DELUXE TRAVELLER

Baan Hinyai is one of Koh Samui’s most splendid holiday villas – perfect for a vacation relaxing in the lap of luxury

Home to a plethora of world-class restaurants, high-end spas and upscale accommodation options, it should come as no surprise that Thailand is well-established as one of Asia’s most luxurious holiday destinations. Factor in the sublime beaches, tropical temperatures and stunning ocean scenery, and you’ll be clear on why so many people travel to the kingdom each year for the ultimate getaway.

If you’re keen to live in the lap of luxury from the moment you begin your vacation, then forward planning is essential. That way, you can ensure there are no last minute hiccups when it comes to booking the very best accommodation, restaurants and pamper packages. Check out our top tips, below, on how to plan the most indulgent Thai vacation, dripping in opulence from start to finish.

Start things right

Passengers travelling in first or business class benefit from countless perks even before you arrive

Kick start your luxury holiday in the right way by flying first or business class. The perks start coming in before you even board the plane, as you’ll be able to benefit from priority check-in and extra baggage allowance. The extra baggage allowance is sure to come in handy on your way home, especially after all of your souvenir shopping sprees in the quaint boutiques and art galleries of Phuket and Samui.

Once you’re on board, the real perks begin. Rather than being jammed into a seat next to complete stranger, a business or first class seat will provide extra space for you to relax. There is likely to be an easy-to-access storage compartment for your hand luggage, and you’ll have more space to lay out books, tablets etc. In flight dining in first and business class is another boon. Many airlines feature enticing menus that have been specially crafted by professional chefs, which is great if the thought of economy class food sends you into a state of dread. Last but not least, once you arrive you’ll be the first off the aircraft, so you can get to your accommodation and begin your holiday as soon as possible.

The best of Phuket

Acqua is one of Phuket’s most stylish upscale eateries

While Thailand is home to a great many local restaurants where the fare is tasty and satisfying, the country’s high-end options are well worth sampling, too. Whether you’re based in Phuket or Koh Samui, it’s well worth doing your research and making reservations in advance to avoid disappointment.

For those based in Phuket, Acqua is a leading contender as one of the island’s most luxurious restaurants. Occupying a stunning position overlooking the Andaman Sea, this stylish eatery is the perfect setting for an all-round dining experience that satisfies your craving for luxury. Crafted by Chef Alessandro, the menu is packed with the finest produce from around the world. In fact, sourcing the best quality produce from across the globe is a key part of the restaurant’s ethos. So, you can look forward to everything from the best French oysters to the finest American lobster.

Situated near Laguna, Phuket, the Siam Supper Club is another fancy option for those keen to splash out. It’s intimate ambience and stylish décor makes the eatery a favourite amongst Thais and travellers. The restaurant describes its menu as “West Coast Cuisine”, and you can expect to sample everything from fine wine to exquisite seafood.

Luxury dining in Samui

Oceans 11 is situated on the beachfront at Bangrak Beach

Like Phuket, Koh Samui is also home to its fair share of luxury establishments. Situated in a sublime position just a pebble’s throw from Bangrak Beach, Oceans 11 is one of the island’s more opulent offerings. Developed by chef Bernd Schillig, the menu features an array of delectable delights from pistachio crusted Atlantic tuna steak to pan-roasted sea bass with potato tarts. Schillig has held various positions in five-star restaurants across the globe, so you can be confident you’ll be tucking into something special. The restaurant is also home to four well-appointed suites in addition to the main dining area.

Situated on the beach road between Bangrak and Bophut, Orgasmic Restaurant is also well worth checking out. The restaurant benefits from its sublime beachfront position, making it the perfect spot for romantic meals when you want to push the boat out. The menu features a dazzling selection of ‘East meets West’ dishes, so you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to picking out your meal.

Relax in style

Baan Hinta is just a pebble’s throw from the beach

For well-heeled travellers in search of the finest accommodation, only a luxury private villa will do. Koh Samui and Phuket are home to an impressive selection of upscale holiday properties, many of which come with direct beach access and/or stunning ocean vistas. Thailand’s private villas are often situated in less developed areas, so guests can look forward to the feeling of unspoilt exclusivity – especially if their property leads onto a quiet beach, far from the hustle and bustle of busier tourist spots.

Private villas also feature plenty of space, both in sociable communal areas and private zones of relaxation. Accommodation is often spread across several living pavilions, interspersed with spectacular landscaping and hidden corners of tropical garden. Top notch facilities include swimming pools, gardens, mini cinema rooms and fully-equipped gyms, to name a few. Some villas also feature outdoor cinema setups, whole-house entertainment systems and dedicated spa rooms.

Service at one of Thailand’s luxury private villas is also second to none. The majority of these high-end properties comes with its own dedicated team of staff, some of whom are live-in, so you can approach them at any time of day if you have any queries. The maintenance team will make sure the property remains spic and span throughout your stay, while the professional chef will be able to whip up culinary delights for days when you don’t feel like going out.

Upscale pamper session

Thailand is home to a wealth of high-end spas – perfect for a post-flight pamper session

If you’re staying in one of Thailand’s private villas, you’ll be able to book a professional spa therapist to come directly to the property for a pamper session, or three. However, if you fancy going out for the day, then there’s a number of spas across Phuket and Samui that offer sublime pamper packages. In Phuket, the Banyan Tree Spa’s day package offers guests a series of magnificent treatments, including body scrubs, body conditioners, facials, massages and mani-pedis.

In Koh Samui, Baan Sabai is a charming spa set within Ayutthaya-style teak houses next to the beach. You’ll be able to hear the sound of the gently lapping waves as you settle down for you massage in a stunning open-air sala. The treatment menu here is extensive, and you’ll be able to book in for facials, wraps, massages or herbal steam therapy.

Green season perks

Baan Leelawadee is one of the villas offering luxury for less during the green season

If you’re heading to Thailand during the green season, then it’s worth bearing in mind that a number of luxury properties will be available for discounted rates. Visit https://www.island-property-services.com/luxuryvillasandhomes/holiday-villas-discounts.html to learn about the different promotions available – including a 20 percent off offer on stays between 1^st May and 30^th June. Stunning villas including Ban Asan, Ban Kinaree and Ban Laem Set are all on the list of properties included in the offer, which also includes free airport transfers, welcome Thai dinner and complimentary massage.

TIPS

Here are few luxurious touches you can expect to discover if you stay in one of Thailand’s private villas:

• Fragrant petals can be sprinkled on the steaming surface of the tub, if you ask one of your villa’s staff to run you a bath in your villa’s spa-like bathing suites
• A specially-tailored menu containing all of your Thai favourites, prepared by your villa’s professional chef
• Some villas serve refreshing welcome drinks upon arrival, in addition to cool refreshing compresses to help you relax after a long journey