Thailand luxurious holidays: Don’t let White Lotus fever scare you, they’re cheaper than you suppose | EUROtoday

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Once synonymous with backpackers incomes their traveller stripes on the Khao San Road and households bundling in barely tatty resorts on a really massive island that we gained’t title, the previous few years have seen Thailand artfully ship a post-pandemic rebrand as the luxurious vacation spot in Asia.

And it’s a marketing campaign that continues to roll out oh-so-elegantly this winter peak season, as flames are stoked by trailers for the third sequence of the award-winning satire present The White Lotuswhich is able to lastly air from 25 February 2025. With a stellar forged, together with the Thailand’s personal sweetheart, ‘Lisa’ Lalisa Manoba, who regardless of rapping for a South Korean Ok-pop group, Blackpink, is definitely Thai herself (a masterful little bit of casting from Mike White). The Thai luxurious hype will solely develop from right here on out.

It’s honest to say the present has all of us in Thailand poised in anticipation for large customer numbers in 2025. Flight bookings have already soared 30 per cent larger than this time final 12 months, maybe because of British Airways reinstating a direct route from London to Bangkok in October, coupled with the present, which was predominantly shot in Four Seasons resort in Koh Samui and the Anantara branches in Koh Samui and Phuket.

Thai luxurious isn’t solely for the tremendous wealthy although, and it’s far more than simply minimalist design and swanky toiletries lately. The evolving scene is taking eco-issues to coronary heart, whereas native lodges more and more present distinctive views on their location, whether or not that’s honing in on id that’s steeped in custom, culinary treats or the plush pure environment. Luxury in Thailand could be wealthy in tradition but it surely’s much more reasonably priced than you’ll suppose – with worth tags as much as 50 per cent lower than their European and North American counterparts.

Here’s the place to go for high-end dwelling with a low worth.

Read extra: Ditch Phuket’s crowds for these stunning Thailand islands as an alternative

Luxury with the household

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The beachside, leafy Avani+ Khao Lak Resort is an opulent tropical paradise on the Andaman Coast that’s comparatively new however already often known as the dominion’s swankiest family-friendly keep. Lounge by one of many 4 huge pool areas, together with a youngsters’s water playground, or the seaside whereas the younger ones are saved busy at artwork courses, the climbing wall, skate park, retro laptop video games arcade or Muay Thai ring (don’t fear, these youth-friendly zones and actions are open for visitors of all ages) or purpose for complete workforce actions and culinary success at their Thai cooking courses, adopted by a wander round their lakeside petting zoo. Prices begin from as little as £70 an evening which actually beggars perception; it’s an actual stunner that you just gained’t wish to depart.

Read extra: Where is The White Lotus season three set? Thailand filming areas revealed

Luxury on the islands

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Koh Samui, the biggest island in its archipelago and the one island within the Gulf of Thailand to have its personal airport, has been a luxurious foothold in Thailand for many years. The Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui is undoubtedly probably the greatest stays on this planet, however comes at a punchy price ticket. Luckily the island is a hub for reasonably priced high-end stays, whether or not you’re in want of one thing in the way in which of wellness at Kamalaya or a decadent boutique spot like Buri Rasa Village Samui (each ranging from beneath £200 an evening).

Samui’s sister islands are price trying out, too. The Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas include the very best of top-tier service at Thailand’s classiest chain, beginning at £300 per evening for idyllic sea views, or for one thing extra boho however equally as serene, try yoga resort Baan Ta Lay on Koh Tao, the place £70 an evening will get you attractive rooms or glamping tents.

Read extra: Why it’s best to go to Thailand through the low season

Luxury within the metropolis

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Bangkok is, when you’d consider it, probably the most well-priced stops in Thailand for luxurious stays and fantastic eating, with five-star rooms simply discovered for between £100-£200 per evening, maybe because of the density and availability of the entire above within the capital. No one does posh mid-century fashionable like The Standard, and their Asia flagship department in Thailand’s tallest constructing, the King Power Mahanakhon, comes with unbelievable views of the town. Guests get a free night cross to the skyscraper’s rooftop lounge, the place you possibly can take pleasure in a cocktail whereas gazing over the hustle and bustle far, far beneath. Prices begin from £150 an evening, which is an absolute steal for a keep the place the health club, pool and three eating places knock prime quality out of the park. For gourmand meals, make sure you reserve a desk on the new spot on the town, Khaan, the place chef Sujira ‘Aom’ Pongmorn is flexing her chops, serving an 11-course tasting menu that sheds mild on components from throughout Thailand’s regional provinces from £90 a head.

Read extra: Where to remain, eat, drink and store in Bangkok

Luxury within the mountains

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For a vacation that feels such as you’ve stepped right into a David Attenborough tv sequence, look no additional than the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort. This slice of heaven perched above the Mekong River is the place luxurious meets jungle, and it’s a vibe to say the least. The resort sits on the assembly level of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, so that you’re graced with misty Myanmar views within the distance each morning, whereas the rescued elephants, cared for by their mahouts and the resort, meander by way of the valley beneath. While the elephants are the true stars right here, Anantara’s elephant programme isn’t about Instagram moments (although you’ll get these). It’s all about moral interactions: strolling alongside these majestic creatures and studying about their conservation. The meals right here is subsequent stage, too. Whether you’re craving genuine Thai flavours or only a poolside snack together with your cocktail, they’ve received you lined. Don’t skip the khao soy noodle soup, it’s principally a hug in a bowl. Deals together with 4 nights (two right here and two on the attractive Anantara Chiang Mai Resort) begin from £840, obtainable straight from resort group’s web site.

Read extra: Escape Bangkok and discover these hidden corners of Thailand by rail