Keemala

Experience the life of Thai royalty with a stay at the magnificent Dhara Dhevi. Overlooking picturesque paddy fields, luxurious yet traditionally designed suites, villas and residences are strewn throughout sixty acres of flawlessly manicured tropical gardens. Each style of accommodation echoes the days of the historic Lanna Kingdom with its lavish colonial fashion. Unique villas blend the architecture of authentic Northern Thai rice houses with modern-day luxuries of whirlpools and private outdoor decks. This miniature Thai kingdom is also home to a fantastic spa. Modelled on Mandalay Palace, treatment rooms feature ornate sculptures of sacred animals and Buddhist motifs, while the numerous dining options serve dishes from all over the globe – including fine French cuisine, Dim Sum and a Sunday jazz brunch. You can expect top-notch culinary standards here which you can learn from at the hotel’s very own cooking academy.

Set on the picturesque South Andaman coastline, the Ritz-Carlton Phulay Bay is a truly idyllic destination for a tropical retreat. Being on the mainland, the Ritz-Carlton is easy to reach and means you can spend more time relaxing and less time travelling. Start the unwinding process by taking a dip in the infinity pool, overlooking the sea, or wandering down the tranquil beach. Guests who need a little extra help in de-stressing can book an invigorating massage with eucalyptus and frankincense essential oils in the open-walled ESPA spa pavilion, set amid a mass of thick, tropical vegetation. The various dining options include Jampoon, the Mediterranean restaurant, and Lae Lay, where seafood is served on a lantern-lit terrace. The villas and pavilions provide beautiful, comfortable hideaways in which couples can enjoy an indulgent escape and families can spend some relaxing, quality time together. The chic, Thai decor is complemented by generous amenities, like huge bathtubs, spacious terraces and private plunge pools, with views across the exotic gardens or the Andaman Sea.

9 Hornbills is a luxurious tented camp sits in a fabulous position atop a hill with incredible panoramic views of Phang Nga Bay. There are seven safari-style tents, each with a private infinity pool, vast bed, lounge, garden area, and en suite with free standing bathtub and open-air rain shower. Stylishly appointed with locally made furniture from sustainable teak forests, they are also equipped with natural air conditioning. You can dine privately in your tent villa, take breakfast floating in your pool or perhaps enjoy a private seafood BBQ. A short walk (or buggy) takes you down to the private beach of sister Koyao Island Resort, where guests have full use of the facilities and restaurant.

On the brink of one of Koh Phangan’s white-sand beaches, huddled between tropical forest and azure water, the Santhiya is an all-inclusive hideaway dedicated to your wellbeing. The hotel offers a diverse range of accommodation to suit all needs, decorated in traditional Thai-styling with heaps of polished wood and hand-carved details. The Hideaway Pool Villa suite offers the most comprehensive and romantic experience of the Santhiya, with its rock-garden setting, indulgent private pool and light, spacious layout. There is a broad range of activities to get stuck into, should the excellent beaches and pools not be enough. Koh Phangan is world-renowned for its scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities – the crystal clear waters are literally packed with tropical fish – this is a must for anyone visiting the island. Alternatively, head inland for some cultural ecounters, or take cookery classes to better acquaint yourself with Thai cuisine.