FAB HOTELS ASIA 100

Need some inspiration for your next vacation? Consider a short getaway to nearby Thailand, which is brimming with some of the region’s most beautiful and luxurious resort destinations. From the coasts to the verdant interiors, here are some of the best resorts within the idyllic enclaves of Hua Hin, Krabi, Phuket, Samui, Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai.

Chiang Rai
 

Chiang Rai sits at the northernmost frontier of Thailand and shares borders with both Myanmar and Laos. The collective region is also known as the Golden Triangle, a spot that is infamous for its opium production across the Myanmar border. While the insidious cash crop once put the Golden Triangle on the map, Chiang Rai is also renowned for its stunning sights both natural and cultural.The city was made the capital of the Lan Na kingdom in 1262 and is still dotted with many temples and stupas left over from the glory days. The province is also covered with thick lush greenery and remains a bastion of elephant conservation within the Thai kingdom.

 

The Launchpads

 

Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle
 

One of the true hospitality landmarks of Thailand, Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle opened in 2006 at the bend of the Ruak River where Laos, Myanmar and Thailand meet. The geography is as mesmerising as the luxuries set in motion in this Bill Benseley designed glam-camp, and be it evening cocktails atop a jeep pointed towards the sunset or dining under the stars by a remote riverbank, the permutation of unforgettable moments here is surprisingly varied even for an exotic Four Seasons resort.

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The tents are extremely comfortable dens with faux ivory adorned plush beds, ornate bathtubs and roomy terraces that extend into the stunning vistas outside. Some of these tents are enhanced with additional luxuries like outdoor jacuzzis while others open to views of the resident elephants grazing a short distance off in the lightly forested grasslands. The top tent here is the opulent Explorer Lodge with two bedrooms and a swimming pool raised by the lush hillside. Intimate moments await at the spa with reclusive treatment tents that are surrounded by thick, lush bamboo groves that instantly transport one to the primordial realm.

 

Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, 499 Moo 1 T. Vieng, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai 57150, Thailand

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Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp
 

With 63 rooms, suites and tents unfolding across 160 acres of northern ancient jungle, Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort is perched on a hill overlooking the Mekong and Ruak rivers. The secluded location offers majestic views over the confluence of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. Basking in the natural splendour of the resort, one can set about exploring the old Lanna capital of Chiang Saen or experiencing the Elephant Camp, the resort’s star attraction modelled after traditional mahout villages and home to a score of

Thailand’s rescued elephants.

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These gentle giants with an unfortunate past now live a life of leisure wandering and feeding across the scenic plains of the resort, unburdened by the labours once inflicted on them. Guests can opt to walk with them in the cool morning, learn the customs and history of the mahouts, the elephants’ traditional caregivers, and even learn to make gourmet cakes for these highly intelligent and sociable creatures. One can also check into the Jungle Bubble for a night, a transparent observation tent set amidst a jungle clearing within close range of some resident giants. Plenty of other recreational options await here, from indulgent treatments at Anantara Spa, authentic Thai cooking classes, to a sidecar experience through the bucolic countryside or a fascinating one-day discovery tour of the Golden Triangle. A canopy breakfast in excellent command of the majestic view of the Golden Triangle is definitely an experience not to be missed.

 

Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, 229 Moo 1, Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai 57150

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Chiang Mai
 

Night markets and tempting street cuisines may be some of Chiang Mai’s greatest attractions but this charming cultural and heritage enclave also takes one back with its olden sites and bucolic outskirts. The city was founded in 1294 and succeeded Chiang Rai as the capital of Lan Na Kingdom. It formally became part of the Thonburi Kingdom in 1774, and in the years preceding the founding of modern Thailand, it formally became the capital of Chiang Mai province and the second largest city in Thailand.

Chiang Mai is one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations and hosts many grand hospitality establishments within its fold. Culture, cuisine, nature and some of the country’s best resorts continually beckon to tourists from the heart of Northern Thailand in Chiang Mai.

 

The Launchpads

 

Four Seasons Chiang Mai
 

A pastoral retreat in the heart of rural Chiang Mai, the mascots at Four Seasons Chiang Mai are two pairs of handsome buffalos that are often seen grazing with serene abandon in the fields or submerged contentedly under a pool of great stillness, visible only from the head up.

 

Far removed from the urban centre, Four Seasons Chiang Mai is the perfect foil for life’s realities, a cloistered retreat of comely Lana style architecture set amidst a secluded parcel in the bucolic countryside. For extra privacy one can set up camp within the private pool villas here, and emerge only when heading out to luxuriate in the spa or graze in one of the four dining outlets the resort operates. The stillness of the air here is a great respite from the comings and goings of the mundane existence as we know it, and despite being far from it all, one feels as if one needs for nothing more when enveloped in such a state of bliss.

 

Four Seasons Chiang Mai, 502 Moo 1, Mae Rim-Samoeng Old Road, Chiang Mai, 50180 Thailand

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Raya Heritage
 

Inspired by the spirit of Lanna life in Northern Thailand, Raya Heritage offers an elegant take on traditional Lanna architectural designs. The intimate 38-suite property opens to organically muted interiors with beautifully curated, one-of-a-kind furniture pieces, artefacts and accessories sourced from and often created by hand by local craftspeople. Drawing inspiration from the local approach to life and art, and the social value placed on living in balance with nature and the surrounding community, this is a beautifully landscaped, retreat with elegant gardens interspersed throughout the entire building. Immersed in tranquil natural surroundings on the banks of the Ping River, Raya Heritage’s serene atmosphere makes it the perfect base for discovering the unique charms of the area at an unhurried pace.

 

The lushness of Raya Heritage is intimately inviting, from the handsome old tree in the lobby courtyard to the placid lawn by the riverside, and seems to be made for special moments away from life’s mundane doldrums. There are three dining venues to choose with cuisine that ranges from Asian fusion to light resort selections. Other wellness features include a swimming pool, fitness room and the Ai Waan Spa.

 

Raya Heritage, 157 Moo 6, Tambol Donkaew, Amphoe Mae Rim, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand

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Anantara Chiang Mai Resort
 

Anantara Chiang Mai Resort in many ways reflects its host city, with its unique culture, lush landscapes, and relaxed way of life. Located just a few minutes from the city centre and the airport, the resort is a riverside oasis in the heart of olden Lanna culture. The Kerry Hill designed resort combines heritage charm with contemporary luxury, with just 84 rooms and suites in the main building and 25 serviced suites in the annex building. Leisurely moments by the lap pool and riverside lawn under the cluster of flowering Indian corks are pure resort magic. Emerging from extensive renovations in 2022, the property now features sleek, zen-inspired rooms and suites, an award-winning spa, and exclusive river cruises on its mini fleet of river crafts. The renovated suites, the Lanna Garden Terrace Suite (150 sqm) in particular, are exceptionally luxurious, with open living spaces amidst lush landscapes.

 

The culinary options are centred around the magnificent 1921 House, formerly the British consulate. Here, afternoon tea is served on The Verandah, drinks in the secret service-inspired Brit Bar, and dinner in The Service @1921, currently a sophisticated steakhouse and grill. The riverfront Bodhi Terrace, anchored by a handsome pair of centenarian Bodhi trees, is the setting for leisurely breakfasts, as well as for lunch and dinner featuring regional Thai cuisines. For a unique dining experience, hop on to the stupendously gilded Dibba Yana Chitta river cruise for a decadent seven course dinner designed by Michelin-starred chef Boy Piyachart while sailing down the Ping River with traditional Thai musicians and dancers in tow.

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Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, 123-123/1 Charoen Prathet Road, Changklan, Muang, Chiang Mai 50100

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Koh Samui
 

Until the late 20th century, Koh Samui was just an isolated island off the east coast of Thailand with little hint of its impending popularity in the current age. Up until the ’70s, the island was without roads and its interior was thick mountainous jungles with sparse human settlements. Barely a decade on, Koh Samui began to attract significant foreign investments and its development as a resort island began.

The first development projects began at Chaweng Beach, followed by a steady outgrowth of resorts, many of them impeccable luxury class establishments, across the rest of the island. In comparison to Phuket and the rest of southern Thailand, Samui’s weather is relatively drier with a hilly interior and many resorts here are raised pointing towards oceanic vistas. 2025 marked a surge of interest in Samui after Season 3 of The White Lotus was shot on the island.

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The Launchpads

 

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
 

2025 is the year Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui brought the world’s attention to Thailand with its star turn in Season 3 of The White Lotus. And while the script is laced liberally with stranger than life twists and turns, the allure of the establishment is a lot more grounded in the fundamentals of luxury hospitality — a gorgeous haven raised amidst rolling hills outlining the impossibly comely horizon of the cerulean sky and azure sea, serviced by some of the best dream-makers in the business. Who has time for vengeance and ruins amidst such glorious elements?

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For dining, KOH’s Kitchen offers a setting and ambience like nowhere else on the island. KOH’s kitchen is a creative workhouse for authentic Southern Thai cuisine, offering robust and extensive local flavours in a semi al fresco setting overlooking the glorious hillside. Pla Pla is a casual spot for an extensive selection of the freshest seafood and prime cuts of meat while CoCoRum is set on the edge of a 50-metre infinity lap pool at the resort’s private beach, CoCoRum also offers stunning views of the ocean and the lush green tropical hillside. It is the perfect location for a refreshing dip between decadent rum cocktails, and the vault here boasts a collection of over 100 rums. Shrouded by tropical greenery and ensconced within a tranquil space, The Secret Garden Spa pairs ancient Thai healing traditions with modern techniques to alleviate life’s many physical bugaboos.

 

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, 219 Moo 5, Angthong, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84140, Thailand

 

Six Senses Samui
 

Tranquil Six Senses Samui nestles on a gently sloping headland on the northern tip of Samui Island. Set amidst 20 acres of natural terrain, most of the villas here open to stunning panoramic views out to the Gulf of Thailand. Six Senses Samui is the first Six Senses resort in existence and its 67 spacious pool villas are imprinted with the signature minimalistic aesthetics the brand is now famous for. The elements here may be rustic but the villas are luxurious spaces to disappear into for the entire duration of one’s time here. The two signature villas here are the Ocean Retreat and The Beach Reserve, which are behemoth havens endowed with grand views.

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There are four restaurants and three bars, including the multi award-winning Dining on the Rocks, although dinner on the beach with live music is also a great way to end an evening here. The Six Senses Spa comes with outdoor treatment salas and indoor rooms and offers an extensive menu of holistic and traditional treatments administered by highly skilled therapists using naturally derived and ethically produced spa products. In addition, the spa also provides classes for yoga, reiki, pilates, and more.

 

Six Senses Samui, 9/10 Moo 5, Baan Plai Laem, Bophut, Koh Samui, Suratthani 84320, Thailand

 

Phuket
 

Phuket is both a province and an island, although its size is just about two-thirds the size of Singapore. Historically, Phuket Island was situated on a major trading route between India and China and through the maritime centuries it was widely known to ship-farers from Portugal, France, the Netherlands, and England.

Initially, the province’s wealth was derived from tin and rubber production, but these resources were eventually depleted and Phuket, blessed with endless stretches of pristine beaches, very naturally transitioned to tourism as its primary source of income. It is currently Thailand’s most popular resort island which attracted 8.65 million visitors in 2024. Patong is the most popular and well-developed beach on Phuket, with resort enclaves like Mai Khao, Kamala and Surin fringing the island.

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The Launchpads

 

Six Senses Yao Noi
 

Nestled amidst the stunning hillside of Koh Yao Noi overlooking the gorgeous limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay, the look and feel of the resort is simple and straightforward, with high thatched roofs, huge floor-to-ceiling windows, and a decent dose of cultural accents. Built on the site of a former rubber plantation, the elements here are lush and inviting. Local plants and fruit trees have been planted to attract and support populations of wildlife, in particular hornbills, which avian enthusiasts should definitely keep a sharp eye out for.

 

Each of the 56 villas features a private infinity pool, an outdoor sala, and a spacious sundeck either enveloped in a tropical garden or looking out to the breath-taking view of Phang Nga Bay. The Hideaway Pool Villas and the Ocean Pool Villas, with both one and two-bedroom layouts, seamlessly blend modern architecture with local accents that fuses perfectly with luxurious island living.

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Home-grown ingredients packed with flavour are featured at the three restaurants that offer Thai flavours with a sprinkle of international influence here and there. One of the most retro dining experiences ever is the James Bond themed beach dinner served over an open air airing of The Man with the Golden Gun, shot in Phang Nga Bay over a lifetime ago. Enjoy a massage or attend a wellness consultation at the Six Senses Yao Noi Spa village, attended to by wellness practitioners and skilled therapists, which has a Thai-inspired long house and individual treatment salas set in the tropical hillside.

 

Six Senses Yao Noi, 56 Moo 5 Tambol Koh Yao Noi, Amphur Koh Yao, Phang Nga 82160, Thailand

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Andara Resort and Villas Phuket
 

Set along Phuket’s scenic Kamala Beach, Andara captures refined island luxury inspired by natural beauty and Thai hospitality. The resort features elegant modern Thai-style suites and private pool villas with varying layouts of one to seven bedrooms, all decked with modern kitchens and private terraces. The Kamala area is celebrated for its golden beach, lush terrains, vibrant local culture with bustling Thai markets. Setting it apart from hospitality competitors on the island, the design elements at Andara resonate more with sophisticated private apartments than an upmarket resort with a range of gorgeous antiques and Thai style objets de arts adorning the suites and open areas. The stunning seven-room private villas are completely mind-blowing with stunning decor and ocean vistas few in Phuket island can compete with.

 

Besides wonderful local and international cuisine at the resort’s two restaurants, guests can also opt to relax in the spa with opulent wellness treatments, unwind by the outdoor pool, stay fit with private training at the fitness center, or share family moments at the dedicated kids’ club. The suites here also come replete with full service kitchens so gourmet enthusiasts can also enjoy preparing feasts with fresh ingredients from the local markets.

 

Andara Resort & Villas, 15 Moo 6, Kamala Beach, Kathu, Phuket 83150, Thailand

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COMO Point Yamu
 

Located at the tip of Cape Yamu, the accommodations at COMO Point Yamu open to ravishing views of Phang Nga Bay and the Andaman Sea. The design of the property is somewhat more whimsical than luxe, more Mediterranean than Thai, with a smattering of accents and forms that defy the conventional design diction of a Thai resort. The vistas of the surrounding elements are undeniably mesmerising nonetheless, as is apparent the moment one steps foot into the resort. On an island laced with resorts, Cape Yamu is as remote as it gets in Phuket and the serenity here is palpable. The outdoor pool is one of the most scenic on the island, enveloped by the azure blues and rolling greens of the island tip.

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COMO Point Yamu has two dining locations. The Italian restaurant, La Sirena, features a terrace with sweeping views of the bay, while Nahmyaa offers dishes inspired by Southern Thai food. In keeping with COMO’s focus on wellbeing, COMO Shambhala Retreat offers holistic, Asian-inspired therapies in its eight treatment rooms. Private boat trips to the nearby beaches and visits to old Phuket Town can also be arranged via the concierge here.

 

Como Point Yamu, 225 Moo 7, Paklok, Talang, Phuket 83110, Thailand

 

The Slate Phuket
 

Fenced within lush tropical gardens and artsy elements adjacent to pristine Nai Yang Beach with easy access to local shops and restaurants, The Slate comprises 178 distinctive designed rooms and seven pool villas decadently furnished with gorgeous concrete and rich wood, wrought through the audacious genius of Bill Benseley. In all probability, no one in the business today can amalgamate tin (the hotel was converted from a disused tin mine) and garden quite as rapturously. The Slate stands as an avant-garde sanctuary, weaving Phuket’s vibrant culture and traditions into a bold and imaginative 25-acre resort where art and nature collide in a whimsical world.

 

The Slate also offers scrumptious cuisines, from Thai delicacies served in a dramatic jet back interior on an islet isolated in a pond, to exquisite grills presented with sophisticated finesse paired with intriguing cocktails and fine wines. There is also a blissful Coqoon Spa that proffers wellness in luxurious treatment suites, the most dramatic being the signature “The Nest”. Three expansive freeform pools, including a family pool and two adult-only pools with a swim-up bar, complete the resort experience in this unique hideaway.

 

The Slate, Nai Yang Beach, 116 Moo 1, Sakhu, Thalang, Phuket 83110, Thailand

 

InterContinental Phuket Resort by IHG
 

Nestled on the powder-soft sands of Kamala Beach, InterContinental Phuket Resort is a luxurious beachside hideaway cocooned by jungle-covered hills at one end and the breathtaking expanse of the Andaman Sea from the other. With 221 elegantly appointed rooms, suites and villas all set amidst manicured tropical gardens with a private lagoon, each of them features an elegant blend of rich and earthy tones that fuse traditional Thai and contemporary design. The standout feature on the resort grounds is doubtlessly the palatial white Thai monolith raised in the middle of it all; the ornate building houses Hom restaurant and Sati spa and boldly reflects the heavenly realm with a design philosophy that taps into the three realms of existence rooted in local Buddhist culture and folklore.

 

Tantalise your taste buds with the carefully curated flavours and textures at Jaras, serving Southern Thai cuisine reimagined with a modern bent. Savour delectable light bites and craft cocktails served in a breathtaking seaside setting at Pine and Pine Roof Top bar. The award-winning Sati Spa delivers holistic wellness within eight luxurious treatment rooms, including romantic Duet Suites with jacuzzi, with personalised treatments using premium BHAWA natural products and locally sourced floral oils.

 

InterContinental Phuket Resort, 333, 333/3 Moo 3, Kamala Beach, Kamala, Kathu, Phuket 83150, Thailand

 

Twinpalms Surin Beach Resort
 

A member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, this tranquil and secluded coastal resort offers comfortable and refined accommodations centred around an expansive water garden just a short stroll from Surin Beach on Phuket’s West Coast. The 97-key property is cocooned amidst lush tropical foliage, with rooms and suites that encircle the picturesque lagoon pool, while the exclusive lofts and penthouses boast private pools in cloistered courtyards. Surin beach is renowned for its powdery sands and beautiful bay with crystal clear waters and is generally not as built-up as touristy stretches like Patong even though the vibe is still more lively than serene. The area boasts an array of independent boutiques, bars and restaurants, and is just 25 minutes from Phuket International Airport.

 

For dining, Wagyu Steakhouse is a standout establishment with some of the most perfectly sizzled prime cuts on the island, while Oriental Spoon, a restaurant with high ceiling and a semi-covered al fresco section, serves a selection of Thai and international flavours more aligned for casual dining. Boasting luxuriously designed treatment rooms along with a range of massages, therapies and treatments, the tranquil spa here is raised for a world of indulgence.

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Twinpalms Surin Beach Phuket, 106/46 Moo3, Surin Beach Road, Cherngtalay, Phuket 83100, Thailand

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Anantara Layan Phuket Resort
 

Retreat to an island paradise on Phuket’s serene northwest coast where lush hills overlook golden Layan Bay. There are 77 rooms and suites that look out to the verdant hillsides and azure sea and a cluster of luxury pool villas that are perfectly cloistered for privacy and seclusion. Although the location of the resort is pristinely remote, the resort is a mere 20 minutes from Phuket airport and is surprisingly close to Laguna Phuket’s bars and shopping stretch.

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In terms of culinary options, guests can savour local and international treats at The Beach House and modern dining at Age, where the most exquisite meats and the finest locally caught seafood are paired with the very best wines from around the world. Dara Restaurant, a brand-new Thai dining destination in Phuket, blends traditional Thai flavours with modern gastronomic twists — think siphon-brewed tom yum soup and curries topped with root vegetable crisps. There is also an observation rooftop deck above the restaurant.

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The spa here is raised for one-stop wellness journeys, with healing massages, gym workouts, active zone, local bicycle tours and yoga classes all proffered under one roof. To further augment the wellness offerings at Anantara Layan, there is a complete range of therapies and treatments awaiting at the Layan Life building. This 1,767-sqm, double-storey biophilic structure contains a state of the art Technogym, a yoga studio for meditation and movement practices, a pilates studio with reformers, cadillac and other equipment for postural perfection, aromatherapy steam rooms, Himalayan salt dry saunas, hot and cold vitality pools with massage jets, cryotherapy icepods, a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, a colonic hydrotherapy chamber and even a herbal dispensary.

 

Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, 168 Moo 6, Layan Beach Soi 4, Cherngtalay, Thalang 83110

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Krabi
 

Krabi, a popular destination that faces the Andaman sea, is famous for its picturesque limestone formations and national parks. Its top destinations are Ao Nang, Railay, and Ko Phi Phi. There are over 80 smaller islands fringing the coast, and many luxury resorts have already found their way to these densely forested tropical paradises.

Krabi is popular for snorkelling, scuba diving and other water sports. (Image: Nopparuj Lamaikul/ Unsplash)
Krabi is well known to adventurers, yachtsmen, scuba-divers, snorkelers, and day-trippers from Phuket. Ko Lanta National Park, also in Krabi Province, includes several coral-fringed islands with well-known diving sites. Kayaking, sailing, bird watching, snorkelling are also among top activities. The stunning vistas of Krabi alone are the best reasons to visit the province.

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Rayavadee Resort
 

Rayavadee is situated in the heart of Krabi’s beautiful Phranang Peninsula on the border of Krabi Marine National Park, an area renowned for its natural beauty and rich marine life. On the first day of our visit we were greeted by a Dusty Leaf Langur nonchalantly chilling just a few steps away on resort grounds. When the resort was built more than two decades ago, it was injected with the idea of balance within this unique environment, which accounts for the lushness of the resort with unique looking villas nestled in between a maze of handsome trees, none of which were cut during the development process. Indeed, Rayavadee is spread over 26 acres of lush, tropical landscapes and surrounded by towering karsts on the edge of Krabi Marine National Park. For those who appreciate the beauty and diversity of nature, a stroll through the resort grounds is magical.

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Rayavadee serves delicious western and Asian cuisine in venues offering everything from elegant dining to casual beachside fares. Raya Dining is an elegant yet informal restaurant serving Innovative Thai and Western dishes with an emphasis on high-quality locally sourced ingredients. Krua Phranang is the resort’s semi-alfresco Thai restaurant that offers elegant Thai cuisine with views over the stunning beach and limestone cliffs. The Grotto operates within an ancient limestone cliff on the edge of beautiful Phranang Beach and is renowned for its fish and seafood menu. The Rayavadee Spa’s extensive range of therapies draw on ancient Thai healing traditions and a philosophy of well-being to create treatments that include revitalising facials and scrubs, energising body wraps, soothing massages and a variety of salon treatments.

 

Rayavadee, 214 Moo 2, Tumbon Ao-Nang, Amphur Muang 81000 Krabi Thailand

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Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
 

Beyond the limestone mountains rising from Thailand’s Andaman Sea, verdant rainforests, pristine beaches and crystal clear waterfalls provide the backdrop for Asa’s first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Krabi Thailand. Nestled within picturesque Phulay Bay, the resort is a hidden retreat where the charm and natural splendour of Thailand blend with an aura of serenity and luxury. The grandeur of the lobby is nicely juxtaposed with the gardens of the interior, with the resort’s luxury villas and private pavilions largely cloistered within the lush elements. The plush beds here are also unusually long.

 

With a tantalising selection of casual and formal dining options and experiences, Phulay Bay presents a culinary voyage inspired by the flavours of the world. Lae Lay is the resort’s fine-dining restaurant that overlooks the Andaman sea and specialises in the freshest seafood. The intimate rooftop lounge is also perfect for special occasions. Plai Fah is a poolside restaurant that serves international favourites from burgers to pizzas, alongside local dishes. Jampoon presents a variety of French Mediterranean and Western cuisine with a chef’s table that provides an exclusive glimpse into the kitchen. Lastly, Sri Trang is the traditional Southern Thai diner that serves fiery local fare in a modern, minimalist space.

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Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, 111 Moo 3, Nongthalay, Muang, Krabi, Thailand, 81180

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Hua Hin
 

Hua Hin lies in the middle of what the Thai government is promoting as the “Thai Riviera”, a stretch of coastline between Phetchaburi in the north and Chumphon in the south patronised and beloved by Thai royalty since the turn of the last century. Prince Krom Phra Naresworarit was the first member of the royal family to build a group of palaces at Ban Laem Hin, called Sukaves, and gave the beach next to his palace the name “Hua Hin”.

 

King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) liked the place so much that he built a summer palace there which was later named Klai Kang Won (‘far from worries’). Succeeding monarchs also resided here from time to time, and developers lost no time developing resorts along its picturesque coast. Today, Hua Hin is a popular destination for local Thai travellers, but remains a relatively quiet spot on the Thai tourism map since international travellers have yet to discover its rustic allure.

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InterContinental Hua Hin Resort by IHG
 

Renowned for its elegant architecture, InterContinental Hua Hin Resort is a luxurious beach front property with 159 comfortable rooms, four enticing restaurants, and two bars. The resort is right in the heart of Hua Hin, fronted by a pristine sandy beach beset with the promise of glorious sunrises and sunsets. The resort is split into the Garden and Beach Wing, and the latter comprises beautifully designed rooms, suites and villas with pool and beach access. The beachfront pool villas, decadently raised with oversized bathrooms and wonderfully lush gardens with a private pool, are the rooms to inhabit here. The Garden Wing offers seamless access to Bluport Mall Hua Hin and has its own swimming pool although guests here also have access to the beach wing facilities.

 

Azure is the resort’s main beachside restaurant and offers farm-and-sea-to-table dining experiences with locally sourced ingredients. Jaras Hua Hin offers contemporary Thai cuisine in a fine dining setting. The robust flavours here are brought to life with chic and sophisticated presentations. SPA InterContinental is a wellness paradise for travellers to Hua Hin. It is set in a secluded and tranquil space raised for total relaxation, with a range of facials, massages and beauty treatments.

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InterContinental Hua Hin Resort, 33/33, Petchkasem Road Prachuabkhirikhan Hua Hin, 77110 Thailand

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Aleenta Hua Hin – Pranburi Resort
 

Located on the picturesque Pak Nam Pran bay a distance off the main pulse of Hua Hin, Aleenta Hua Hin – Pranburi is best described as a rustic retreat for those looking to benefit from quiet solitude. The accommodation options here are literally within steps from the beach, with many facing the gulf of Thailand where fishing boats and their green lights illuminate the sea on most nights.

 

Quiet and quaint, one can categorise this establishment as rustic chic with no TV and bathtubs in the rooms but there are purportedly plenty of stars to gaze upon at night (when the skies are clear naturally) and other activities, like cycling and kite flying, for guests to enjoy in the day. Other highlights include planned visits to its organic farm and chicken coop for fresh free range eggs, a farmers market that opens daily, a bakery that opens til noon, and a beach cafe to lounge with a read. There is also daily alms-giving to local monks that walk by the resort every morning at 7am.

 

The Aleeneta restaurant is small but comfortable and churns out the most delicious local treats and resort staples in the locale. The cheesecake here is simply irresistible. Ayurah Spa offers traditional and holistic treatments from expert healing hands in treatment rooms that come with gorgeous sea views.

 

Aleenta Hua Hin – Pranburi Resort & Spa, 183 Moo 4, Pak Nam Pran, Pranburi, Hua Hin, 77220 Thailand

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V Villas Hua Hin, MGallery Collection
 

V Villas Hua Hin is a beachfront establishment that is raised modern yet not incongruous with Hua Hin’s rustic white sand beaches. Nestled among tropical gardens, each private pool villa here offers seamless indoor-outdoor configurations, modern tropical interior design, and most importantly, privacy. The resort provides around-the-clock personalised butler service amidst a welcoming vibe, perfectly balancing a homey ambience with luxurious, attentive service.

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Situated beside the tranquil beach are the restaurants and watering holes operated by V Villas Hua Hin. There is Villazzo | Ocean House, a contemporary beachfront restaurant featuring an Italian and Thai menu crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and Akoya, an alfresco beachfront lounge that offers innovative cocktails and lounge snacks with a view that lulls one into wanting to stick around forever, Created for relaxation and indulgence, V SPA is a wellness sanctuary designed for a tune-up of one’s body and mind with a range of treatments and therapies drawn from Asian wellness philosophies and traditions.

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V Villas Hua Hin, MGallery Collection, 63/39 Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin, 77110 Prachuap Khiri Khan

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Koh Chang

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Thailand’s second largest island is a tropical haven awaiting discovery. Roughly an hour from Bangkok by flight, dense forests, waterfalls and sandy beaches beckon from here. Mu Ko Chang National Park, a preserve with hiking trails and waterfalls such as tiered Klong Plu, covers the interior and extends to offshore coral reefs. The coast is dotted with beaches and villages including Bang Bao, built on piers. Hat Tha Nam (popularly known as Lonely Beach) has a lively waterfront party scene that attracts fun-loving visitors to the island.

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The Launch Pad

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The Retreat Koh Chang

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Tucked between Kai Bae Beach and a quiet fishing village, The Retreat opens to uninterrupted views of the Gulf of Thailand with a sense of serenity that lingers in every detail. Emanating simplicity, seclusion, and the rhythm of the natural world, this is a resort built for rest, renewal and romance.

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This sumptuous hideaway embodies quiet sophistication, with comfortable rooms carved from modern tropical architecture with minimalistic elegance. Details here are shaped with thoughtful intention, reflecting Thai craftsmanship, local art and natural furnishings, inviting indulgence in soaking in the ocean view at the terrace, listening to the rhythm of fishing boats drifting past, or surrendering to the warmth of the volcanic sand bath at the Retreat Spa. Two restaurants offering Thai and Japanese-Asian fusion cuisine and a pool bar complete the blissful island seclusion here.

 

The Retreat Koh Chang, 10 7, Ko Chang, Ko Chang District, Trat 23170, Thailand