Families and couples alike will fall in love with Koyao Island Resort, on Koh Yao Noi, an hour’s boat ride from Phuket and one of the least ‘resort-like’ hotels we know.

With an aquamarine infinity pool edging a white-sand beach, and spacious wooden cabanas scattered between coconut trees, this is tropical bliss personified. For families seeking privacy, we recommend the gorgeous family beach villa that’s nestled into a jungly corner of the resort and opens out directly onto the beach. The hotel also has 9 Hornbills, luxury tents for adults that are situated on the hillside. Each tent has its own pool and overlooks a stunning ocean panorama.

The main hub of the hotel is around the open-sided restaurant from which a flower-filled garden and lawn leads down to the infinity pool. The silky-soft beach is right here too and it’s very easy to jump aboard a longtail boat to take you up closer to the iconic Phang Nga archipelago.

You can visit islands inhabited by monkeys, swim through caves and a have a picnic on a deserted beach. The island of Yao Noi is also easy to explore and you’ll discover a peaceful and truly authentic Thai island. The hotel has a motorbike and sidecar which you can drive through the coconut plantations and pick your own, or find rural communities where you can learn the art of batik. Come home for house cocktails made with lemongrass and chilli, and await dinner in the lantern-lit restaurant where the seafood platter is highly recommended.