It’s no secret that Thailand has some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
The idyllic surroundings are well matched by a wide variety of sublime places to stay. Whether your priority is snorkelling, spa treatments or sundowners, here are a few of our favourite Thai pads…
-
The Sarojin, Khao Lak
Best for: Honeymoons
You’d be hard pressed to find a more romantic setting than The Sarojin: there’s jungle behind, a pristine beach in front and tropical gardens all around. Arranged in a horseshoe shape, its spacious residences offer total privacy. You can enjoy celebratory champagne while soaking in an oval-shaped couple’s bathtub, or take midnight dips in your own private plunge pool. If adventure calls, the hotel’s ‘Imagineer’ will tailor-make activities just for you – from Similan Islands snorkelling trips aboard the hotel’s own boat to bamboo-rafting through untouched mangrove forest. The varied dining locations range from beside a candlelit waterfall to beach-side. Honeymoon heaven? Assured.
From £2,085 per person, 7 nights, B&B including flights and transfers.
-
Buri Rasa Village, Koh Phangan –
Best for: Flashpacking
Backed by swaying palm trees on a white-sand beach, Buri Rasa’s location couldn’t be more picture-postcard. Compact and low-key, this is Thailand for grown-up backpackers who’ve graduated from full-moon parties to needing some extra comfort. Walk straight to the clear, gently-lapping sea from your beachfront room, try excellent snorkelling or hike through the island’s rainforest interior. The nearby village boasts an array of restaurants and quiet bars serving Thai specialities in which you’ll quickly feel at home. Or stay put at the hotel for fresh seafood barbecues under the stars.
From £1,395 per person, 7 nights, B&B including flights and transfers.
-
Trisara, Phuket
Best for: Blow-outs
Its name translates from Sanskrit as the ‘Third Garden in Heaven’ – which is hard to argue with. From a hillside of manicured jungle hugging Phuket’s less-developed northwestern coast, Trisara and its 39 scattered villas boast unbroken Andaman Sea views. Stylish and secluded, each vast nest features a 10-metre infinity edge pool. Take breakfast on your terrace at a teak dining table before retiring to the sunbathing deck or ordering an in-villa spa treatment. While there’s a definite temptation not to leave your own personal oasis, those who do venture outside are rewarded with watersports, tennis courts, fine-dining and luxury motor-yacht cruises around the coastline and outlying islands.
From £3,450 per person, 7 nights, B&B including flights and transfers.
-
Kamalaya, Koh Samui
Best for: Wellness
Seeking some stress relief in a paradisiacal setting? We’ve found just the place. Built on the site of a Buddhist cave, Kamalaya is the brainchild of John and Karina Stewart, respectively a former yogi monk and doctor of traditional Chinese medicine. Focused on detox, emotional wellbeing and general fitness, its wellness programmes are tailored to your physical needs. Nutritional support is also provided, with healthy organic foods which don’t compromise on flavour. Take part in as many or as few activities as you wish – rejuvenation has a relaxed tone here. Breathing in the scent of frangipani at morning yoga is a particular delight, as are walks along the coconut palm-dotted beach.
From £2,185 per person, 7 nights, full board including wellness consultation & holistic activities, flights and transfers.
