Five-star Reflections
From Bangkok to beaches and northern hills, there’s no doubting Thailand has some of the world’s best hotels and resorts, reports Brian Johnston.
Travellers to Thailand are spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation. From the sprawling resorts of the south, right on palm-fringed beaches and offering immaculate gardens and lagoon-style swimming pools, to the sometimes surprisingly modern hotels of the north, with their trendy décor and faultless service, visitors will find plenty of fine places to lay their heads. And as for Bangkok, few cities in the world can compete with its top-end luxury hotels that regularly get rated among the best on the planet – yet offer rates considerably lower than you’d pay for the equivalent in Australia or Europe.
Bangkok
Banyan Tree Bangkok
Banyan Tree Bangkok is a city sanctuary with all-suite accommodation in the heart of Bangkok. But it’s the hotel’s restaurants and bars that command attention. Vertigo Grill & Moon Bar, located on the rooftop of the 61-storey Banyan Tree Bangkok, is the namesake of Alfred Hitchcock’s famous thriller. This sophisticated dining establishment sits on a former helipad and comes alive at sunset for nocturnal festivities in full view of the Thai capital.
Sculpted with escalated platforms and low walls to ensure an outstanding 360 degree panorama of the city, its décor takes on that of a trendy restaurant and bar with stainless steel cutlery and funky music to add to the avant-garde ambience. Since its opening in January 2002, it has fast become a favourite haunt for visitors from all parts of the world. Signature dishes include medallion of five-spice minced duck, and broiled Maine lobster with Chardonnay cream sauce.
Fraser Suites Sukhumvit
This recently-opened luxury all-suites property is in the heart of Bangkok off Sukhumvit Road. Central business, shopping, dining and entertainment districts are all nearby, as are Nana BTS Skytrain and Sukhumvit subway stations, making this a convenient place to stay. There are 163 luxurious studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.
Every suite comprises a contemporary living room, extensively-equipped kitchen, and a balcony with sweeping views over the city. Furnishings are bright and modern. All apartments also feature state-of-the-art home entertainment facilities such as DVD players, multi-room sound systems, LCD HD televisions, and both wireless and broadband Internet access. Personalised services at the suites include housekeeping and babysitting, laundry and dry cleaning, complimentary shuttles to key areas of the city, and special guest activity programs. A children’s play area includes PlayStations. There is also complimentary breakfast daily. The 32-storey deluxe complex also features a fitness centre, world-class spa and swimming pool.
Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa
This resort-style property provides a new perspective in a city setting and enables guests to get away from the downtown street bustle to a relaxed and calming environment. The classical Thai architecture, lush gardens and cool river breezes offer all the tranquillity of a resort, with expansive waterside frontage and a canal running through the grounds. Guests can also enjoy the pleasurable experience of travelling on the river, as the resort operates its own shuttle boat service to the nearest Skytrain station every 15 minutes.
Set within the resort gardens and surrounded by tropical greenery, the Mandara Spa offers treatments that skilfully blend ancient and modern practices. The resort also has a swimming pool and kids’ pool, fitness trail, tennis and kids’ club. There are ten bars and restaurants offering a choice of dining venues.
Guestrooms have private balconies with marvellous views, polished hardwood floors, spacious bathrooms and broadband Internet access.
Millennium Hilton Bangkok Hotel
Towering majestically above the Chao Praya River, the Millennium Hilton boasts sweeping city views. All guestrooms have great river vistas, and a free shuttle boat runs from the private pier to Saphan Taksin and River City – a great way to get around Bangkok. The hotel has an infinity pool and beach deck, gym, sauna and Jacuzzi.
There is also a wide variety of restaurants and bars: enjoy Cantonese food in Yuan, sip a cocktail on the terrace overlooking the river at Flow and watch the chefs at the open kitchen, or relax in the Three Sixty Lounge on the 32nd floor, with views over Bangkok. Sun, white sand and speciality cocktails are the order of the day at The Beach, which brings a slice of seaside Thailand to the city. Guestrooms are stylish and contemporary, reflecting the modern feel of this fine hotel.
The Oriental, Bangkok
For almost 130 years, royalty and distinguished travellers have followed the Chao Phrya River through the heart of Bangkok to the doors of one of the world’s most luxurious hotels. The Oriental is renowned for the sheer extravagance of its rooms and suites – and for one of the world’s most beautiful spas. Situated across the river from the hotel in a traditional Thai-style house of beautifully-carved teak, the Oriental Spa has won rave reviews since it first opened and is widely considered one of the best spas in Asia.
There are also complimentary fitness classes and tai chi at the fitness centre, tennis and squash courts and swimming pools. The Oriental’s cooking school has been educating guests for nearly 20 years. The hotel also offers a whole range of restaurants, with Le Normandie considered one of the best French dining experiences in Asia.
The Sukothai Bangkok
This is one of the capital’s iconic luxury hotels, always looking for ways to maintain its pre-eminent position, most lately by the addition of lush gardens with decorative ponds, and Thailand’s first Spa Botanica, which offers a personally-focused holistic experience that provides signature treatments by an expert team of therapists in seven VIP rooms. Other recent developments include the launch of a new fleet of Mercedes Benz S320s. The Sukhothai also recently opened the fusion Thimian gourmet shop, in addition to its several restaurants, with Sunday brunches at The Colonnade being very popular.
You can always work off the calories afterwards at the hotel’s tennis and squash courts or swimming pool. And, with its convenient location and conference and business centres, the hotel is also ideal for those of a working visit. The Sukothai is regularly voted one of the top hotels in Asia, and is a member of Leading Hotels of the World.
Koh Lanta Pimalai Resort & Spa
Pimalai, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, was recently voted Thailand’s leading resort for 2007 at the 14th Annual World Travel Awards. It’s the only resort on the island of Koh Lanta, in Thailand’s Krabi province, that carries an official five-star rating. Set on 25 hectares of lush tropical forest with direct access to 900 metres of magnificent beach, Pimalai boasts exceptional facilities including deluxe rooms, suites and private pool villas, eight restaurants and bars, conference facilities and a wide range of recreational activities.
Recently, it completed a sports complex that includes two floodlit tennis courts and a new fitness centre. Be it for a honeymoon or a break from it all, Pimalai offers peace and solitude, combined with relaxed elegance and genuine friendly service. Little disturbs the peace except for the sound of the waves breaking gently on the pristine
sandy beach.
Phuket
Anantara Phuket
Anantara Phuket, set for completion in late 2008, will be a unique new addition to the Anantara family, with its luxurious collection of expansive pool villas. Situated in the serenity of Phuket’s Mai Kao Beach, each of Anantara’s 83 pool villas will have the refinement of traditional Thai style, with colourful silks and teak furnishings and a deep terrazzo tub for two. For the ultimate in space and luxury, the suite offers two sumptuous bathrooms and an open-air living area. The highlight will be each villa’s private pool, set in lush Bill Bensley-designed tropical gardens.
Indigo Pearl
Inspired by Phuket’s tin mining past, Indigo Pearl’s architecture and décor evoke a Thai factory of a century ago. The landscaping overflows with surprises: the post-modern transformation of a mature plantation spiced with modern sculpture and industrial art. The resort offers guestrooms, villas and pool pavilions, as well as several terrific dining venues.
In fact, it’s the restaurants that are the biggest drawcard, not to mentioni the deftly mixed cocktails. The signature restaurant, Rivet Grill, is particularly fine. It features a modern grill concept with fresh, crisp flavours and an extensive wine list. At the core of the menu is a choice of New Zealand grass-fed, American Black Angus or Australian Wagyu beef with a variety of accompaniments. But other courses offer an eclectic range of fusion cuisine. Try the unusual grilled foie gras with sweet sea eel for entrée, and finish off with green tea crème brulée served with raspberry sorbet.
Laguna Phuket
Laguna Phuket is more than just a resort: it’s an entire destination in which a whole series of hotels and residences are linked together by sparkling lagoons and tree-lined avenues. There is also an 18-hole golf course, five luxurious spas, boutique shopping, a wedding chapel and 30 restaurants and bars, so guests are spoiled for choice.
The hotels include the five-star Dusit Thani, the Sheraton Grande, the Banyan Tree Phuket and the Laguna Beach Resort. They all sit along a white-sand beach among the coconut trees and are separated by blue lagoons. Guests can dine al fresco among the greenery and enjoy the sunsets.
The whole family will also enjoy the wide range of sporting and recreational options. At Laguna Beach Resort there is even an extensive water park with Jacuzzi, pools, water slides and a scuba pool.
L’Orchidée Residences
Resting on a private hillside of North Patong, L’Orchidée Residences is an exclusive luxury pool villa residential development within easy access of the island’s finest beaches, nightlife, dining venues, golf courses and marinas. The compound is closed to traffic, with golf carts providing transport to residences and beach.
The fully-serviced common grounds (landscaped with fruit trees and lush tropical flowers) provide a community centre with mini-mart, bar services, gym and sauna, barbecue area, swimming pool with kids’ pool and 24-hour security. If you’ve been to Phuket many times before and want a more permanent base, this is a fine alternative to hotel living.
Each villa has magnificent views of Phuket’s tropical sunsets, casting a fiery glow across the Andaman Sea every evening. Interiors provide mood lighting and air-conditioning, timber and black slate floors, kitchen with marble countertops and stainless steel appliances, and teak wood finishes in the bedrooms.
Royal Paradise Hotel & Spa
Centrally located at Patong Beach, one of the most attractive and lively spots on Phuket Island, the Royal Paradise is within walking distance of shopping centres and entertainment venues. From the sky lounge on top of the tallest construction in Phuket, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the blue Andaman Sea, crescent bays, distant islands and green mountains in all directions.
Facilities include a kids’ club, two-level swimming pool with a kids’ pool, and full-service health spa. Day programs will give visitors a taste of the luxurious facilities and an extensive range of face and body treatments, which includes traditional Thai treatments. There are several restaurants serving international, Royal Thai and Chinese cuisine, while the Casablanca has Indian and Arabian dishes. Most of the guestrooms have private balconies, and all have panoramic views of the sea and mountains. Recreational actives include diving, golfing, fishing, sailing and surfing.
The Sarojin Thailand
Designed in a contemporary Asian style, The Sarojin merges with the Phuket landscape and centres on a giant old ficus tree and lotus pond. The 56 guest residences nestle on 4.5 hectares, where private access leads directly to an expansive white beach. Residences have private gardens and sundecks, with intimate couples’ baths, rainfall showers, plunge pools and relaxation pools. Other amenities include king-size beds, complimentary Internet access, and stereo CD and DVD players.
The spa, Pathways, overlooks the coconut groves and features two double and two single treatment pavilions, with outdoor tree showers and secluded couples’ baths set amongst natural surrounds. There are also yoga and tai chi decks. The Sarojin also has an infinity pool, Jacuzzi lounge area and fitness centre, croquet lawn, library and a range of water sports. There are three 18-hole golf courses nearby, and the luxury boat Lady Sarojin can be chartered.
Trisara
Thailand’s most intimate and exclusive resort and spa has become a landmark. The only resort in South-East Asia offering private pools and magnificent ocean views from throughout the resort, Trisara is a sanctuary of privacy, space and simple good taste. The resort sits within beautiful tropical gardens over a private bay on Phuket’s quiet, undeveloped north-west coast. Facilities include a luxurious spa, fitness centre, library, tennis courts and a 45-metre saltwater swimming pool. Guests can use luxury motor yachts for cruising and take scuba-diving courses and excursions. The resort also holds membership in a golf club just 15 minutes away.
The 22 oceanfront or ocean-view Pool Villas boast a 10-metre infinity pool and teak sundecks, and the 12 ocean-view Pool Rooms have a teak pool deck and private plunge pool. Finally, three private ocean-view Pool Suites sit high above the bay and comprise separate living rooms and their own spa treatment bathrooms.
Twinpalms Phuket
Twinpalms Phuket is the island’s most exciting and stylish contemporary resort. Offering the comfort of a luxury boutique resort, with the relaxing tranquillity of a secluded hideaway, Twinpalms is a great place to relax among lush tropical water gardens and pools, indulge in a world-class spa and wellness centre, or kick back in the well-stocked library or the ultra-chic Martini Lounge.
The newest addition to Twinpalms is Catch, a private trendy beach club offering fresh seafood, a generous bar, luxury beach lounge, live music and a private restroom. There is also a much-talked-about restaurant and oyster bar. Twinpalms has just 76 spacious bedrooms and suites from the signature Lagoon rooms that are right on the water to Deluxe and Grand Deluxe Garden rooms. All rooms are luxuriously appointed in a minimalist design and within steps from the pool.
Woraburi Phuket Resort & Spa
Woraburi in the Thai language describes an idyllic location and, with direct access to coconut-fringed Karon Beach on Phuket’s west coast, it’s an accurate description of this new four-star resort. More than 200 rooms are housed in three low-rise buildings, reflecting the distinctive southern Thai architectural style and featuring private balconies. Guests can choose from Superior rooms, Cabana rooms with private terraces that lead directly to the pool, or Deluxe rooms with a choice of Executive or Corner suites.
Rooms are tastefully decorated and furnished with stylish teakwood furniture and come with air-conditioning, cable TV, an in-room music centre, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Guest rooms also enjoy lovely views of the beautiful landscaped gardens and a large infinity-edged swimming pool. The hotel combines meticulous attention to every detail and features all the conveniences of an international resort. Service is warm, courteous and typically Thai, ensuring that every guest has a memorable stay.
The Chedi Phuket
On the tranquil coast of Pansea Beach, 108 one- and two-bedroom thatched cottages sit cosily under a canopy of coconut trees on a private stretch of sandy shore. The cottages have private verandas, secluded sun decks and handcrafted teak floors. There is a swimming pool, a spa with plunge pools offering views of the Andaman Sea, water sports and two tennis courts, as well as no less than five golf courses within a half-hour drive.
Chiang Mai
The Chedi Chiang Mai
Strategically placed on the banks of the Mae Ping River in central Chiang Mai, this elegant resort offers all the pleasures of resort living in the heart of the historical city. The 84 guestrooms and suites boat private courtyards, open balconies and breathtaking views. The resort offers a library, swimming pool and fitness centre, and a spa – including spa suites with built-in saunas – against a backdrop of scented gardens and water features.
Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai
Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai has 64 elegantly-appointed pavilions, each with a private covered verandah, and 16 magnificent residences. All are furnished in a style consistent with a luxurious northern Thai home and fitted with all modern conveniences. The spacious Lanna-style pavilions overlook terraced rice fields and the mountains in the beautiful Mae Rim Valley.
The acclaimed Spa features seven spacious treatment suites offering total privacy for individuals or couples. Each suite has outdoor showers, private herbal steam rooms and outdoor soaking tubs. Two of the suites have tropical rainshower massage tables. The range of Four Seasons treatments is inspired by ancient Thai rituals using native herbs, spices and aromatic oils created through traditional rural methods and focusing on the use of organic ingredients. The resort also offers an onsite Thai cooking school that introduces guests, both novice and experienced cooks, to the art of Thai cuisine through its weekly program.
Shangri-La Hotel
Conveniently located within the bustling centre of Chiang Mai in a lush garden setting, the Shangri-La is a five-star luxury hotel within walking distance of the famous Night Bazaar. It also enjoys close proximity to museums, cultural centres, soft-adventure excursions and Chiang Mai’s numerous temples.
Guestrooms reflect contemporary Northern Thai design and décor with the emphasis on comfort. The bedrooms are cosy, with comfortable beds, plenty of throw pillows, and mood lighting. Premier guestrooms also feature daybeds, which are ideal for quiet moments of relaxation. Special touches such as local celadon tea sets, Thai silk pillows and bed runners and artwork give guestrooms and suites a distinctive Chiang Mai personality and charm.
Recreational facilities at the Shangri-La include a free-form outdoor pool, tennis courts and a fitness centre. Chi, the spa, has large private spa suites, with a diverse menu of treatments based on traditional Asian healing principles.
Chiang Rai
Anantara Resort Golden Triangle
The Anantara is surrounded by spectacular landscapes in one of the most laid-back corners of Thailand, and is a luxury nature retreat set in 25 hectares of lush jungle overlooking the winding Mekong River. Guests can relax at the hilltop infinity-edged swimming pool, enjoy the amenities of the Anantara Spa, or pamper their tastebuds at three restaurants and bars. It offers 58 deluxe guest rooms with balconies and open bathrooms with oversized tubs for two.
What makes the Anantara really different is its unique on-site Elephant Camp, offering guests such unforgettable experiences as mahout training courses, elephant trekking and other conservation activities. The resort also invites guests to explore the vibrant culture of Thailand and South-East Asia with their Thai cooking school, guided visits to local hill tribe villages, excursions to Burma’s colourful border markets and longtail boat rides up the Mekong to Laos.
Travel Facts
getting there
where to stay
- Anantara Resort Golden Triangle, phone +66 5378 4090?or visit www.anantara.com
- Anantara Phuket, visit www.anantara.com
- Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa, phone 1800 251259 or +66 2 4760022 or visit www.marriott.com
- Banyan Tree Bangkok, phone +66 2 679 1200 or visit www.banyantree.com
- Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, phone +66 53 298 181 or visit www.fourseasons.com
- Fraser Suites Sukhumvit, phone +66 2 207 9300 or visit www.fraserhospitality.com
- Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa, +66 76 396 433 or visit www.hilton.com
- Indigo Pearl, phone +66 0 76 327 006 or visit www.indigo-pearl.com
- Laguna Phuket, phone +66 76 324 060 or visit www.lagunaphuket.com
- L’Orchidée Residences, phone +66 76 290 4045 or visit www.lorchidee-residences.com
- Millennium Hilton Bangkok Hotel, phone +66 2 442 2000 or visit www.hilton.com
- Pimalai Resort & Spa, phone +66 75 607 999 or visit www.pimalai.com
- Royal Paradise Hotel & Spa, phone +66 76 340 666 or visit www.royalparadise.com
- Shangri-La Hotel, phone +66 53 253 888 visit www.shangri-la.com
- The Chedi Bangkok, phone 1800 667731 tollfree in Australia, +66 53 253 333 or visit www.ghmhotels.com
- The Chedi Chiang Mai, phone 1800 667731 tollfree in Australia, +66 76 324 017 or visit www.ghmhotels.com
- The Sarojin Thailand, phone +66 76 427 9004 or visit www.sarojin.com
- The Sukothai Bangkok, for reservations call Leading Hotels of the World on 1800 222 033 or visit www.sukhothai.com
- The Oriental Bangkok, phone +66 2 659 9000 or visit www.mandarinoriental.com
- Trisara, phone +66 76 310 100 or visit www.trisara.com
- Twinpalms Phuket, phone + 66 76 316 500 or visit www.twinpalms-phuket.com
- Woraburi Phuket Resort & Spa, phone +66 76 396 638 or visit www.woraburi.com
further information
Tourism Authority of Thailand, phone 02 9247 7549 or visit www.tourismthailand.org |
Capital Gains
