Best hotels in Thai Islands & Beaches

The crystaline waters, green-capped karsts and world-class beaches make Krabi a one-of-a-kind destination. And amidst the dancing palms, Rayavadee holds all the allure of an island getaway! Its natural surrounds are reflected in the bamboo-themed feature walls, sea life murals and mushroom-shaped villas. Chattering monkeys can be heard overhead as you stroll to the beach and, being in the heart of a marine reserve, schools of fish paint the water with colour as you snorkel off nearby reefs. Whether you spend all day on the beach, do as many water sports as you can, or zip across the bay to picnic on a sandbar, the view is sweet as coconut milk.

An oasis of urban style might not be what you expect from a family hotel in Phuket, and whilst it's certainly unusual, somehow The Slate just works. The space is perfectly suited to both adults and kids, with plenty of pools to splash in, a spa for parents to retreat to, a restaurant with exciting cuisine for big and small - and a bar for when the little ones are asleep! It's also very close to the airport, so there shouldn't be too many 'are we there yets?' from wriggly kids after a longhaul flight! But don't worry, the lush walled garden blocks most airport noise, and the private gate leading to silky Nai Yang beach and completes the holiday picture.

On approach by speedboat across the Andaman Sea, Yao Noi lies like a hidden paradise and you might just feel like you've fallen into a movie scene. After all, the famous James Bond Island is just a reef or two away. Six Senses pulls no punches in its design, sitting somewhere between a mansion and a treehouse, the villas are nothing short of gorgeous. Every one of them comes with an utterly private infinity pool! Rejuvenation flows throughout, from specialised sleep programs to coconut body scrubs in the hillside spa. The resort also has a robust collection of island activities - kayaking past picture-perfect scenes is just the tip of the iceberg.

On a grain of land off Thailand's coast, Pimalai combines the best of jungle escape and high-brow resort. Translating as, 'a little patch of heaven', Pimalai certainly lives up to its name. Drink in views of the shimmering Andaman Sea from a shaded lounger on the beach and listen for the calls of macaques in the garden, which happens to be 100 acres of cashew, palm and coconut trees. It's hard to beat cocktails at the Horizon pool, which, at 200 feet above sea-level, feels like it's floating on air. The island of Koh Lanta is is just perfect for adventures from the seat of a motorbike and the ocean never has to call twice.

Although just a 5 minute walk from the hustle and bustle of Chaweng Town, Sala Samui manages to provide a haven of calm, right on the water's edge. Sun-splashed, whitewashed and beautifully understated, the resort ticks many boxes for a seaside resort. Alongside the usual lineup of private pools and daybeds to lounge on, added luxe extras include toes-in-the-sand dining every evening if you so desire and movie nights on the starlit beach. Gorgeous views of the Gulf of Thailand complete the picture - and we haven't even told you about the Sala Spa with its solar-themed treatment rooms and world-renowned products. Bliss, indeed.

The Surin's placement in Phuket couldn't really get much better. Sitting snugly alongside some of the area's best beaches but still within easy distance of the local nightlife scene, you really do get the best of both worlds here. Whilst not quite a private beach (none in Thailand are), Pansea Beach gets pretty damn close with it's quiet shores only reachable from the hotel or by boat. The hotel itself certainly makes the most of its location, offering spectacular seaside views from almost every spot, and convincing you that might finally have find paradise.

Right on Krabi's beautiful beach, Nakamanda Resort & Spa offers a true escape. Wake up to a stunning beachfront breakfast before exploring the pristine shore, or lounge by the pool in tranquil luxury and while away the day at your own pace at this Thai gem.