Best Luxury Hotels in Thailand

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bangkok’s riverside Charoen Krung district is home to one of the city’s most striking and design-focused hotels. Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River spans a tiered series of cascading buildings woven through courtyards of reflective pools and water features, with 299 rooms and suites, six restaurants, a Michelin-recognised culinary offering, an award-winning destination bar, and Urban Wellness Centre. It recently earned the #14 spot in the inaugural World’s 50 Best Hotels list and was awarded two Michelin Keys, a major milestone as one of the first hotels in Thailand to receive this prestigious recognition. With river views at every turn, rotating contemporary art installations and a serious food and drink programme, you have without doubt one of the capital’s most incredible urban resorts.

This was the first ever Aman hotel and as the flagship has built a loyal following. Built in 1988, it resembles a grand temple from the outside, with Lanna-style architecture, lattice carvings and wooden pavilions interspersed by lily ponds and jungle walkways leading to secluded villas. A sublime pool area epitomises the Thai luxury boutique aesthetic and overlooks the sea. And there’s a beach club right on the neighbouring sands. Amanpuri also offers a kids club, an in-house art gallery and a spa.

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.

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.

Muang Samui is on the east coast of the island, and just ten minutes by car from Koh Samui’s airport, or 15 miles from Nathon City if arriving by ferry. A boutique complex, the resort has 53 suites, all with terraces and views out to sea or across the tropical gardens. Comfortable rooms are decorated in typical Thai style and have all the usual facilities. The two restaurants serve Italian, international, or traditional Thai cuisine. Guests can choose to spend their time unwinding around the pool or on the beach, before jumping into a hire car to explore further afield.

For guests who enjoy trying a little of everything when on holiday, the Anantara Bophut Resort is ideally placed to do just that. Popular with both couples and families, in-house facilities are excellent. Rooms, although not as large as some other resorts, are tastefully decorated, and seamlessly blend traditional with contemporary. Of its three excellent restaurants, the Full Moon Samui is the piece-de-resistance with its many seafood, international and Thai speciality dishes. Amongst its many facilities, the exceptional spa and wellness centre is an experience not to be missed. Add to that being next door to the Fisherman’s Wharf at Bo Phut and only a short taxi ride from Chaweng’s bustling night life makes the Anantara Bophut Resort a fantastic base.

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.

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.