Thailand’s New Luxury Hotels
Truly secluded vacations are getting steadily harder to come by everywhere in the world these days, but Thailand is among the glorious exceptions. The country has hundreds of inlets, islands and bays, covered in stunning tropical landscapes and untouched forest and jungle.
By Wanida Tardivel & Luxury Society Asia Team
The options are also endless when it comes to five-star properties where it’s possible to get totally escape and connect with nature and luxury. These are some of the most exciting ones you need to hear about:
Keemala: Phuket
Keemala may be the most unique property you’ll ever heard of, and it’s no wonder international media and hotel design competitions are talking. Here you can stay in any one of an eclectic array of tented villas, clay cottages, tree houses and woven spa huts. Despite a design inspired by Phuket’s early settlers, Keemala’s service is anything but primitive. Each of the 38 unique dwellings lays claim to its own private pool and lush jungle views. Read more
Amatara Resort & Wellness: Phuket
Located on Cape Panwa (the sprawling estate first made famous from the iconic Sri Panwa), Amatara is the new rebranding of the former Phuket Regent hotel. Keeping all its existing amenities, Amatara has only expanded the offering by crafting itself as a premier wellness destination. Now you can find a variety of luxurious holistic treatments here ranging from ancient to modern, like Rhassoul clay treatments and the world’s first ”Thai Hammam”.
Ritz Carlton Samui: Koh Samui
On the cusp of opening, the new Ritz Carlton on Koh Samui is planned for the green and luscious northeastern tip of the island. The hotel will be made up of 175 luxury guest rooms and pool villas with a restaurant, wellness spa and other recreational facilities conveniently located on the beachfront.
Rosewood Phuket: Phuket
Opening in 2017 on Phuket’s Emerald Bay, Rosewood’s first Asian resort will be nestled inside a lush rainforest landscape overlooking the Andaman Sea. If you’re looking for a getaway that ranges from relaxing to active this is it, with four swimming pools, yoga and sea sports pavilions and even a tennis court.
Ani Villas Thailand: Koh Yao Noi
This beautiful 10-villa resort can be found on the remote island Ko Yanoi, halfway between Phuket and Krabi in the middle of Phang Nga Bay (transfer is available exclusively via private boat or helicopter, just so you get an idea). The property is designed to reflect Buddhist temples in the country’s north, from an open dining sala floating on the water to traditionally inspired motifs and decorations.
www.anivillas.com
The Nai Harn: Phuket
Previously the Royal Phuket Yacht Club, the new Nai Harn hotel is now totally unrecognizable after a major 18-month overhaul. It’s located on the pristine, white and stretch of Nai Harn beach, which has time and again been ranked among Asia’s best beaches on TripAdvisor. The hotel is a celebration of southern Thai style and architecture, with vibrant splashes of colour from the poolside canopies to room bedding. There’s also a 50-meter deck on the rooftop perfect for taking in breath-taking sunsets over the bay.
Andakira Crest Tri Trang: Phuket
On a hillside plot at the southern end of Patong, this new eco resort will feature the most luxurious of in-room amenities from espresso machines to so-called “deluxe” minibars, and private pools and Jacuzzis. With a rooftop sky lounge, cigar lounge and even butler service included inside luxury villas, it’s likely you may never want to leave.
Cassia Phuket: Phuket
Banyan Tree’s latest brand, Cassia, is opening up a stylish luxury resort located on the reclusive Bang Tao Bay. Right next to an 18-hole golf course and private residences, the rooms are designed to be somewhere between hotel and apartment living. The layouts range from one to two bedrooms with separate living rooms and fully equipped kitchens included.
X2 River Kwai – Float Cabin: Kanchanaburi
Asia’s only floating cabin hotel rooms promise a gentle rocking sensation and romantic vistas of the River Kwai. The surrounding countryside is also known for its beauty, and various historic attractions such as the Death Railway and the picturesque waterfalls and caves of Erawan National Park. X Float Cabin’s sleek industrial decor – you’ll fall in love with the bathrooms and its rustic chic washbasins and big bathtubs – is the perfect base to explore it all, not to mention a perfect waterfront alternative for the Thai islands.
www.X2Lobby.com
