The Most Luxurious Places to Stay in Thailand

When it comes to luxury in Southeast Asia, Thailand hotels are where it’s at. There’s no shortage of rustic décor, postcard-perfect beaches, technicolour sunsets and jungle-clad hillsides – lovers of the decadent are simply spoilt for choice. But despite a plethora of sumptuous resorts, choosing the most luxurious places to stay in Thailand doesn’t have to be difficult, especially when we’ve hand-picked the very best for our Escapes range of holidays. Here are five of the most lavish to get you started:

Location: 115 miles south of Bangkok in Hua Hin, on the Gulf of Thailand.
The best bit: It’s one of the best at combining spa and luxury experiences; it’s been at it for two decades after all.
Tell me more... Set within seven acres of lush, beachfront garden and boasting 58 stylish rooms – not to mention 70 spa treatment rooms – the Chiva-Som is the embodiment of paradise. Luxury comes as standard here, as does promoting good health and wellness, so you can lounge by the pool, indulge at the spa, cleanse with beach yoga and meditation and dine on gourmet healthy food, crafted using fresh produce grown on-site.

Location: Krabi, 500 miles south of Bangkok.
The best bit: Discreet luxury is the order of the day here – even the Beckhams have stayed in this oceanfront jungle retreat.
Tell me more… The limestone karsts of southern Thailand are famous the world over for their unusual shape and confounding, often top-heavy, geology. The Rayavadee is surrounded by these mysterious, towering rock formations, not to mention a maze of tropical gardens and interlocking coconut groves. And while the setting is seriously authentic and in touch with nature, the interiors ooze opulence: think guestrooms with outdoor Jacuzzis, private pools or saunas, and four delectable fine-dining restaurants.

Location: Khao Lak, 37 miles north of the island of Phuket.
The best bit: Wishes can become reality at Sarojin, thanks to its ‘Imagineers’ concept…
Tell me more… The Sarojin is a traditionally beautiful boutique hotel, a confection of forest and water surrounds, sugar-white sands and warm design and furnishings. Staying here is like being in a dream… except it’s not a dream, this is real life, and real life here is incredible. Its 'Imagineered' holidays will throw you into an even deeper, Inception-style dream state, allowing you to tailor-make your experience at the resort, from chartering private yachts to romantic beach dining or Thai cooking classes. A unique, personal and relaxing stay is all but guaranteed.

Location: Koh Yao Noi island, between mainland Krabi and Phuket.
The best bit: The sunsets at this uber luxurious resort are utterly breathtaking.
Tell me more… A heavenly eco-friendly retreat, the Six Senses Yao Noi is island living at its most mesmerising. Boasting rustic yet modern architecture and an enviable collection of pool villas, its biggest focus is on offering an impeccable customer experience – something it does with ease. Take in enchanting scenery, spacious accommodation, soul-soothing spa treatments and spellbinding island excursions, all with sustainability and ethics in mind.

Location: Overlooking the southeastern tip of Phuket.
The best bit: This all-pool villa resort offers the utmost privacy, nestled on the hills overlooking the Cape Panwa peninsula and just steps from your private infinity pool.
Tell me more… If you’re looking for uninterrupted ocean and island views, it doesn’t get much better than Sri Panwa. From the comfort of your panoramic ocean villa, you can take in majestic island sunrises and sunsets daily, not to mention undulating island vistas you usually only see in the brochures. The resort has plenty more to offer too, from authentic, locally-sourced Thai cuisine to its dramatic ocean-view spa. Its to-die-for location also makes it the ultimate wedding venue.