5 Best Hotels in Koh Lanta, Phuket and the Andaman Coast

One of the coolest things about this boutique resort is that some of the rooms are "convertible": If you're too hot you can open up the "walls" and allow the breeze to blow through. That said, it's not over-designy; sustainability is the big theme and some describe it as sort of upscale camping, with air-conditioning and a nice bathroom. The resort is at the northern end of Klong Dao Beach—the quiet end of an already quiet beach. Isolation is a blessing here, as the resort has almost everything you might need, including a pool table and a spa. The water here is swimmable, and snorkeling around Kaw Kwang Cape, while not exceptional, is pleasant and there are fish to be seen.

There are large ponds with water lilies and fountains, and brick paths meander from the villas to the pool to the spa---it's all very chic. Northern Thai–style villas have marble floors, and all but the standard rooms have outdoor garden baths. Honeymooners are greeted with flowers, cake, and bubbly wine. Beachside massage is available for all.

This enormous lively resort stretches gracefully across an entire hillside along the road from Klong Khong Beach to Klong Nin. Look for lush green landscaping with palm trees, shrubs, and flowers, a choice of pools, an extensive kids' club, a game room, and more. Some rooms have private pools, and the spa is gorgeous.

This resort is as much an architectural and interior-design exhibition as it is a sophisticated and tranquil retreat. It is both traditionally tropical and innovatively contemporary; occasionally, the two styles meld: deluxe superior rooms have colorful tile floors but incredibly romantic outdoor baths. The resort's main dining area is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate, and the two bars make up for the fairly isolated location on the quiet northern end of Klong Dao Beach.