Phunakum, Loei
The mountains of Loei are some of the most remote and unspoiled in Thailand. The northeast, Isan, culture is among the country’s richest. Phunakum, set in the picturesque Dansai valley, offers you the best of all. The accommodations are a blend of traditional designs and materials with modern concepts to maximize luxury. The service can best be described with a smile. The cuisine is fresh, much of it grown locally. The ambience is oh so serene. Close by are ancient pagodas erected to commemorate friendship between the peoples of both banks of the Mekong. There are also verdant rice paddy all around as well as the magnificent vineyards and colorful flower gardens on the slopes above to complete a truly memorable holiday. (461 Moo 3, Ban Doen, Dansai, Loei 42120 Tel: +66 (0) 4289 2005-6 http://www.phunacomeresort.com
Sukhothai Heritage Hotel
Open just two years, Sukhothai Heritage brings not just 5-star accommodation to this historic city, but also a chance to learn and experience northern Thai culture, then and now. The low-rise, eclectic, northern-Thai inspired hotel offers 68 boutique rooms and suites, each appointed to satisfy all your needs. Its Lotus Restaurant, Sala Sukhothai and Vanda Bar meanwhile cater to every taste. There is also organic rice farming and an orchid greenhouse for those interested in horticulture, while a miniature Anchor Wat and ceramic exhibition hall complete the lessons to be shared with guests when they are not exploring the UNESCO historical park and other nearby attractions. (999 Moo 2, Klongkrajong Sub-district, Sawankaloke District, Sukhothai 64110 Tel: +66 (0) 55647 567 Fax: +66 (0) 55647 575 www.sukhothaiheritage.com
Montis Resort, Pai
The mountains are majestic. The climate is alpine. The resort includes 28 rustic villas, each with a stone fireplace and secluded patio, overlooking the private lake. The environment is completely natural; the gardens, palettes of color; and the comforts, the best man can offer. This is a northern Thai retreat that harmonizes with its surroundings as it blends East and West in the architecture, décor, and dining. Whether you choose to explore Pai and its many attractions or make your holiday a retreat, this is one resort where you can escape the hustle and bustle and unwind and rejuvenate. (358 Moo 5 Wiang Tai Sub-district, Pai District, Mae Hong Son www.montisresort.com
Away, Koh Kood, Trat
When you really want to get ‘Away’, this Koh Kood resort is the ideal escape. Its location is idyllic, set under swaying palms on a lush hillside that fringes the beach. The wooden, thatched-roofed bungalows are all spacious and very comfortable with wide verandas that afford pristine views of the seascape and surrounding flora. With the largest activity and dive center on the island, guests can also enjoy great snorkeling and scuba diving as well as a host of water sports when not lazing the day away in a hammock or on the beach. “Escape” the resort’s signature restaurant commands one of the best views on the island while serving a savory selection of Thai, international and fusion cuisine. http://www.awayresorts.com
Villa Sansai, Chiang Mai
If what you want is total leisure, Villa Sansai is the ideal resort for you. Set in the lush, rolling countryside of Chiang Mai, this boutique retreat is designed to pamper. While the views are breathtaking, the serenity of your surroundings lets you totally unwind as you inhale the fresh mountain air and slowly sip a cool, refreshing beverage on your veranda. There’s also a gorgeous pool if you want a little fun and exercise or just float under the blue, blue sky. And if you need a soothing touch to help unwind, the spa offers a full selection of massages and treatments for you to indulge in. (161 Ban Kao Taen Noi, Sansai Luang Sub-district, Sansai District, Chiang Mai Tel: +66 (0) 5322 4949, (0) 8 1491 9106)
The Lapa, Hua Hin
Set close to Petchakasem Road, The Lapa affords easy access to Hua Hin beach as well as the resort town’s shopping, dining and entertainment. That is if you want to leave the confines of this charming boutique hideaway. It’s a masterpiece in modern design, meticulously appointed with the amenities to satisfy every yearning, including spa, three different restaurants, a large, ozonated saline pool and the Sangria Bar. Accommodations range from deluxe and superior rooms to the two Lapa Cool superior rooms that feature mock sandy beach just meters from the pool, and the Lapa Terrace Suite Pool villas that let you dive right into the pool from your front patio. (4/91 Soi Mooban Nongkae, Hua Kin Prachuap Khiri Khan Tel: +66 (0) 325 3222 http://www.thelapahotel.com
Aleenta, Hua Hin-Pranburi
Aleenta can best be described as Mediterranean chic. Set right by the powder white beach, the romantic Pool Suites, thatched-roof, single bedroom bungalows with plunge pools, Jacuzzi and a private veranda, open right out to the sea. High above, enjoying a commanding view of the coastline and majestic Three Hundred Peaks National Park is the resort’s gem, The Penthouse, featuring every creature comfort, including a stone tub for two. But the lure doesn’t end here; not when there’s a smorgasbord of world class dining matched with an incredible selection of fine wines. (183 Moo 4, Pak Nam Pran, Pranburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77230 Tel: +66 (0) 2514 8112 http://www.aleenta.com
Hotel Des Artists, Khao Yai
This new boutique hotel nestled into the rolling foothills of Khao Yai is not for everyone. Its seclusion and ambience make it ideal for a romantic interlude or intimate weekend with friends. As you are greeted in the high ceiling lobby with its collection of wood framed paintings and antique birdcages above, you might think you’ve stepped back in time. The hotel’s interior, though, is a blend of classic, retro and contemporary with beautiful paintings decorating the walls of each room. The mountain air is crisp and refreshing, and there is a lengthy swimming pool for when it warms up. It’s also a wonderful environment for walking hand in hand amidst the lush foliage. (www.agaligo.com)
Belle Villa, Pai
Just a 10-minute walk from town, the Bella Villa is an ideal hideaway. This relatively new boutique mountain retreat comprises 24 deluxe wooden cottages with shake shingle roofs. There are another 20 deluxe rooms with private balconies overlooking the swimming pool and three standard rooms with balconies affording panoramic views of the countryside. All provide a full compliment of amenities. For those who want some exercise, there is a jogging track and mountain bikes to explore the area, which includes the Tha Pai Hot Springs and Mo Paeng Waterfall, just 10 kilometers away. If you feel a little stiff when you return, the resort offers traditional massage as well. (113 Moo 6, Huay Poo- Wiang Nua Rd., Wiang Tai Sub-district, Pai District, Mae Hong Son Tel: +66 (0) 53698 226-7 www.bellevillaresort.com)
