Layana Resort & Spa

Take your pick from the large infinity pool (with a legion of cushy loungers) and the Wellness Pool, which has a healthy juice bar next door. Disappear into a tropical garden for a pampering spa treatment or soothing foot massage. There's also a pretty spot for yoga at sunrise! In a traditional pagoda-capped building or on a beachside terrace, SeaSky serves quintessential Thai dishes and seafood (with Thai craft beers if you fancy). The Sundowners Bar & Lounge turns up the island style with funky decor and rattan chairs under wide umbrellas.

Sprinkled across the verdant grounds and only a few paces from the shoreline, the 57 villas and suites are done up in a mod Thai style. The bathrooms are pretty spectacular with massive round or oval tubs and some rooms have an outdoor rain shower. The king-size or twin beds sit in front of herringbone panels and the rooms are decorated in soft grey furnishings with a large balcony to make the most of the view. The Terrace Suite has direct access to the Wellness Pool, a private wine cellar and Nespresso machine.

From its home on the western coast of Koh Lanta, there are water sports by the boatload. Think sailing on a hobie wave catamaran! Glide along on a longtail boat to find the hidden world of the reefs or visit the sea-travelling people of Sang-ga-u whose dwellings are built entirely on stilts. Layana happens to be in the Mu Koh Lanta National Park so hiking is in order. This part of Thailand is known for its more relaxed beach parties like Sunset Sessions right on Long Beach. Speaking of, it happens to be a brilliant place to swim in the languid Andaman water.