thailand

Thailand is rightly famous for its friendliness and hospitality, as well as its gorgeous climate and amazing beaches.  We have hand picked a selection of spa resorts which, we think, are the best in the country.

• Koh Samui - Kamalaya, Absolute Sanctuary, Six Senses, Four Seasons and Banyan Tree
• Koh Kood - luxury bare foot chic at Soneva Kiri, near Cambodian border
• Phuket - half way between Phuket and Krabi for Six Senses Yao Noi, or the Banyan Tree or Trisara on Phuket Island itself
• Krabi - Phulay Bay overlooking the Andaman Sea and its limestone islands
• Khao Lak - The Sarojin on the west coast overlooking the Andaman Sea
• Hua Hin - for the famous destination spa resort of Chiva Som
• Chiang Mai - sublime Four Seasons in the jungle hills of northern Thailand

• See all places to stay in Thailand

Chiva Som is located in the Royal resort of Hua Hin on the east coast, about 80kms south of Bangkok.  It's a world renowned destination spa with a fabulous selection of welnness programmes.  Alternatively, there are superb Banyan Tree resorts in both Phuket and on the island of Koh Samui.

If you're after island life, we recommend Kamalaya, Absolute Sanctuary, Six Senses, Four Seasons or Banyan Tree on Koh Samui;  a gorgeous island off the south east coast.  On the Island of Yao Noi, half way between Phuket and Krabi, among the awe-inspiring limestone pinnacles of Phang Nga and surrounded by dazzling azur and turquiose seas, is the wonderful Six Senses Yao Noi resort.  Close by, on Krabi, is the Ritz Carlton resort of Phulay Bay. 

On the eastern side of the Gulf of Thailand, near the Cambodian border, is the remote, charming and wonderfully luxurious Soneva Kiri

For divers, The Sarojin at Khao Lak on the west coast about an hour north of Phuket by car, is ideal because of its proximity to the Similan Islands.  If you would prefer to stay on Thailand's largest island, Phuket, we would recommend Trisara or Banyan Tree Phuket - both have excellent private residences and spas.  Ideal for both couples and families.

All but one of our recommended Thai resorts is on the beach or very near a beach, and that's the fabulous Four Seasons Spa Resort in the hills of Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand, an hour flight from Bangkok.  Enjoy the resort's legendary service and comfort, exceptional spa and fantastic range of yoga classes.

You can choose to stay in Bangkok for a night or two on the way there or back, or simply head straight down to your preferred resort.  If you wish to stay in Bangkok, we have some excellent hotels to recommend (including a brand new luxury boutique hotel) and it's a great stop over for shopping and sight seeing.  Our excellent guides can show you the cultural highlights.

Thailand is a year round destination, though some months are hotter and wetter than others.  But whenever you go, you can be sure of an unforgettable experience.

Other destinations in the region

• Malaysia
• Vietnam