Manathai Khao Lak is the epitome of the modern Thai hotel, where natural materials, clean lines and minimalist design create a welcoming and stylish environment. When paired with gentle hospitality of the Thai people it makes for a relaxing experience. Set back from the road, and surrounded by lush tropical jungle on both sides, with a glorious expanse of golden beach at the back, the hotel feels like a peaceful idyll where every detail’s been thought of.

Just over an hour from Phuket international airport, you’re welcomed into the hotel via a huge, light-filled vaulted reception area, which draws on traditional Thai teak houses as well as the best of modern design. Iced towels and fresh juice set a opulent tone.

With 158 well equipped rooms, true luxury is to be found in the four exclusive pool villas. The crowning feature of these spacious private bungalows are their terraces, which have a small infinity pool, comfortable chairs and a huge porch swing with space enough for two. The rooms have complimentary (fast) wifi, and my villa had a desk which was comfortable to work at as well as a sofa and coffee table area for lounging, a king sized bed and a large flat screen TV with movie channels. I also loved the bathroom with rain shower, double basins and bath – and scented oil burner that housekeeping lit when they cleaned.

The hotel’s large pool looks out over the beach – if you prefer swimming in the sea it’s only a few steps further. A number of free activities are optional for guests, such as a Muay Thai taster. An exercise room and a kids club are also available, or book a Thai cooking class overlooking the pool – and then saunter a few paces to the bar for a Mojito while the sun sets. The food is all tasty enough not to need to leave the hotel, but the breakfast is particularly good – don’t miss the light and fluffy waffles, the noodle soup and the fresh baked goods.

 
The Peninsula sits on the bank of the Chao Phraya River, and each of its elegant 370 rooms and suites has a full river view. Many of the rooms have balconies, allowing you to sit and take in the view of the traffic on this busy river, from hotel boats zipping back and forth to barge and dinner cruises. Taking the hotel’s pagoda-shaped boat across the river is a highlight of a stay here.

Our deluxe room was spacious with a walk-in dressing area and dual vanity bathroom with separate shower and tub. The large desk was unhelpfully positioned so that light from the lovely floor to ceiling windows hit my laptop screen and necessitated working with the curtains closed for much of the day.

The gym was small but adequately outfitted to work up a bit of a holiday sweat and the long three-tiered swimming pool a very pleasant environment to relax in afterwards. The hotel does movies by the pool where you can sink into a bean bag and sip a drink while recovering from a busy day of site-seeing.

Unfortunately, the Peninsula’s service standards simply don’t live up to expectations. The staff appear distracted and poorly trained, and from restaurant staff to housekeeping and more senior staff, most we came into contact with didn’t appreciate the concept of basic customer service. The hotel has the potential to be very good, it’s a very nice property, but let down by poor service, it doesn’t deserve its five stars.

 
Tucked away amidst the verdure of Sirinath National Park, overlooking the serene Bang Tao Bay, the Anantara Phuket Layan resort is a perfect place to relax and recharge at the end of a busy Thai holiday or during a weekend getaway. Accommodations consist of luxurious rooms and pool villas scattered across the hillside or close to the beach.

Our deluxe pool villa with private sun deck is well equipped with all the usual features including excellent free wifi and Apple TV but also less common treats like its own wine cooler – it seemed only right to while away part of an evening sipping nicely chilled grape in the huge outdoor bathtub built for two.

The scent of jasmine and orange blossom delights the nostrils as you wander around the lush grounds exchanging ‘sawasdees’ with the staff working tirelessly keep the gardens pristine. Drag yourself away from the privacy of your private pool and you’ll find the beautiful beachside infinity pool. Relax here or take advantage of the free water sports, and the shallow calm waters of the bay, and try your hand at kayaking or sailing a hobbie cat.

In the evening you can choose from three on-site restaurants or opt for a romantic private dinner on the beach. For short stays there’s little reason to leave the resort but for those staying longer the shops and restaurants of Laguana town are a ten minute taxi ride away or you can visit some of the neighbouring resorts.

From Muay Thai (kick boxing) to cookery classes to private sessions with expert wellness coaches, and the children’s Chang Club, Anantara Phuket Layan has something for everyone, all delivered in a tranquil and beautiful corner of Thailand’s biggest island.

 
It’s all about space, service and tranquillity at Sukhothai Bangkok. Named after an ancient Thai kingdom, the hotel uses local crafts throughout, giving a modern luxury experience whilst remaining Thai in feel. Located in the heart of Bangkok, Sukhothai is set in six acres of grounds where greenery and water abound. As you wander into the tree lined driveway and past the lily ponds, you enter a world far away from the frenetic city outside.

The abundance of space continues in the cool interior where the beautiful rooms start at a generous 38m². The suites have the most extravagant bathrooms complete with dressing area and large sized, high quality toiletries.

If you can drag yourself out of your opulent room you’ll find there’s a compact gym and a 25 metre pool to tempt you. Sunbeds are plentiful but the pool remains quiet and staff are immediately at hand to refill your complimentary glass of iced water should it run low, or if you feel like something a little stronger.

The buffet breakfast is not as extensive as you find in some of the larger hotels but it is more than adequate and high quality, with wonderful breads and cut meats among the usual hot offerings.

Sukhothai is a haven of peace and luxury amid the hustle and bustle of Bangkok.