Phulay Bay

When Ritz-Carlton hired local starchitect Lek Bunnag to design Phulay Bay, they made an instant statement: this would be far from resort-business-as-usual. The property is frequently ranked among the best hotels in Asia, and no wonder: you’ll find your butler is on call 24-hours; your villa flanked by private gardens; your closet a walk-in that Imelda Marcos and her bajillion shoes would find satisfactory. The smallest villa is a whopping 3,788 square feet; villas are still expansive at a minimum of 1,162 square feet (that’s larger than most Manhattan apartments). Whatever you choose, expect Thai silk robes, your own terrace, a deep soaking tub, and marble lined bathroom with a rainforest shower head. The five on-site restaurants are just as luxe; you can tuck into yellowfin tuna crispy tart and snow fish paella while overlooking the sea at Lae Lay, or a simple pancetta wood fired pizza by the pool at Plai Fah.

A 54-villa and pavilion paradise on lush-seafront grounds, with a bi-level infinity pool and a rainforest spa.

Hands off. Staffers are trained to pamper (to name but one example: you’ll be offered fruit kebabs and sunglass polishing by the pool.)

You loathe pulling your wallet out on vacation, so the fact that this property is inclusive of buffet breakfasts, non-alcoholic mini bar drinks and breezy shuttle boat rides to Hong Kong Island makes your shoulders drop.

You’ve been to spas that played jungle sounds. You’ve never been to one that sat open to the actual jungle. Here, you find yourself drifting to sleep as your facialist plies you with caviar (really) and pearl powder. When you awake, you’re not sure if your radiance can be attributed to the treatment or the restorative sleep, so you immediately book the same treatment for your last day to be sure.

Sri Tramg – Traditional southern Thai dining experience with contemporary style Jampoon – International restaurant with home style cooking offering diverse selection of western dishes Lae Lay – Seafood Grill Located on beachfront of Phulay Bay with breathtaking Andaman Ocean views Plai Fah – Pool Side Restaurant with relaxed culinary dining Raw – Spa Café Chom Tawan – Sunset Lounge with upbeat lounge bar music and candle lamps placed randomly around the area.