Unlimited adventures, lush foliage to connect with your inner self in, curated gastronomical wonders, and sunrise views and sunset beaches surrounded by award-winning resorts and spas make Thailand the number one destination in all of South East Asia. Perfect for vacations and ideal for rejuvenation, here’s the best of the best you don’t want to miss out on when in Thailand.
Served Right & Fresh! Michelin Guide Restaurants
With Thai cuisine being one of the healthiest there is, there are plenty restaurants that serve high quality of delicious Thai cuisines served with complexity of flavours and attention to details. Home to many restaurants under the Michelin Guide, Bangkok’s Bo.Lan is famed as Thai fine dining’s beginning, Le Normandie is a classic French must-visit, Sühring is fascinating and unique for its German delicacies, and J’aime by Jean-Michel Lorain serves fine French cuisine.
Chiang Mai also has reputation for its line of well-deserved Michelin Restaurants. Awarded with the prestigious Bib Gourmand title, restaurants Huen Muan Jai and SP Chicken are at the top, delivering a high quality dining experience at a reasonable price. Talking about The Michelin Plate restaurants, Baan Mon Muan, The Ironwood, The Redbox, and Baan Suan Mae Rim are highly popular as abodes of fine dining in Chiang Mai as well as all over Thailand.
A Soulful Sanctuary: Thailand’s Temples
Thailand has deep roots in its culture, and their stunning temples or wats never fail to express just that. The most historical and spiritual temple in Thailand is the Wat Pra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai. This Golden majestic Wat houses one of the most venerated stupa in Thailand covered in gold leaf. It has a meditation school and International Buddhism Center where you can find yourself interested in the meanings and practices of Buddhism.
Two other impressive religious landmarks one must visit are the Samui Big Buddha – a massive 15-metre seated Buddha overlooking the sea on the north eastern coast and, in the same area, Wat Plai Laem – a stunning temple featuring a white statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion. Both of these abodes can be discovered in Koh Samui.
UNFORGETTABLE SPA SOJOURNS
We won’t be exaggerating if we said a trip down Thailand would be absolutely incomplete without a visit to the country’s world-renowned spas and wellness centres that offer a sensory experience like no other. Get choosy with our pick of Thailand’s best spas to treat yourself at:
Tamarind Springs Forest Spa, Koh Samui
Tucked away amidst a forested hillside, Tamarind Springs Forest Spa is a green hideaway, stunningly beautiful and boasting giant Granite rock Formations. As you arrive, take bliss in their personalized spa experiences from Steam and Dream, Forest Dreaming, Dream on, and plenty more to balance your mind, soul and body.
Oasis Spa (Turquoise Cove Spa), Phuket
Exuberant yet grounded, Oasis Spa is Phuket’s gateway to a Mediterranean ambiance of soulful healing. Hidden between the waterfalls are ten private treatment villas with terrazzo baths. Along with award winning spa pampering and treatments, guests can also enjoy outdoor rain showers, a Thai herbal steam cave and the outdoor swimming pool. From signature and traditional, body scrubs and wraps, to facials and hydrotherapy, the Oasis is truly one to visit to let go of all tensions at once.
www.oasisspa.net/destination/phuket/Turquoise_Cove_Spa
Zira Spa, Chiang Mai
Zira Spa invites you to travel back to the old Lanna time and experience the secrets given by the older generation mixed with ‘Siam Lanna’ treatment for your beauty and overall, wellbeing. The treatments here will enlighten your five senses with aesthetic pleasure. Their signature treatment is the Royal Thai Lanna massage which uses scooping Thai massage techniques and applies a herbal ball.
Cheeva Spa Chiang Mai
With the motto “Relax for a longer life”, Cheeva Spa Chiang Mai is loved for its Lanna healing, harmony, Cheeva Relax, Cheeva Detox, and plenty other treatments that make it easy to spoil yourself with. Their Thai massages and body treatments are at par with the finest of Thai rejuvenation.
Wareerak Hot Spring Retreat, Krabi
Located within a large area dedicated to fruit orchards, and botanical garden, Wareerak Hot Spring Retreat provides day spa services as well as destination spa programs using their fresh mineral hot spring to cure and promote good health. It has five hot spring sources around the property which is not only good for your body but also drinkable. Their authentic Thai holistic wellness packages, which can be personalized, are designed to revitalise and rechange through the power of nature.
RESORT STAYS
Sure, Thailand is all about discovering hidden gems and exploring the very popular, but nothing truly beats the feeling of being back home after a long day. Thailand knows exactly how to take you home with their hospitality and amenities. Book your accommodation at these high-starred beloved residences:
BANGKOK
Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
For more than 144 years, the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok has been at the top of style, service and excellence. The first five-star hotel on the banks of the river, the hotel offers elegant and restful rooms with open views and world-class amenities paired with fine dining and wellness opportunities. Whether you wish to feel relaxed, rejuvenated or energised, their soothing treatments at The Oriental Spa assure to restore harmony to your body, mind and soul.
www.mandarinoriental.com/bangkok/chao-phraya-river/luxury-hotel
Sivatel Bangkok
Standing tall in one of the greenest areas of the city, Sivatel Bangkok meticulously revives the senses and restores energy with exquisite Thai therapies performed in enchantment. Located on the eighth floor, The Eight Spa is where guests find warmth, peacefulness and calm. For fitness lovers, The Eight Health Club provides a range of multi-function fitness equipment along with professional training assistance.
Pullman Bangkok King Power
The Pullman Bangkok King Power has been an award-winning hotel located at Ratchathewi. Just a 6-minute walk from the BTS, this hotel is next to the massive King Power duty-free shopping complex.
Award winning bars and restaurants such as Cuisine Unplugged, an international buffet concept, Tenshino – an innovative Japanese restaurant and Glen Bar – a stylish bar with mezzanine lounge under the theme of “VERY Thai” await. At Le Spa, let the tension fade away with traditional treatments and signature post-treatment hospitality.
www.pullmanbangkokkingpower.com
KOH SAMUI
Quan Spa of Renaissance Koh Samui Resort
Set amidst manicured gardens and tucked along the shores of Koh Samui island, Renaissance Koh Samui is only steps away from the rejuvenating Lamai Beach and Chaweng Beach. Don’t miss out on the calming waters of their hotel pools, 24-hour fitness center, and their signature gentle massage or a beauty treatment from Quan Spa.
Kamalaya Koh Samui
Here’s where luxury meets wellness. At Kamalaya Koh Samui, explore exclusive wellness programs to suit your health goals – from stress management, weight control, detox, sleep enhancement, improving body posture, emotional balance and yoga. Pick your abode at their suites or villas boasting views of lush jungles or the turquoise shoreline. Surround yourself with serenity at its maximum at Kamalaya.
Nora Buri Resort and Spa
Revel in the midst of white sand, teal water, vibrant coral reefs and a wealth of coconut trees, all complimented by a slow and simple life at Nora Buri. Discover the secrets of Asian beauty at The Anodas Spa signature where Aloe Vera Hot Summer and Coconut Lover to signature treatments are all infused with the motto of self-indulgence and self-care. Two ravishing restaurants and scenic bars take up wondrous spaces here.
KOH CHANG
Centara Koh Chang Tropicana Resort
Set on the white sands of Klong Prao Beach in the heart of Koh Chang’s west coast, Centara Koh Chang Tropicana Resort is framed by exotic palm trees and deep blue waters of the seascape. 157 spacious rooms and suites lovingly enhance your comfortable stay with landscaped gardens. Being set directly on the beach, the resort offers a wide range of beach activities and water sports that include volleyball, kayaking and so much more.
Down to the detail, the intimate SPA Cenvaree at Centara Koh Chang Tropicana Resort presents a choice of modern and traditional therapies, as well as signature treatments such as a nourishing facial application using pouches filled with warm sesame and a two-hour spa package that includes a body massage, a body scrub, and foot ritual.
www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centara/ckc
The Dewa Koh Chang
“Distinctly different and absolutely unique”, arrive at The DEWA Koh Chang and be spoilt with a powdery beach, spectacular sunsets, mountainous rainforests, an excellent Thai and European cuisine and of course, their luxe and extra spacious villas. The resort’s especially famous for its fusion architecture, blending with rustic, tropical and modern contemporary elements.
Well skilled and experienced staff at The Spa will pamper you with massages, full body and facial treatments using only homemade natural ingredients, oils, essences and emulsions. Sauna and whirlpool are also provided to complete your feeling of wellbeing.
KC Grande Resort & Spa
On a secluded corner of Haad Sai Khao (White Sand Beach) lies KC Grande Resort & Spa. Wherever you’ll stay here, the resort reflects blue and green from all sides – thanks to Koh Chang’s expansive waters and swaying foliage. Indulge in recreational activities from kayak and paddle board to fitness and sauna rooms and cooking classes.
At the Chiva Spa here, you can pamper yourself with unique holistic treatments with a fabulous sea view. Choose from Chiva Signature Massage, Aromatherapy, Sports Tension Relief Massage, Swedish Relaxation Massage or Thai Herbal Heat Massage, and plenty more to set you off on a rejuvenating experience.
HUA HIN
Chiva-Som Health Resort
Revel in the midst of white sand, teal water, vibrant coral reefs and a wealth of coconut trees, all complimented by a slow and simple life at Nora Buri. Discover the secrets of Asian beauty at The Anodas Spa signature where Aloe Vera Hot Summer and Coconut Lover to signature treatments are all infused with the motto of self-indulgence and self-care. Two ravishing restaurants and scenic bars take up wondrous spaces here.
Dusit Thani Hua Hin – Devarana Spa
Here, the ultimate Hua Hin resort experience awaits in a historic destination steeped in Thai royal heritage. Not only is Dusit Thani award-winning for its stark interiors and stunning grounds, but also for its one of a kind – Devarana Spa. From beauty treatments and body scrubs to fresh water and specialty treatments, massages and more, trust the Devarana Spa at Dusit Thani Hua Hin to help you let go of all tensions both physically and mentally.
www.dusit.com/dusitthani-huahin
Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa
Only a block away from Hua Hin Beach, Hilton Hua Hin offers a full-service spa, fitness center, lagoon-style pool, tennis courts, and stunning views of the skyline at some of their highest rooftop bars. The resort’s especially known for its fine dining options from fresh seafood menus to unique and healthy Thai style menus. For a complete experience, visit the eforea spa at the Hilton Hua Hin for their carefully created spa treatments – all paired with tea extracts for that soothing synergy between the mind and body.
www.hilton.com/en/hotels/hhqhihi-hilton-hua-hin-resort-and-spa
PHUKET
JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa
Steps away from the Mai Khao Beach is the magnificent JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa. Nestled close to the pleasant islands of Phang Nga Bay, the 5-star resort features an award-winning spa, family-friendly outdoor pools, a modern gym and fun activities such as Thai cooking classes to keep you engaged. Spend the day in waters, and pamper yourself in the evening with an array of healing beauty treatments and packages at the renowned Mandara Spa, guaranteed to reinvigorate.
www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/hktjw-jw-marriott-phuket-resort-and-spa
Amanpuri
Secluded within the white Panesea Beach, Amanpuri Phuket celebrates some of the best in health and expert guidance. A place of peace to reflect upon and transform oneself, Intensive immersions. Original immersions. 48-Hour wellness discovery. Medical detox, life reset, mindful and stress, and weight management are some extensive wellness paths you can choose from. Amanpuri also offers Thai, Italian, Japanese, South American and Mediterranean dining options amidst tropical shores and private suites.
Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas
Recognized from afar by its stretch of golden beach fringed around a lush national park, Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas is built around beautiful lagoons and quiet beaches – creating the perfect atmosphere for one to simply sink in and relax in. Hidden right into the resort’s foliage is their iconic Phuket Spa. Either soak in an al fresco bath to prepare for soothing body scrubs and wraps, or take your pick from signature massages and bespoke healing treatments. Whatever your pick, you’ll leave refreshed and feeling new.
www.anantara.com/en/mai-khao-phuket
CHIANG MAI
Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai
Cradled in lush paddies with a picturesque mountain backdrop, Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai naturally lends itself to wellbeing and healing. A short drive away from the city’s bustling centre, the Resort provides a calming tropical getaway with a promise of seclusion, space, and privacy. Translating to ‘a celebration of the gift of life,’ Wara Cheewa Spa presents therapies that have been crafted to bring about unification that we all seek – within and without. The spa menu has been designed to focus on balance and the sacred scales of wellbeing – physical, social, emotional, and nutritive.
RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort
RatiLanna Resort is situated on the banks of the Ping River, where each part of your stay will give you a glimpse of what it is like to live in the ancient Lanna Kingdom. Even the award-winning spa is decorated to present several ethnic groups. The spa journeys here are designed in packages with a combination of two or more treatments, and all products used are locally-sourced herbal products. You can choose from varied choices like, Ancient Bamboo Massage, Roselle Mud Wrap, and RatiLanna Spa Signature treatment.
KRABI
Rayavadee
Set on the edge of Krabi’s National Marine Park, at the heart of the stunning Phranang Peninsula, Rayavadee perfectly blends lush foliage, limestone cliffs, white sand beaches and emerald waters of the Andaman Sea. Situated at the base of a soaring limestone cliff fringed with jungle greenery, the spa’s thoughtfully planned interior pays homage to the resort’s natural surroundings. The Rayavadee Spa’s extensive range of therapies draw on ancient Thai healing traditions and a philosophy of well-being that combines body, mind and spirit to create treatments that impart a deeply felt sense of relaxation. Their Signature Massage and the Thai Boran Massage are one of the best therapies at Rayavadee.
The ShellSea Krabi
Spacious rooms and private access to the pools, The ShellSea Krabi embraces privacy and luxury. With strong environmental practices, you have an abundance of activities to choose from. Cycling, Kayaking, Thai Boxing, or just practicing Yoga by the clean beach. The Otium Spa re-energizes you from head to toe with breathtaking ocean views and treatments that offer a sense of purity. A selection of massage therapies and natural aromatic treatments like Healing Hot Stone Therapy, Thai Herbal Facial, and many more which ensures you are at ease within.
Phulay Bay, a Ritz Carlton
Featuring luxurious guest rooms and pool villas with a collection of dining, wellness and recreational experiences and facilities on the pristine sun-kissed beachfront, Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve offers panoramic sea and garden views. At The Spa, wellness is embedded in the fabric of Thai culture. Its signature treatment called the Phulay Spiritual Signature Treatment scrubs and replenishes your skin for a harmonious massage that balances the body, and the skin exotically fragrant.
