Fodor's Expert Review Pimalai Resort and Spa

The rain forest meets the stunning beach at Pimalai, where the seductive yet unpretentious luxury attracts the likes of royalty and celebrities. Sleek, Thai-style accommodations (ranging from deluxe rooms to beachfront villas) are outfitted with teak floors, Thai silks, and private outdoor spaces (many also have infinity pools and outdoor showers). Nestled in a lush, delightfully cacophonous hilly jungle and overlooking stunning water vistas, the property is a paradisal world unto itself. The main areas are surrounded by hundreds of hectares of verdant land (guests can explore in buggies), which further honors the promise of privacy. Check in to relax by the pool, play on the beach, take a yoga class, lose yourself in the fairy-tale-like tiered spa garden (complete with waterfalls and streams), and indulge in a sumptuous pampering session (booking ahead is essential).