Ultimate Luxury: 7 Thai Resorts You Won’t Believe

Thailand is probably best known as a reasonably-priced destination that offers culture, beaches, shopping and the authentic tastes of one of the world’s best-known cuisines. But in addition, you can find an amazing amount of luxury in Thailand, as some of the finest resorts and hotels in the world are located in the cities Bangkok and Chiang Mai or along the coastline on the islands of Phuket and Koh Samui.

Some of these luxury resorts offer endless pampering and palatial surroundings, while others are ultramodern and bring guests face-to-face with the most beautiful landscapes in the kingdom. Either way, you won’t want to miss the following seven examples of some of Thailand’s most luxurious and memorable resorts:

1. PARESA RESORT PHUKET

You never have to worry about not getting an ocean view room at one of Phuket’s finest resorts, as all the suites and private villas here have panoramic views of the water. The resort is nestled on a cliff, so the views are – indeed – nothing short of tremendous. Capitalizing on this unique location, many of the resort’s suites have their own private infinity swimming pools that seem to spill over the cliff.

The luxurious open-air design of the rooms and terraces make each accommodation feel like a private residence, though guests can also take advantage of the property’s full-service spa and gourmet Italian and Thai restaurants. Ready to leave this magnificent property? From this location, you can enjoy all the traditional Phuket pastimes, including scuba diving and boat cruises.

2. ROYAL MERIDIEN PLAZA ATHENEE BANGKOK

The entryway and lobby of this grand Bangkok hotel look like they belong in Monte Carlo or London, as the Plaza Athenee is a mix of Art Deco grandeur and modern luxury. Despite its location in the heart of Bangkok, this towering hotel is surrounded by leafy landscapes and boasts a number of restaurants, including Smooth Curry – one of the city’s most exciting and authentic eateries in the entire city.

Guests at this outstanding property can also enjoy the Reflexions, Athenee’s fine dining French restaurant, or its lagoon-style swimming pool and world-class spa. Fall in love with the Athenee? You can even host your wedding in the hotel!

3. KATATHANI PHUKET BEACH RESORT

Like the Paresa, this massive resort on Thailand’s most-popular island destination offers suites and rooms that all face the water, with 479 rooms in all. Each of these accommodations has its own private balcony, and guests can take advantage of the six pools and 850 meters of private beachfront.

In addition, Katathani offers six restaurants and five bars, as well as endless gardens professionally manicured in a distinctive traditional Thai design that many guests find both endearing and stylish.

4. LAYANA RESORT AND SPA

Located on Koh Lanta Yai, this island resort offers its guests both pampering and style. Most of the 51 accommodation options are located around a central garden area, though there are also beach suites and one full-sized residence called La Maison. All rooms feature hardwood and locally-made fine silks.

Layana’s award-winning spa offers beauty, health and wellness packages as well as a la carte services. There is also a gourmet restaurant and beachside bar – perfect for guests that are seeking luxury, but also want the intimate atmosphere that a larger resort, no matter how luxurious it might be, cannot provide.

5. FOUR SEASONS CHIANG MAI

The Four Seasons Chiang Mai is located right in the middle of scenic terraced rice paddies. And although it might not be anywhere near the beach, it offers some of the most idyllic views in all of Thailand. The room options at this luxury resort include traditional-style pavilions with an open design, vaulted ceilings and private open-air terraces.  Authentic Thai furnishing and modern amenities like wi-fi and satellite TV give guests the best of both modern and traditional Thailand.

At the Four Seasons, you can also choose to rent a private villa, some of which have their own pools. The property’s restaurants overlook the terraced landscape, with options for open-air dining and private meals served in hidden pavilions around the property. Finally, indulge at the Four Seasons’ large spa, which offers a number of special packages that can be built according to your unique needs.

6. RAYAVADEE HOTEL

Located in Krabi, the Rayavadee is one of Thailand’s most secluded resorts. Next door to the Krabi Marine National Park, the Rayavadee sits among tropical gardens and coconut plantations and is framed by limestone cliffs. If you have an appreciation for nature and the sea, you won’t want to miss this ideal resort.   

Rayavadee offers pavilion-style accommodations, some of which are large enough to accommodate an entire family. Others are more intimate… perfect for a couple enjoying a romantic getaway! The larger of these villas feature private plunge pools or outdoor jacuzzis, though, like other resorts in Thailand, the Rayavadee offers a world-class spa with a full range of treatment options that allows all guests to partake in the relaxation.

7. EVASON HUA HIN

Hua Hin, located only a short distance from Bangkok, is a favorite beach destination for domestic tourists. The Evason, an exclusive resort located in the middle of a huge private area featuring gardens and park-like landscapes, is their top choice in this area.

Rooms, studio suites and full-sized suites provide a wide range of accommodation options at the property, and each room has its own private terrace. This hotel features a clean, modern design, with such luxury amenities as rainfall showers and canopied beds.

Whether you’re looking for a luxury vacation or just a few days of over-the-top pampering and relaxation, you’ll find it in Thailand. There’s no doubt that this country does luxury better than almost any other country in the region!

But while the seven resorts we’ve just mentioned are certainly highlights of the five-star scene here, there are plenty of other options you’ll want to consider – including the private villas at Samujana. Which option you choose depends on where your tastes lie and what kind of experience you want to have – let your taste for luxury be your guide!

Image: Dennis Wong
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