Pranburi, Prachuab Khirikhan
Though not the pioneer in the Moroccan/Middle Eastern market, it is probably the most authentic. Villa Maroc is not just another hotel painted in vivid colors; everything is seriously attended to—all the decoration pieces were imported from Morocco after all, promising an authentic ambience right on Pranburi beach.
Trippin’: Slip into the blood-red Moroccan robe in your room and then head to the Shisha bar and pretend that you’re chilling out in Morocco.
Rates for a two-night package featuring daily breakfast, one candlelit dinner and 45-min spa treatment for two start at B20,000 for a Pool Court room. 032-630-771, www.villamarocresort.com
Chantaburi
Probably Thailand’s first resort to go for an Arabian Nights vibe, the pure white building of Al Medina sits at the end of the beach road promising you first-class privacy. Skip the beach in favor of the exquisite details found in each of the nine rooms with furniture and decor hand picked by the owners.
Trippin’: Dip into an infinity black mosaic-tiled pool a la Cleopatra while you enjoy the sunset.
Rates are from B3,900-9,000. 085-334-3555, 085-155-3333, www.almedinabeach.com
Suan Phueng, Ratchaburi
Despite its name, the interiors evoke the feminine, elegant renditions of what Thais call British (or French) country home styles. Outside, the blocky white houses could be Greek. With a giant lawn space, each of the 11 villas has its own area and private rooftop balcony where you can enjoy sipping a glass of wine at sunset.
Trippin’: Sheep here are exclusively for hotel guests (so they are cleaner) and the views are serene.
Rates are B7,500-8,500 till Jan 15. 032-711-109. www.swissvalleyhipresort.com
Suan Phueng, Ratchaburi
Ratchaburi province must thank The Scenery for introducing the Santorini-style rooms, green farm and cute sheep, which have now become the signature of Suan Phueng district. Lovely villas sit at a scenic farm and close to a small canal, which means rooms are often fully booked during weekends. Nevertheless, you can just drop by to feed their sheep as they are open to the public.
Trippin’: Honey Scene restaurant serves nice steaks, with cuts of beef, pork and yes, lamb.
Rates are B4,000-7,000. 081-000-6677, 081-000-7070. www.sceneryresort.com
Suan Phueng, Ratchaburi
While people are crazy about Tuscan styles in Khao Yai and Santorini styles in Ratchaburi, La Toscana combines the two hot trends, bringing Tuscany to the quiet town of Suan Phueng. Find yourself dining surrounded by European country-style brick walls, bathing in a Victorian-style tub and sleeping on a four-poster bad. Blessed with a scenic landscape just like the province in central Italy, together with a Tuscan architectural style, this is an idyllic if slightly surreal experience.
Trippin’: The spacious verandahs great spots to chill and drink in the scenery.
Rates are B4,000-7,500. Suan Phueng, Ratchaburi, 084-456-2008, 081-937-5001. www.latoscana-resort.com.
Khaoyai
Palio has opened its own boutique accommodation right by the most famous walking street in Khao Yai. Palio Inn features only 12 small guestrooms decked out in a European country style—think marble top counters, vintage faucets and flower-print bed sheets. In the evenings, sit on the second floor and watch the busy shopping streets below.
Trippin’: The room’s terrace is a perfect spot for a cozy breakfast or a chill glass of pre-bedtime wine.
Rates start from B2,500. 044-365-905. www.palio-khaoyai.com
Want more? Check out these new hotels with cutting-edge designs around the region. Or if you prefer a slower side of life, take a look at our picks for upcountry city escapes.
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