Sofitel Grand Sukhumvit, Bangkok

The twin towers of this elegant, centrally-located hotel houses a selection of luxurious rooms and one and two-bedroom suites, expertly decorated with an emphasis on clean modern lines, natural hues and sleek wooden flooring.Tucked away within a quiet residential area, the Grand Sukhumvit has all the first-class facilities you would expect from the Accor family, with a strong emphasis on well-being, relaxation and rest. Those with enough energy can put their body through its paces at the outdoor pool, fitness centre, and sauna, and after an action-packed day enjoy a well-earned muscle-melting massage. For rumbling tummies, deluxe delicatessen Bonbon serves a mouth-watering array of fresh bread and pastries served in the cozy deli shop or to take away, and Café De Nimes provides an all-day dining experience. The international buffet lunch and dinner has a distinctly Mediterranean accent, complemented by creative Thai cuisine and specialties from the world available a la carte 24 hours. Aziza, the inviting poolside bar, offers the perfect opportunity to unwind with a tempting tropical cocktail, and music aficionados will be spoiled by the plush sunken seating, lively beats and smooth grooves at blues and jazz bar Petrus.

Sofitel Riverside Chiang Mai

By northern Thailand's Ping River, near historic Chiang Mai's night bazaar lies the prestigious Sofitel Riverside. After a well-spent day wandering this ancient trading post-cum-budding modern city by foot and by tuk-tuk, the Sofitel and its 74 deluxe and suite rooms – each with a private balcony and river view – await the active traveler.The Sofitel line is renowned for its refined, minimalist décor and its discreet indulgences on offer, and the Riverside is no exception. Visitors can choose to contemplate away their days poolside over exotic cocktails, slipping into the Malin Garden Pavilion for light tapas and wine, and then stroll into the hotel's Mirra Terrace Restaurant for a fine evening meal featuring a fusion of western and local cuisine. Upon returning from a jaunt to the local markets, a tour to the Chiang Mai Zoo, or a 40km excursion to a nearby elephant camp, the Sofitel's Jacuzzi and spa stand ready to restore one's lust for life, and its sleekly decadent rooms await those simply too tired to carry on.Should even a good night's rest not fit the bill, worry not: ring room service for breakfast, and catch the morning sun glancing off the Mae Ping over a restorative Thai iced tea.

Hyatt Regency Hua Hin

The mesmerizing beach vista stretches for 200 meters. The landscaped gardens inspire. The inter-connecting lagoons and pools are inviting and serene. The beachfront Hyatt Regency Hua Hin is beautiful; no doubt about it. Set in low-rise residential buildings this spacious hotel offers visitors fresh and breezy rooms; a haven for comfort and relaxation. And now there is more to celebrate at the Hyatt Regency Hua Hin. In late 2006 the hotel's innovative residential spa, The Barai, will open its doors. Designed by renowned Thai architect, Lek Bunnag, The Barai draws its inspiration from the Khmer cultural heritage. Set on the beachfront among lush tropical foliage The Barai will offer an extensive range of spa treatments as well as eight residential spa suites for treatments and overnight stays. This is a sanctuary designed exclusively for rejuvenation of the body, mind and spirit and can last for a few hours or a few days. Whether you're living it up at the spa or dozing by the pool, the Hyatt Regency Hua Hin is a dream comes true.

The Rachamankha, Chiang Mai

The Rachamankha is more a treasury of old Lanna culture than simply a hotel. Modeled after the chapel of one of Thailand's most beautiful temples, this single-storey inn is a neat assemblage of white plaster buildings capped by terracotta roofs. And despite its location just off Chiang Mai's main thoroughfare, peace reigns supreme.Created by two of Thailand's most renowned design minds, The Rachamankha pays homage to history while offering a sophisticated modern feel. Lanna artwork and Chinese antiquities abound in every room, along with unique pieces from Myanmar and Laos. Each of the 24 rooms differs slightly in décor, and thick walls covered with white limestone plaster keep them invitingly cool. A teal-tiled pool inspires contemplation, while the handsome library could keep The Rachamankha's guests entertained for days.  So chic and well-designed is this hotel that it made the Condé Nast Traveller 2005 Hot List less than a year after opening. And one would expect nothing less of an establishment that was created through a passion for culture and excellent design.

Phu Chaisai Resort & Spa, Chiang Rai

Celebrated interior designer Sudavadee Kriangkrai chose the 'mountain of clear heart' as a personal idyllic country escape, a peaceful place to find solace and spirituality. Once a bamboo forested hill, now 34 rooms nestle into the mountain side where everyone can share in her penchant for art and nature. Barely discernable from the lush forest and bamboo grove surroundings, each bamboo bungalow has been built and furnished almost entirely from natural materials. Each individual sanctuary is surrounded by verdant, landscaped gardens, affording every guest ultimate privacy to enjoy their private plunge pool and the panoramic mountain views of Doi Mae Salong.The emphasis on natural tranquility is nowhere more evident than at the open-air spa, from the scent of lemongrass oil in the air and the rose petals floating in the pool, soft atmospheric lighting and rabbits roaming free in the spa's garden.And if lying back and being pampered is too much of a sedentary activity, there are plenty of nearby trails to explore. Visitors can trek to waterfalls, hill tribe villages and the nearby tea plantation; saddle up and ride through the rainforest or try their hand at pottery, cooking or umbrella painting classes.       

Nakamanda Resort & Spa, Krabi

In Thai, 'Nakamanda' means sacred sea dragon. And you're invited into his exclusive lair, as Nakamanda also happens to be a breathtaking boutique resort and spa in Thailand. A member of the Small Luxury Hotels, Nakamanda lies low at one of the most idyllic and remoter areas of Krabi, overlooking Klong Muang Beach and Hong Islands.     Personal attention, total peace and privacy and ubiquitous beauty are on order at this intimate, hill-side hideaway. Nakamanda is designed in harmony with the natural landscape, inspired by tropical rainforests, mountain peaks and spellbinding azure ocean vistas. Impossibly romantic, water lilies and frangipanis follow your every stone step, which sweep up to luxurious private quarters, finished in teak wood and sand stone, and surrounded by tropical gardens. For ultimate pampering, resort villas feature personal butler service and bathrooms fit for a king, with sky-lit plunge bath tubs; some have outdoor Jacuzzis. If you can tear yourself away, enjoy the complimentary body scrub at the spa and sunset high tea's at the cocktail bar. Or innovative cuisine, al fresco by the pool. 

Plaza Athenee Bangkok, a Royal Meridien Hotel

Plaza Athénée Bangkok, a Royal Méridien Hotel prides itself on excellent service and hospitality and as a serene retreat from Bangkok's heat and bustle. Nevertheless, the hotel is conveniently located on Wireless Road, a tree-lined avenue in the heart of the diplomatic quarter, near to over 20 embassies, BTS Skytrain, numerous shopping malls (with complimentary shuttle) and within reach of key convention centres.  The epitome of five-star luxury, Plaza Athénée Bangkok, a Royal Méridien Hotel offers stunning architectural design and stylish interiors, which cleverly combine classic touches of Thai culture with the most modern range of amenities. The exceptional Club Athénée Executive Lounge and Floors, a jogging track and squash courts, plus five restaurants and two bars - catering for the most discerning palates - are just some of the exclusive facilities provided.  The 378 guest rooms and luxurious suites offer unsurpassed amenities, including broadband Internet, flat screen TV, and separate bath and shower. Yet exquisite works of art, antiquities and handcrafted adornments - such as sandstone carvings and intricate silks - underline a refined oriental opulence.

Santiburi Resort, Koh Samui

The Santiburi Resort Samui is a slice of heaven set amongst palm trees and lush tropical gardens on the northern coast of Koh Samui.The Santiburi Resort is located on twenty three acres of Mae Nam Beach, considered one of Samui's most beautiful and unpoilt. The Santiburi is just 20 mintues from Samui's airport, and an 80-minute flight from Bangkok. Samui's most secluded and luxurious hideaway offers a variety of beautiful Thai style villas and suites in a tropical garden setting. The décor is contemporary Thai and all rooms feature spacious living areas and 5-star amenities. The Santiburi Resort's Sala Thai Restaurant serves the best of Royal Thai cuisine using only the freshest ingredients including vegetables, herbs and spices from the resort's own garden. Private barbecues on your villa's terrace as well as classic and nouveau Western and Asian dishes are also available. The expert therapists at the Santiburi Spa can perform any massage or treatment requested including two treatments that the Santiburi is famous for. 'Touch of Heaven' is a relaxing combination of Swedish massage and an aromatic facial while 'Top to Toe Pampering' combines reflexology with an aromatic facial. A five minute drive from the Santiburi Resort is the only international standard golf course on the island set amongst rolling hills and coconut palms.

Zazen Bungalows, Koh Samui

In a secluded setting at the end of an unspoiled bay, Zazen's sun-washed, orange bungalows nestle along a palm fringed stretch of golden sandy beach. Each room is elegantly designed like a small Thai home with wooden and terra-cotta tiled floors, wide glass-fronted doors and a large veranda overlooking the beach or gardens. Modern amenities have been discreetly incorporated into the traditional ambiance, and all rooms are equipped with TV, DVD and high speed internet connection. Belgian master Chef Walter Andreini serves fine contemporary Eastern and Western cuisine in Zazen's beautiful beachside setting and the Zazen Spa offers a range of traditional treatments.

Samui Holiday Villas

Samui Holiday Villas have a portfolio of stunning luxury villas available for holiday rental in various locations around the beautiful island of Koh Samui. For families and small groups travelling together the villas make an ideal tropical island getaway and are surprisingly affordable. The villas are each beautifully designed and unique, from the ancient Thai style of 'Ban Sairee' to the simple, elegant, Zen design of 'Ban Laem Set'. There are 16 villas to chose from altogether, and all are fully serviced (in the Signature Villas, you even get a personal Thai chef). Some villas are on exclusive, secluded beaches while others are perched on the summits of Samui's craggy hills commanding spectacular views over the Gulf of Thailand and neighbouring islands. All offer total privacy and exclusivity and feature spectacular pools, gracious interiors and shady outdoor areas for total relaxation. Three words describe the sumptuous luxury of Samui Holiday Villas' luxury offerings - bliss, bliss and bliss!

Evason Resort & Spa - Hua Hin

Located in the picturesque fishing village of Pranburi just 30 kilometres south of Hua Hin, The Evason Resort is a luxuriously appointed destination spa set amongst 20 acres of beautifully landscaped tropical gardens. The 145 luxurious guestrooms and 40 stand-alone villas feature a fresh and unconventional design and all boast bright, open-style bathrooms and private balconies. The resort's spa offers an impressive selection of holistic and signature treatments, while their fitness center and Tai Chi and Yoga pavilions help guests play their way into good health. Tasty traditional Thai and contemporary Asian dishes are available at the resort's imaginatively titled venues 'The Restaurant' and 'The Other Restaurant'!

Koyao Island Resort, Phuket

The island paradise of Koh Yao is a laid-back wonderland teeming with indigenous plant and animal life and remains one of Thailand's last unspoilt destinations. The Koyao Island Resort is one of the only boutique properties on the island and offers 15 luxurious and tastefully appointed Thai-style villas, each set in private tropical gardens facing the Andaman Ocean. With its cozy bar and lounge area, and a restaurant which serves up tasty Thai and Mediterranean cuisine, the resort is a private and tranquil retreat that feels far from the heady commercialism of nearby Phuket.

Puripunn Baby Grand Boutique Hotel, Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a city of ancient culture coming to terms with modernity, balancing the heritage of its historical temples against an onrushing tide of automobiles and technical universities. Quietly aloof in the midst of this clash lies the quaint, thirty-room Puripunn, situated amongst the rows of teak buildings comprising Charoenrat Road in the Wat Gade neighborhood.    Boasting an intimate property with architecture both modern and openly inspired by the surrounding colonial-era residences, the Puripunn is among the most culturally contemporary of the city's hotels. Not far away are the night bazaar and the old quarter, and equally near is the modern commercial center, just across the Ping River – business and leisure travelers both will find this most essentially Thai hotel perfectly suited to their needs.Visitors will find a swimming pool, fitness room and spa ready to cater to travel-weary muscles, while the Punna Café offers a restorative selection of fine Thai and western cuisine. An evening stroll down to the nearby Baan Chang riverside reveals where – authentic as the Puripunn itself – Chiang Mai's residents and experienced visitors prefer to cut loose.

The Oriental Bangkok

For almost 130 years royalty, dignitaries and distinguished travellers have all followed the legendary Chao Phya River through the heart of Bangkok to the doors of one of the world's most luxurious hotels - The Oriental Bangkok.The Oriental Bangkok is renowned for the sheer extravagance of its rooms and suites - and one of the world's most beautiful spas.Each of The Oriental's 358 elegant rooms and suites is furnished in teak and traditional Thai silks and is served by a personal butler. There are six different categories of suites including personality suites reflecting the character of famous past guests from the literary world.Dining options are many and include Le Normandie for fine French dining, Sala Rim Naan serving traditional Thai, Lord Jim's for seafood, Ciao for Italian favourites and China House. The Author's Lounge serves snacks and afternoon teas in an historic setting and the Bamboo Bar is the place for cocktails and live jazz.The Oriental Bangkok Spa was the first of its kind in Asia and it still remains a temple of well-being for the many guests who indulge in its luxuries. Treatments include the ever popular Oriental Massage, the Jet-Lag Recovery Treatment and the Oriental Herbal Pack.

The River Kwai Jungle Rafts (River Kwai Floatel), Kanchanaburi

There's no better place to soak up Thailand's spectacular jungle atmosphere than on one's veranda at the River Kwai Jungle Rafts, a haven that's bursting with natural and cultural delights. Originally conceived in 1976, the Jungle Rafts now comprise 100 twin rooms, all floating on the river and comfortably equipped with showers and toilets, restaurant rafts and a theatre for Mon folk dance performances. Every aspect of this floatel is environmentally friendly. The staff recycle, reuse and restore with loving admiration for their surroundings.  A visit to the River Kwai Jungle Rafts offers relaxation and adventure. Guests can explore waterfalls, spot wild orchids and escape into the deep and fabled caves. Those seeking greater challenges can ride elephants through the jungle, cycle to native Mon villages or dive off the veranda for a swim in the river. At sunset guests are serenaded by the magical sounds and sights of Mon music and dancing. Take a break from the hectic pace in this little piece of paradise.

The Metropolitan Bangkok

The chic Metropolitan is arguably Bangkok's first truly contemporary hotel, the much-heralded creation of Christina Ong, owner of COMO Hotels and Resorts. Located in Bangkok's central business district, it's minutes from the city's major shopping haunts.  Along with COMO's commitment to innovative design, Singapore's hottest interior architect fashioned The Metropolitan's sleekly modern interiors. The aesthetics of the 171 guest rooms - including four penthouses - is clean lines and a seductive mix of East and West, contemporary and antique, enhanced by a combination of natural light flooding in and intuitive lighting from London-based Isometrix.  Like its London sister, The Metropolitan, Bangkok has a Met Bar; a hip, lounge style members only bar - open to hotel guests - with international DJ's and a formidable Martini menu. It features the signature COMO Shambhala Urban Escape (bathroom amenities and yoga mats in guest rooms) and two restaurants overseen by an esteemed Australian chef.Soon after opening, The Metropolitan joined the Leading Hotels of the World and has since raked in the awards.

Koh Chang Tropicana Resort & Spa

As Koh Chang becomes more and more developed, the Koh Chang Tropicana Resort just stays the same – thank goodness for that. This midsized, seaside 77-room resort is all about having a good time, be it fun on Klong Prau beach, hiking off to explore the island's interior or simply kicking back on a recliner and watching the waves come in.Individual bungalows are spread out among the resort's beachside gardens, with rustic thatched roofs and wood beams on the outside and spacious, fully modern interiors that include all the comforts expected of a modern resort. And all rooms have balconies and private outdoor showers, allowing for a delightfully exotic new way to enjoy Koh Chang's tropical setting.For seafaring explorers, an archipelago of islands stretches off to Koh Chang's south, while elephant riding offers landlubbers a raised perspective of Koh Chang's scenic rainforest. After a hard day's play, the Tropicana's spa makes a great prelude to a seaside banquet at the Sea Breeze Restaurant.And the greatest part of this west-facing resort? Its peacefully breathtaking horizon sunsets.

Twin Lotus Resort & Spa, Koh Lanta, Krabi

Klong Dao is one of the most beautiful beaches on enchanting Lanta Yai Island, near Krabi, on Thailand's west coast - renowned for its crystal clear waters, powdery white sand and national park status. And Twin Lotus Resort & Spa - nestled among acres of manicured tropical gardens - happens to be the largest property on Klong Dao Beach. Infused with natural serenity, the resort's contemporary design blends with modern Thai touches and offers all the latest amenities. Accommodation options include spacious suites, villas and exclusive deluxe and superior rooms. Surrounded by lotus ponds and lush greenery, most have fabulous Andaman Sea vistas and are just footsteps away from the idyllic 3 kilometre stretch of beach.  Plenty of resort activities are provided, such as scuba diving, fishing and yoga, plus two hours complimentary non-motorised sports activities, such as canoeing and windsurfing. Facilities run to a spa, two outdoor pools with kiddies section and close by, a pier for island hopping. Dining options include barbecue seafood dinners. Or you may just want to enjoy sundowners on your private terrace. Decisions, decisions…

Arahmas Resort & Spa, Phuket

A luxurious five-star resort, the Arahmas is located on the beautiful beach front of Nai Yang, on Phuket. All 112 rooms enjoy views of the Andaman Sea (with rooms on the ground floor having direct access to the pool), and polished wooden floors and mosaic lined bathtubs add to the lavish atmosphere. An extensive range of holistic treatments is available at 'Montra Spa', and the resort's 3 restaurants offer fine Thai and international dining options.

River Kwai Resotel, Kanchanaburi

Just 60 kilometers away from Kanchanaburi town in Central Thailand, this bucolic resort set in large private grounds offers 56 luxuriously appointed and fully air-conditioned chalets and traditional Thai thatched cottages on the banks of the Kwai Noi River. The resort is an ideal base to explore the rugged natural beauty of Kanchanaburi and staff are happy to organize river rafting, elephant trekking, canoeing, fishing and other activities in the area on request. Classical Thai cuisine is served up in the resort's riverside restaurant and the open-air resort spa offers traditional massage treatments.

The Evason Phuket and Six Senses Spa

The Evason Phuket Resort embodies the Evason philosophy of redefining experiences, and as such presents a refreshing reinterpretation of a five star resort designed to appeal to today's more sophisticated travellers.The Evason Phuket Resort is set amongst beautifully landscaped tropical gardens, facing the Andaman Sea on the south-eastern side of Phuket Island.The resort offers 260 elegantly appointed rooms, suites and pool villas in a tropical garden setting featuring a fresh and unconventional design, which is entirely new for Phuket. Most rooms have bright, open-style bathrooms so as to create more space and light in the room.For dining there is a choice of Asian and Western cuisines at Into The View, the main resort restaurant. Into The Beach serves Mediterranean dishes in an informal beach setting while Into Thai specialises in Thai cuisine. There is also an Asian fusion restaurant and a restaurant on nearby Bon Island serving lunches.The Six Senses Spa, spread over three floors, offers the comprehensive range of Six Senses signature treatments blending the ancient principles of Ayurveda with modern practices. Leisure facilities include a fitness centre and water sports.

Novotel King Power, Bangkok

King Power Complex is Bangkok's newest one-stop service for tourists. Situated on Sri Ayudhaya-Rangnam road, the 30-storey complex offers the most exhilarating downtown duty free shopping experience over two floors of retail heaven. Decadent restaurant Ramayana serves up the authentic flavor of Thailand; and the King Power Theatre welcomes all visitors to enjoy traditional Thai performances and King Power Sakorn Puppet shows. Housed inside this brand-new complex in the heart of Bangkok, the cutting-edge design of Novotel King Power harmoniously blends the convenience of city hotel with a touch of resort style. The 21-floor hotel incorporates 400 fully-serviced rooms offering the best international standards and facilities to exceed every guest's expectations in comfort and service.

Chiva- Som, Hua Hin

Located on the beachfront of the royal resort of Hua Hin, Chiva-Som, meaning Haven of Life, is a beautiful secluded world hidden within lush tropical gardens less than three hours from Bangkok.With a real sense of privacy, luxury and exclusivity Chiva-Som takes a holistic approach to your wellbeing, combining ancient eastern therapies with the latest Western techniques to encompass mind, body and spirit.With just 57 stylish rooms, the Thai-style pavilions provide privacy with traditional charm, and the ocean- view rooms and suites boast spectacular views of the Gulf of Thailand. The interiors are decorated in a simple yet elegant style to provide an ideal environment to sooth the mind and comfort the body.Spa cuisine of Asian and Western specialities prove that low calorie, nutritious food can be a gourmet experience. Fruit and vegetables from Chiva-Som's organic garden feature on the delicious menu.The extensive range of spa treatments includes Thai massage, body wraps, cleansing, firming and relaxing facials and Oriental foot rituals while therapies include Che Nei Tsang, mind training, Shiatsu, Watsu, Reiki and many others. Fitness activities include tai chi, yoga, aqua aerobics and pilates.

Sofitel Silom Bangkok

The first true five star hotel on Silom Road, the Sofitel Silom is a luxurious and perfectly situated base for exploring the sensory city of Bangkok. Situated in the heart of the commercial, financial and diplomatic district, many city attractions are within easy walking distance.Each of the 424 rooms at the Silom Bangkok exudes a chic, contemporary elegance, with muted earthy tones and textures complemented by stylish wooden furnishings. All rooms come with every amenity to help every well-heeled traveler feel perfectly at home, and taking a relaxing break from Bangkok's hectic pace needn't mean leaving this city center – the Silom Bangkok's rooftop terrace pool offers the perfect opportunity to soak up some rays and rise above the city traffic. Night owls don't have to stray far to sample the cosmopolitan spirit of city. Silom 188, the hotel's expansive mezzanine lounge bar continues to be a favorite rendezvous to enjoy cigars, perfectly mixed cocktails & even a good book; and wine bar and restaurant V9, located on the lofty 37th floor, blends the twin pleasures of excellent wine and deliciously original new French cuisine.

The Sarojin, Khao Lak

Inspired by the mythical Lady Sarojin, whose household was famous for its hospitality, comfort and appeal, The Sarojin offers a very personalised service and experience that is reminiscent of staying at a friend's private estate. Beautifully located one hour north of Phuket Airport in Khao Lak National Park on a secluded 11 kilometre white sand beach providing all year round swimming, this is a true luxury boutique resort with an incredible sense of space. Designed in a contemporary Asian style, lines blur and merge simultaneously with local elements and landscape.Accommodations are designed to relax and refresh your senses visually and physically with intimate couples' baths, waterfall showers, plunge pools, spa pools that blend into the natural habitat. Two restaurants offer extraordinary dining locations on the beach or around an ancient tree. Pathways Spa is a luxurious experience.  Venturing forth? Guides, cars and a luxury boat offer personalised excursions exclusively for guests…all with cold towels, sparkling wine and gourmet safari lunches. Seamless elegance and tailor-made service. That's what it's all about.

Lisu Lodge, Chiang Mai

Only an hour's drive north of Chiang Mai, this award-winning eco-lodge is a sanctuary for the fascinating Lisu tribal group and features 24 comfortable rooms in traditional hilltribe pavilions with thatched roofs, bamboo walls and floor mats. Members of the Lisu staff the rustic lodge and the project has helped the community retain its cultural heritage while benefiting from the progress of responsible tourism. Set in a lush valley, rooms at the rustic retreat are equipped with electricity, private bathrooms, hot water and mosquito nets, and the lodge is a wonderful base for exploring this fascinating region.

The Imperial Mae Ping Hotel, Chiang Mai /The Imperial Tara Mae Hong Son Hotel

In a tale of two cities and two contrasting styles, the four-star Imperial Hotels invite you to experience northern Thai hospitality and culture. The Imperial Mae Ping Hotel boasts prime position in downtown Chiang Mai, next to the night bazaar and several wats; a view enjoyed from this 15-storey hotel. Catering to business and leisure travellers, the Imperial Mae Ping (named after the city's river) offers a staggering array of amenities and facilities, including two resort-style pools, shopping arcade, traditional spa, convention hall, five food and beverage outlets, plus nearby golf course. Not forgetting its rich Thai heritage, the hotel is adorned with Lanna Thai works of art.  The Imperial Tara Mae Hong Son Hotel nestles among teakwood forest in a valley on the outskirts of Mae Hong Son, 'City of Three Mists.'  Beautifully blending in with the surroundings, the 104-room hotel - built in Thai traditional architectural style - stands below the treetops. Modern amenities merge with teak appointed interiors. The broad terrace and lobby overlook pretty gardens and a creek; beyond, the mountainous peaks of the Thai-Myanmar border.

Sofitel Asoke Residence, Bangkok

Location. The Sofitel Residence Asoke Bangkok wins hands down on this point; slap bang in central Bangkok, near the junction of Asoke and Sukhumvit precincts and a mere five minutes from the BTS Sky Train and MRT Subway.  The main shopping plazas, bars, clubs and restaurants are all within the vicinity.   But Bangkok's newest 'bijou' accommodation offers much more than this; an urban oasis, providing everything for your convenience in this dynamic city.   The 76 one-bedroom suites - deluxe or executive - are simultaneously comfy yet utterly stylish, decked out in chic browns and beige decor. All feature balconies and fully equipped kitchenettes, two state-of-the-art bathrooms and washing machines. And the spacious suites offer excellent value for money, being larger in size than other hotels offering the same rates.  The rooftop swimming pool with Jacuzzi affords fabulous views of the downtown skyline. As you would expect under the Accor umbrella, French influence abounds, even down to the cuisine; the resident French chef presenting classic Mediterranean cuisine and fine wines at 'Le Beaulieu' Restaurant.  

Yaang Come Village, Chiang Mai

Yaang Come Village Hotel, in the heart of bustling Chiang Mai, is just a few footsteps from the city's famed night market, numerous Buddhist wats and a mere five minutes stroll to the river. Yet hidden away in serene gardens and shaded by the mature boughs of Yaang trees, you would never know. Providing an oasis for both business and leisure visitors to this popular north Thailand city, Yaang Come Village Hotel provides exceptional Thai hospitality and all the comforts and conveniences international travellers expect, such as flat screen, satellite TV and DVD player in guestrooms, plus wireless internet access, meeting rooms and library corner facilities. But as the name suggests, the hotel takes inspiration from a traditional Thai village. Detached, ethnic-style Thai Luou houses contain 42 spacious guestrooms with private balcony, beautifully furnished with rich northern Thai fabrics and woods. These overlook the swimming pool and pretty gardens, which feature an open-air terraced restaurant - perfect for candlelit evening dining, or the delicious buffet breakfast.

Hmong Hilltribe Lodge, Chiang Mai

For visitors in the Chiang Mai area, the Hmong Hill Tribe Lodge offers a perfect chance to experience hospitality as it has been practiced for over 700 years.  The lodge offers large, airy rooms with all the amenities and views of the wild, lush tropical scenery of Mae Rim.  Thai and Western cuisine is available in the coffee shop, and at night villagers display their local customs under a crowd of stars.

Kirimaya Golf Resort & Spa, Khao Yai

This stunning area of lush jungle - and UNESCO World Heritage Site - ascends to 1,351m above sea level and the air is refreshingly cool. Along scenic trails, you can spot beautiful butterflies, exotic blooms and rare orchids, as well as wild elephants and migrating birds. Some months, the jungle turns into a giant, mist shrouded canopy, abundant with waterfalls. Believe it or not, you're just two hours drive from Bangkok - Khao Yai National Park, to be precise. And Kirimaya, the first boutique resort in Khao Yai, is nestled a few kilometres from the park gate. A high-end nature retreat, Kirimaya is the perfect base to experience all that glorious nature, with night and day safaris, elephant trekking, horse riding, or a round of golf on the championship 18-hole course, designed by Jack Nicklaus. In the finest traditions of bygone safaris, the luxurious accommodation at Kirimaya comes with such inspirational names as Plantation View Rooms or Tented Villas yet are kitted out with premier amenities. And there are off-site dining options, too - pith hats and hip flasks optional.

The Napasai, Koh Samui

The Napasai Koh Samui draws a very particular sort of crowd – and promptly disperses it amongst its 55 scenic cottages and 11 charming villas. The world-weary and the worry-worn will find this romantic resort the perfect retreat, an exclusive, terraced getaway overlooking a private sandy beach and Koh Phangan, off to the north. The resort is designed with a view toward modern Thai architecture. Its spacious rooms feature light cottons and silks, with furniture fashioned from bamboo and Burmese teak. The beautiful, turquoise horizon-edge swimming pool makes an exquisite sunset venue, as much as do the resort's secluded spa gardens and its villas' veranda dining areas.  Situated on Baan Tai Beach, the Napasai is far enough from the bustle of the Chaweng and Lamai sub-districts that it preserves for its vacationers a distinctly 'Thai” feel. The island's hawkers, its boisterous nightclubs and nightly Muay Thai bouts are separated by a ten-minute cab ride downtown – not too steep a price to pay, to hear the sound of waves breaking on a pristine shoreline from the privacy of one's own sea-view windows.There are two excellent restaurants to choose from, one indoor and one beachfront. The indoor Lai Thai Restaurant serves authentic Thai cuisine with a fiery zing while the beachfront restaurant specialises in seafood prepared with French flair.Nestled in a peaceful sanctuary, surrounded by wonderful flora, the Spa at Napasai is a sanctuary of serenity and natural beauty for those seeking to relax and restore body and mind. The Spa offers a wide range of treatments rooted in Thai traditional medicine, local herbs and Oriental philosophies.

The Paradise Koh Yao Boutique Beach Resort and Spa, Phuket

Picture paradise - a place where untouched tropical rainforest spreads to the horizon, ancient trees dip down onto deserted beaches, invitingly brushing fine white sands strewn with conch shells and palm fronds, and the opalescent ocean sparkles under the gaze of the sun just a coconut's throw away… This is the setting for Koh Yao's boutique beach resort and spa, located on Yao Noi Island - world famous for its unique limestone formations and pristine beaches, and with superlative views across the picture-perfect azure waters of Phang Nga Bay. This is truly the epitome of tropical island getaways, capturing the world's imagination as the setting for "The Man with the Golden Gun" and "The Beach" movies. Away from the major tourist spots of Phuket and Krabi, yet less than an hour away by boat transfer, the complex of 70 contemporary studios and villas offer the best in modern luxury, with wood, thatch and stone accents integrating the architecture seamlessly with the lush tropical surroundings. Indulge in the ultimate beach experience by staying in one of the pool villas, nestled on the beach among the palm trees just metres from the sea with a private pool and beachfront garden spilling onto the sand.

Manohra Cruises, Chao Phraya River, Bangkok

Take a sunset or dinner cruise along the 'River of Kings' on board the lovingly restored rice barges of Manohra Cruises.Enjoy Bangkok at its best by cruising the historic Chao Phraya River aboard the beautifully restored rice barges, the Manohra Song and the Manohra Dream. They offer unmatched luxury and comfort for cruising with a variety of sunset and dinner cruises accommodating up to 40 guests at a time.The luxurious accommodation consists of air-conditioned staterooms with king or queen-size beds, en-suite bathrooms, living and dining areas with a bar and a sundeck. The décor features custom designed furniture in teak and mahogany, Thai silks and cottons and art and sculpture.Cruise options include an hour-long sunset cruise, a dinner cruise and a choice of two three-day cruises. Exciting new options include Thai cooking classes and a meditation day trip to Koh Kred. Both the Manohra Song and Manohra Dream are also available for private charter and custom cruises.

Lampang River Lodge