Best Luxury Hotels in Thailand

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.

Just 10 miles from the airport, the Belmond Napasai five star hotel complex is snuggled amongst the palms that border its picturesque private beach. With 24 suites, 45 villas and a raft of different things to do, it is an ideal venue for a family holiday. Activities include an attractive infinity pool, children’s pool, spa and wellness treatments, tennis courts, and a variety of water sports, boat trips, golf, and elephant excursions. With qualified dive instructors on hand, the whole family can sign up for diving or snorkelling lessons – or just lay back, unwind, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the Belmond Napasai.

The Banyan Tree Samui resort nestles on the edge of the Lamai jungle. From its secluded position overlooking the Gulf of Thailand this plush five star, 88 room complex whispers tranquillity. With its private beach, three restaurants, three lounges, indoor and outdoor pools, top quality spa, wellness and fitness centres with personal service, guest don’t need to even leave the complex. However, for those wishing to explore more of this idyllic island, water and road shuttle transport is readily available.

Built in 2005, this luxurious resort is set on a hilltop that commands stunning views across Klong Tob Bay. While there are 185 guestrooms and eleven spacious suites to choose from, the enormous luxury villas are worth splashing out on. These private villas come complete with their own swimming pools and patio areas, which command striking vistas of the bay. Guests can also take their pick from a wide range of spa treatments, while lovers of fine dining will not be disappointed.

Tucked away in a tranquil bay just a short stroll from Klong Muang Beach, Nakamanda Resort and Spa boasts traditional Thai architecture that is embellished with modern and luxurious touches. There are three different types of villas for guests to choose from here, and each provides a luxurious sanctuary that is fully loaded with a wide range of creature comforts. Guests who enjoy messing about in the water are sure to appreciate the Jacuzzi Villa and Pool Villa, where there will be treated to either an outdoor Jacuzzi or plunge pool that is set in a private tropical garden. The Nakamanda Resort and Spa is a popular option for couples who want to spend their honeymoon unwinding in a tropical setting while enjoying plenty of pampering.

With four large swimming pools and three excellent restaurants to enjoy, guests at the Amari Vogue Krabi are treated to a taste of the finer things in life. This huge complex is set on the edge of the white sands of the picturesque Tubkaak beach and guests are provided with private beach access as well as their choice of fully padded sun loungers. Each of the 57 guestrooms boasts a large balcony that overlooks the garden and pools, while there are also spacious bathrooms set with especially deep tubs. The spa suites are especially decadent and provide ocean views.

Set on the edge of Pai Plong Bay, Centara Grand Beach Krabi treats guests to exclusive access to 350 metres of pristine golden sand. Here, guests can spend the day unwinding on one of the huge sun loungers while a selection of drinks and snacks are brought right to them. The backdrop of the hotel is formed by a rugged limestone cliff that is covered with tropical plants, helping to reinforce the feeling of exclusivity and seclusion. The resort features 192 rooms for guests to choose from, which are arranged in eight different categories. Even the smallest room type covers a more than satisfactory 72 square metres, while the Villa Royal provides guests with 399 square metres of space to unwind in.

Providing guests with uninterrupted views of Phang Nga Bay from their large rooms and suites, the Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is a popular place to stay among luxury lovers who value their privacy. There are several impressive outdoor pools to wallow in here, which boast infinity edges to make the most of the spectacular bay vistas. The Reserve and Royal pool villas are especially enchanting and feature silk screens and furnishings that are sure to make guests feel like royalty. Dining here is a lavish experience and lovers of fresh seafood dishes can unwind on the terrace at the Lae Lay restaurant, while couples can enjoy a candlelit suppler right on the sand.

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.

One of JM Marriott’s flagship resorts, this immaculate property sits beside Khuk Khak Beach. Swimmers will adore the lagoon style pool which is the largest in Southeast Asia – with two swim-up bars. It houses 292 rooms and suites all with private outdoor spaces and oversized tubs. Further facilities include tennis, squash, volleyball, video games (a lifesaver if travelling with teens), a fitness suite, Quan Spa providing indoor and outdoor treatments and restaurants offering Thai, Japanese, Italian, Mediterranean and European cuisine. It may be huge but still manages to retain a personal feel.

Expect first-class service and an authentic ambience at this award-winning intimate beachside resort. Holidays here can be versatile, with family adventure, honeymoon romance and relaxation all possible, depending on how you tailor your stay. With just nine rooms and villas, it’s an ideal spot for those wishing to escape the masses. Owned by Bespoke Hospitality Management Asia, the design is bold, innovative, functional and low rise. High ceilings and picture windows bring the outdoors in, and each residence has its own large verandah. Colours are muted, reflected the blondes and blues of its coastal location, with sumptuous bathrooms and in-room minibars. Guests can also recline on daybeds or beanbags by the main pool, visit a nearby fishing village.

36 cube-shaped villas give a modernist edge to this palm-lined beachfront in Phangnga province. Designed by VaSLab Architecture, the all-pool-villa hotel was commissioned in 2008, with unusual deviated walls, tilted roofs, green walls, rainwater recycling and custom-made furniture by Anon Pairot Design Studio. Casa de la Flora offers round the clock butler service, spa, fitness suite, direct beach access, minbars, mountain bike hire and watersports. Charming afternoon tea is served daily, with dinner taken at the Thai waterside eatery La Aranya -and the cocktails here are epic with variations as imaginative as the resort’s architecture. This chic design property is well suited to discerning couples and adult visitors.