Best Luxury Hotels in Thailand

An invigorating ten-minute speedboat ride takes guests across the calm and clear waters to this luxury hotel set on a craggy island. This is the perfect place for guests to live out their desert island fantasies without having to skimp on creature comforts as there are 67 private villas to choose from nestled in nature complete with large picture windows and spacious terraces to unwind in while soaking up stunning ocean views. Couples will love the private pools, which allow for intimate island paradise experiences.

Built right into Kata Beach, this sleek aparthotel exudes a modern and minimal Balearic style and is the fanciest you’ll find in the neighbourhood. 34 apartments come with expansive terraces and infinity pools beside the ocean, some suiting couples, others catering to families and groups, with Natuzzi furnishings and Snaidero kitchens. While the resort is right on the coast, it borders a rocky beach (hence the name), however, those in search of sand need only take a five-minute stroll to the main area of Kata Beach. The hotel also has a Mediterranean poolside eatery.

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.

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.

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.

The hillside location of this luxury resort allows the most stunning views over the Gulf of Thailand. Just 15 minutes from the airport, Silavadee means ‘beautiful rock’ in Thai, and refers to the pristine, private beach just a few minutes’ stroll from the resort. The 44 villas and 36 rooms are decorated with modern Thai furniture and fabrics. Whether relaxing around the pool, eating in the hillside restaurant, or enjoying a cocktail on the rooftop terrace, the stunning views across the bay will provide memories to last a lifetime.

Only a fifteen minute drive from the airport lies the stunning beach area of Choweng Noi and the 80 suites and villas of the luxurious Vana Belle Resort. Lying back off the beach, amid swaying palm trees and tropical vegetation, the Vana Belle offers a tranquil location from which you can explore the surrounding area. Alternatively if exploring doesn’t appeal then guests can choose to soak up the relaxing atmosphere with a good book, interspersed with visits to the spa, wellness and fitness centres. Restaurant facilities are limited, with Panali, the shore side eatery serving Italian cuisine, and the hillside Kiree restaurant, offering guests traditional Thai food.

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.

If history and culture are on your holiday agenda then a stay at the Ammatara Pura Pool Villa complex on the edge of Lamai Beach should fit the bill. The whole complex is traditionally styled, with much use made of dark Thai wood, intricately carved trees, statues and religious deities. The beautiful villas also embrace traditional building techniques with timber beams, cool tiles, and heavy, period style furniture. The restaurant offers Asian and International cuisine and vegetarian and vegan options. With a sauna, spa and fitness centre guests can be as active or as laid-back as they like.

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.

As part of the Kempinski Group of hotels, this is one of the newer 5-star hotels in Bangkok. It was established in 2010, designed by Hirsch Bedner Associates and is located at the heart of Bangkok. The hotel has a touch of European contemporary sophistication alongside many Thai-themed services and cuisine. The Siam Kempinski has 42 suites and a total of 303 rooms, in addition to the 98 serviced residences. The meeting rooms offer an impressive welcome to delegates – each is accessed via an ornate golden brass door. There’s also a sumptuous spa, three dining areas, bar and gorgeous outdoor pool. But its highlight has to be the green royal garden accessed right from the balconies of the rooms.