You’ve been to Thailand quite a few times and have probably seen many of the sights. But what would make your next trip so much better would be these gorgeous places to stay in. Some of them have excellent pool views and quirkily furnished rooms. Take your pick.
1. The Naka Phuket
2. Iniala Beach House
Located on Natai beach, the property is the work of 10 international designers, with each room offering a different design. Famous names include Brazil’s Campana Brothers, A-Cero, Graham Lamb and Joseph Walsh. The Villa Siam was designed by Eggarat Wongcharit, Thailand’s Designer of the Year in 2007. Nightly rates might put Iniala out of reach for all but the Kardashians, but the signature restaurant Aziamendi is considerably more affordable, though no less luxe.
3. Casa de La Flora (Phang Nga)
This member of Design Hotels (a global group of fashionable hotels) features the work of some of Thailand’s pre-eminent talents, from the original design of architect Vasu Virajsilp (Vaslab) to the landscape architecture of Pok Kobkongsanti (TROP) and product design of Anon Pairot.
4. The Library, Samui
The Library is Samui’s modernist poster-child: White floors, cement structures, flat roof, open space and floor-to-ceiling windows. Aesthetically, it’s a huge success and has been featured in many glossy magazines. Its stunning red-tiled swimming pool tops our list of swimming pools to Instagram ourselves in.
5. The Beach Samui (Opens late 2016)
It’s not even open yet, and The Beach is rolling in gushing praise (look no further than the Design Hotels panel). The hotel is designed by a reputed London-based architecture firm Archer Humphryes, while the interior comes from Yoo Design Studio, co-founded by legendary French designer Philippe Starck.
Price to be determined at a later date.
6. Indigo Pearl Phuket
Designed by the renowned architect Bill Bensley, this gorgeous hotel takes its inspiration from Phuket’s history as the center for tin mining in the South.
7. The Surin Phuket
8. X2 Kui Buri
The minimalist, modern architecture helps make this hotel a peaceful retreat from the chaotic city. The heavy use of wood and rock seem to bring it closer to nature.
9. Keemala (Phuket)
This brand new all-pool villa resort overlooking Kamala Village and the Andaman Sea has recently opened its doors to the public. Taking its inspiration from the early Phuket settlers with clay pool cottages and bird’s nest pool villas, the whole thing is connected by a network of jungle walkways.
10. The Siam
Another hotel from the Bangkok-based American architect Bill Bensley, The Siam adds Art Deco accents to owner Krissada Sukosol Clapp’s (aka Noi Pru) love for all things vintage. The outcome is one of Bangkok’s most gorgeous hotels.
11. Point Yamu by Como (Phuket)
Situated at the peaceful tip of Cape Yamu, the hotel is the work of Italian designer and architect Paola Navone, where guests can enjoy ocean-facing views from each room, as well as the spectacular 100-meter swimming pool.
12. Hilton Pattaya
Designed by one of Thailand’s leading achitects Amata Luphaiboon (Department of Architecture), the hotel is praised for its simple yet stunning use of dynamic wave lines, as seen in the lobby ceiling, and bars with sweeping views of Pattaya Bay.
13. Hotel de la Paix Hua Hin
Also designed by Duangrit Bunnag, the Hotel De La Paix has been praised for its flat concrete architecture that blends so well with the natural surrounds. The grandiose entrance provides a stunning view of the vast pool.
14. Kata Rocks (Phuket)
