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Ten of Thailand's Best Luxe Resorts
Spoil yourself with a stay at one of these luxe Thai hotels
Are you looking for a getaway destination with a little luxury? Might we suggest Thailand? With beautiful beaches, magnificent tropical scenery, delicious food and fascinating culture, Thailand has lots to offer. Thailand’s resorts also offer luxury at a more affordable price, with modern amenities and excellent hospitality.
Here are ten of the best resorts in Thailand to consider for your next holiday.
Banyan Tree Samui, Koh Samui
Situated on Thailand’s second largest island, framed by tropical jungle and the clear waters of the Gulf of Thailand, Banyan Tree Samui is an idyllic getaway destination. To say that it’s a five-star hotel with its own private beach doesn’t do it justice; it’s undoubtedly one of the best resorts in Thailand. Guests relax in private villas dotted throughout the resort, either on the beachfront or overlooking the bay, and each villa has its own infinity pool.
Wellness and relaxation are taken very seriously at the Banyan Tree, which has a suite of ten spa treatment pavilions. When it comes to dining, you’re spoilt for choice, from a light snack at the pool bar to the magnificent Saffron restaurant, which was featured in the MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2024.
banyantree.com/thailand/samui
![Beach in Koh Samui](/-/media/project/scti/nz/images/travel-advice/ten-luxurious-thai-resorts/beach-in-koh-samui.jpg)
InterContinental Phuket Resort, Phuket
A luxurious hideaway at the heart of one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations, The InterContinental Phuket Resort offers the best of two worlds. Overlooking Kamala Beach, you can choose to simply enjoy the sun, sea and sand or take in the bustle of nearby markets and the charm of Phuket Old Town, just a short drive away.
The elegant suites and villas offer the very best in accommodation with stunning views of the ocean or the pool. Dining at the Intercontinental is more of a culinary journey than a simple meal. With a choice of seven restaurants, you could start your day with breakfast at the beach and finish with an authentic Thai meal at the highly recommended Jaras restaurant.
intercontinental/hotels/phuket
Rayavadee, Krabi
A top contender on any Thailand best resorts list, a stay at Rayavadee certainly won’t disappoint. This popular destination is near beautiful Railay Beach with its famous limestone cliffs. The beach resort is set on 26 acres of stunning gardens, and you can’t help but soak in the serenity of this place. The guest pavilions and villas are tastefully nestled among the gardens and coconut groves, and the villas come complete with a dedicated butler service.
Resort facilities include four restaurants, a spa, and a boutique offering a five-star shopping experience. If you can bear to leave this beautiful place for a day, excursions promising ‘exhilarating adventure and romance’ can be arranged.
rayavadee.com
The Siam, Bangkok
Busy streets, exciting nightlife, excellent shopping, and fascinating culture: there’s plenty to see and do in Thailand’s capital city. When you’re ready for a retreat, The Siam is the place to escape. Here, you’ll enjoy surprisingly large suites and private pool villas, each individually designed. With only 39 suites, The Siam is smaller than many of the other five-star hotels in the city, which brings a more intimate feel to the place. The hotel offers its guests signature Thai experiences, including Thai cooking classes, sunset cruises, and even Thai boxing training.
thesiamhotel.com
Four Seasons Resort, Chiang Mai
Rather than a traditional beach resort, why not head to the picturesque rice fields of Northern Thailand? The Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai offers a sanctuary for those looking to unwind and focus on personal wellness. From traditional yoga classes to fine-tuning your circadian rhythm through a Soulful Awakening experience, you’ll leave here fully relaxed and rested. Leaving will be the hard part, though. Your luxury villa comes complete with a personal residential assistant to take care of your group’s every need.
fourseasons.com/chiangmai
Six Senses Yao Noi, Phang Nga Bay
Phang Nga Bay lies between southern Thailand's mainland and Phuket Island and offers a quiet retreat in a stunning location. The private pool villas are perfect for spending romantic days beside your personal pool. If the need for action and adventure strikes, take a speedboat to nearby Khao Phing Kan known as ‘James Bond Island’ – so called because it featured in one of the famous films.
The Hilltop restaurant is the ultimate in destination dining, perched on top of the hill with a magical view over the bay and a menu to die for.
sixsenses.com/yao-noi
Pimalai Resort & Spa, Koh Lanta
The islands of Koh Lanta are famed for their quiet, tropical retreats. Whether you’re a nature lover, a water sports enthusiast or simply looking to bliss out in tropical paradise, Pimalai Resort & Spa is the place for you. The resort setting is picture-perfect, among 100 acres of tropical forest and with 900 metres of uninterrupted beachfront. The rooms and suites are spacious and elegant, and the pool villas take the luxury to the next level. Not only can you indulge in spa treatments during your stay here, but you can also take a complimentary spa class and learn massage techniques. It’s one way to keep the holiday magic alive long after you’ve returned home.
pimalai.com
![Beach in Koh Lanta](/-/media/project/scti/nz/images/travel-advice/ten-luxurious-thai-resorts/beach-in-koh-lanta.jpg)
Mandarava Resort and Spa, Karon Beach
A 30-minute drive from Phuket Town and 45 minutes from the international airport, the Mandara offers exceptional facilities including five swimming pools, a gym, and a spa. Karon Beach – with its soft, white sands and clear, turquoise sea – is a scenic 700-metre walk away, and there’s a complimentary shuttle bus, too. Cocktail classes, yoga, private yacht charters, and a floating breakfast are all part of the experience at the Mandarava.
mandaravaresort.com
JW Marriott Resort and Spa, Khao Lak
This Thai-style beach resort provides five-star luxury on the shores of the Andaman Sea. The pristine white-sand Khao Lak Beach sits in front of the hotel while granite mountains and magnificent waterfalls provide the backdrop. 11 restaurants and bars make dining a treat, with options ranging from casual al-fresco to fine dining, with romantic private dining experiences also available. The resort boasts Southeast Asia's longest swimming pool, a 2.4 km lagoon pool, which comes complete with a boat serving ice-cold coconuts.
marriott.com
Kalima Resort & Spa, Patong Beach
Situated on Phuket’s western coast and just a few minutes from popular Patong Beach, Kalima Resort and Spa provides contemporary five-star luxury with private pool villas and facilities including an infinity pool, fitness centre, and spa.
Patong is a lively destination, so if you’re looking for a quiet hideaway, this one isn’t for you. If you want to party in style, consider this one of Thailand's best resorts. Kalima Resort’s Skybar and Terrace is the ideal venue, with breathtaking views of the bay. The three-km-long beach is the perfect place to sit back and relax after a fun night out.
kalimaresort.com
Travel Insurance for Thailand
It is no longer compulsory for tourists to buy travel insurance before entering Thailand. However, it can still be a good idea to have insurance, including medical insurance, when you travel overseas.
Moped accidents, coral cuts, and unexpected illnesses are some of the common claims we see. Check out our travel insurance options for your Thailand holiday so you can spend more time relaxing on the beachfront and less time worrying about potential holiday mishaps.
Our travel insurance policies
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