The Siam Hotel Bangkok

At the centre is a bright atrium brimming with greenery, which leads to The Siam's rooms along marble corridors. Take your Thai cuisine at the riverside Chon Thai restaurant, set in a cluster of ancient teak wood houses. Lined with over-sized posters and brass instruments, Deco Bar and Bistro serves a mean breakfast; the Cafe Cha is the place to go for afternoon tea (with champagne if you like!) and the Bathers Bar provides cocktails on sunny day beds. Spend a relaxing few hours at the Opium Spa with treatments tailored just for you.

Cool, monochrome decor, polished furnishings and antiques dating back to the 16th century fill the Siam's 28 suites and villas. Giant beds, plum-coloured couches, and black and white scenes of Bangkok complete the picture. The bathrooms are in mint condition with imported Italian tubs and wide mirrors. The luxury villas come with a tranquil private pool and outdoor seating. The Siam's specialty accommodation is Connie's Cottage, a century's-old cabin with opulent decor, tanned leather armchairs and quite the history.

Before you set out to explore the bylanes of Bangkok, join the chef in a Thai cooking class, enjoy a yoga session on the terrace or give Muay Thai boxing a go. Boat across the river to the Old Town where you'll find the aptly-named Grand Palace and the Golden Mount, each with an impressive history. If you're on the temple trail, Wat Arun is one of Thailand's oldest temples and adorned with over a million ceramic tiles. The National Museum houses Thailand's finest collections from classical murals to Chinese weapons.