Best Luxury Hotels in Thailand

Would you like a bucket list-worthy hotel experience? Retreat to a luxury resort with a difference; this tented camp places you among jungle trails, bamboo forestry and wildlife such as rescue elephants, who roam past your handcrafted teak door. Expect ‘rooms’ with outdoor showers, wooden hot tubs and lamplit verandahs. Sample Thai, Laotian and Burmese cooking under a thatched roof restaurant, and tipples from the in-house wine cave. Take a Land Rover trip out to the heart of the jungle, before being served sundowners on the roof and tuck into a picnic feast (prepared just for you) by the riverside.

Featuring classic architecture with a modern twist, this riverside property spread across five wings, is surrounded by century-old flora and fauna. Le Meridien’s culinary offer comprises a signature restaurant, Latest Recipe, and the riverside Italian Favola. There are multiple pools, a fitness centre, a library for some quiet time and the Parvati Spa for replenishing treatments to combat tired limbs after long days of exploring (bikes are available to borrow if you want to adventure on two wheels). Spacious bedrooms come with signature bedding, sitting areas and private balconies with epic views.

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.

Stay in one of 21 thatched-roof villas at the High Season resort, complete with mosquito nets, private plunge pools, coffee makers, flat-screen TVs and your own private walkway. Found beside the romantic Klong Chao Beach, the property was built using natural materials, with rustic-chic results that provide a castaway feel. But your every need is waited upon here, from dinner at the beachfront restaurant to your personal preference of pillows, bespoke island tours tailored to your interests, therapies at High Spa and afternoon tea served in an elevated, hammock-effect pod.

Floating 12 miles south of Phuket, this island is an eco-retreat with 20 acres of grounds. Sleek, modern monochrome suites and villas hover above the waters of their private pools. But for the best room in the house, it has to be The Lighthouse; a fifteen-metre, five-storey high structure that stands out in the otherwise low-rise resort. This ultra-luxe pad has a state-of-the-art entertainment system, jacuzzi tubs, an 8.5 metre ozonated pool with underwater music and lighting and an observation deck with 360° views. Three restaurants, a bar, a spa, a watersports and a dive centre, are among The Racha’s facilities.

Two circular pools are separated from the ocean only by a strip of lush garden, at the Pullman Phuket Karon Beach Resort. Its facilities include a 24-hour fitness centre, 15 spa treatment rooms, five outdoor swimming pools, three tennis courts, a golf course, a sauna, a steam room, and a whirlpool. Dining takes place throughout the day and night at the Sails Restaurant, with themed buffets and a Sunday Brunch, or at Buon Appetito and the Thai Thai Restaurant. Families will appreciate the kids play area, splash pool and babysitting services.

Surrounded by high walls and trees, this restorative resort has a sense of seclusion. All of the 22 pavilions and 48 suites have an open balcony with blue views, while 35 villas have infinity-edge pools. Amatara’s interiors were created by Jaya Design with a clean and elegant Thai aesthetic. You can sign up for a wellness retreat program with a selection of treatments, activities and creative wellness workshops; or a cookery course to learn a new skill. The hotel also offers a pilates studio, a fitness centre, three signature restaurants and several bars.

20 minutes from Kata Beach and Phuket Town, Noku is in the south of the island on a hillside overlooking Chalong Bay. Guests are accommodated across 91 villas and lofts with natural textiles, free-flowing design and features such as sunken baths, whirlpools and plunge pools — the largest of the villas span three storeys with four bedrooms, indoor and outdoor living spaces, a kid’s playroom, and a spacious kitchen. Feast on Thai, Japanese and Singaporean food at Embrace, Noku’s restaurant and drink cocktails on the Terrace. The hotel was awarded the Green Mark Gold Award in 2022.

414 rooms (all with a terrace or outdoor space) are spread across four floors at this property that’s beside Tri-Trang Beach. The resort is set around a lagoon-style freeform pool, one of three pools — kids will love the endless fun provided by the waterslide. Activities range from Thai cookery lessons to jewellery making, outdoor movie nights and live music in the lobby bar. And there are many places to grab a bite: the Thai Pantry, The Beach Grill, D.O.C.G – Italian Restaurant, The Merchant Kitchen, Phuket Coffee Co, The Pool Bar, The Lounge, The Rum Shack And The Wellness Bar.

Escape to an enchanting hillside haven of luxury and romance at The Pavilions, Phuket. Perched high above the scenic bays of Bang Tao and Layan, this idyllic retreat seamlessly combines sleek European elegance with traditional Thai beauty. With luxurious suites and sprawling private villas offering breathtaking views of the Andaman Ocean, and a range of amenities including an open rooftop bar 360 serving delectable cocktails, Alto the Italian-focused fine dining restaurant, and Firefly the all-day dining restaurant offers a relaxed poolside ambience. There is also a fabulous spa and open-air yoga pavilion, along with complimentary shuttles to and from pristine Layan Beach for guests to enjoy. The Pavilions provides an unparalleled experience of indulgence and tranquillity. Whether you’re a honeymooner or a couple seeking a romantic getaway, this oasis promises an unforgettable fusion of sophistication and serenity against the stunning backdrop of Phuket’s natural beauty.

Set on Bang Tao beach among lush grounds (which include the 18-hole Laguna Phuket golf course), Dusit Thani Laguna offers ocean-front bedrooms, suites and two-bedded villas. Connect with local culture and your own wellbeing, embark on culinary journeys, get to know the indigenous wildlife and bond with your kids at a Family Retreat or Bonfire Campout. Watersports, yoga, racquet sports and creative past-times such as batik painting, tie-dye, umbrella painting, fruit and vegetable carving and flower arranging are all offered. Plus there’s the Angsana Spa, an outdoor pool and extensive kids’ facilities.

Classic Thai and contemporary design come together at the Mövenpick Phuket Bangtao. Choose to stay in a king-size bedroom, or a residence, suite or penthouse with your own living and dining areas, kitchens and outdoor space (some also have private pools and jacuzzis). Bordering Bangtao Beach, the low-rise resort incorporates the Blossom Spa and a sprawling pool area. Dine on the likes of freshly caught lobster at The Palm, either inside, or on the poolside terrace, followed by drinks in the bar. And if you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss the daily Mövenpick Chocolate Hour when you can feast on all things cocoa for a full 60 minutes.