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Header image courtesy of Anantara Golden Triangle
Holiday season is the perfect time to plan new adventures and see different parts of the world to gain fresh experiences and unforgettable memories to last a lifetime. While some travellers might eye far-flung regions that require serious time commitment even before you touch ground, there is a wealth of off-the-beaten-path destinations much closer to home that provide unique attractions and wonders.
Consider one of these exceptional hotels and resorts across lesser-known parts of Thailand that take you out of the heavily touristed areas of Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui, and the like for a luxury getaway that will surely be one for the ages.
Nestled in the picturesque Phang Nga Bay, Six Senses Yao Noi is the ideal destination for travellers to experience a unique blend of luxury and sustainability. An idyllic resort featuring 56 private villas with pools, each designed to maximise privacy and the surrounding views of limestone cliffs and emerald waters, Six Senses Yao Noi focuses on eco-friendly practices, using local materials and sustainable resources to ensure minimal environmental impact while providing guests with an unparalleled getaway.
Major highlights here include the immersive wellness activities, comprising yoga classes, meditation sessions, and holistic treatments at the renowned Six Senses Spa. Guests can indulge in various dining options, starring organic ingredients sourced from local farms and the resort’s own gardens. Culinary experiences range from casual beachside dining to exquisite fine gastronomy, making every meal memorable.
Six Senses Yao Noi provides an interconnected experience that rejuvenates the mind, body, and spirit, set against a backdrop of luxury and seclusion. Adventurers can also explore the stunning natural environment between Phuket and Krabi through such activities as chartered boat trips, island tours by bike or car, and diving.
InterContinental Khao Yai Resort is a luxurious retreat located amidst the lush landscapes of Khao Yai National Park, a recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site. Combining contemporary design created by renowned architect Bill Bensley with natural beauty, guests can escape from the hustle and bustle of city life in elegantly appointed rooms and villas made of upcycled train carriages inspired by the reign of King Rama V, featuring modern amenities, gorgeous views, and private balconies.
One of the unique offerings of the InterContinental Khao Yai is its private jet service, which allows guests to arrive in style and comfort. Its exclusive service caters to those seeking a seamless travel experience, providing direct access to the resort without the usual airport hassles. Hop on a private charter flight from Klong II Private Airfield in Bangkok to the Khao Yai Private Airfield, with round-trip transfers to and from all airports included in the package. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with warm hospitality and personalised service, setting the tone for their unforgettable stay.
Dining options range from casual eateries to fine-dining experiences that highlight local and international cuisines. Guests can keep busy with recreational activities such as tours around Pak Chong and Khao Yai, as well as fishing adventures, botanical excursions, and exploring native wildlife, flora, and fauna. After a long day out, relax at the Back on Track Spa; the treatments use local ingredients and traditional techniques.
For an immersive travel experience unlike any other, Anantara Golden Triangle offers a truly unique stay with its luxury Jungle Bubble lodges. In the heart of northern Thailand, surrounded by lush landscapes, these transparent, air-conditioned accommodations provide guests with a magical opportunity to be in the centre of wildlife action without sacrificing on comfort or modern amenities. Strategically placed to offer stunning views of the jungle and roving elephants, the Jungle Bubble lodges are furnished with plush bedding and a private outdoor deck. Gaze at the night sky and wake up to the sounds of nature, accompanied by a breakfast while watching the pachyderms around you.
Activities abound at Anantara Golden Triangle, with options such as elephant encounters, guided boat tours, and visits to temples and local landmarks. For the ultimate culinary adventure, Canopy, a treetop dining experience, will place you high above the grasslands for a panoramic view over the Golden Triangle.
Chiva-Som Hua Hin is a premier well-being resort that combines world-class hospitality with holistic health and lifestyle transformation. Nestled along the pristine shores of Hua Hin on the Gulf of Thailand, this award-winning destination focuses on rejuvenation and sustainable luxury. With a philosophy centred on wellness, Chiva-Som offers personalised programmes that cater to individual needs, whether it be weight loss, detox, stress management, cell vitality, optimal performance, gut health, and more. It is the perfect place for a refreshing escape focused on improving your well-being.
British architect Jean-Paul Blissett designed the resort to feature 54 elegant rooms and suites inspired by traditional Ayuttaya houses, each equipped with modern amenities and serene views of the gardens or ocean. At the comprehensive Health & Wellness Centre, guests can avail themselves of the well-equipped water therapy suites with a sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, plunge pool, and relaxation room; the bathing pavilion with an exercise pool, Kneipp walk, steam room, and hydro-jacuzzi; an outdoor swimming pool; watsu pool; gym; refunctional studios for fitness and physiotherapy; dance studio, Pilates studio; yoga pavilion and sala; and tai chi pavilion. Meanwhile, the Niranlada Medi-Spa specialises in aesthetic micro-invasive treatments for beauty and longevity.
Wellness is also achieved through dining. Guests can also indulge in balanced meals that are healthy, delicious, restorative, and nutritious. Chiva-Som’s chefs create menus that support guests’ wellness goals, using organic ingredients and whole foods in their most natural form to offer locally inspired and Western delicacies.
Head to Banyan Tree Krabi for a peaceful getaway to the tropics. Offering a luxurious and serene escape on the southern coast of Thailand, the five-star resort is set against a backdrop of lush mountains and tranquil waters, providing a blend of tranquillity and nature. Each of the 72 beautifully designed villas come with private pools, spacious living areas, and stunning views of the Andaman Sea, ensuring a blissful stay.
Board the White Pearl longtail boat for a private jaunt around the waters to experience the coastal wonders of the Andaman Sea, hike to the top of Dragon Crest Mountain, visit the Ban Koh Klang Muslim island community to learn about their carving techniques and rice cultivation, explore the Krabi Elephant Sanctuary, have an in-room barbecue, or indulge in a unique hydrothermal experience at the Banyan Tree Spa Krabi, where the immersive Rainforest provides a sophisticated circuit with a rain walk, steam and sauna rooms, vitality pool, ice fountain, hot and cold plunge pools, and heated bed. Dining is an equally special experience, comprising authentic Thai and international flavours. Climb up to the Bird’s Nest for a meal in the treetops overlooking the ocean.
Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa is a stunning seaside property located along the unspoilt shores of Bang-Lut Beach. Blending relaxation and adventure, the resort, welcomes families, couples, and solo travellers alike, with 283 rooms, suites, and villas to choose from, some with balconies and private pools for additional privacy.
Quan Spa offers a diverse range of body therapies, massages, and facials, as well as treatments for kids, and the four different pools—adult-only, kids, beachfront, and whirlpool—make for perfect afternoon lounging. Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa also offers culture and history tours to Takua Pa Old Town and temples, boat excursions around Phang Nga Bay, and outdoor adventures to Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park.
Watch the sunset with a drink in hand at the Beach Lawn before heading to Goji Kitchen & Bar for international cuisine, Thai Curry Sala for local flavours, Panasia Grill & Bar for steakhouse delights, Lido Beach Restaurant & Lounge for Italian-Mediterranean plates in an alfresco dining environment, or Greatroom & Bar for a casual meal.
Soneva Kiri, located on the exquisite island of Koh Kood, epitomises splendour and sustainability through its secluded eco-luxury resort. Providing a haven for travellers seeking an exceptional balance between natural beauty, superlative design, and unparalleled service, its 32 private villas, ranging from one to five bedrooms, complete with infinity pools, offer the ultimate holiday escape. Guests can explore Soneva Kiri by electric buggy or bicycles, and Barefoot Guardians provide 24/7 personalised service.
Dining at Soneva Kiri is a culinary adventure, as the resort boasts several world-class restaurants, including Kruua Mae Tuk (Tuk’s Kitchen) for traditional Thai gastronomy, Coconut Grove for a beachfront dining journey, The View for Nikkei flavours, and the Treepod Dining Experience, in a bamboo pod suspended in the tropical foliage of the ancient Koh Kood rainforest, where food is delivered via zipline.
For relaxation and rejuvenation, the Soneva Kiri Spa offers globally inspired wellness therapies designed to nourish the body and soul. Eight couples’ treatment rooms are available, with four offering private steam rooms. Complete the experience with a visit to the on-site watsu pool, spa beach sala with three treatment bays, infrared saunas, and the outdoor organic spa garden, with stone beds and a bamboo mist shower.
Unique activities like night snorkelling with bioluminescent plankton, a safari tour of Koh Kradad, stargazing session, floating breakfast in your private pool, cooking classes, Yai Ki waterfall and rainforest trek, and an exploration to see hornbills and the Koh Kood rainforest can be arranged as part of the resort’s experiences programme.
As the leader in driving Thailand towards experience-based and sustainable tourism, the Tourism Authority of Thailand delivers high-quality tourism products and services to better tourism in the country. Under the slogan “Amazing Thailand,” it promotes exciting events and discovery itineraries.
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