The best hotels in Thailand, according to the Michelin guide

Thailand is a remarkable travel destination, offering some of the world’s most luxurious resorts, from beach paradises to city hotels and jungle retreats. And now, MICHELIN Guide has announced the One, Two and Three Key awards for the best hotels in Thailand. From Bangkok to Phuket, I have personally stayed in many of the three main hotels and can attest to their excellence as the very best in Thailand, if not the world.

Four years after redesigning the MICHELIN Guide’s hotel selection, they now showcase over 5,000 hotels around the world, all carefully vetted by their expert reviewers. According to MICHELIN, “when awarding MICHELIN keys to hotels, the selection team considers five universal criteria: excellence in architecture and interior design, quality and consistency of service, overall personality and character, value for money and a significant contribution to the…” neighborhood or environment.”

The MICHELIN Guide 2024 hotel selection in Thailand includes 8 three-key hotels, 19 two-key hotels and 31 one-key hotels.

THE 8 BEST HOTELS

Eight houses received the highest award from the MICHELIN Guide in Thailand, the coveted “Three Key” award.

Amanpuri (Phuket)

Amanpuri was the first Aman resort to open and is one of my favorite hotels in the world. This secluded retreat is located on the west coast of Phuket and overlooks Pansea Beach. There are 40 pavilions and 44 exclusive private villas stretching down the hill, but the spa services are outrageous and include many top experts from around the world.

Phulay Bay (Krabi)

Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, begins your exotic visit with a traditional-style welcome pavilion and offers stunning accommodations. Each of the resort’s luxury villas and private pavilions are designed inside and out and feature personal pools and views. Personal butler service and the extravagant spa add to the decadence here.

Samujana Villas (Koh Samui)

Perched high on a hill overlooking a coral bay, this island retreat features a range of spacious villas lavishly appointed with infinity pools, fully equipped kitchens, private cinemas and stunning water views. The most modest option is a three-bedroom villa.

Soneva Kiri (Koh Kood Island)

To reach Soneva Kiri, you will be flown by the resort’s private aircraft from Bangkok International Airport to the private airstrip. From here you will be taken to the resort by speedboat and then driven to your bungalow in an eco-buggy.

The stunning resort includes one- to five-bedroom luxury villas, tree-topped dining rooms and The Den, a lodge structure designed to entertain younger guests. There is also an observatory, a chocolate room and fantastic spa therapies. Check out the Eco Villa, a hobbit house made of clay and rubber plants, a unique showcase of renewable energy.

Keemala (Phuket)

These detached villas are inspired by the design of tribal dwellings. Inspired by the nomadic tribes of the rainforest, Tented Pool Villas feature tent-like domed roofs and oval soaking tubs perched high above the greenery below. Cocoon-like Tree Pool Houses reflect the We-ha (Sky) clan’s aesthetic, with two levels and hanging furniture. Clay Pool Cottages are more conventional and resemble the thatched roof huts you see throughout Thailand. And then there are the fantastic Bird’s Nest Villas. Like elegant, futuristic birdcages made of woven wood and glass, they look out over the sea and the forest.

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

Rice fields and lush jungle surround the Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai. The beautiful pavilions and villas combine Thai style and modern luxury. An expansive spa, a stunning infinity pool, and three fine restaurants add to the luxury factor.

Mandarin Oriental (Bangkok)

This renovated and restored historic hotel is joined by two 20th-century additions; It has become one of Bangkok’s most sought-after hotels. The newer wings take advantage of their height and offer impressive views over the river; Generous amenities such as butler service are available throughout. There’s also Alain Roux’s Michelin-starred Le Normandie, as well as the famous Sala Rim Naam, a traditional Thai restaurant offering a full dining experience. Located across the river along with the hotel’s spa, it’s reached via a short but memorable shuttle boat ride.

The Siam Hotel (Bangkok)

Owned by a family of musicians and entertainers, this Bill Bensley-designed luxury boutique property comprises just 39 suites and villas on the banks of the Chao Praya River. The entry-level suites are huge and lavishly appointed and include butler service. From there, the larger suites are spacious and the villas are quite extravagant.

TWO IMPORTANT AWARDS

In Bangkok: Capella Bangkok, Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok on the Chao Phraya River, Park Hyatt Bangkok, Rosewood Bangkok, The Okura Prestige Bangkok, The Peninsula and The Sukhothai Bangkok

In Chiang Mai: Rachamankha and Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort

In Surat Thani: Banyan Tree Samui, Napasai – A Belmond Hotel, Koh Samui SALA Samui Choengmon Beach and Six Senses Samui

In Phang Nga: The Sarojin Thailand and Six Senses Yao Noi

In Krabi: Banyan Tree Krabi and Pimalai Resort & Spa

In Phuket: InterContinental Phuket Resort and Rosewood Phuket

AN IMPORTANT AWARD

In Bangkok: 137 Pillars Suites Bangkok, Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, COMO Metropolitan Bangkok, InterContinental Bangkok, Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, Oriental Residence Bangkok, SO/ Bangkok, The Standard Bangkok

In Phetchaburi: Veranda Resort & Villas Hua Hin Cha Am

In Chiang Mai: 137 Pillars House, Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai, Raya Heritage, Tamarind Village

In Prachuap: Khiri Khan: Anantara Hua Hin Resort & Spa, The Standard Hua Hin, V Villas Hua Hin, Aleenta Resort & Spa, Hua-Hin

In Nakhon Ratchasima: InterContinental Khao Yai Resort

In Surat Thani: Anantara Lawana Resort and Spa, Kerem Luxury Beachfront Villas, Kimpton Kitalay Samui

In Krabi: Rayavadee

In Phang Nga: Aleenta Resort & Spa

In Phuket, Iniala Beach House, Andara Resort & Villas, COMO Point Yamu, The Nai Harn Phuket, The Pavilions, Phuket, The Slate, Trisara, The Racha

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