CHIANG RAI

Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort

221/2 Moo 20, Kwaewai Rd., Robwiang, Muang, 053-603-333. www.lemeridien.com
The buildings of this 158-room resort hug two 100-year-old trees on the quiet banks of the Kok River. The décor sees charcoal-colored wood furniture brightened up with red cushions, glittering mirror mosaics, and small Lanna details. Hotel guests get free access to Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park.
>> To celebrate Chiang Rai’s 750th anniversary, rooms start from US$75 (B2,320 room only) until Oct 31. During Nov 1-Dec 22, rooms are from B3,040.

NAN

Pukha Nanfa

369 Sumondevaraj Rd., Muang, 054-771-11. www.pukhananfahotel.co.th
KBank CEO Banthoon Lamsam renovated the 50-year-old wooden Nanfa Hotel, located right in the middle of Nan’s provincial capital, into a 14-room hotel by preserving most of the old wooden structure and adding traditional paintings, expensive Lanna-style amenities, silk bed sheets and other mod cons.
>> B2,300-4,200 through Oct 31, B2,500-4,600
during Nov 1-Dec 20 and B2,800-5,200 during Dec 21-Jan 5.

CHIANG MAI

137 Pillars House

2 Na Wat Gate Road Soi 1, Wat Gate, Muang, 053-
247-788, 081-553-4871. www.137pillarshouse.com
Sat in the heart of the centuries-old Wat Gate community, this traditional teak house was formerly the residence of the British East Borneo Company manager. The house has since been reborn as the library and restaurant of this classy colonial-style hotel containing 30 suites ranging from 70 to 135 sq meters.
>> A three-night package is B32,200, including a half-day trip to downtown Chiang Mai and Doi Suthep and a one-day trip to Mae Sa Elephant Camp and a hill tribe village. Through Oct 31.

Proud Phufah

97/5 Moo 1, Maerim-Samoeng Rd., 053-879-389, 053-879-286. www.proudphufah.com
Artsy resort Proud Phufah, in Mae Rim, has just unveiled its new Phu Zone, featuring ten rooms finished with ivory-colored terrazzo and matching furnishings, as well as a pool or Jacuzzi in which to soak while enjoying the mountain views.
>> The new Phu Zone is B5,500-9,800 per night or B15,000-28,000 for three nights. Villas are B2,950-4,900 per night. Through Oct 31.

Nimman Mai?

Soi Sukkasem, Nimmanhaemin Rd., 053-400-567. nimmanmaihotel.com
Nimmanhaemin’s newest chic-yet-affordable hotel is located down a small lane close to happening café Doppio Ristr8to. The rooms are themed according to different styles from traditional Thai to Japanese to European.
>> Opening rates from B1,320, through Oct 31.

Tamarind Village

Ratchadamdoen Rd., Phra Singha, 053-418-896/-9. www.tamarindvillage.com
This hotel, a cluster of low-rise Lanna mansions encircling a two-hundred-year-old tamarind tree has always been a favorite of ours whenever we want to feel the old charms of the North, thanks to its warm décor, local hospitality and premier location right next to the Sunday walking street.
Discount on food & beverages: 15%
>> From B3,000 per night for a Lanna room for Thai residents only. Valid until Oct 31.

Zensala Resort

168 Patan Rd., Muang, 053-225-888. www.zensalaresort.com

With its edgy, minimal architecture, this 11-room boutique hotel is a harmonious marriage of boxy structures and warm-colored teak furniture. Another real perk is the location, right on the Mae Ping riverside, facing nothing but lush forest. We recommend a pool-access room.
>> From B3,000 for a riverfront deluxe and B3,500 for a pool-access deluxe to B8,000 for a Loft by the River room. Through Feb 28.

HUA HIN

Amari Hua Hin

Hua Hin-Khao Takiab Rd., Hua Hin, 032-616-600. www.amari.com/huahin
Hua Hin’s newest large-scale hotel combines a convenient location with four-star standards. The six buildings house 223 rooms and suites (36-85 sq meters) with views of either the sea or the swimming pool.
>> Welcome offers start from B2,900 per night, through Oct 31.

The Hen

Naeb Khehat Rd., Hua Hin, 032-531-331. www.thehenhuahin.com

This former beach house of the royal family was transformed into a small six-room boutique hotel right on the Hua Hin beachfront. The fashionable design boasts a colonial theme with a black-and-white palette.
>> Rates for Sun-Fri are B4,990-7,990, through Oct 31.

Dune

5/5 Naeb Khehat Rd., Hua Hin, 032-515-051. www.dunehuahin.com
A member of Tablet Hotels, a group of compact hotels with character, Dune comprises only five guestrooms clad in a minimal theme, with black and red details. Not on the beach, but it’s only a five minute walk to the sea.
Discount on food & beverages: 10%
>> B5,100-8,100 on Sun-Thu and B5,800-10,800 on Fri-Sat. Stay two nights and your second night is 50% off. From Nov 1 rates start at B8,100. You can also book the entire hotel (all five rooms) at B24,000-36,000, depending on dates and options.

Marrakesh Hua Hin

Petchakasem Rd., Hua Hin, 032-616-777.
Flaunting a neo-Moroccan design theme, this cluster of orange buildings houses 76 suites (55-105 sq meters) overlooking Hua Hin Beach. Guestrooms sport a mix of modern comfort with Arabian details, like glittering mosaic tiles and ornate lanterns.
Discount on food & beverages: 10%
>> Weekday rates online reservations only. From B5,900 with one choice of the activities on offer, which range from high tea to candle making.

Let’s Sea Alfresco Resort

Petchakasem Rd., Hua Hin, 032-536-888. www.letussea.com
Hua Hin’s fashionable beach resort has been a favorite among young couples since its opening in 2006, thanks to its great F&B and that long pool that runs right in front of your room.
>> Among several promotions that are running, the “Life is Good” deal seems to be the cheapest, starting from B4,222. From Nov 1, rates are from B5,400. fh (No free Wi-Fi if booked through an agent)

CHA AM

Cher

924 Bureerom Rd., Cha Am, 032-508-508. www.cherresort.com
A design hotel that sits on Cha Am beachfront and is most memorable for its tree-inspired façade. Cher contains 36 rooms in five different styles, from a room with an elevated Jacuzzi tub to a room with a huge Zen-style bathtub hugged by lush trees.
>> Two-night deals are B6,400-19,200 on Sun-Thu, until Oct 31.

Veranda Resort & Spa

737/12 Mung Talay Rd., Cha Am, 032-709-000/-99. www.verandaresortandspa.com

This pioneering minimal resort on Cha Am Beach is favored by amorous holiday-makers for its cozy rooms and romantic dining tables, and among kids for its huge beachfront swimming pool. The pool villa also offers a real pool you can actually swim in.
>> From B3,995 through Oct 31. But if you book 30 days in advance, rates start from B3,576. For those planning ahead, its B25,404 New Year package features three nights with a gala dinner, 20% discount on food and a buy-one-get-one-free massage deal. The package is applicable during Dec 29-Jan 2, but if you book and pay by Oct 31, you’ll get one free night at Veranda The High Resort in Chiang Mai, too.

PATTAYA

Nova Hotel & Spa

Pattaya 2 Rd., Central Pattaya, 02-101-1234 ext. 1. www.centarahotelsresorts.com

Part of the Centara Hotel Group, the newly-opened Nova Pattaya features 79 rooms and suites decked out in a contemporary style with Thai touches, each with a private balcony that overlooks the swimming pool. It’s only a short walk to the beach and the main nightlife district.
>> From B1,650 for a deluxe, through Oct 31.

PRANBURI

Villa Maroc

Paknam Pran, Prachuab Khirikhan, 032-630-771. www.villamarocresort.com

Not the first Morroccan-themed resort in Thailand but this is probably the best of its kind. The sophisticated Arabian décor makes you feel like you’re holidaying at a beach house in Morocco. Its two-story pool villa is just perfect for honeymooners. And your minibar is all free here.
>> A two-night deal is from B19,500 with 45-min massage and one dinner. On weekdays (Sun-Thu) rates are from B6,500, through Oct 31. From Nov 1, weekday promotions start from B8,500 but you’ll also get a one-hour massage for two.

Khao Lak

Casa de la Flora

Khaolak Beach, Phang Nga, 076-428-999, 02-679-8025. www.casadelaflora.com
Thailand’s newest member of Design Hotels, a global group of aesthetically bold hotels, this beachfront resort designed by VasLAB Studio is a collection of white boxy, cutting-edge architecture finished with natural wood.
>> Last-minute deals from B8,213 per night, until Oct 31. fh

KRABI

Rayavadee

Railay, Krabi, 075-620-740. www.rayavadee.com
The most luxurious resort in Railay, and possibly all of Krabi, Rayavadee has 102 two-story cottages and villas hidden among a grove of coconut trees. Don’t forget to try the authentic Southern dishes at the beachfront Krua Phranang Restaurant.
>> B11,500 per night with breakfast, a roundtrip airport transfer and a 75-minute massage for two. Thai residents only. fh(minimum two nights)

PHUKET

Club Med Phuket

Kata Beach, 02-253-0108. www.clubmed.co.th
Kata Beach’s long-established landmark has just completed a renovation to refresh its Thai-influenced architecture and décor. Club Med is also famed for its wide array of recreational activities, courtesy of their GOs.
>> B8,800 per couple/night for a superior, B11,000 for a deluxe and B16,800 for a suite—all meals included. Plus B900 membership fee per adult. Thai residents only.

Mercure Patong Deevana

Rat-U Thit Rd., Patong, 076-302-100. www.mercurephuketdeevana.com
Sat right in the heart of Patong town, not far from the beach, Mercure Phuket Deevana is the logical choice for those looking for Accor standards, a central location and affordable prices.
>> From B6,600 for a two-night stay, plus a buffet dinner for two and a 45-minute Thai massage for two. Through Oct 31.

The Naka Island

32 Moo 5, Pa Klok, Thalang, Phuket, 076-371-400. [email protected]
Situated on the isolated Naka Island, off Phuket’s northwest coast, all 67 villas of The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, are finished with tropical touches and aqua-color accents. Its highlight is the 1,600-sq-meter Royal Horizontal Pool Villa, featuring two bedrooms, a 546-sq-meter wrap-around swimming pool, and some sweeping sea views.
>> Royal Horizontal Pool Villa is B63,000 per night (4 pax) until Oct 31, and B90,000 per night during Nov 1-Dec 2. Regular pool villa from B13,200.

Sri Panwa

88 Sakdidej Rd., Phuket, 076-371-000. www.sripanwa.com
Thanks to its location on Panwa Cape, the view at this celeb-frequented resort is to-die-for. The suites and villas (190-2,000 sq meters) come with Sino-Portuguese-inspired décor and their own private pools. Check out its newly-opened rooftop bar, Baba Nest, which sits on top of the entire resort so that nothing blocks the panoramic view of Phang Nga Bay.
Discount on food & beverages: 10%
>> From B18,100 for a two-night Escape Holiday package.

Angsana Laguna Phuket

Laguna Phuket, Bangtao Beach, Phuket, 076-324-101. www.angsana.com
A US$30 million overhaul has given this long-running resort a fresh new look under a new name. Located on the relatively quiet Bangtao Beach, its ten room types range from 40 to 490 sq meters. Its newly-opened Xana Beach Club is well worth checking out, too.
>> From B3,200. Thai residents only. Valid through Oct 31.

SAMUI

Centra Coconut Beach Resort

114/1 Moo 4, Taling-ngam Beach, 07-733-4069-70. www.centarahotelsresorts.com
Centara Hotel group’s newest budget property on Koh Samui sits on the southern coast of the island, overlooking Koh Tan and Koh Matsum, two renowned skin-diving spots.
>> Introductory rates are B1,410-1,890, through Oct 31. fh

Ibis Samui Bophut

197 Moo 1, Bo Phut Beach, www.ibishotel.com/thailand
The world’s only Ibis hotel that has a beachfront location is home to 209 compact rooms and one restaurant. The location is also close to the popular Fisherman’s Village walking street.
>> A family room that fits four adults is B1,999, until Oct 31.

W Retreat Koh Samui

4/1 Moo 1, Maenam, 077-915-999. www.whotels.com/kohsamui
Situated where Maenam and Bophu beaches meet, this fashionable resort boasts a 180-degree panorama of the two beaches and Phangan Island from its lobby and adjacent WOO Bar. All 75 villas are identical—white and grey with natural wood, boldly colored accents and an 11-meter pool.
>> Thai resident rate is B9,999 on Fri-Sun, through Dec 21.

Conrad Koh Samui

49/8-9 Moo 4, Hillcrest Rd., Koh Samui, 077-915-888. www.conradkohsamui.com
The villas of Conrad Koh Samui are found on the remote southwest tip of Koh Samui, where breathtaking sea views are offered at every spot, whether it’s the bedroom, restaurant or spa. The signature restaurant, Jahn, prepares tasty Thai dishes.
Discount on food & beverages: 10%
>> The all-villa resort is celebrating its first anniversary with villa deals. From B11,526 for an ocean pool villa. Book until Oct 15 for stays until Dec 15. For Thai residents only, three consecutive nights required.

Le Meridien Koh Samui

146/24 Moo 4, Lamai Beach, 077-960-888. www.lemeridien.com
Despite being a chain hotel, the resort’s slow-paced ancient Chinese village structure, inspired by the story of a self-made Chinese tycoon, offers a unique atmosphere. If you can afford it, try and book a pool villa and you’ll never want to leave. The hotel is celebrating its first anniversary by reviving its opening offer launched last year.
>> From B4,399. Book through Oct 31 for stays until Dec 20.

UDON THANI

Centara Udon Thani

227/1 Prajaksillapakhan Rd., Muang. www.centarahotelsresorts.com
A just-completed renovation has made the Centara Hotel & Convention Center Udon Thani one of the largest hotels in northern Isaan with 259 rooms and suites. The modern décor will make you forget its former life as the Charoensri Grand Royal Hotel.
>> B1,300 for a superior through Oct 26.

UBON RATCHATHANI

Sedhapura by Tohsang

68 Moo 7, Ban Huay-Mak, Khongchiam, 081-860-5905, 045-351-174/-6. www.tohsang.com
This sister resort of the long-standing Tohsang Resort offers an awesome view of the Mekong delta, thanks to its infinity pool that wraps around loungey daybeds. If you can, book yourself a swanky villa accented with hardwood furnishings and a private swimming pool. Their kai krata is one of the best in town, too.
>> A two-night deal is B15,000 for pool villa and B18,000 for a duplex pool villa, until Oct 31.