Best Beach Hotels in Thailand

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.

Surrounded by the lush flora and fauna of Krabi Marine National Park, Rayavadee is set within easy walking distance of three stunning sandy beaches. Guests are greeted each morning by the sound of monkeys as they open the doors of their private villa and step out onto the terrace. The most lavish villas feature steps down to a private swimming pool and there is no need for guests to move a muscle as they can enjoy delicious dishes from the Railay Terrace restaurant right on their patio. The largest villas also come complete with hot tubs and very stylish living areas, while taking a stroll through the garden is the perfect way to work up an appetite before retiring to the terrace to enjoy a few sunset cocktails and a wide range of tasty treats.

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.

This newly opened hotel is found on Tawanron Beach, between Jomtien and the village of Bang Saray. The low-rise accommodation, comprising 204 bedrooms, suites and villas, is set within 15 private acres, including organic herb and kitchen gardens and mature trees. Lagoon Access Rooms, Pool Suites, Beachfront Suites, a four-bedroom Manor House and a six-bedroom Presidential Heritage House are all available to book; the latter two options offer butler service. At the resort’s centre is Raintree Court, where you’ll find most of the six restaurants, a show kitchen and relaxation areas. The pool area takes on a clubby vibe after dark, with cocktails and DJ sets.

This tropical paradise nestles in eight hectares of lush grounds and lotus ponds, with a vista of the Gulf of Thailand. Cool rooms come with all modern amenities including balconies, while an upgrade adds an open-air bathroom, gulf views and daybeds, and suites contain lounges with living-room furniture. The outdoor pool, gym, spa and four tennis courts help guests to build up an appetite for one of the three restaurants and bar, and the hotel even boasts its own wine cellar. A kids’ club with adventure playground leaves parents free to practise yoga, learn Thai cooking or take an excursion.

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.

Set in a commanding position in Emerald Bay, this hotel can be found perched high on the rocks to provide guests with enchanting views. While guests are treated to nothing but the best in terms of style and amenities, this is also a great place for the environmentally conscious to stay as the hotel concept incorporates a number of ecologically sound methods such as rainwater collection. This provides guests with peace of mind as they enjoy paradise from their private pool or terrace, while the private beach below is the perfect place to explore.

Less than half an hours’ walk from the beach, the accommodation at this IHG resort is formed of two wings: The Beach Wing and BluPort Wing. Whichever you choose you’ll have amenities like BOSE sound systems and iPod docks at your disposal, as well as soundproofed windows. Shared areas include the large outdoor pool, multiple restaurants (including Pirom Restaurant and Azure Restaurant & Bar), a newsstand, a florist, a souvenir boutique, a jacuzzi, a steam room and a fitness centre with a programme of classes.

Trisara, located in the tropical hills of north-western Phuket, is a secluded paradise on the Andaman Sea, set within a protected nature preserve spanning fourteen hectares, this resort offers guests extreme privacy and tranquillity. The name Trisara refers to a mythical tropical garden paradise in the third heaven and the design of this five-star sanctuary draws inspiration from Thai cultural traditions and is blended with the use of natural materials and modern luxury elements that flow throughout the spacious villas and private residences.  As Phuket’s most renowned private pool resort, each villa and residence boasts a private swimming pool that looks out across the sea from the terraced hillside setting. Guests can also enjoy use of a private beach, ideal for sunbathing and water sports and other amenities include an infinity pool, fitness room, tennis courts, and even a Muay Thai boxing ring. There’s also a Kid’s Club for children’s entertainment. For a relaxing experience, the JARA Spa focuses on physical and spiritual well-being, with sea-facing treatment rooms and a centuries-old Ficus tree as its spiritual anchor. The dining options at Trisara range from casual to fine dining, while its cocktail lounge provides a stunning backdrop for enjoying the island’s sunsets. Trisara is an ideal destination for couples seeking a secluded break or is equally suited to families and friends looking for a peaceful, private, and attentive service-oriented holiday experience.

Modelled on a Thai fishing village, this resort has a rustic feel, surrounded by natural flora and fauna. Most of the villas, retreats and reserves have pools and amazing views across the Gulf of Thailand. GEMs (Guest Experience Makers) are on hand to curate your experiences and ensure your trip is tailored to your needs. Guests can swim in the horizon-edged main swimming pool with its own snack bar, or hang out at Drift at the Beach. There are four further dining options, as well as an in-villa service. The spa incorporates six treatment villas, two dry saunas, two steam rooms and a fitness centre. And there’s a library with a hammock for quiet time with a good book. Thai cooking classes are held daily, as is the programme of kid’s activities.

The Anantara Layan is situated on Phuket’s west coast, with stunning views over a tropical bay. There are 30 rooms/suites and 47 pool villas, surrounding an intimate and secluded beach. A private chef is available for bespoke dining. For complete relaxation, you can visit the Anantara spa facilities. There’s a children’s club to keep the little ones entertained while you relax. For those who want to indulge further, there’s a five-day spa and wellness retreat, featuring rejuvenating spa treatments and nourishing cuisine. If you’re feeling a bit more energetic, there’s a fitness centre, watersports and a cooking school to keep you busy. For the lovebirds, the Anantara Layan has a private wedding chapel nestled on the tropical cliffside.

Set on the edge of Bangtao beach, the Banyan Tree is one of Phuket’s best-known luxury hotels and combines traditional Thai class and elegance with modern creature comforts and pampering that guests have come to expect from this well-established brand. The hotel’s huge grounds play host to a wide range of activities and amenities such as golf on a stunning course, tennis courts, a yoga pavilion and two large swimming pools. Each of the onsite villas and suites is sumptuously decorated and fitted so that it serves as a luxurious retreat, while guests are provided with private beach access and invited to indulge in a little pampering in the world-class spa.