Best Luxury Hotels in Thailand

Set between a freshwater tropical lagoon and a private beach, this luxury hotel enjoys the best of both worlds. 69 rooms, suites and villas nestled among coconut groves, offer lovely views of the Andaman coast. The design is inspired by the intricate architecture of ancient Asian civilisations, in a neutral palette with splashes of vibrant colour. Swim in the marble saltwater infinity pool as you look out over the ocean, head to the incredible spa, try your hand at paddle boarding and kayaking, dine on Thai cuisine at Takola or more relaxed cuisine at the beach bar and grill. Activities include yoga, local tours, cooking classes – and there’s a programme for children too.

This secluded retreat just oozes romance. Its 56 swish contemporary suites are spread across seven buildings. All are flanked with lush flora and fauna and set around a dreamy infinity pool centrepiece. Guests can lounge on a muslin draped cabana, play petanque or croquet on the perfectly manicured lawns, take a sunset cruise, enjoy a private barbeque meal, borrow books from the extensive library, dine in the beachside restaurant or drink cocktails under a fig tree. Visit the spa with its rainfall showers, soaking tubs for two, treatment pavilions and an alfresco lounge. And for a real treat, upgrade your room to a residence with jacuzzi’s and terrace.

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.

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.

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.

Boasting its own private beach club and commanding panoramic views of Phang Nga Bay, this is a stylish accommodation option where guests come to see and be seen by those in the know. Whether you prefer sipping cocktails at sunset while gazing at the ocean, indulging in a romantic evening meal on the terrace or splashing around in the infinity pool, pure style and relaxation are guaranteed. With 27 private villas and just 79 sleek and sophisticated rooms to choose from, the hotel is as exclusive as it is luxurious.

Set right on the edge of the powdery white sand of Nai Harn Beach, this cool and contemporary resort commands one of the most desirable positions on the whole of Phuket. The hotel originally opened its doors to guests in the ‘80s and has received a large number of international celebrities over the years. The infinity pool is set with floating sun loungers where guests can unwind and take in stunning views as the sand slowly gives way to the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea, where a wide range of aquatic activities are just waiting to be enjoyed.

With a whopping seven swimming pools (and a swim-up bar), including an infinity pool with panoramic ocean views and a private beach, you’ll be spoilt for choice for a swim at Sri Panwa. Indoors, you can play pool, table tennis and board games. Dine at the Baba Pool Club, or on street food from around the world at Baba Soul Food, and on contemporary Japanese dishes at Baba IKI. The award-winning Cool Spa provides five-sense tropical wellness experiences in its four large treatment rooms, plus there’s a private salon and a floating yoga deck.

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.

Guests who stay at this unique resort are invited to step into a fantasy world where luxurious tree house pods provide the perfect accommodation. Each pod is suspended from the forest that graces the coast and comes with a wide range of modern conveniences while also offering stunning views of the ocean and golden sands of Kamala Beach far below. This sophisticated hideaway also boasts a lagoon-like swimming pool featuring its own waterfall and bar, while guests can also unwind and get into shape with daily classes including yoga, Tai Chi on the beach and Muay Thai boxing.

Nestled on a cliffside high above Kamala Beach (where the hotel has its own beach club), Paresa enjoys an address on the ‘Millionaires Mile’ stretch of coast overlooking the Andaman Sea. Its name means “heaven of all heavens”, giving a good indication of the kind of views, service and facilities you’ll have here. Stay in one of 42 villas with private pools and cool, chic decor. Try your hand at some watersports (there’s a free shuttle to the beach), swim in a rose quartz energy pool, dine at the signature Talung Thai restaurant, or opt for some native cookery classes at Paresa’s own culinary school.