, as well as baked goods. While the poolside eatery, Pineapple Cocktails Club by Teens of Thailand, provides lighter meals and drinks with a view. The hotel is both business traveller and family-friendly, with plentiful meeting spaces and a warm and welcoming philosophy.

100 acres of tropical forest and 900 acres of beach (Kantiang Bay, arguably one of the most beautiful in the land) make up this secluded resort. Its privacy is maintained with access only by speedboat – and you’ll feel like a movie star arriving using this mode of transport, taking in sublime scenery on the two-hour transfer. Pavilions lead toward a long and large infinity pool, built on stilts and facing the Andaman sea, the grounds feature coconut and cashew trees, waterfalls and koi-filled ponds. At the Pimalai you can play tennis, visit the spa, borrow bicycles and take classes. Kids have their own activity corner and babysitting services are available. Book the Hillside ocean view villa if you want the best suite in the house.

Situated just a 30 minute drive from the international airport, and the same distance from Big Buddha, Four Seasons lies on the northwest tip of Koh Samui, at Laem Yai Bay. One of the most popular destinations on the island for those seeking an ‘away from it all’ romantic occasion or peaceful break. Four Season’s staff have built a well deserved international reputation for offering guests the very best in personal service. Add to that the splendour of their 60 detached villas, picture postcard surroundings, gourmet cuisine, extensive range of activities and you have the perfect recipe for complete holiday indulgence.

Guests make an entrance to this five-star boutique resort via the hotel’s own speedboat. This Bond-like experience is continued beyond check-in, where guests are escorted to one of 64 rooms, each with private plunge pools, provided with access to a spa (with a tropical steam cave and herb bath), offered classes on a yoga deck, invited to cocktail parties and served lunches on the sand beside the pool. The Anantara Rasananda epitomises barefoot luxury, where the vibe is relaxed, yet very refined. By night, Yukinoya served Japanese cuisine, which includes the local catch of the day.

This large hotel boasts the biggest pool in the city, along with 277 guest rooms (designed in a modern Northern Thai style) and four places to eat. The Shangri-La’s range of facilities makes it ideal for parents travelling with kids — there’s cartoon bedding for younger travellers, playpens, colouring sets, everything you need to feed/bathe a newborn, mini-bathrobes and slippers, a splash zone, kids’ club, and supervised creative activities run daily. Then while the kids are being entertained, you can indulge in a traditional Asian healing treatment at CHI, The Spa.