Thailand escapes for luxury lovers


Discover the unique character of this Southeast Asian gem with these handpicked luxury escapes.

Take a beachside holiday in Thailand. Image credit: skynesher/iStock
Take a beachside holiday in Thailand. Image credit: skynesher/iStock

Brimming with pristine natural beauty, postcard-perfect islands, and unmatched experiences, Thailand has quickly become the destination of choice for luxury lovers.

From the exotic beach destinations of Hua Hin, Koh Samui, and Krabi to the boundless cultural experiences in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, there’s so much more to this tropical paradise than meets the eye. If you’re looking for an upscale holiday, take a look at these amazing luxury escapes in Thailand.

Fine dining in Thailand

French and Mediterranean restaurants dominated the fine dining scene in Thailand for decades, but local culinary experiences have made their way to the top. Check out some of these upscale culinary delights across Thailand.

Nahm, Bangkok – Blending traditional flavors with modern sophistication

Set in the prestigious Como Metropolitan Bangkok hotel, Nahm features authentic fresh flavors in traditional Thai dishes. Led by chef Pim Techamuanvivit, the restaurant is one of the top eateries across Asia and received a Michelin star for the second consecutive year in 2019.

Consistently ranked among the top 10 lists in Asia, the strong flavors in each dish merge beautifully with the finest local produce to create perfectly balanced salads, soups, curries, stir-fries, and relishes.

Some of the unique dishes on offer include lobster and chicken with snake fruit and green mango, wild prawns with tamarind and ginger relish, black grouper fish in tamarind and ginger broth, and wagyu beef stir fry with young coconut shoots, basil, and green peppercorns. Nahm sits on the ground floor of the hotel and directly overlooks the outdoor pool. Guests can dine on the terrace or indoors or opt for the private dining room for a more exclusive dining experience.

Siam Wisdom, Bangkok – Experience the wonders of Thai fine dining

Featuring an array of Thai-inspired dishes cooked to perfection, Siam Wisdom is a must-try when in Bangkok. In 2014, Siam Wisdom was the winner in the Thai category at Bangkok’s Best Restaurant Awards – one of the many awards in the restaurant’s repertoire.

The dishes draw on local flavors and inspirations to offer a classic and elegant dining experience. The menu includes dishes like marinated king prawns wrapped in filo pastry, deep-fried minced pork with Thai salted fish salsa, steamed whole seabass with chili and garlic, deep-fried soft shell crab with garlic and chili, and slow-cooked pork belly with shrimp paste and fresh mango.

Blue Elephant, Phuket – Enjoy exquisite dining with striking architecture

Blue Elephant is housed in one of the most striking palaces on the island of Phuket, with spectacular Sino-Portuguese architecture. Chef Nooror Somany Steppe uses her vast experience from across different continents to create dishes that are sure to tantalize your tastebuds and showcase the very best of what Thai cuisine has to offer. 

Some of the exotic dishes on offer include fresh Andaman tiger prawns with shrimp paste and coconut cream, crab curry with betel leaves and turmeric, and crispy prawn cakes with pomelo salad.

For a more hands-on experience, try a cooking class and learn how to create perfect Thai dishes from some of the most recognized chefs in the world.

Diavolo at Paresa Resort, Phuket – Upscale dining with spectacular ocean views

Diavolo restaurant, set in the luxurious Paresa Resort, is the perfect spot to unwind as you sample Mediterranean-inspired dishes, enjoy the 270-degree panoramic ocean view, and choose from the finest wines around the world.

The deck at Diavolo, Paresa Resort. Image credit: Paresa Resort
The deck at Diavolo, Paresa Resort. Image credit: Paresa Resort

The restaurant’s décor has a red and gold color scheme with richly hued wooden parquet floors. With a large deck, you can choose to dine indoors or outdoors. Since the restaurant is perched on the top of a cliff, guests are treated to extensive views of the Andaman Sea and the granite rocks below.

Some of the meals on offer include prosciutto crumbed lamb cutlet, Australian premium beef sirloin, Australian wagyu cube roll, and black cod. Diavolo has a selection of over 70 wines from around the world, including Italy, France, Australia, Chile, and New Zealand to pair with each meal.

Rooftop bars – Fly high as you indulge in Thailand’s finest bars

For those who want to pair a cocktail or a glass of wine with breathtaking views, Thailand has some exciting rooftop bars worth checking out.

CRU Champagne Bar, Bangkok – Sky-high pleasure in the city of angels

CRU Champagne Bar is right in the heart of Bangkok city and offers G.H. Mumm Champagnes and Caspian Sea Caviar paired with some of the best city views imaginable.

Some of the signature Champagne cocktails on offer include the Bangkok Bellini, La Vie En Rose, Grand Jardin 59, and Pink Mule. The exclusive menu serves up dishes like Russian caviar, Beluga caviar, lobster symphony, oysters on the half shell, assorted Spanish cured meats, and wagyu short rib sliders. Visit CRU bar if you’re keen on jaw-dropping views and upscale indulgences.

Vanilla Sky Bar at Cape Sienna, Phuket – Rooftop drinks with panoramic views

Vanilla Sky Bar serves distinctive cocktails while offering breathtaking vistas of Kamala Bay. The bar, which offers 360-degree ocean views, includes a snooker room where guests can unwind with a game or two.

Serving an array of molecular gastronomy cocktails such as Smokey cinnamon and Irish fog, you will never be short of choices to try something new and unique.

If you’re looking for premium Champagnes, you can’t go past the Bollinger Rosé and Special Cuvee Champagne. The rooftop bar also has a the Chambre Separe, a private room designed for intimate get-togethers.

Three Sixty at Millennium Hilton, Bangkok – Cocktails with 360-degree views

An upscale hangout set on the rooftop of the Millennium Hilton Bangkok, Three Sixty is the perfect spot to unwind and relax. While not as high as some other buildings in Bangkok, this bar offers one of the best 360-degree vistas of the city. Three Sixty has two separate areas; a large open-air section and the 360-degree cupola sitting one floor above. It almost resembles a flying saucer, and the views from this indoor bar are unsurpassed.

The floor-to-ceiling plate glass windows, snaking around the bar, make the entire experience mesmerizing as you stroll around to explore the views of different parts of the city. If you arrive at sunset, you can choose from the Bellini Sunset Collection of cocktails, or enjoy your drink of choice as you take in some breathtaking sights.

Best luxury travel experiences in Thailand

Thailand has an array of luxury experiences for all kinds of travelers, whether you’re an adventurer seeking tailored experiences or want to relax with a world-class massage. Here are some of the best luxury travel experiences in Thailand.

Supanniga Sunset Dinner Cruise – Michelin-inspired dishes on the river

Traversing the waters of the mighty Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, the Supanniga Sunset Dinner Cruise offers an exclusive six-course dining experience for 40 guests.

The Wat Arun Temple on the Chao Phraya River. Image credit: Aleksandr Sokolov/iStock
The Wat Arun Temple on the Chao Phraya River. Image credit: Aleksandr Sokolov/iStock

The menu has been carefully selected from the Michelin-starred Supanniga Eating Room restaurant in Bangkok, giving guests a mouth-watering dining experience.

Popular dishes include seasoned minced pork with fresh orange, steamed crabmeat seasoned with curry paste, and mango sticky rice for dessert. The menu is seasonal and only premium ingredients are sourced.

The cruise is noted for being the only river operator with a full bar on board so you’re never far from your drink of choice, whether its a cocktail or a glass of wine. The décor on board reflects a combination of modern sophistication and the country’s heritage. This luxurious cruise is sure to give you a thrill, as you take in some of the most beautiful stunning vistas and iconic landmarks of Bangkok while enjoying fine dining in a plush boat on the water. The cruise is meant for guests seven years and over, and no outside food is allowed on board.

Private helicopter tour – Enjoy picturesque views over Chiang Mai

Take a scenic flight to discover the picturesque beauty of Chiang Mai in a chopper fitted with six luxurious seats on this private helicopter tour. You’ll have the unique opportunity to view stunning and historic temples and palaces from the skies above.

The helicopter tour also takes you along the Mae Ping River to observe lush rice paddies and local communities living in close harmony with their natural surroundings. This luxe helicopter tour also includes complimentary van transfers to and from Chiang Mai International Airport.

Luxury scuba dive – Discover the wonders of Thailand’s corals and marine life

If you want a bespoke scuba diving experience in Thailand, you’ll want to get on an Aussie Divers speedboat instead of a big scuba diving boat with several other people for a more intimate experience. Offering the first luxury scuba diving speedboat, you’ll get to your destinations faster so you can spend more time underwater instead of getting there.

Day trips will take you to dive sites including Racha Yai, Shark Point, Koh Doc Mai, and Phi Phi island, where you can discover the diversity of marine life living beneath the crystal-clear waters of these regions.

You can also learn to scuba dive with professional PADI dive instructors, whether you’re a beginner or a certified diver looking for a crash course to refresh your skills. For something more exclusive to your needs, check out the PADI specialty courses on offer, allowing you to focus on particular skills or diving types that meet your needs, including wreck diving and deep diving. 

Loh Samah Bay, Phi Phi Island. Image credit: Balate Dorin/iStock
Loh Samah Bay, Phi Phi Island. Image credit: Balate Dorin/iStock

Best spas to try – Indulge in the ultimate relaxation

Detoxing is great for the mind and body, and Thailand offers some of the most stunning spas in the world, filled with world-class wellness therapies. Here are some of the best spas to try in Thailand.

Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai – Relax your senses with ultimate relaxation therapies

This five-star spa, set within one of the most luxurious Thailand resorts, is a must-visit for the luxury seekers. The wellness center is comprised of a 3,100 square meter palatial sanctuary decked with chiseled finishes and sculptures. Symbolic Buddhist motifs and sacred animal sculptures make this spa truly appealing.

On the wellness treatment menu, you’ll find everything from homemade scrubs using herbs and rice to ancient therapies with Ayurvedic oils. Also offered at this Thai spa is “Shirodhara”, a traditional Indian therapy where warm oil is gently poured over your forehead to improve your nervous system and relax your senses.

Kamalaya, Koh Samui – Experience award-winning wellness treatments

Kamalaya is a wellness sanctuary and holistic spa resort in Koh Samui that has won a raft of awards since it opened in 2005. The breathtaking natural environment and customized wellness programs, along with healthy cuisines, make this one of the most sought-after spa experiences in Thailand. There are multi-day programs to help with burnout, detox, stress, weight balance, yoga, and fitness, while daily fitness classes cover Pilates, yoga, meditation, and tai chi.

Holistic wellness services are at the core of Kamalaya’s offering. Built around a cave once used by Buddhist monks, the essence of this getaway is on the growth of the human spirit. For those who want a more private experience, tailored programs can be customized to your specific needs.

Absolute Sanctuary, Koh Samui – Revitalize and relax in Koh Samui

Absolute Sanctuary cannot be missed if you are looking for a luxury spa experience unlike any other. Setting the benchmark on world-class wellness programs, the resort prides itself on being the only wellness fitness resort across Asia.

From award-winning experiences to crafted yoga and healthy food programs, this Thailand retreat is the ideal place to recharge and revitalize. Wellness spa programs include a colon hydrotherapy session, sauna sessions, body wraps, head massages, cellulite treatments, and facials. Anti-stress programs include aroma retreats, Indian head massages, foot sanctuaries, and booster facials.

Enjoy these luxury escapes in Thailand even more by traveling in plush comfort when you book a Blacklane chauffeur service, offered in over 300 destinations across the world.