Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp

The main drawcard here is, of course, the elephant sanctuary. Here, you'll meet the gentle pachyderms, but there's also opportunities to take a yoga class (nearby) and even enjoy a picnic as your new friends roam around you. Back at the hotel, the spa has a treatment for every ache, and is the perfect place to indulge in a little relaxation, or head to the curvaceous pool and soak up the views of the colourful gardens and lush beyond. In the evening, there's a choice of two restaurants, one local and one more international, and the Elephant Bar, with its romantic seating and dark panelling, cries out for a post-dinner something.

Thai architecture abounds throughout this sleek resort, and the rooms are bedecked with silks, crafts, teak woodwork and cool, hardwood floors. All rooms have balconies with (very) lush views, as well as terrazzo tubs for long soaks. Deluxe rooms enjoy views of the infinity pool or gardens, and deluxe 'three country' rooms do exactly what they say on the tin, offering spectacular views of Thailand, Laos AND Myanmar across the mystical Mekong. One up from that, the suites have seriously spacious balconies with plush daybeds to recline on; throw the windows open and enjoy.

All manner of activities await at the elephant sanctuary, where pachyderm lovers to get up close and personal with their favourite animals - joining in with bath time is always a favourite! But it's not all about the wildlife, with all manner of spa treatments on offer, cooking classes, yoga sessions, long-tail boat trips, a tour to neighbouring Laos and Myanmar, and even a trip to the opium museum to learn about this area's fascinating history. Even better, one activity of your choice is included in the rate.