By BK staff
| Dec 18, 2015

CHIANG MAI

Akyra Manor Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai’s hip Nimmanhaemin welcomed Akyra Manor Chiang Mai, a luxury establishment boasting 30 unique rooms, designed in a “courtyard-style” to make you feel like you're living outdoors even when staying inside. On top of the chic furniture, each room comes with amenities such as LCD TV with cable, iPod (packed with a large music library) and dock, espresso machine, premium-quality 430 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets and naturally-sourced bathroom toiletries.

22/2 Nimmanhemin Soi 9, 053-216-219. theakyra.com/chiang-mai

Hotel Yayee

After several years of hype, the boutique hotel by actor Ananda Everingham, Hotel Yayee is finally open. Deriving its name from the Thai word for “darling,” the hotel has transformed a four-story shop-house into 14 casual but luxurious rooms decorated with Lanna handwoven shawls and carpets from Ananda’s mother’s homeland, Laos. There are only two room types: small (24 sq meters) at B1,900 and big (32 sq meters) at B2,500; both prices are net and include free minibars and breakfast. There’s also a small rooftop terrace where you can order cocktails while enjoying the impressive sunset over Doi Suthep Mountain.

17/5 Sainamphueng Rd., 099 269 5885. fb.com/hotelyayee

X2 Chiang Mai Nimman Villa

Another new opening in the Nimmanhaemin area, this huge modern-retro style villa looks to attract big groups of friends or families with its designer looks and abundant facilities. The seven bedrooms - decked with bold tiled wallpaper, pop art pillows, and vintage cars models—spread over five floors can sleep up to 14 guests, who'll get to eat together and shoot pool in the games room, lounge in front of movies in the living room, and sun themselves on the rooftop deck. Rates start at 14,530 per night.

1/10 Maneenopparat Soi 2 Muang, Chiang Mai. Phone: 091-808-4257

HUA HIN

Loligo Resort Hua Hin

Loligo Resort Hua Hin is next door to—and managed by the same team as—Let’s Sea Hua Hin. We haven’t been yet as it’s opening Dec 1, 2015. But here’s what we know so far. The rooms are huge given the prices (40-58-sq-meters). The style is refreshingly old-school, with nods to Rama 7’s adorable summer palace. It’s not on the beach but it’s a one-minute walk away. And it’s got its very own prohibition-era-style bar. We’re finding rates as low as B2,588/night online, and the mini-suites aren’t all that pricier, from B2,888-3,222. These are opening rates and management tells us they won’t last given the resort’s positioning, which borders on four stars.

83/181 Soi Huathanon 23, Khaotakiep, 032-536-777. www.loligoresort.com

KANCHANABURI

X2 River Kwai's new floating cabins

X2 River Kwai has just unveiled six brand new industrial-chic floating cabins—and there's not a bamboo raft in sight. Perched on the surface of the Kwai Noi River, the new 65-sq-meter XFloat Cabins are made from environmentally-friendly rubberwood boards and come with fish tank-style floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over the calm Kanchanaburi countryside. An upper deck (dubbed the "moon deck") allows you to make the most of the clear, starry sky. Despite being on the water, the cabins aren't short on quality and share the same amenities as their land counterparts, including luxury bathtub, Bose soundsystem, Wi-Fi and premium king bed.The six floating cabins join the resort's existing eight cabins. Rates start at B6,699 per night, inclusive of a daily breakfast. Other facilties include a riverfront infinity pool and library.

Moo 3, Pak Phraek, Kanchanaburi, 02-168-7533. x2resorts.com/resorts/river-kwai

KHAO LAK

The Haven Khao Lak

Hidden away on 16 rai of greenery on Khuk Khak Beach, The Haven Khao Lak offers 110 luxurious rooms, suites and villas. The highlights are the villas which line a massive 5,000-sq-meter saltwater swimming pool that stretches along the resort’s 380-meter beachfront. The opening rates for March start from B4,500 for a deluxe room, B7,500 for deluxe pool-access room and B12,500 for villa Jacuzzi, all of which include breakfasts. To complete the honeymoon vibe, the resort doesn’t allow guests under 16 years old.

64/1 Khluk Klak, Takuapa, 098-016-0841. www.thehavenkhaolak.com

KHAO YAI

Escape Khao Yai's new villas

These brand new two-bedroom villas are decked out in neutral wooden furniture, making for a living space that is easy on the eyes. Each are 263-sq-meters in size, coming with two bedrooms and bathrooms, a pantry, spacious living room and, the highlight, a private, sunken pool. You can also throw in high ceilings and big windows showing great views of the lush Khao Yai forests. The resort itself has plenty to offer after your daytime nature walk, such as a multipurpose outdoor spot with a fireplace, a restaurant serving farm-to-table dishes, rooftop bar and communal pool with a well-stocked bar. There is also a fitness center offering classes like indoor cycling to boxing.

329 Pansuk-Kudkla Rd., 092-823-2590. www.escape-hotel.com/khaoyai

Atta Lakeside Resort

The people behind Kirimaya Golf Resort & Spa (complete with stunning Jack Nicklaus-designed 18-hole championship golf course) just unveiled a sister resort. Perched by a lake, in the foothills of Khao Yai National Park, Atta Lakeside Resort is home to 243 rooms spread across nine low-rise buildings. It flaunts a modern-style decor, dressed in soft brown hues to compliment the leafy surroundings, while floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the real highlight: the unbeatable views. Rates start at B15,500 per night for a one-bedroom suite. Splurge on the rooftop penthouses (B33,000 per night) for panoramic views of the national park from your private infinity pool. The mountain scenery from the swimming pool and open-air restaurant are also not to be missed.

1/3 Moo 6, Thanarat Rd., Moo-Si, 02-257-0455. www.kirimaya.com/resorts/atta

Civilai Hill Khao Yai

The Unique Collection, the hotel management company behind Putahracsa in Hua Hin and Sukhothai Heritage Resort, has expanded their portfolio. Civilai Hill Khao Yai is a new all-pool-villa resort on the outskirts of the vast Khao Yai National Park. Rates start from B7,600 for a one-bedroom villa, which features a Jacuzzi, oversized bed, traditional Japanese-style wooden bathtub and temperature-adjustable pool.

090-972-7529, www.civilaihillkhaoyai.com

KOH CHANG

The Nest Sense

Secluded and small in size, this boutique gem on Koh Chang's Lonely Beach provides a romantic getaway for less. Located right on the end of the beach strip, The Nest Sense puts privacy as its first priority. Each of its 10 sea-facing villas and eight seaview deluxe rooms are surrounded by tropical trees, meaning plenty of coverage for you to bask by your private plunge pool or nap on your king-sized bed in sweet solitude. The price won't put a massive dent on your pocket either—with a deluxe room starting at B2,100 per night and a pool villa from B4,800 per night. The resort also boasts a communal infinity pool with sunset views, a daily breakfast buffet, plus activities such as kayaking, snorkeling and beach volleyball.

Koh Chang Tai, 039-510-925. www.nestsenseresort.com

KOH SAMUI

The Manathai Koh Samui

Lamai Beach's boutique newcomer boasts colonial-style decor, such as a large spiral staircase and a large, elegant chandelier, with Thai touches in the form of lots of teak, rattan and Jim Thompson silk cushions. The hotel also offers some pretty grand communal facilities, such as a beach-facing swimming pool and a kids club with scheduled activities suitable for all ages, ranging from yoga classes and dancing to pandan leaf weaving. There are four room types, ranging from a deluxe balcony that comes with an antique four-poster bed, marble bathrooms and a spacious balcony, to the 200-sq-meter Manathai Suite with two bedrooms that also boast a seperate living and dining area. Rates start from B6,915 per night.

Moo 4, Rob Koh Rd., 077-458-560. www.manathai.com/samui

Sheraton Samui Resort

Koh Samui last month welcomed another new luxury hotel with the launch of the Sheraton Samui Resort, near the island's nightlife hub on Chawaeng Beach. Visitors are greeted with a beautiful panoramic view of the ocean through the lobby’s glass-encased balcony, before being escorted to one of the 141 luxury ocean-themed rooms decked out with a mix of modern decor and pastel colors. Each room comes with either a view of the ocean or the resort’s garden. The resort also boasts two saltwater swimming pools, tennis courts, a 24-hour gym, plus four restaurants and bars. To celebrate their launch, they're offering special nightly rates starting at B4,200 per room for visits through Dec 23.

86 Moo 3, Chawaeng Noi Beach, 077-422-020. http://goo.gl/39AI4G

PATTAYA

Movenpick Pattaya

After launching Movenpick Hotel Sukhumvit 15 earlier in the year, the Swiss hotel chain continues to expand across the country. They’ve just announced that their brand new Pattaya branch is now open to the public. Located on Jomtien Beach, Movenpick Pattaya is home to 262 rooms, boasting sea and/or sunset views. There are six different room types, ranging from the deluxe sea view to the presidential suite. Expect the regular Movenpick color scheme of orange and turquoise accents, plus a big lagoon pool, a tennis court and karaoke facilities.Although regular rates haven’t been announced just yet, you can be assured that this will not be a cheap stay. Luckily, through Mar 31, 2016, the hotel is offering a special introductory rate of B4,999 per night for their deluxe sea view rooms.

Sukhumvit Rd., Km 156.5, Na Jomtien Beach, 038-237-744. www.movenpick-pattaya.com

Hotel Baraquda Pattaya

The newest addition to the Accor-owned, boutique MGallery chain, Hotel Baraquda Pattaya () brings a touch of class to the party city. Dressed up with splashes of nautical color and contemporary geometric furniture inspired by the interiors of a boat (think quarterdeck-shaped leather headboards, pothole mirrors and island tub sinks), the 72-room design hotel offers three room types: the 37-sq-meter deluxe, the 75-sq-meter Baraquada suite and the 80-sq-meter Grand Baraquada suite. A fish-shaped pool acts as the hotel's centerpiece, alongside a fitness center and spa, which specializes in treatments using marine ingredients such as seaweed. Rates start at B3,654 inclusive of a buffet breakfast and 2pm late checkout.

485 1 Moo 10, Pattaya 2nd Rd., Nongprue, 038-769-999. www.hotelbaraquda.com

U Pattaya

Settled on the quiet beachfront between Jomtien and Bang Saray beaches, this boutique hotel offers a more intimate and down-to-earth atmosphere than other luxurious offerings in Pattaya. It’s also packed with the U brand’s signature services: 24-hour stay from check-in time and whenever/wherever breakfast service. The rooms are Designed by Be Gray, the architecture firm behind the famous Casa Lapin cafes in Bangkok, U Pattaya takes its concept from the surrounding fishermen’s villages. All 54 rooms (19 villas and 25 rooms under seven types, including two bedrooms) are filled with modern rustic charm in the form of rock-piled walls, vintage lanterns, bamboo ceilings, boat ropes and hanging beams with sheer curtains. Each unit consists of a bath tub, some of which come in an alfresco setting. Rates start at B3,599.

70/14 Moo8, Soi Na-Chomtien 56/3, Sattahip. 033-046-100. www.uhotelsresorts.com/upattaya

OZO Pattaya

Situated just a stone’s throw away from Pattaya’s famous night spots, the newly opened OZO Pattaya is a new hip opening on the beach town. The 170-room hotel comprises a rooftop swimming pool, all-day restaurant and spa. Average nightly rates for a Sleep King room are B1,600.

236/26-1 Moo 10, Soi 15 at Second Road, Pattaya, 03-810-3777

PHUKET

Keemala Phuket

Keemala Phuket is a new all-pool villa resort overlooking Kamala Village and the Andaman Sea that's just opened its doors. Taking its inspiration from the early Phuket settlers, the resort's 16 clay pool cottages, seven tent pool villas, seven two-story tree pool houses and eight bird’s nest pool villas are joined together together by a network of jungle walkways. The romantic picture is completed by a lush canopy of trees and a continuous stream-like body of running water that snakes its way through the hilly resort. Rates start at B14,341 per night, while the resort also offers a range of holistic retreats starting with the 3-Day Purify (B35,000 per person or B66,000 per couple).

10/88 Moo 6, Naklua, 976-358-777. www.keemala.com

Fishermen's Harbour Urban Resort

Fishermen's Harbour Urban Resort (www.fishermensharbour.com) is a new five-star resort located in Phuket's happening South Patong area that claims to take its cues from the fishermen slow-life. Just a 10-minute walk to the beach (and a few kilometers from Patong's notorious party strip), the resort is part of an ongoing development that will eventually include a water park, plus meeting and expo facilities. Almost everything in the resort is decked out in sand and turquoise hues to match the Andaman backdrop, with facilities including a well-equipped gym, a spa and three gorgeous swimming pools. The resort's offering 67-percent off all rooms for stays through Dec 23, with the most basic deluxe rooms currently B3,135 per night (originally B9,500), while a suite with its own swimming pool and separate living quarters is B6,402 per night (originally B19,400).

2/21 Siriraj Rd., Patong 076-380-400

Bandara Resort

Phuket’s peaceful Ao-Yon Bay welcomed Bandara Resort, a contemporary Asian-styled hideaway nestled by the bay’s turquoise waters and white sands. Inspired by the tales of seafaring merchants, the resort is actually divided into two separate hotels: the five-starred Bandara Villas and four-starred Bandara Beach. Bandara Villas consists of 33 contemporary villas, each equipped with a private, sea-view infinity pool, TV and DVD player. Guests are also promised a beautiful seaside sunset through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Bandara Beach consists of 84 units decorated in vibrant blue and wooden tones. Each room includes cable TV, a DVD player and a snack bar with coffee and tea. Rates start at B1,095 per night.

96 Moo 8, Soi Ao Yon Khaoklad, 076-316-298. www.bandaraphuket.com

The RoManee Classic

Located right in the center of Phuket’s Old Town, The RoManee Classic is a brand new Sino-Portuguese-style drugstore-turned-guesthouse that combines heritage charm with all the mod cons. Guests can choose between old-school and modern-style bedrooms with prices ranging from B990-1,200. Overnight guests also have access to Wi-Fi and cable TV. During your stay, you can hit up Limelight (www.limelightphuket.com), a new dining-oriented shopping mall nearby.

4 Krabi Rd., Muang, 089-728-9871. www.therommanee.com

RANONG

The Hidden Resort

Bordering Pang Nga, Surat Thani and Myanmar, the lush, mountainous province of Ranong is one of Southern Thailand's more overlooked travel destinations. But now it's welcomed one of its first cool design hotels. Dressed in elegant shades of white and silver, The Hidden Resort, blends Sino-Portuguese and Scandanavian styles in six private villas and two garden pavilions. Prices start at B1,850 per night. While the pool won’t be ready until January, the Raksawarin Hot Springs (whose temperatures sit at 65-degrees celsius all year round) are a short walk away. As Thailand’s least populated province, Ranong consists of 80-percent thick rainforests. It's also home to some of the country’s most beautiful waterfalls, which you can explore without the usual throng of tourists.

Soi Mitrraphap 7, Bang Rin, 077-821-900. www.thehidden-ranong.com

See also: 14 sensational hotels that prove Thailand has some of the best design in the world