We have just received some fantastic air fare deals to Thailand so now has never been a better time to travel to arguably the  most exotic country in South East Asia.  With a rich diversity of attractions from the hills around Chiang Rai, to the exciting capital of Bangkok and on to the southern beaches and islands it has always offered a superb selection of hotels, but I would like to introduce you to some beautiful hotels on smaller, less known islands.  

Koh Phi Phi, a 1-2 hours by boat from Phuket is perhaps the most famous of the smaller islands, and has some of the most picturesque beaches in Thailand, including the one used in the filming of the film ‘The Beach’. The heart of Phi Phi is Tonsai Bay, which is a busy area for daytrippers, but the Zeavola is set on one of the quieter beaches on the North East coastline.

Koh Yao Noi is one of the least developed islands yet is only 45 minutes from Phuket by speedboat.  It also home to one of Thailands finest hotels… Six Senses Hideaway Koh Yao Noi. The island boasts simply breathtaking views of limestone rock formations protruding from the water and sunrise is a spectacle.  Taking some time to cycle through the small local villages and vegetation is a unique experience of an undeveloped Thai island.

Koh Lanta represents Koh Samui 25 years ago… A truly unspoilt paradise where laid back local life fuses with stunning beaches and clear waters.  In a group of 52 islands, the scenery is white sandy beaches, coral reefs, mangrove forest and inland areas of hills and forest.   Our choice for your stay is the Layana Resort & Spa which has the most beautiful beach front location with a backdrop of green hills.  The journey to Koh Lanta is around 45 minutes by road from Krabi and then around 1 hour by speed boat.

Koh Chang is much less developed, but has always been a favourite with locals. Lush and mountainous, the island is home to white sandy beaches and tropical forests, the perfect place for those seeking space to explore as well as the tranquility of an off the beaten track Thai island.
Our hotel choice is the Aiyapura Resort & Spa, beautiful Thai style villas and suites on a 40 acre beachfront  surrounded by green tropical gardens.  Koh Chang is reached by flying one hour from Bangkok to Trat then taking a 25 minute ferry ride to the island.
 
Koh Samet is a little gem, until recently preserved almost exclusively for backpackers and Bangkok residents due to its easy access (just a 2 hour drive south of Bangkok followed by a 15 minute speedboat ride).   At the Paradee you could almost be in the Maldives.  Thatched roof villas, all tastefully decorated set on a superb beach

Hi Annie,

We had a lovely time thank you.  Journey out was great as flight not even half full so we had about 10 seats between us.
The Chedi, Phuket was a great mix for us – quite smart buildings (although a tiny bit tired in places and quite a lot of rubbish under the houses) but just lovely staff and very informal.  I have to say they were probably the friendliest staff we have ever come across.  They just loved the children and were always coming up and chatting with them. The hotel was only about 30% full which meant there was lots of room by the pool and an almost empty beach.  The pool was great for the children as it was hexagonal with shallower bits all round the edge and only a very deep bit in the middle.  The only downside was that the water turned the children’s skin green and all our costumes went yellow and we couldn’t wash it out.  I did mention it to the hotel and they kindly laundered a couple of costumes which slightly improved them but they were basically ruined.  Very strange as they said there were no chemicals in the water.  Rooms weren’t quite as fantastic and the Rayavadee and the Banyan Tree but still very nice with nice view down to the sea.  We only had 75 steps from pool back up the hill but I imagine it would be a bit of an effort if you were way up hill.  Perfect location for us, though.
A few little nice touches…  They quite often gave the children free ice cream when we came home from dinner, along with cold flannels all round.  Plus there was constant free bottled water everywhere in the rooms and by the pool.  Also, the breakfast was fabulous.  Tons of choice and all really nicely done.
The beach was just beautiful.  After a few days the weather changed to the typical low seasons winds which means no boats and diving off the west coast for a few months as the waves were quite big (quite fun for children, though).  I have to say that we quite enjoyed the winds as it kept the temperature down a bit.  Weather was mixed (typical again, but they said it was quite early to be getting the rain) but we only had a handful of daytime heavy rain showers which didn’t really bother us and the sun still came out every day. 
The restaurant set up was just as we wanted – a five minute walk along the road to Surin Beach and a handful of restaurants (almost empty and many had closed down due to lack of people).  Much cheaper, delicious Thai food & beer.  There was one peculiarly trendy bar called Catch (linked to the Twin Palms hotel) which was rather like being in the south of France but it was a really smart mix of bar/restaurant/sun beds.  It looked great, though.
Patong was an easy £10 taxi ride but we tended to stay close by as children preferred it and it was cheaper and easier to head to Surin Beach.
All in all, exactly what we were looking for, so thank you very much. 

Rachel

Oman Air has finally secured the slots at Heathrow it has been seeking for months, and with more favourable flight times.  Until now the return flights have been at night, and much as we love The Chedi, it’s policy of not allowing clients to remain in the hotel after check-out time has meant buying another nights’ stay.  The new service will depart Heathrow at 17.40 arriving into Oman the following morning at 08.45 with return legs leaving at 13.20 arriving Heathrow at 17.40.  It is also upgrading its aircraft

Did you see one of our best selling hotels featured in the Sunday Times on 11^th January?   The Dionysos, Kumlubuk in Turkey was listed in the Summer 100, and rightly so.  It is just what is says on the tin, simply a superb little hotel for a bafflingly good price.   I have known the owner for many years and I know that he is quite passionate about providing guests with the best holiday experience possible – and of course that view over the bay from the infinity pool probably is the most romantic on the Med.

Be first in the queue for the new luxury tent suites at Kasbah Tamadot, Morocco, Richard Branson’s hideaway in the Atlas Mountains, which has king-sized beds and outside plunge pools. Call me a sissy, but fabulous as it sounds, I know from experience that in winter it can get close to freezing at night, so maybe not in January for me.

If you dont fancy the idea of a luxury tent, why not try one of the 18 luxury rooms or suites, the Kasbah Tamadot is truely breathtaking.

Having visited Oman four years ago and been hooked by the country and its people, I was keen to get back and hoped that my second visit would not be disappointing. But I am pleased to say that, despite a growth of tourism to Oman, the country has not turned into a Middle Eastern Las Vegas (yet!) and the locals are still extremely welcoming and friendly.   

My stay at The Chedi Muscat was as comfortable and relaxing as it was four years ago. It is still the most chic resort in the area and, being such a small property the standard of service is first class and the staff cannot do enough for you. The rooms are stylish and uncluttered, and provide you with all the modern conveniences needed. Beware – the food is extremely moreish! There is an amazing choice at breakfast and the calamari & sashimi are worth making room for whilst you relax by the pool during the afternoon. A “must” is a romantic candlelit dinner in the new Beach restaurant located right next to the sea.

I was also lucky enough to experience the new Six Senses Hideaway at Zighy Bay.  In an absolutely stunning location on a secluded bay with a mountain backdrop, this new property is more “rustic” luxury than chic & modern. The 2 hour drive from Dubai is well worth it. If you’re feeling a little more daring then you can paraglide in from the top of the mountain at the end of the drive!! Designed in the style of an Omani village all the villas have their own private pool and personal butler service, and are extremely spacious. A huge choice of in villa dining is also offered so you actually don’t need to move from your villa. If you do decide to venture out of your villa then each person is provided with a bicycle to get around the resort (not that easy in the sand!). Even though you are quite isolated, the restaurants provide a wide range of gorgeous food and there are various excursions & sports you can participate in. Or you can just enjoy one of the treatments in the tranquil Six Senses Spa.  It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy being away from the hustle & bustle of everyday life!

Gemma Kidby – Western Oriental