Romantic hideaways are Thailand’s specialty, and most of them are located in the South. They range from truly high-end resorts such as Phulay Bay-A Ritz Carlton Resort, Naka Island, Banyan Tree Phuket, JW Marriott, and Le Meridien to the similarly luxurious locally owned properties such as Indigo, sri panwa, Aleenta, Panwa, and Deevana, to intimate boutique properties and budget hotels and guesthouses. Most international brands have a presence in most of the major tourist destinations, but Thai luxury boutique properties are fast giving them a run for their money. Long staying guests usually get great room rates, whether in the high-end 5-stars or small hotels. Here are some that have helped given Thailand its reputation as a dream destination cut out for any romantic holiday:
PHUKET
Banyan Tree Phuket – Less than a half hour’s drive from the Phuket International airport and located on the island’s northwest, Banyan Tree Phuket is a glorious spread of elegant Thai architecture complemented with every modern amenity imaginable, and cradled within Laguna Phuket’s exclusive community, which also includes Angsana Laguna Phuket. Laguna Phuket is a 400-hectare former abandoned tin-mining site and includes 3km of sandy shores tilted on the great Andaman. It is home to more than 30 restaurants and bars and offers free use of inter-resort transportation by shuttle vehicle or lagoon boat.
Trisara Phuket – An award-winning property with 39 suites and pool villas that have become one of the world’s favorite romantic getaways. Guest in all villas – in fact all rooms and suites – benefit from the lovely private pools and breathtaking ocean views not to mention wonderful guest service.
Outrigger Laguna Phuket – Located in Bang Tao, this resort offers 68 elegant villas that range from 229 to 604sqm in size. As can be expected, the well-appointed interiors are great — design and décor reflect traditional Thai ambience but embraced by a modern aesthetic; furnishings are lavish, and the overall atmosphere is that of easy luxury.
Amari Phuket – Amari Phuket is nestled on a secluded beach just 15km from Phuket town and 40km from Phuket International Airport. The location, on the edge of all the offerings of Patong, is great yet nestled in a quiet bay conducive to romance and relaxation. The resort offers a panoramic ocean view perfect as you enjoy special moments of breakfast or dinners on the waters. Besides its 380 well-appointed guestrooms and suites, the resort’s highlights include a new luxury Ocean Wing, Breeze Spa, La Gritta Italian Restaurant, creative meeting spaces, and snorkeling at the Jetty.
SAMUI
Conrad Koh Samui – Conrad is a resort where you enjoy the luxury of being yourself, to borrow their slogan. The resort offers pool villas that look out to the Gulf of Thailand. Stay at their Ocean View Pool Villa and discover how the best of life’s luxuries can be fitted in just 96sqm of living space and a 10m-private infinity plunge pool. Floor-to-ceiling windows, tropical hardwood flooring, and sensuous Thai silk furnishings add to the delight of this pool villa.
Sheraton Samui — All 141 guestrooms and suites, with their stylish blend of modern décor and light pastel colors, are designed to ensure maximum comfort. Each room invites a romance with luxury, featuring the signature Sheraton Sweet Sleeper™ Bed, bathroom with separate shower and bathtub, complimentary hi-speed Internet and Wi-Fi, 42″ LCD TV, and private balcony. The resort also boasts a 103sqm-meeting space, two resort pools, four restaurants and bars, StarKid Kids Club, fitness center, Glow Spa, a tennis court, and meeting and business services.
Vana Belle Samui – Tucked away in a secluded cove near the world famous white sands of Chaweng Beach and with breathtaking views over the Gulf of Thailand, Vana Belle, A Luxury Collection, Koh Samui, is more than just a resort. With a prime beachfront location, sparkling cerulean waters, white ivory sand, and emerald lush tropics, effortless island living awaits. Main features: 73 spacious pool suites and seven pool villas, two restaurants, one pool bar, one lobby lounge, spa, fitness center, and swimming pool. If you have tried the other luxury addresses already and looking for a new similar address to experience, try this one.
Nikki Beach Koh Samui – Some might say that the claim “The Sexiest Place on Earth” is a tad over the top. But no better description succinctly applies to Nikki Beach Resort, which takes luxury boutique hotel accommodation and travel to an entirely new level. The “Nikki Beach Lifestyle” as the experience at Nikki Beach is now called, is truly something, and that’s why it’s most sought after. Nikki Beach Resort Koh Samui is definitely one of the hottest and trendsetting addresses on Koh Samui, a true-blue epitome of entrepreneur Jack Penrod vision in 1998, when he introduced the world to the ultimate beach club concept that combines the elements of entertainment, dining, music, fashion, film and art into one. Nikki Beach Samui is where privacy, chic design, delectable cuisine, and Nikki Beach’s signature brand of music and entertainment all seamlessly combine to enhance the Samui island holiday life.
KRABI
Phulay Bay Krabi – This Ritz Carlton Reserve, the first such brand in fact, is the very epitome of a truly romantic accommodation. If romance is escape, then this resort is your passport to another world almost too good to be true. With designer pool villas set within a spellbinding landscape that become more romantic as you stay longer. Just the view of the outlying islands across from the infinity pool of your villa spells pure romance.
Dusit Thani Krabi – About 30 minutes from Krabi Airport, this resort boasts 246-luxury accommodation in finely executed Thai design, amid a surrounding of spacious tropical gardens facing white sandy beachfront on the 1.8km Klong Muang Beach. It is another top favorite of wedding planners and honeymooners. The breathtaking view of the Andaman Sea and the fresh sea breeze are prime bonuses to a resort that tries to exceed expectations at all times.
Sofitel Phokeethra Krabi – Just a short distance from Ao Nang and surrounded by a pristine rainforest is a luxury resort featuring 276 rooms, most with a large balcony facing the ocean and providing views of the limestone islands and stunning sunsets over the Andaman Sea. This resort, with its prime setting on Klong Muang Beach, is ideal for glitzy honeymoons and glamorous weddings. The hotel’s elegant colonial and spacious design combines Western luxury with an authentic Thai feel.
Centara Grand Krabi – Sittings majestically within its own private bay, called Pai Plong Bay, this 192-room luxury resort has a direct beachfront location of 500m in length, with stunning views of verdant limestone formations and an extensive expanse of beautiful pristine white sands lapped by crystal clear waters.
Of course there are other resorts that can make your romantic rendezvous in Southern Thailand nothing less than unforgettable. And we haven’t even mentioned those in Khao Lak, Phang-Nga, Koh Lanta, or Koh Phi Phi yet!
