Best Luxury Hotels in Thailand

100 acres of tropical forest and 900 acres of beach (Kantiang Bay, arguably one of the most beautiful in the land) make up this secluded resort. Its privacy is maintained with access only by speedboat – and you’ll feel like a movie star arriving using this mode of transport, taking in sublime scenery on the two-hour transfer. Pavilions lead toward a long and large infinity pool, built on stilts and facing the Andaman sea, the grounds feature coconut and cashew trees, waterfalls and koi-filled ponds. At the Pimalai you can play tennis, visit the spa, borrow bicycles and take classes. Kids have their own activity corner and babysitting services are available. Book the Hillside ocean view villa if you want the best suite in the house.

An adjacent mile-long beach, the Linger Longer Spa, a Wellness Zone (with a large saltwater lap pool, yoga platform and juice bar) and ocean-front villas make this a dreamy place to spend a honeymoon or anniversary – as guests must be over the age of 12, you won’t be sharing the palm-flanked infinity pools with young families. For this reason, it’s also popular with digital nomads who wish to work to the sounds of the lapping sea (bedrooms come with home office essentials). Dinner at the five-star resort is served overlooking the sands at SeaSky and the drinks flow at Sundowners Bar.

Staying somewhere eco-friendly need not mean stinting on luxury. The carbon-neutral Soneva Kiri has blended the two expertly. Villas cater for up to six people and have private infinity pools. There are watersports on the private beach, a spa, a tennis and volleyball court, an observatory, an outdoor cinema, several unique dining spots and a kids’ club. Be sure to book the treetop experience while you’re here – your meal will be served in a suspended bamboo pod, providing true birds’ eye views. And take a speedboat to Benz’s, the hotel’s mangrove-based dining concept, it’s built on stilts and lit by lanterns.

One of the newer offerings in Bangkok the W Hotel brand in Bangkok’s Sathorn business district has its finger most definitely on the pulse, with interiors designed by Soda and Avroko. “Casual luxury” is at the heart of this brand and it works flawlessly. Cutting-edge technology and little surprise finishing touches keep the 403 rooms a cut above the competition, whilst the bar is jumping in the evening giving the hotel a fun and funky approach to luxury accommodation. The Away Spa is also one of the best in the city. A highlight here is the famed epic brunch – it’s so vast diners are given a map of the buffet on entry. This is a popular choice for younger travellers seeking a luxury up to date experience. We loved every minute of our time at the W and we know you will too!