Best Resort Hotels in Thailand

Set on a 58-acre plot on the north-east of the island, the resort was once a coconut plantation and continues to use the fruit’s fibres in its architecture. It’s home to Thailand’s only sea pool (open seasonally), as well as two beaches, a beachfront infinity swimming pool and a swim reef where you can spot more than 50 species of fish. You’ll find a Muay Thai ring, tennis, basketball, volleyball, mini golf, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, jogging, cooking classes, a Ritz Kids programme and multiple restaurants onsite. Plus there’s an entire Spa Village, with eight treatment suites, a yoga pavilion and a lap pool with cabanas. 175 bedrooms, suites and pool villas are decorated in neutral colours.

Located on the west side of the Chao Praya River, this hotel offers a haven-like atmosphere and a huge pool by Bangkok standards. Guests can take Muay Thai boxing classes, sign up for cooking lessons, play tennis, sightseeing on a river cruise or dine as a couple on a restored rice barge, listen to live music beside the water, drink in the swim-up bar and enjoy Elemis treatments in the spa. The kids club offers a cultural and engaging programme of activities. Dining options include Italian cuisine, a global buffet, a cafe and patisserie and freshly cooked delights from a Chinese wood-fired oven (a rare experience).

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.

Originally the Hua Hin Railway Hotel, the Centara Grand Beach Resort dates back to the coming of the railroad, and today it’s considered a classic. Renovations and extensions have tastefully maintained its colonial-style rooms with wood furnishings, complementing its beach-side setting and landscaped gardens, while its central location in a popular part of town makes it ideal for sightseeing and shopping. A fitness centre and spa have brought the resort up to date, with restaurants, bars and a grill completing the process.

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.

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.

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 within 10 acres of tropical gardens that open onto a secluded stretch of white-sand beach, The Sarojin in Khao Lak offers a serene, highly personalised escape that captures the essence of barefoot luxury. Boutique in scale, with just 56 residences housed in low-rise residential style buildings discreetly dotted around its lush gardens. Dining is central to the experience, with two main restaurants and imaginative private dining options, including candlelit meals beside a waterfall and castaway-style dinners on a secluded sandbank. Guests can shape their stay around their own rhythm, whether that’s sunrise yoga, unwinding in the open-air spa, or beginning the day with a champagne breakfast served until 6pm.

What has to be one of Thailand’s most dramatic and ultra-luxurious hotel properties the Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve has just 54 villas and pavilions set across meticulously manicured grounds, a backdrop of cinematic natural beauty and a collection of dining experiences ranging from classic Thai, contemporary fine dining and laid-back Mediterranean-inspired options poolside. This beachfront hideaway offers the intimacy of a boutique retreat combined with the service style and offerings the Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand is synonymous with. Recently recognised with three MICHELIN Keys in Thailand’s inaugural hotel guide, the resort is celebrated for its outstanding hospitality offering.

Set on a private 100-metre white sand beach, the Conrad is built into a cliffside proffering panoramic vistas. Book a villa on stilts, with your own 10-meter infinity pool and spa bathroom. Dine on fine farm-to-table cuisine crafted with ingredients from the onsite organic farm. Take yoga classes on the beach, sunset boat tours, go kayaking and snorkelling and let the kids burn off some energy at the Little Explorer’s Academy. Or book an excursion from the hotel to nearby attractions, like the Samui Elephant Sanctuary, the Samui Zip Line and the Santiburi Golf Course.

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.

Curved lines, stark materials, retro touches, modern art and golden sunflower yellow textiles contrast The Standard from the more traditional tourist hotels found in this area. This property is in fact, anything but standard, as indicated in its upside-down signage. It was named Best in the World on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2022 Hot List; 7th best resort in Asia (and the 35th resort in the world) at the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2022. Dine Mediterranean style at the Lido, or on the beach at Praça and grab healthy beverages at the Juice Cafe.