From magnificent temples and pristine beaches to legendary spas, the magic of Thailand has made it a top tourist destination for decades. Once a haven for soul-searching backpackers, it’s since emerged as a global leader in high-end hospitality, setting the standard in what a luxurious vacation looks like today — not to mention earning it top billing in season three of The White Lotus. 

Television celebrity aside, Thailand remains a highly desirable destination for an unforgettable holiday. For a getaway filled with natural beauty, top-notch amenities and luxe surroundings, these gorgeous resorts capture the essence of The Kingdom.

Amanpuri, Phuket

Customization is paramount in wellness, and Amanpuri offers bespoke treatment options on a private peninsula overlooking the Andaman Sea. Following a one-on-one consultation, guests receive a personalized nutrition and treatment plan for the duration of their stay. It’s informed by the property’s on-site Holistic Wellness Centre offering guests exclusive access to doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners. For a condensed experience, the resort’s three-night wellness immersion specialty programs help guests achieve different goals, from enhancing performance and recovery to cleansing, mindfulness and stress management. 

Impiana Private Villas, Phuket

For an escape that maintains proximity to key cultural sites, Impiana Private Villas combines the best of both worlds — plus butler service and stunning views at each of its 11 villas. This modern-style resort is close to the Big Buddha, Chalong Temple and Phuket Old Town, the latter of which is third-culture personified, imbued as it is with Chinese and Portuguese influences on everything from architecture and local wares to delectable street food.

The Eastern & Oriental Express

A ride on Belmond’s Eastern & Oriental Express epitomizes old-world glamour. With green- and brass-trimmed carriages and ornate interiors showcasing Thai silks and Malaysian embroidery, this rail voyage can extend your stay beyond Thailand into Malaysia and Singapore. The journey carries guests southward around the Gulf of Thailand, detouring for a stop at Kanchanaburi — an area name-dropped in Pierre Boulle’s 1952 novel, The Bridge on the River Kwai. Dining on board is no less enticing, with a menu of Malaysian cuisine curated by former three-Michelin star chef, André Chiang.

Trisara, Phuket

Taking its name from the Sanskrit for “Third Garden in Heaven,” Trisara caters to guests with a love of water; each of the private villas and residences at this five-star beachfront resort comes with an infinity pool and panoramic views of the Andaman Sea. JARA, the resort’s award-winning spa, is grounded by a century-old Ficus tree that inspires wellness-minded treatments like a truly indulgent four hands massage and a traditional Thai body wrap that nourishes the skin with its mineral-rich white mud, fresh local herbs and yogurt recipe. At PRU, the open-theatre kitchen offers an intimate peek into Phuket’s first and only Michelin Star and Green Star restaurant. For an added personal touch, a chef can also be requested to prepare a meal in the privacy of a villa.

Six Senses Yao Noi, Phang Nga Bay

Commanding uninterrupted views of Phang Nga Bay’s limestone karsts, Six Senses Yao Noi seamlessly weaves private pool villas into the lush jungle landscape. Honoured with two Michelin Keys, this resort takes a comprehensive approach to sustainable operations that encompasses extensive organic gardens for culinary sourcing, rigorous energy and water conservation, and dedicated marine conservation initiatives. The flourishing local biodiversity, including the esteemed hornbill population and vibrant marine life, directly attests to Six Senses’ profound commitment to ecological stewardship for a relaxing indulgence that intelligently coexists with nature.