Are you looking for a unique stay experience? Something that is made special by their location and setting that is often overlooked because they under the mainstream radar. Here are five very special places to stay, little hidden gems that each offer a stay experience that is magically different.
Story by Laurence Civil
Praya Palazzo
Praya Palazzo
A stunning Paladio-style mansion built in 1923 by Colonel Praya Chollabhumipanich a Thai-Chinese nobleman, sits in the shadows of King Rama VIII Bridge on the banks of the Chao Praya River. This legendary 16 rooms/suites boutique hotel, accessible by river only, offers the unique opportunity to experience the Belle-époque era of Edwardian Bangkok.
www.prayapalazzo.com
137 Pillars House
137 Pillars House
During Chiang Mai’s logging era the number of pillars in traders residence was a measure of his wealth. This with 137 indicated this was the home of a gentleman of substance, the company manager of the East Borneo Company, located on the west bank of the Ping River which then was the foreigner’s enclave. The 30 suites offers the ultimate residential style stay with quarter ranging from 70-135 square metre each with the most sumptuous bathrooms.
www.137pillarshouse.com
Phulay Bay, A Ritz Carlton Reserve
Phulay Bay, A Ritz Carlton Reserve
The first RItz Carlton to open in Thailand and the first ever Reserve resort to open world wide. On arrival the contemporary Thai teak arrivals pavilion appears to be floating above the soothing reflection pool set in the purple Moorish style courtyard with a thousand flickering candles set in the wall. This is a complete escape to the unexpected, a “casual barefoot” ambiance with a no rules dress code. Be pampered by a excellently discreet private butler.
www.phulaybay.com
Four Season Tented Camp Chiang Rai
Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle
Located in the north of Thailand, just south of Burma and west of Laos. Accommodated in 15 luxurious open air tents each with 54 square metres of of living space with leather and hardwood chairs, paddle fans and hard wood writing desks. An unforgettable experience to interact with elephant that evokes the spirit of 19th Century explorers.
www.fourseasons.com/goldentriangle
Hansar Pranburi
Hansar Pranburi – Romantic Beach Escape
Located 30kms south of Hua Hin on the Gulf of Siam sitting on the edge of Sam Roi Yot National Park. The former beach front residence of a British expatriate has been converted into an enchanting three storey nine room beach villa with an additional eight bedrooms spread through for two story duplexes set on one side of the villa. Between the villa and the beach a 25 metre infinity pool. The Bay Restaurant is driven the fisherman’s daily catch sources in the local market.
www.hansarpranburi.com