Soneva Kiri Koh Kood

By modern standards, Koh Kood is one of the least-developed islands in Thailand, and Soneva Kiri is its crown jewel. The villa-only property spreads out over an isolated peninsula, and the only way in or out is by plane or boat. Full-on, eco-friendly luxury resorts in the middle of nowhere aren’t cheap, but if you don’t mind paying a fortune for the privilege of relative isolation this place is for you. Its jungle-luxe pool villas are right up there with the best in the country, and there are some nice perks you won’t find elsewhere—like the open-air, on-water cinema and private dining pods nestled in treetops. Best of all, the Gulf of Thailand still enjoys plenty of sunny days all the way through August. Its Ocean Pool Villa Suites are the go-to if you like watching the sun go down (about B55,559/night).

110 Moo 4, Koh Kood, Trat, 082-208-8888. www.soneva.com/soneva-kiri

Vertigo at Banyan Tree Bangkok

Bangkok is quite the sight when the sun goes down and the lights come on. If you want to fully enjoy the show, it’s hard to beat the view at Banyan Tree Bangkok’s Vertigo bar. Found on the hotel’s 60th floor, it rightly boasts some of the city’s best panoramic views. Sitting atop the towering hotel during the evening hours makes it easy to understand why top-floor high-rise penthouses sell for millions of baht city-wide. The venue’s atmosphere is more proper restaurant than cocktail bar, but the full bar setup straightaway suggests they know how to pour a drink, too.

61/F, Banyan Tree Bangkok, 21/100 South Sathon Rd., 02-679-1200. Open daily 6-10.30 pm. www.banyantree.com

The Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort

With a name that means “home for visitors” in Thai, Tubkaak Krabi’s classic Thai ambiance mixed with lush tropical surroundings feels right at home. It was listed in the world-famous travel book 1,000 Places to See Before you Die by Patricia Schultz, and each villa comes with a large private pool, beautiful modern furnishings and cozy dark wood construction. Grab the Seaview Room (around B9,100/night) for some truly astonishing sunset views close to the beach—with the sparkling limestone cliffs of 13 different islands in the distance.

123 Moo 3, Tumbol Nongtalay, Krabi, 075-628-456. www.tubkaakresort.com

Kata Rocks Phuket

Host to Thailand’s yearly Superyacht Rendezvous event, this villa-only resort on Phuket’s southern coast enjoys some of the best views of the Andaman Sea in the region. Winner of over 40 international property and hospitality awards, including ‘Best Apartment in The World’ at the London Awards, Kata Rocks’ clean, white walls and clutter-free design give off a distinctly Mediterranean vibe, and its position atop a quiet hill overlooking Kata Beach and Koh Phu makes for a very peaceful setting despite its close proximity to town. Inside, you’ll find dining and spa options on par with Phuket’s elite-level resorts. Its generous infinity pool is perfectly positioned to watch the falling sun unobstructed, and all of its villas include contemporary-modern and Italian-inspired decor elements with large terraces, private pools and ultra-modern amenities. If you want to enjoy the sunset with a little privacy, the One Bedroom Ocean Pool Loft will set you back around B31,493/night. The resort also offers exclusive rates for Thai residents and local expatriates. 

186/22, Kok Tanode Rd., Kata Beach, Phuket, 076-370-777. www.katarocks.com

Four Seasons Koh Samui

Just a quick jaunt away from the turquoise waters of Laem Yai Bay, Four Seasons Koh Samui sits atop a rocky mountainside perched over the Gulf of Thailand. The level of luxury here lives up the usual Four Seasons’ hype. Expect breezy alfresco villas with private pools and aqua-inspired interiors, many with stunning panoramic views of the resort’s private cut of white beach below. The property sits on a highly-elevated plot of land, which means even the Beachfront Pool Villas (B53,500/night) are raised just enough for an oh-so-sweet panoramic view.

219 Moo 5, Angthong, Surat Thani, 077-243-000. www.fourseasons.com/kohsamui

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