Luxury Thailand

The Land of Smiles, where visitors are very often surprised by the ability of Thai people to smile through virtually every situation, and visiting Thailand coming out of the pandemic this couldn't be more evident. The Thai people are very welcoming and despite the difficult government procedures in place at the time of travelling, those working in hospitality on the ground made sure it was as hassle free as possible (since the time of visiting all these restrictions have now been lifted making it a super easy destination to experience once again).

Like everyone after the past few years, some R&R was much needed and so we headed to the Banyan Tree resort located on Bang Thao Beach, which is one of the longest beaches on Phuket Island in Southern Thailand. Whilst Banyan Tree is a fabulous, top class 5* resort it still has a relaxed and friendly feel to it. All the villas have their own private pools, perfect for some privacy and time to relax, as well as a beautiful large pool set within stunning gardens filled with frangipani trees, banyan trees, birds singing and to top it off a swim up pool bar with happy hour. The restaurants here serve top quality food and drinks as well as one of the most amazing buffet breakfasts, complete with bubbles of course. The grounds are beautiful and complimentary bikes are available to explore the resort and surrounding areas which are set on a lagoon complex, so it is also possible to use the paddle boards for exploring.

The resort is located on the island's west coast and is situated on a half-moon-shaped bay which stretches on for 8km of soft white sand. At Banyan Tree beach there are multiple beach bars & restaurants and a short walk further down the beach offers more local options making it a perfect location on one of the best beaches on the island. There are night markets at nearby Boat Avenue and it is really accessible for day trips around the rest of the island via private tour, catamaran, or motorcycle.

After a very short and incredibly scenic plane journey over to Koh Samui on the East of Thailand we spent another 5 nights at Tongsai Bay, a resort that has been on my radar since I started in travel many years ago. It was the first five-star hotel on the island and has been owned by the same Thai family for 30 years incorporating luxury with a welcome family feeling. Hidden amongst 28 and a half acres of natural beauty and wrapped around a private bay, the hotel is renowned for its privacy and tranquillity.

Our beautiful private pool villa here is one of the most stunning rooms I have ever stayed in, a beautiful private pool overlooking the ocean, a double daybed, outside bath tub and a huge living space, this is really one of those special hotels you will remember! The resort is set on its own stunning private beach and complimentary kayaking, paddle boarding and snorkelling mean you can explore the bays surrounding the resort easily. There are also two pools, the infinity pool is adults only too. There are two fantastic restaurants on site but a short 15 minute taxi ride will take you to Bophut, once a sleepy fishing village, retaining its charm with plenty of restaurants and upmarket beach bars for those wanting to venture out of the resort. The island is super easy to get around and there are plenty of excursions on offer here too.

We got a flight up to Bangkok before embarking on a three hour drive out to Kanchanaburi to spend some time in the National Parks and see a different side to Thailand. The beautiful scenery and some fabulous local restaurants made for a very chilled few days in this area as well as visiting the River Kwai. Heading back to Bangkok for our final nights meant time to explore the city, a place where there is always something going on and new things to see & do. A special highlight was definitely my birthday spent on top of Banyan Tree hotel at their famous roof bar, Vertigo, simply spectacular - I would definitely recommend heading here for a cocktail at sunset even if you don't stay at the hotel.

Thailand is definitely somewhere I would go back to again as there are always new places and islands to explore, but having been multiple times already I have plenty of ideas to make your trip one to remember, so get in touch to start planning!