coral travel thailand

• Phuket International Airport
• Chiang Mai International Airport
• Donmueang International Airport
• Suvarnabhumi International Airport
• Udon Thani International Airport
• Krabi International Airport

Fast Track Immigration

The Coral Thailand

Start your journey in ultimate comfort & luxury style with the best personalized airport service in Thailand.

The Coral offered the best facilities for the traveller both departure and arrival of domestic and international flight.

The Coral is the only authorized company in Thailand offering fast-track immigration with escort service of standard or VIP services for both arrivals and departures along with unique lounge that allows you to escape from the crowded bustling airport. Coral Lounge's provided comfort lounge with a relaxing seating area in luxury atmosphere combination of modern-chic and cozy home, we provided variety of foods, snacks, choices of teas & coffee and refreshment drinks also other facilities to pamper you like neck & shoulder massage for your relaxing while waiting for your next flight.

Indulge your family, employees or customers with our valued meet and greet service that makes each journey smooth and stress-free. The Coral Executive Lounge is available to everyone, no matter what airline or class you are travelling. We look forward to welcoming you soon!

The Coral Services

The Executive Lounge (Thailand) is the only authorized company in Thailand to do a Fast Track Immigration Services business for both arrival and departure traveler at Coral Lounge located Airport.

DESTINATIONS

Avoid waiting in long queues and continue your journey without disruption or delay with our smooth and efficient Fast Track Immigration Service...

Arrival Service

• Meet and greet with the passenger upon arrival
• Assist the passenger through baggage claim and escort to the immigration for international arrival

Departure Service

From the moment you arrive at the airport, The Coral staff will greet you with warmth and grace and take care of your every need...

Experience more from Le Coral Group

Le coral Beach Resort

Escape to our luxury beachfront resort on the tropical shores of Natai Beach, a tranquil retreat only 30 minutes from Phuket airport.

Contact Detail

VIP arrival & departure package service

PRICE 3,590 THB

VIP ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE Includes:

• Personal assistant at airport first arrival (arrival & departure)
• Fast track Immigration (arrival & departure)
• Porter service (arrival & departure)
• Departure Lounge service (2.5 hrs. on your departure)

Ultimate Guide to Coral Island Phuket (GORGEOUS Thailand Spot You’ll Love)

Posted on Published: February 10, 2023  - Last updated: May 30, 2023

Gah! You’re going to love this island! With stunning white sand, the azure water you come to expect in Thailand and of course, plenty to see and do. This is your full guide to Coral Island Phuket!

This post may contain affiliate links. For more info, see my  disclosures .

A perfect day trip from the busy streets of Phuket, visiting Coral Island Thailand should be on your Thailand itinerary, for sure! Escape the crowds and hit the beach on this fun island.

These beaches are stunning, the ocean is warm and the island is an easy spot to relax on the beach for a day. A restaurant and bar, lounge spaces and perfect spots to grab your social media photos and videos, there’s so much to see and do at Coral Island in Thailand!

This Coral Island from Phuket day trip reminds me a lot of the Similan Islands Thailand , which is an amazing day trip from Khao Lak, Phang Nga , just an hour and a half north of Phuket. So many beautiful options in this country!

Coral Island Phuket

Thailand’s Coral Island is a must-see , but the reasons why have changed over the years. Decades ago the island was aptly named Coral Island because of the lush coral reefs, perfect for snorkeling.

Unfortunately those were damaged with natural causes like typhoons, and unnatural causes like bleaching from toxic chemicals in traditional sunscreen. Always be sure to wear reef-safe mineral sunscreen in the ocean!

These days Coral Island is a great getaway from Phuket to enjoy the white sandy beaches and various water activities. The island is definitely groomed for tourism, too. There are many places to pose for the perfect social-media worthy photo or video.

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Where is Coral Island Thailand

Coral Island, also known as Koh Hey, or Hey Island, is located near Phuket in the Andaman Sea. Fun fact: Thailand has over 1000 islands, and Phuket is the largest. But when you’re there it just feels like part of the mainland Thailand.

Coral Island Map

If you’re a visual person, this map will help you see where you’ll go to Coral Island from Phuket on the pier plus a few landmarks on the island.

Pinch and zoom to check out the surrounding areas! If you’re planning to visit other islands near Phuket, it’s fun to see the locations of them. My other favorite nearby islands to explore were the things to do in Phi Phi Islands . 🙂

Coral Island from Phuket

The most common way to see Coral Island is via tour. Depending on how much money you want to spend, you can rent a private catamaran for your group, or take a larger group tour via speedboat which is more economical.

This is one of the most popular day trips from Phuket, so the tours do sell out in advance, especially during busy season. Be sure to book a tour in advance to see Coral Island from Phuket.

Most tours will do a hotel pick up and head to the departure point, Chalong Pier.

You’ll board your boat and head out to Coral Island from Phuket. This only takes about 15 – 20 minutes via speedboat, depending on sea conditions.

Some Coral Island tours also include stopping at Racha Island, a nearby snorkeling destination. If yours includes Racha Island, the boat will likely just anchor down for snorkeling and you won’t actually go ashore.

Many Coral Island tours are full day trips, others are just 1/2 day. I’d always recommend more time at a beach than less, so a full day is the best tour, in my opinion. 🙂

Best time to go to Coral Island Phuket

November through April is the best time to visit Coral Island in Thailand. Summer is the monsoon season, so it’s typically very rainy and the seas are rough.

Over the winter months, December through March, you’ll enjoy the sunniest skies where the azure water really shines!

To avoid the crowds,  try visiting Coral Island Thailand during late October/early November and late April/early May . This is the shoulder season, and typically gets less tourism, meaning the beaches are more empty.

Just note Phuket is a very popular tourism destination in Thailand, and this is a common tour so you’ll be sharing the beaches with others, no matter when you go.

What to pack for your day trip

Obviously you’ll be wearing beach attire for this day trip. But this Coral Island review lists a few extra things you maybe haven’t thought of!

• Reef-safe sunscreen. Wearing mineral sunscreen instead of traditional sunscreen protects marine life and keeps our oceans and reefs healthy. This is my favorite mineral sunscreen I used in Thailand and it works great.
• Rash guard. Take it a step further and protect yourself from the sun with clothing. This eliminates the need for as much sunscreen. There’s lots of cute one-piece rash guard swimming suits , too.
• Dry bag. Keep your valuables, money and anything else you want to stay dry in a dry bag ! Being on a boat and on the beach the whole day, you’ll want to keep certain belongings free of sand and water.
• Beach towel. I love this quick-drying towel with a hidden zipper pocket for storing valuables. I’ve taken it all over the world and used it in Placencia Belize , Big Sur California and many more places. Bonus – it doubles as a blanket on the flight to Thailand!
• GoPro. This waterproof camera is perfect for beachy pics and underwater activities like snorkeling. I used my GoPro in Thailand and it worked great. Don’t forget the float strap !
• Cash. You’ll want cash to pay for food, drink, admittance fees or activities that aren’t covered by your tour.

Alright enough chatting already! Let’s get to the details about what to actually do and see on Coral Island Thailand!

Coral Island Phuket, is a beautiful island perfect for sitting on the beach and enjoying the water. Equipped with multiple beaches, a restaurant, bar and restrooms, can you think of a better way to spend the day?

This beautiful island welcomes visitors daily – sometimes hundreds of them, so if you can, opt for a full day trip. This will give you ample time to lounge on the beach and enjoy the various water activities offered on the island.

Kahung Beach

Kahung Beach is the island’s main beach with the most amenities.

You’ll arrive and disembark on a floating pier to the sand on Kahung Beach. This is potentially the trickiest part of the whole day, as the pier definitely rocks and sways with the waves and other passengers walking on the plastic pier.

Note: there may be a small entrance fee at The Coral Beach Club, if your tour doesn’t cover it. Bring your cash with you in case.

Kahung Beach on Coral Island has incredibly soft, white sand that’s so popular for vacations in Thailand. Grab a lounge chair and enjoy the views!

Part of the beach is reserved for swimming, snorkeling and water activities. The end of the beach area is for boat parking.

On-site food and drink options are pretty simple, with traditional Thai food but it’s been seasoned for international travelers, for sure. Hey Island Restaurant has a basic menu to choose from.

Near the beach are 2 bars where you can order cocktails and fruit smoothies.

Along the beach are multiple spots to get the perfect Instagram or TikTok shot. Lots of swings and seats made that look like the famous birds nest in Bali.

Banana Beach Phuket

Another cove on Coral Island is the popular Banana Beach Thailand. Some tours will take you to Kahung Beach, others to Banana Beach. If you hire a private tour, you could visit both.

Note: there may be a small fee to use the services at Banana Beach Coral Island to use the deckchairs and restrooms. Be sure to bring some cash.

Similar to Kahung Beach, there’s a restaurant and bar, plenty of places to lounge and enjoy the day.

Banana Beach Phuket is a smaller beach compared to Kahung Beach, and based on weekend entertainment, it’s more of a party beach.

You can definitely book tours to both locations, it just depends what you’re looking for! Both have white sand and plenty of activities to keep you busy for the day.

Speaking of activities, the vendors that operate on Coral Island in Thailand really cater to tourism. Here are a list of some of the things you’ll find to do.

Be sure to check with your tour company to determine which activities are included and which are an extra fee.

Phuket Coral Island activities

• Clear bottom kayaking
• Paddleboarding
• Sea walking
• Parasailing
• Banana boat ride

Food and drink

The food and drink options on Coral Island Thailand are really great – for a tiny island in the Andaman Sea!

If you have food allergies or need to avoid food groups (gluten, dairy, etc.) then either take food with you in a collapsible cooler or coordinate with your tour company ahead of time.

Some of the food choices you may have include Thai foods like Tom Kia Seafood (seafood coconut soup), Chicken Satay, Vegetable Spring Rolls or Stir Fried Chicken with Cashews. Not bad, right?!

The drink and smoothie bar will likely have what you need as well. Water, cocktails, fruit smoothies – just the essentials for spending a day on a tropical island. 😉

Tips for this gorgeous island

Before wrapping up this Coral Island review, let’s go over a few more tips for your time here.

• Take motion sickness medication. If you get queasy on a rocking boat, grab your motion sickness remedy for the ride!
• Bring a cash tip for your tour crew. A 10% tip is customary in Thailand for these types of services.
• Follow the Leave No Trace principles. Let nature be! Don’t collect sand or rocks, don’t touch or stand on coral and definitely don’t litter.
• Bring your island essentials. Mineral sunscreen , beach towel , dry bag , underwater camera , etc.

Things to do near Coral Island Thailand

There’s so many things to do in and around Phuket! It’s such a busy area in Thailand, you certainly won’t get bored!

Some activities close to Chalong Pier and Thailand Coral Island include…

• Snorkeling at Maiton Island or Racha Island
• Exploring Koh Phi Phi and Maya Bay
• Wat Chalong Temple
• The Big Buddha
• Aquaria Phuket

Nearby accommodations

If you don’t have your accommodations booked yet for Phuket, I’ve got a great list of options for you.

The traffic in Phuket can be intense – like taking an hour or two to get across the island. You could stay close to the Chalong Pier on the south side of the island if you’re just planning a few days in Phuket.

• Chanalai Garden Resort Kata Beach just steps away from the beach and within walking distance to great restaurants.
• OZO Phuket , a family-friendly option with walking distance to the beach.
• Le Resort and Villas for fun, unique and interesting vacation rentals, including a dome villa with private pool.
• Stay Wellbeing & Lifestyle Resort , a sustainable property with an amazing pool.

This beautiful adventure to Coral Island in Thailand is a great day trip from Phuket ! Offering water activities, food, drink and white sandy beaches, you’re sure to have a good time!

Swimming and kayaking, snorkeling or sea walking, this is an excursion you won’t soon forget. Enjoy your time on the island!

Related content to read next: 21 Incredible Things to Do in Phi Phi Islands Thailand You Can’t Miss Khao Lak, Phang Nga, Thailand: 21 Fun Things to Do (You’ll Love this Underrated Coast) STUNNING Similan Islands Thailand: Ultimate Guide to Beaches, Snorkeling & More

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Thank you to the Tourism Authority of Thailand for hosting me! As always, all opinions are my own.

Tuesday 28th of February 2023

It looks stunning, and it's a place I have yet to visit, even after 5 times travelling throughout Thailand. 😊 I love finding out about new places, thank you for sharing!

Wednesday 1st of March 2023

Ah yeah Leila you've gotta get there! So good. 💚

Sunday 12th of February 2023

Nikki, Coral Island looks incredible! It also looks so quiet - did you just get lucky with photos or was it not too busy?

I love the sound of the soft sandy beaches, the temples, the food and well, everything! This is such a useful post. :)

Monday 13th of February 2023

Thanks Josy! I went during shoulder season and arrived early so the crowds weren't bad. It got busier throughout the day though!

Saturday 11th of February 2023

Coral Island looks gorgeous and I'd love to visit it next time I'm in Thailand. I loved Ko PhiPhi too and would definitely go back. A great guide thankyou!

You're so welcome Linda Jane :) Coral Island and Koh Phi Phi are very different, but both lovely ☀️

I’ve travelled all over Thailand but haven’t yet hit Coral Island so this was exactly what I needed to read. Gorgeous beaches!

Oh yay Diane! So glad this was helpful! Hopefully you can hit it on your next trip :)

Koh Larn Travel: Ultimate Guide to Coral Island

Koh Larn , also known as the Coral Island, is a wonderful small island in the Gulf of Thailand, about 7 km west of Pattaya  city. The island is about 4 km long and only 2 km wide. Koh Larn is famous for beautiful beaches with fine white sand, clear emerald water and a variety of coral and marine life.

Koh Larn Island is one of the most beautiful spots near Pattaya. Making a day trip to the island from Pattaya can be a good option if you are looking for more tranquility. Despite the fact that this tropical paradise is quite small, it has many services for tourists and about a thousand people living on the island. Koh Larn Island is quite mountainous and covered in greenery with extremely diverse and rich flora and fauna.

What to see and do in Koh Larn

There is something for everyone on Koh Larn Island.

Koh Larn Beaches

The main attraction of Koh Larn is the beaches . There are absolutely fascinating seven main white sand beaches and some smaller beaches to enjoy. Most touristy beaches have water spots experience areas, fresh water bathrooms along with great restaurants and beachside bars.

To get familiar with all the main stretches of sand around the Coral Island, explore our guide to Koh Larn beaches .

Swimming in the clear waters of the beaches in Koh Larn is a very enjoyable experience for everyone. On the beach, there are normally rows of chairs making it an ideal place to rest and sunbathe.

Snorkeling / Scuba Diving

The sea water around the island is very warm, so you can dive to see corals and explore the vast ocean. Nearby Koh Larn, there are also 2 other islands, Koh Krok and Koh Sak, that are very famous among lovers of diving and snorkeling. However, you should take a scuba diving course before diving in.

Exploring the island

Koh Larn is not that big, so you can explore the whole Coral Island easily. Besides from discovering island’s best beaches, you can also visit the giant monk statue, and shop at the local market. We would recommend renting a scooter and exploring the island before settling on one of Koh Larn beaches  for the rest of the day.

Playing water sports

On the main beaches of Koh Larn you can try a range of water sports such as banana boat, Jet Ski, kite surfing, windsurfing, and paragliding.

Enjoying freshly caught seafood

Koh Larn is a paradise for seafood lovers. The beachfront restaurants serve a variety of delicious seafood and other dishes. The seafood here is super fresh and absolutely delicious, but a bit expensive compared to the mainland.

Fishing on the boat

There are organized fishing tours and squid fishing at night you can join to experience.

Where to stay in Koh Larn

If a day trip to Koh Larn from Pattaya is not enough, you can also spend few nights on the island and explore it in peace. The island is completely relaxing and life is easy here. Koh Larn offers several accommodation options from simple guesthouses to comfortable resorts with decent services for the best relaxation. There are several beachfront resorts equipped with every comfort as well as a private terrace and a wonderful sea view.

The room prices on Koh Larn Island range from 500 THB to 3,000 THB. Many accommodations offer free breakfast, transfer from / to the port and in some cases the scooter rental. Most of the accommodations are located not far from Na Baan port and Tawaen port. On weekends and holidays, the island gets very crowded, so you should book early.

Our recommended accommodations on Koh Larn :

Koh Larn Riviara

Koh Larn Sea Side Resort

Suntosa Resort

Where to stay in Pattaya

If you feel that a day trip to Koh Larn would be enough for you, a better option is to spend the night in Pattaya . Pattaya has a much greater variety of accommodations for tourists, especially for lovers of luxury and relaxation.

Some of the best rated accommodations in Pattaya :

Grande Centre Point Pattaya

Wave Hotel Pattaya

Noursabah Pattaya

Choosing one of Pattaya beachfront hotels is especially recommended!

How to get to Koh Larn

Getting to koh larn from bangkok.

The easiest way for getting to Koh Larn from Bangkok is to take a bus or van to Pattaya at Ekkamai Bus Station , which is located right next to Bangkok BTS  Ekkamai station. The journey to the resort city usually lasts about 2 hours and costs about 120-140 THB.

Once in Pattaya , you will have to take a taxi, motorbike taxi or songtaew to the pier of Pattaya, from where the ferry and speedboats leave for Koh Larn.

Getting to Koh Larn from Pattaya

Ferries to Koh Larn depart regularly from Bali Hai Pier (the only port in Pattaya), which is located at the end of Pattaya Walking Street. There you will find several carriers operating on the following two routes:

• Bali Hai – Na Baan Beach: running from 7:00 to 18:30
• Bali Hai - Tawaen Beach: running from 8:00 to 17:00

As you can see, two piers allow disembarkation on the island. Tawaen Beach on the west coast is the main beach on Koh Larn, while Na Baan Beach is on the east coast of Koh Larn, where most of island’s residents live. Na Baan is the main village of the island with bars, restaurants, 7/11, Buddhist temple and schools.

Taking the ferry to Koh Larn is by far the cheapest option as the ferry ticket costs 30 THB for a one-way trip. You can buy tickets at a small kiosk next to where the ferry is docked.

The ferry ride is pleasant and only lasts about 40-45 minutes. You will see the lively Pattaya slowly moving away as you leave the coast and approach Koh Larn. The color of the water gradually changes from dark blue to turquoise.

By Speedboat

Another option for getting to the island is by speedboat . This is the fastest way for getting from central Pattaya to Koh Larn and is extremely comfortable. The journey takes only about 15–20 minutes.

However, speedboat fare is much more expensive than ferry as it costs around 200-300 THB per person for a one-way trip.

The cost of the speedboat to Koh Larn Island is between 1,500-3,000 THB for a group of 6 people. The price depends on the size of the boat, so you should select one of the smaller boats to pay less, if there are few people in your group. Most of these boats are well maintained and have safety equipment on board. All the crew have a lot of experience. You will find them along the beach road of Pattaya and Jomtien.

Tour to Koh Larn

Taking a tour to Koh Larn is the easiest and worry-free way for exploring the island. For just around 500-1,000 THB you can discover the beauty and waters of Thailand’s picturesque Coral Island while enjoying a fun organized day trip to Koh Larn.

The most popular day trips to Koh Larn are the following:

Pattaya to Koh Larn Half Day Tour

Koh Larn Speedboat Day Trip from Pattaya with Lunch

How to travel around Koh Larn

Once you arrive at the port on Koh Larn, you have several possibilities to explore the island as you can choose one of motorbike taxis, songtaew or rent a scooter to travel around the island .

If you are looking for the most economical way to get to some of the beaches, you can ride a 12-seat songtaew for 40-50 THB per person while the motorbike taxi price will range from 40 to 80 THB, depending on the beach you want to go. The motorbike taxi drivers and songtaews are waiting at the end of the pier. Nearby, you will see a tourist map with the fixed rates for each beach marked.

It is possible to move from beach to beach or take a complete tour of the island, at a cost of 400 THB, before choosing the place to stop.

For the most convenient transportation on Koh Larn, you should rent a motorbike for 300-400 THB per day as you can explore the whole island independently. As a deposit you must leave your passport. Before leaving, carefully inspect the vehicle with the owner and make sure to have a full tank of petrol.

Best time to visit Koh Larn

Koh Larn is located in the Gulf of Thailand and has a truly privileged climate . The tropical climate is dominant in Koh Larn so it is roughly divided into two seasons as the dry period and the rainy season. The average annual average temperature is between 30 and 35 degrees. Between November and February, it is certainly the best time to visit Koh Larn as very little rain is expected while the weather is not too hot.

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Let’s Go to Koh Larn: A Visitor’s Guide to Coral Island

The tiny island of Koh Larn sits in the Gulf of Thailand, about 7.5km from the Pattaya Beach coastline.

Also known as Coral Island, it is the closest island to Bangkok and well worth a visit.

In this post, I'll walk you through everything you need to know to plan your trip

We'll cover how to get to Koh Larn, what the best beaches are, things to do, and where to stay.

• How to get there
• Best beaches
• Things to do
• How to get around
• Where to stay

Life is a beach. Photo credit: Richard Barton

Although just four kilometers long and two kilometers wide, Koh Larn boasts serene white beaches and pristine waters – set against green hills and mountains.

Koh Larn has six main beaches and a number of smaller ones.

Because of its size, it attracts a lot of day tourists who visit to swim, snorkel, or just relax. This means in peak season the main pier areas are very busy.

You'll find all the usual water sport activities such as kayaking and parasailing.

Despite its size, the island is geared up to cater for tourists.

Each beach is equipped with restrooms and showers and plenty of restaurants serving all manner of Thai cuisine.

How to Get to Koh Larn

If you're staying in Bangkok and planning a trip to Koh Larn, you first need to get to make your way down to Pattaya .

From there, most people catch a ferry over.

Arriving on Koh Larn. Photo credit: H. Masa

Bangkok to Pattaya’s Bali Hai Pier

I'll assume you're traveling from Bangkok, as this is the most popular route.

It's easiest to take a bus from Eastern Ekamai Bus Station, located just next to Ekamai BTS Skytrain.

Generally, you have two options to choose from – bus or minivan – both of which cost around 150 Baht per person:

If you have a fair bit of baggage, taking a bus might be more ideal. It's less cramped and therefore more comfortable.

Slower, yes, but travel time is only around two hours anyway, depending on traffic.

Larger buses do not, however, go directly to Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya. Instead, they drop you off at Pattaya bus station.

From there  you will need to look for the songthaew stand next to the bus station and take one to Bali Hai Pier. This costs around 50 Baht.

Minivans offer a quicker trip from Bangkok to Pattaya, usually 30 minutes faster than the bus.

Additionally, they will drop you directly at Bali Hai Pier –  if you request so – saving you 50 Baht.

Not much, but possibly enough for a pad Thai at a local food stall.

The Ferry From Bali Hai Pier to Koh Larn

If you are already in Pattaya, you can get to Koh Larn in as little as 15 minutes, depending on whether you take a speed boat or ferry.

Just head down to Bali Hai Pier , which is close to Pattaya’s Walking Street:

By speed boat

This is the more expensive yet faster option.

Travel time is 15 minutes each way, and the cost is 300 Baht per person (one-way trip).

If you are traveling with a group, you can rent a speed boat for as little as 2,000 Baht, depending on the boat’s size.

Speed boats will take you to Na Baan Pier in Koh Larn.

The more affordable mode of transport to Koh Larn is passenger ferry.

A one-way trip costs just 30 Baht.

You have the option to travel to either of the arrival ports on the island: Nabaan Pier in the main village, or Tawaen Beach – Koh Larn’s most popular beach.

However, keep in mind that travel time can be as long as 45 minutes.

If you plan to stay on the island for a few days, taking the ferry is probably the better choice, as you aren't pushed for time and have a choice of two docking spots.

At the Bali Hai Pier, the ferry that goes to Na baan Pier is on the right, while the one heading to Tawaen Beach is on the left.

Before boarding, you need to pay the fare at the counter (next to where the ferry is docked).

Ferries to and from Na Baan Pier and Tawaen Beach have different departure and arrival times, so make sure you get a screenshot of the travel schedule for your return journey.

Best Beaches in Koh Larn

Tawaen beach.

Koh Larn’s longest, most popular, and most developed beach is the almost 700-metre Tawaen beach.

It receives approximately 2,500 visitors a day during peak season (higher during weekends and holidays).

Aside from over 20 restaurants serving a range of cuisine, both Western and Asian, you will find souvenir shops and convenience stores close by.

Swimming and other water activities such as snorkeling, boating, and jet skiing are available, so you won’t run out of things to do.

The beach itself has a gentle slope, which is perfect for wading, particularly for kids.

If you plan to stay the night close to this beach, it is best to book in advance. This is the main beach on the island and closest to point of arrival, and therefore most likely to be booked up during high season.

The staff working in shops, restaurants, and resorts speak enough English to cater for international visitors, so no worries on that front.

Samae Beach

Samae Beach looks better in real life. Photo credit: Thanate Tan

On the western side of the island is Samae beach, a 530-meter stretch of white sand and clear blue water.

There's an interesting solar panel structure at the far end, as pictured.

Perhaps the best thing about this beach is the gentle breeze that passes through, making it cooler than other on the island.

A motorbike taxi from Na Baan pier to Samae costs around 50 Baht.

There are restaurants here but not as many.

You can rent a beach chair for just 50 to 100 Baht per day. And if you fancy some water activities, there's banana boats, jet skis, and snorkeling on offer.

Chasing picturesque views perfect for your blog or Instagram? Then head to Tien beach!

As far as pristine blue waters and white sandy beaches are concerned, this 400-meter stretch bags the crown.

Wait until the sun sets and marvel at magnificent Mother Nature.

There's restaurants and souvenir shops here too, and like the other beaches water activities are available.

A beach chair costs 100 Baht a day, and if you want to stay the night there's a number of resorts.

Tien beach is accessible via speed boat or motorbike taxi from the village.

It's a short 5-minute walk from the taxi drop-off point.

Nual Beach (Monkey Beach)

Located on the southernmost part of the island, Nual beach is a charming mid-sized beach.

Nual Beach is unique because of the monkeys that inhabit the hillside behind, thus it's other name, Monkey beach.

You can feed them, but unless you want to be pestered I wouldn't bother.

Nual is generally quieter than the other beaches and perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

The amenities aren't as good as the aforementioned beaches, but you will find food stalls and restaurants and restrooms and showers at this charming spot.

Tonglang Beach

A perfect, romantic setting.

Getting to Tonglang beach used to be a challenging feat, as there were no roads that led to it. The only options were via boat or a hike down a steep path.

Fortunately, a new concrete road now makes the journey faster and safer.

While food and water activities are available, there's no accommodation here – so make a day of it and leave before sundown.

Perfect for a big chill day.

Tayaiy Beach

The smallest beach in Koh Larn, Tayaiy has a modest 140-meter shoreline.

There's just one restaurant and limited accommodation, making it a tad more Robinson Crusoe.

A more minimal scene, this beach has a real island ambience – thanks to the lack of people!

9 Things to Do in Koh Larn

I never get bored of just chilling and looking out at the vastness of the ocean.

But if you fancy doing something more than beach chair and beer, keep boredom at bay with these 10 exciting things to do on Koh Larn.

Parasailing

If you are fond of heart-stopping, adrenaline-inducing activities, parasailing is perfect.

Fly above the blue waters of Koh Larn for as little as 600 Baht per person.

Ride a banana boat

Hop on a banana-shaped boat pulled along a speed boat and hold on for dear life.

Oh, and you can scream your lungs out!

A banana boat ride costs around 300 Baht per person.

Rent a Jet Ski

Jet skiing requires some skill and experience. I personally don't recommend them for newbies, certainly not in Thailand.

Remember, if you damage it, you have to pay.

It costs 1,200 Baht per 30 minutes.

It's free, which is always cool.

The clear azure waters of Koh Larn are more than enough to tempt you to dip your toes in.

Couple this with the island’s hot weather, and what more do you want in a holiday?

Don't forget your sun cream.

Sea walking

Getting bored with snorkeling ?

Upgrade to underwater sea walking.

Koh Larn is known as Coral Island, so expect to see colorful schools of fish and corals.

Sea walking costs 500 Baht per person.

Roaming the island on motorbike

Aside from its beautiful waters, the Koh Larn landscape is quite something.

Renting a motorbike allows you to go wherever you want and enjoy the picturesque scenery.

Only do this if you have previous riding experience.

A one-day rental will set you back 200-300 Baht.

Shop for gifts and souvenirs

The islands of Thailand often offer up fairly unique gifts for folks back home.

While you have some down time, why not take the opportunity to browse the shops and get some presents.

Souvenir and gift shops can be found at each of the island’s main beaches.

Hike the trails of Koh Larn

Koh Larn is a lush green island with various hiking trails that lead to its beaches and hilltops.

If you have the energy to do so, hiking is one of the best ways to explore the island.

Visit the Giant Monk Statue

Ride a songthaew to Buddha Mountain where a giant monk statue can be found. Most islands have one.

It is also the highest point on the island, so ready your eyes and camera for a panoramic view of Tawaen beach.

How to Get Around Koh Larn

Stunning views across the blue water.

Although this is a small island, Koh Larn does have transportation and getting around is easy.

You can choose from the three different modes of transport:

Close to Na Baan pier, approximately 100 meters away, you'll find the Baht busses parked up.

Once you get there, just ask for the bus headed to the beach you want to visit.

Note that the bus does not leave the terminal unless full.

There are also Baht busses on standby at the beaches for return journeys.

Motorbike taxi

Motorbike taxis wait at the Na Baan pier.

They usually carry a map of the island, with each place tagged with the relevant fare.

The fares are charged per person.

Some motorbike taxis also offer an island tour, which costs around 400 Baht.

As long as you don't get a stinky driver it might be a good way to see the island.

Motorbike rental

If you do not want to spend money on coming and going from beaches and want to come and go as you please, renting a motorbike is ideal.

If you're a first timer, you may want to seek some instruction first. Accidents do happen and will happen if you aren't careful.

Wear a helmet and drive slowly.

As mentioned previously, bikes can be rented for 200-300 Baht per day.

Where to Stay on Koh Larn

I wouldn't worry too much about location, since getting to all the beaches and the town is fairly easy from anywhere, and you'll never be more than a 2km walk from a beach.

Just make sure you aren't staying near a rubbish tip. And if you're a bad sleeper find somewhere away from bars and the main piers.

The accommodation on Koh Larn isn't upmarket, but there's some clean, modern, and very reasonably priced places.

Here's a few picks for you:

1. Suntosa Resort (from $60 per night)

Near to Na Baan pier, Suntosa features 10 guest rooms, most of which include an LCD/plasma screen TV.

Free Wi-Fi in all rooms, Wi-Fi in public areas, room service, restaurant, and laundry service

It's really easy to get from here to  Tawaen Beach.

2. Check-In-Resort (from $50 per night)

Free Wi-Fi in all rooms, 24-hour security, daily housekeeping, shuttle service, and free motorbike hire  (with a full tank of gasoline).

1.2 Km from Tawaen Beach.

Definitely check this place out.

3. Lareena Resort (from $40 per night)

Next to Na Baan pier and the always convenient 7-11 store, Lareena is hugely popular.

You can walk to the beach (900 meters), or rent a bike just next to hotel. Great views too.

The only downside is it is quite near the pier, meaning you will hear a few boat honks here and there.

> Click to see these resorts & more

Tips to Start Planning Your Trip Now:

Book your accommodation.

Best hotel rates are found at Agoda , Booking.com , and Hotels.com . For hostels check out Hostelworld .

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is essential. I never travel without this peace of mind. I’ve been using World Nomads for 15 years.

Book Your Flight

Find a cheap flight to Thailand using Momondo . This is my go-to comparison site.

Other Beach Options?

Check out these little known but amazing beaches .

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Last Updated on May 28, 2020

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Thailand Nomads

Coral Island: The Perfect Getaway Destination in Phuket

Joy intisuk.

• March 30, 2023

Coral Island , located around 3 km southeast of Phuket, is the perfect getaway destination for those looking to enjoy the white sandy beaches and various water activities.

The island, known locally as Koh Hey, can be easily accessed by booking a Coral Island full-day trip from Phuket City, which includes a visit to Sha Plus, Coral and Racha islands from Phuket.

During your trip, you can indulge in a range of water activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and parasailing, and explore the vibrant marine life and coral reefs that surround the island. With crystal clear waters and pristine beaches, Coral Island is the perfect spot to relax, unwind, and soak up the sun.

Coral Island is a dazzling tropical oasis that entices visitors with its vibrant marine life, powdery white sand beaches, and crystal-clear waters, making it the perfect destination for an unforgettable island escapade.

Also known as Koh Hae or Ko He, the Coral Island of Phuket is a beautiful island located 3 km southeast of Phuket.

Owing to the picturesque view of the clear water and the golden sand beach, the island is very busy and crowded during the day.

However, as the sun sets, it starts to get more peaceful and quiet here.

The island has two prominent beaches- Long Beach and Banana Beach. Long Beach, as the name suggests, is the bigger of the two. However, Banana beach is no less exciting.

It is a scenic and beautiful beach on the coral island with crystal clear water. There are a lot of water activities that you can enjoy here, such as parasailing, snorkeling, and even beach scuba diving.

There are also various restaurants and bars along the beach that serve sumptuous Thai dishes.

You can also plan a night’s stay here at the Coral Island Resort Bungalow if you can get a booking!

The entire beach is lined up with trees that provide sufficient shade for visitors to sit back and enjoy the crashing sea waves.

Banana Beach

Until a few years ago, Banana was an isolated and abandoned beach with very few people visiting.

However, over a span of a few years, the place has become increasingly popular both among locals as well as tourists.

Various restaurants and souvenir shops have sprung up and add to the charm of the once abandoned beach.

People usually book a day trip to Banana beach, which costs around 2,200 baht and includes boat transfer, snorkeling gear, and a buffet lunch.

What to do on the Coral Island

There are plenty of activities you can engage in on Coral island besides enjoying the majestic view of the beaches.

Both the beaches offer various water sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, canoes, and banana boat riding.

The main resort here-Coral Island Resort- organizes various workshops and classes on batik painting and scuba diving. These classes are conducted in English, Chinese and Thai.

Another very popular activity that people enjoy on this Coral Islan is relaxing Thai massages. There is an open-air pavilion on the eastern end of Long Beach, specifically used for massages.

How to Reach the Coral Island

Location: Ko He, Rawai, Muang, Phuket, Thailand

You can get to Coral Island either by a long-tail boat or a speedboat. For taking a long-tail boat, you have to either go to Rawai Beach or Chalong Pier.

You’ll have to book a snorkeling trip from Chalong for a speedboat ride. This is the fastest way to reach Coral Island in about 15 minutes.

The package includes a snorkeling mask, fins, and a lunch buffet.

In case you want to travel between the two beaches, i.e., Long and Banana, you will have to go hiking through the jungle . The dirt path is not suitable for children and the elderly.

Both the beaches on the island are extremely beautiful and worth a visit. Spend the night on the beach to make the most of your experience here.

You can stay at the Coral Island Resort, which has a large pool, a restaurant, a bar and even a dive centre. You can also get a sea-facing bungalow, provided you book early since there are only 11 beachfront rooms in the villa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: what is coral island in phuket.

A: Coral Island is a small island located off the coast of Phuket, Thailand. It is known for its beautiful coral reefs and crystal-clear waters, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving.

Q: What can I expect on a Coral Island Phuket tour?

A: A Coral Island Phuket tour typically includes transportation to and from the island, snorkeling or diving equipment, and time to explore the island and its beaches. Some tours may also offer additional activities such as parasailing or jet skiing.

Q: Is Coral Island suitable for a day trip from Phuket?

A: Yes, Coral Island is a popular day trip destination from Phuket. Many tour companies offer day trips to the island, which typically include transportation, activities, and meals.

Q: Can I go snorkeling at Coral Island in Phuket?

A: Yes, snorkeling is one of the most popular activities at Coral Island in Phuket. The island’s clear waters and coral reefs offer a great opportunity to see a variety of marine life.

Q: What activities are available on Coral Island in Phuket?

A: In addition to snorkeling and diving, Coral Island in Phuket offers a range of activities including beach lounging, swimming, jet skiing, and parasailing.

Q: Is there a ferry from Phuket to Coral Island?

A: Yes, there are ferries that operate between Phuket and Coral Island. The journey takes approximately 15-30 minutes each way.

Q: Should I visit Coral Island or Phi Phi Island in Phuket?

A: Both Coral Island and Phi Phi Island offer beautiful beaches and opportunities for snorkeling and diving. However, Phi Phi Island is larger and has more tourist infrastructure, while Coral Island is smaller and less crowded.

Q: What do people say about Coral Island in Phuket in reviews? A: Reviews of Coral Island in Phuket are generally positive, with many visitors praising the island’s beautiful beaches and clear waters. Some reviewers note that the island can become crowded during peak season.

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Coral Island Activities | Snorkeling, Water Sports & Day Tours from Phuket

Situated less than three kilometers off the southern coast of Phuket , Coral Island is popular among beach dwellers who are looking to get away from the crowds on the beaches of the main island. Long Beach and Banana Beach are the highlights of Coral Island , and guests are invited to put on some face gear and go snorkeling in the coastal water where coral formations can be found in abundance. Coral Island , or Ko Hei (or Ko He) as locals call it, is home to Coral Island Resort , and while the island itself measures less than 5 kilometers from end to end, Coral Island offers everything guests need for an island holiday packed with the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.

Getting to Coral Island

Visitors who want to explore Coral Island and enjoy all of its beautiful sights can reserve their spot on a charter speedboat for approximately 950 baht, depending on what boat service you book with. From the south shoreline of Phuket , the total boat trip takes approximately 15 minutes to complete, and it is a thrilling experience for guests of all ages. Multiple boats shuttle passengers to and from Coral Island , so there is flexibility on when you can go and how long you can stay once you are there. The trip between the two islands is picturesque, so be sure to bring a camera to capture some scenery and candid moments with your party.

Best Time of Year to Visit Coral Island

Coral Island is open to visitors all year long, but the best time to visit is during the high season between November and April. This is the time of year when temperatures are slightly cooler and the weather is dry for the most part. Temperatures during high season usually stay around 88°F. The low season happens during March through October and is marked by hot and humid temperatures often hovering around 90°F. Low season is known as monsoon season in the region, and the beaches and coastal waters can become rough (and sometimes dangerous) when unexpected storms blow in.

Packing for a Trip to Coral Island

Coral Island is a warm weather getaway and experiences sunshine and comfortable temperatures during the dry season, which is known as the high season by locals. Whether you are planning to take a day trip from Phuket to the island or are planning to stay for a few days, pack light so that you do not overheat. It is recommended that visitors pack shorts, skirts, and thin shirts to wear while they are exploring the area. Swimsuits are a necessity for beach fun. Guests do not need to pack outdoor sports equipment to carry onto the island as there are recreation huts where equipment can be rented by the day. Coral Island is small and does not have many places to shop, so guests should arrive to the island prepared with what they need for the duration of their stay. While necessities can be purchased on the island, items are stocked in limited quantities and can be sold out when you arrive.

FIND & BOOK A HOTEL IN PHUKET TODAY

Activities to do on Coral Island

Whether you are into diving or lounging around on the beach, Coral Island offers a long list of activities to keep tourists having fun while visiting! Here is a look at some of the popular outdoor activities that promote fun in the sun.

With miles of coastal waters to explore, snorkeling around Coral Island is a truly breathtaking experience. Visitors are encouraged to dip their heads into the ocean water and see for themselves all of the tropical marine life that lurks below the surface. From coral formations in a variety of different colors to vibrant sea plants and a rainbow of fish species, snorkeling around the island is a treat for the eyes. Coral Island offers snorkeling adventures that are geared toward both beginners and those who have many years of experience snorkeling. On the island, visitors will find various recreational huts that rent snorkeling equipment for around 1,700 baht per day. Reserve a spot with a boat tour service and head out on a snorkeling adventure with a group and an expert guide to lead the way.

Coral Island Day Tours

Want to see all of the ins and outs of Coral Island in the company of an expert tour guide? Visitors to Phuket have plenty of exhilarating tour options to choose from, thanks to an abundance of local island tour boat companies available in the area. Tourists can reserve half or full-day tours of Coral Island where they can see the entire islands or the two main beaches. Depending on which boat tour is selected, visitors may be allowed to hop off the boat for a delicious lunch, sightseeing tour, or snorkeling adventure with their guides. No matter what tour you sign up for, you will have the opportunity to take some phenomenal photos and learn interesting information about Coral Island .

Coral Island Diving

Diving around Coral Island provides visitors with a unique and exotic experience. While diving, guests will get an up close look at the stunning coral reefs that line the sea bed as well as the opportunity to swim alongside tropical fish such as whales sharks and frog fish. Coral Island has shallow coastal waters, which makes it an ideal dive site for beginners as well as skilled divers who are looking for a relaxing adventure close to the beach. While diving at Coral Island , you are likely to encounter a variety of colorful angel fish, lion fish, frog fish, and turtles. Visitors can sign up for a guided dive with an expert diving instructor or go for a solo dive if properly certified. Explore the beautiful underwater world Coral Island has to offer.

Beach Lounging

Sometimes the best activity is inactivity, and Coral Island has plenty of white sand beaches to appeal to beach bums of the world. Long Beach and Banana Beach are the most popular stretches on the island and offer warm and sunny spots for everyone. Lay out a blanket or a folding chair and spend the day enjoying the scenery amid palm trees, rocky cliffs, and lush green foliage. Along the beach, visitors will find local vendors who sell everything from swimsuits to cold drinks.

Boating and Kayaking Around Coral Island

For those who want to kayak or go boating around Coral Island , there are several ways to make it a reality. Guests can reserve a spot on a guided tour boat and speed through the water taking in all of the sites with a local guide who can point out and discuss the island’s most notable features. For visitors who want a more relaxed and calm experience, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are also available to rent from the outdoor recreational equipment snacks located all around the island. Boating around Coral Island is a fun activity that visitors can do with friends, family, or alone.

Wildlife Found on Coral Island

Coral Island is teeming with native wildlife that makes this area of Thailand feel like an exotic wonderland. Visitors do not need to look far to find some of the most captivating sea life and land creatures they have ever seen. Search out all of the underwater and above ground wildlife that call this place home. Here are some of the eye-catching wildlife tourists may encounter while visiting Coral Island .

• Dolphins – For visitors who have ever dreamed of swimming and interacting with dolphins, Coral Island is the place to do it. While out in the tour boats, visitors will get a chance to see these friendly and curious creatures in their native habitat.
• Frog Fish – As the name suggests, this unique and quirky fish boasts a bright green body and looks surprisingly like a frog!
• Whale Shark – Measuring in at up to 30 feet in length, the whale shark is a docile creature that can be found feasting quietly on the ocean floor. This shark features beautiful patterns and is majestic to look at.
• Lion Fish – An imposing fish with beautiful stripes and an imperial presence in the ocean, the lion fish is fun to watch swimming below the surface of the water.
• Clouded Monitor Lizard – A large tree climbing lizard that can grow up to several feet long, this interesting reptile can be found in the wild all around Coral Island . It is an interesting creature that will pose for a photograph.

Attractions, Restaurants & Shopping near Coral Island

Situated just a mere 15 minutes by boat from Phuket , Coral Island is home to a few attractions, restaurants, and shopping opportunities that are off the beaten path. For those who are looking for some peace and quiet, hop on a boat and head out to this picture-perfect island and indulge in some luxury experiences.

Freedom Restaurant

A fun and tropical restaurant located on the west side of Coral Island , Freedom Restaurant serves up a tantalizing variety of international cuisine. This restaurant is open from November to April when the island is experiencing its dry season.

Islander Sports Bar and Restaurant Rawai Phuket

Just a short distance from Coral Island in Phuket , guests can treat themselves to a menu that is as varied as the culture of this hip and trendy tourist city. Islander Sports Bar and Restaurant Rawai Phuket is a fun European style diner where guests can sink their teeth into British food and drinks. Serving up baskets of freshly fried fish and chips, Yorkshire pudding, and roasted meats, this casual eatery satisfies the soul. While dining, guests are invited to watch a rugby match and drink an ice cold beer.

Live India Indian Restaurant

A fragrant restaurant that serves up traditional Indian food infused with plenty of traditional spices, Live India Indian Restaurant is one restaurant that Indian food lovers do not want to miss out on trying. This restaurant is located in Cape Panwa , just a few miles from Coral Island , and serves up homestyle food in a casual setting. Visitors can choose from a variety of tantalizing menu options which include chicken dhansak curry, homemade naan, vegetarian friendly dishes, and papadam. Live India Indian Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and meals can be taken to-go if you are heading out to Coral Island .

Batik House (Baan Batik)

Located in the Rawai neighborhood , just a short distance from the docks that lead out to Coral Island , Batik House is an exceptionally unique shopping experience for those who want to immerse themselves in the island culture of Thailand. Batik House is hip and trendy and sells a variety of ornate textiles that are hand decorated by the owners of the store. The shop is open daily from 9am to 5pm and welcomes visitors to check out all of the pieces.

Tesco Lotus Rawai

For those who want to grab some groceries, clothing, necessities, or entertainment items before heading out to Coral Island , Tesco Lotus Rawai is an all-encompassing department store where guests will find everything they need, and then some! This store has over 1,000 square meters of shopping space and provides shoppers with excellent deals on all of its merchandise. Within the store, visitors will also find an ATM machine, currency exchange services, a pharmacy, and a beauty salon. Tesco Lotus Rawai is open from 8am to 8pm daily.

Coral Island Resort

Not ready for your Coral Island adventure to end? The island has its own resort, and guests can reserve a room for as little as 1,250 baht per night during the non-peak travel months of the year. Coral Island Resort is an expansive property and is actually the only lodging option on the island. At Coral Island Resort , visitors receive the royal treatment and plenty of amenities to make their stay restful and memorable.

Coral Island Resort is located on the water’s edge of Banana Beach at the north side of the island and provides guests with beautiful views and quick access to all of the water sports and white sand shoreline this area is known for. While staying at this resort, guests can enjoy a private stretch of beach. Coral Island Resort has 64 rooms in a variety of floor plans. Here is a look at some of the rooms guests can reserve while staying at the resort.

• Superior Room – The Superior Room measures in at approximately 323 square feet and comes with a double bed or two single beds. This room features a beautiful garden view and fits up to four guests comfortably. Each Superior Room has a private bathroom and comes with a refrigerator and a coffee/tea maker.
• Beach Deluxe – The Beach Deluxe room also accommodates up to four guests comfortably and offers a double bed or two single beds. This room measures in at approximately 323 square feet and has a private balcony or terrace with a partial ocean view. Each Beach Deluxe has a private bathroom and comes with a refrigerator and coffee/tea maker.
• Twin/Double Room Deluxe – The Twin/Double Room Deluxe accommodates two to four guests and comes with either double or twin size beds. This room features a balcony or terrace with a idyllic garden view and has a private bathroom. Each Twin/Double Deluxe room has a refrigerator and a coffee/tea maker.
• Family Room – Ideal for those traveling as a family or a group, this room offers a single bed and a double bed and can accommodate up to six guests comfortably. Measuring in at just under 500 square feet, this room is a value! It features a private bathroom and comes with a refrigerator and coffee/tea maker.
• Beachfront Deluxe – As being the most prized staying room at the resort, the Beachfront Deluxe is perfect for couples who are on a romantic tropical vacation. This room comes with a single double bed and boasts a remarkable view of the beach. Guests who reserve this room are treated to a private terrace and quick access to the ocean. The Beachfront Deluxe measures in at approximately 323 square feet and comes with a private bathroom, a refrigerator, and a coffee/tea maker.

At Coral Island Resort guests receive complimentary breakfast with their reservations as well as free Wi-Fi throughout the entire resort. Coral Island Resort provides privacy for those who wish to avoid all of the tourist crowds and features a vast assortment of amenities that appeal to travelers of all ages. Just over the hill from the resort, guests are invited to relax and unwind in the tranquility of the private cove.

Dining at Coral Island Resort

Coral Island Resort offers an assortment of activities, amenities, and restaurants that are worth writing home about! While staying at the resort, guests can dine on a variety of international culinary creations from Russia, Thailand, the Americas, and beyond. Seaview Restaurant is the primary eatery that serves the resort and it features gourmet dishes from Thailand and the West. Guests can choose from an assortment of surf and turf menu options that are served up like art on a plate. While enjoying breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Seaview Restaurant guests are treated to beautiful views of the garden and ocean beyond. Coral Island Resort also features an ice cream shop that is open during the day for those who want a frozen sweet treat on a warm and sunny day.

Nightlife at Coral Island Resort

At night, guests staying at the resort are invited to head down to the beachfront bar to sip on signature cocktails that are inspired by the tropical ambiance of the island. For those who wish to stay at the resort during the day for some good old fashioned rest and relaxation, there is an outdoor swimming pool with a sitting area, a day spa, massage services, table tennis, and a tropical garden that is perfect for sitting down with a good book. At night, guests can relax and unwind to live music inspired by the Thai culture.

Water sports & activities at Coral Island Resort

Not only does Coral Island Resort offer a peaceful respite from all of the tourism activity in Phuket , but it also hosts a few recreational activities as well. Interested in doing some fishing while staying on the island? The staff at Coral Island Resort coordinate speedboat fishing trips that guests can sign up for. Guests will get to hit the open water and fish for some of the local favorites, which an expert chef will prepare for you once you get back to shore. Special events also hosted by the resort include Batik painting classes, snorkeling and kayaking excursions, and diving and sightseeing tours.

Check In to Coral Island Resort , Step Out to Coral Island

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Coral Travel

Coral Travel, the Group's main tour operator brand, started its operations in 1994 and has become one of the most trusted brands in its sector in the countries where it operates.

The countries where the brand operates are Belarus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Georgia, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Russia, Switzerland, Turkey and Ukraine.

Coral Travel organizes package tours and sells flight tickets to customers from all segments with a superior service approach. In the countries where it is presented, it organizes package tours with its own charter flight programs and scheduled flights. It sends guests to more than 90 destinations in 40 countries.

In addition to sea, ski and cultural tourism, it has a portfolio suitable for every budget with its wide service and product network with event, congress, sports and other types of tourism.

While providing high quality service to its guests, it continues to develop its activities per international standards.

www.coraltravel.com

Coral Travel Germany (Coral Travel-FERIEN Touristik)

Based in Düsseldorf, the company was founded in 2000 and acquired by Coral Travel Group in 2017. FERIEN Touristik GmbH, which was introduced to the Coral Travel brand in 2018, changed its name to Coral Touristik GmbH in January 2023.

Having served around 430,000 guests in 2022, Coral Touristik GmbH is now among the tour operators with the highest growth and market share in Germany, growing 2.5 times compared to 2019, i.e. before the pandemic.

www.ferien-touristik.de

Coral Travel Czech Republic

Started its operations in November 2022 and serves its guests online, through direct sales offices and agencies.

With its experienced management team, the company has rapidly restructured its organization and has become one of the most important operators in the market with its customer capacity.

Its main destinations are Turkey, Egypt, Greece, Bulgaria, Spain, Tunisia.

www.coraltravel.cz

Coral Travel Estonia

Started its activities as a tour operator in 2021 and serves both sales agencies and direct guests (online or through its agencies).

Its main destinations are Turkey, Egypt, UAE, Morocco, Tenerife, Greece and Montenegro. In a short time, it became one of the market leaders.

It is a member of the Estonian Tourism Association (ETFL).

www.coraltravel.ee

Coral Travel Georgia

The company started its tour operator activities in Tbilisi in 2014. Its main destinations are Turkey and Egypt.

www.coral.ge

Coral Travel Switzerland

Started its tour operator activities in Zurich, Switzerland in 2023 and operates through B2B and B2C sales channels.

www.coraltravel.ch

Coral Travel Latvia

Its main destinations are Turkey, Egypt, UAE, Morocco, Tenerife, Greece and Montenegro. In a short time, it became one of the market leaders.

It is a member of the Latvian Tourism Association (ALTA).

www.coraltravel.lv

Coral Travel Lithuania

The company started its activities as a tour operator in 2020 and serves both sales agencies and direct guests (online or through its agencies).

Its main destinations are Turkey, Egypt, UAE, Morocco, Tenerife, Greece, Montenegro, and Tunisia. In a short time, it became one of the market leaders.

www.coraltravel.lt

Coral Travel Poland

Launched in 1999, it is one of the largest tour operators in Poland with the highest brand recognition.

Holiday services are offered to 17 destinations from 13 airports in Poland. Turkey and Egypt are the leading destinations in the Polish market.

In addition to Turkey and countries in the Mediterranean basin, its portfolio also includes exotic destinations such as the Dominican Republic, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Coral Travel is one of the few tour operators in the Polish market that has implemented and maintains a quality management system and holds the International ISO 9001:2015 certificate. In 2020, the company was given the “Złoty Laur Konsumenta 2020” award (Consumer Golden Laurel 2020) by consumers.

www.coraltravel.pl

Coral Travel Romania

Founded in 2022, it serves as a tour operator with the head office in Bucharest and regional offices in 6 largest regions of Romania.

Its main destinations are Turkey, Egypt, Greece, Spain, and Tunisia.

www.coraltravel.ro

Coral Travel Turkey

Started its operations in Turkey in 2006.

Organizes tours all over Turkey and popular foreign countries for every budget.

The main sales channels are online via the web, the call center number 444 0 684, and 61 Coral Shop offices in 25 cities across Turkey.

www.coraltatil.com

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Coral seekers destination, the paradise coral island phuket tour 2023, the coral island phuket snorkeling by private speedboat / private yacht .

Table of Contents

Visit Coral Island Phuket Tour Phuket Banana Beach by Private Boat

Coral Island, also known as Koh Hae to locals, is a beautiful and popular destination that is located just 25-35 minutes away from the marina which is just a stone’s throw away. The clear waters surrounding the island makes Coral Island Phuket snorkeling the best with shallow entry from the white sandy beaches. Children will especially love viewing the colorful tropical fish that can be found in these waters. This is also a great place for beginners to try snorkelling for the first time, as the shallow waters provide a safe and easy environment to explore.

The Coral Island Thailand Phuket Seasons

While the beautiful island can get busy during the high season (November through March), finding a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy the scenery is still possible. The island has several beaches that offer a serene atmosphere, and the crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming, kayaking, or simply lounging in the sun. The Island is ideal if you do not wish to travel long distances during the low season.

In addition to the island’s natural beauty, a few amenities make it a convenient and comfortable destination. Freshwater restroom facilities are available, and a restaurant area serves delicious local cuisine.

For those seeking a thrill, third-party providers on the island offer activities such as para-sailing, sea walking, and banana boat rides. Your guide can help you negotiate rates for these activities and ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience.

If time and conditions allow, our crew may also be able to take you to a different nearby island for additional relaxation and a more secluded experience. This can be a great option for those who want to avoid crowds and enjoy the area’s natural beauty in a more intimate setting.

The Geography of Coral Island Resort & Banana Beach

Coral Island, or Koh Hey as it’s called in Thai, is a little tropical paradise just off Phuket’s eastern coast. Coral Island near Phuket is just a half-hour boat ride from Phuket’s crowded beaches.

Coral Island Phuket is home to varied and fascinating landscapes. Beautiful, empty white sand beaches are framed by palm palms and turquoise sea teaming with marine life. The island is not very large, therefore it may be covered on foot.

The coral reefs around Coral Island are the island’s most eye-catching feature. Snorkelers and scuba divers from around the globe often visit the island to see its thriving coral reefs. Colorful fish, sea turtles, and many different kinds of coral all find a home in these reefs. Snorkeling at Coral Island is suitable for first-timers.

In addition to its magnificent beaches and coral reefs, Coral Island also offers a steep landscape and rich foliage. While not as prominent as the limestone karsts seen in other regions of Thailand, the island does contain some gentle slopes and elevation locations that give panoramic views of the surrounding seascape.

Tourists may experience the island’s diverse landscape in a variety of ways. Snorkeling and diving are popular sports, allowing travelers to enjoy the rich undersea environment. Exciting activities like kayaking, parasailing, and banana boat rides may also be enjoyed on the island.

Overall, the landscape of Coral Island in Phuket displays a gorgeous combination of sandy beaches, coral reefs, and tropical flora. Those seeking a serene and all-encompassing experience of Phuket’s breathtaking coastline landscape will find paradise here. Please view the Coral Island Map for more information below on the island size and you can also visit Coral Island Thailand wiki for more information.

The Coral Island Phuket Tour & Banana Beach Activities Offer Something Unique For Every Visitor

Phuket Coral Island is home to a number of beautiful landmarks that visitors may enjoy. What follows is but a sampling of the numerous fascinating attractions that can be found at Coral Island Resort.

The white sandy beaches of Coral Island are among the cleanest you’ll ever see. Tourists may swim in the clear seas and soak up some sun on the sandy shores. Picturesque for lounging, picnicking, or just taking in the tropical scenery, these beaches are lined with soft white sand. The coral reefs that surround Phuket Coral Island are a scuba diving family and snorkeler’s dream.

Phuket Coral Island caters to the most adventurous of tourists by offering a wide variety of watersports. Thrill-seekers may make the most of their time in the area by partaking in water sports like jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat excursions, and kayaking. Tourists may get a different perspective on the island’s breathtaking shoreline while partaking in these thrilling activities.

For breathtaking views of the surrounding sea and land, visit one of Coral Island’s numerous lookout spots. These lookouts are accessible by short hikes or walks, and they provide stunning panoramas of the island and its surroundings. From these vantage points, you may take stunning photos and feel one with nature.

Several restaurants and beachside cafes may be found on Phuket Coral Island. Tourists may enjoy delicious Thai food and fresh seafood while taking in the picturesque views and soothing sea breeze. Restaurants along the water’s edge usually have a tropical vibe and provide delicious food.

Coral Island has spa services, yoga sessions, and massages available on the beach for the convenience of guests. The island is a beautiful and tranquil place that is perfect for a family day out.

Phuket Coral Island Phuket Snorkeling Tours is the Perfect Half Day or One Day Boat Tour for Families

The activities on the Coral Island Phuket day tours give something for everyone, whether you’re seeking adventure, learning about the underwater environment, soaking in the scenery, or simply relaxing. Visitors of all ages will have a fantastic time here due to the abundance of family-friendly beautiful beaches. You even have time for scuba diving from the beach.

Itinerary Details for the Coral Island Phuket Tour – Sample Plan

The travel package includes insurance and a comfortable hotel pickup transfer service in Phuket.

Our experienced tour guide, fluent in multiple languages, will accompany you throughout the tour. We’ll supply soft drinks such as water, fresh fruit, and snacks onboard. Lunch will be a delicious buffet of traditional Thai dishes and fresh fruit. Vegan and gluten-free versions may be supplied upon request.

We will supply life jackets and snorkeling equipment for your use, but you are free to bring your own if you want. We’ll head to the marina after being picked up from your Phuket location in an air-conditioned minibus. We’ll next board a private motorboat and go to Coral Island Phuket.

You’ll be mesmerized by the gorgeous surroundings and have the chance to explore the island’s attractions once we arrive at Coral Island Phuket. You may unwind on the beautiful beaches, snorkel in the bright coral reefs, or swim in the clear tropical seas. There will be plenty of opportunities to soak up the sun and appreciate the island’s natural beauty.

A delicious picnic-style buffet lunch, accompanied by fresh fruits, will be served on the island. You can enjoy complimentary soft drinks and water throughout the trip to stay refreshed.

We’ll return to the marina around 5:00 p.m., where our air-conditioned minibus will be waiting to transport you back to your resort or hotel. This tour is an excellent way to discover and remember the enchanting Coral Island Phuket.

Please note that this is a sample schedule, and real trip specifics may differ.

Your Fully Adjustable Coral Island & Banana Beach Tour Experience

We provide completely personalized private boat trips to Coral Island and Banana Beach, delivering exceptional value for money and responding to particular interests. Our excursions may be personalized to your specific requirements, whether you are a small or big group. Our trips begin early in the morning with a morning check-in to optimize your experience and avoid crowds.

Our knowledgeable staff will provide a comprehensive briefing on the weather conditions and highlight the day’s recommended spots based on the captain’s expertise upon arrival at the pier. Your safety and comfort are our top considerations as we want to guarantee that you have a memorable and pleasurable day experiencing Coral Island’s gorgeous landscapes and seascapes.

Professional Local Guide

We are licensed, multi-language local guides speaking Thai and English.

Safety is our top priority, and we adhere to the highest safety standards. Our tours come with comprehensive accident insurance coverage. Our fleet is regularly maintained and fitted with GPS systems, life jackets, and First Aid Kits to ensure the safety of our guests. Furthermore, our tour guides always provide a safety briefing before the tour begins.

Eco-Friendly Coral Island Private Boat Tours

Our commitment to the natural environment ensures we leave only footprints on the beach and pick up all the trash we can find.

All waste generated during the tour will be disposed of on the mainland using environmentally friendly methods. In addition, our boats are equipped with 4-stroke engines that conserve fuel and minimize their impact on the natural environment below.

Full Refund & Free Cancellation

You can cancel your private boat booking at no cost up to 24 hours before the departure pickup time. Our tours provide an all-inclusive service with transparent pricing, a full refund and no hidden fees.

Online Booking 

The best escape to the tropical paradise of Coral Island Long Beach, nestled near the vibrant Phuket in the Andaman Sea. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience as you embark on a private speed boat rental, allowing you to uncover the island’s natural wonders at your own leisurely pace.

Departing from Phuket to Coral Island, you’ll be instantly mesmerized by the enchanting hues of turquoise seas and the pristine stretches of white sand that adorn Coral Island. A haven for snorkelers and nature enthusiasts, the island’s vibrant corals brim with an array of captivating marine life.

Our seasoned tour guide will be your trusted companion throughout your excursion, offering valuable insights and ensuring your utmost safety. Dive into the crystalline waters, immersing yourself in the remarkable marine ecosystem, where exotic species and colorful corals await your exploration. The visibility can be superb depending on the weather conditions and tides.

Take a moment to unwind and relish the serene ambiance of Coral Island’s captivating sandy beaches.

Indulge in a delectable picnic lunch, meticulously crafted with local flavors and accompanied by refreshing beverages. As you enjoy these local culinary delights, marvel at the breathtaking vistas that surround you, creating an authentic and sensory and authentic tropical paradise experience.

The tropical Coral Island boasts its turquoise waters, long beach, sea walking thriving marine life, and tranquil beaches, eager to craft unforgettable memories that will linger in your heart. Allow us to accompany you on this extraordinary exploration of a tropical paradise, where serenity and natural splendor intertwine.

FAQ’s

Are you able to rent scuba diving gear on Coral Island?

Yes, you are as there is a scuba diving operator on the island.

Are you able to rent scuba diving gear from Coral Seekers?

Yes, please get in touch with us for more information on renting scuba diving gear from us directly.

Is there a really long beach on Coral Island or is it only named long beach?

Yes, there is a long beach on Coral Island and it is also called Long Beach.

Do you have any services departing from Rawai Beach on Phuket or Coral Island Rawai?

No, we do not offer any boat charter services from Rawai Beach in Phuket, but you can find other charters such as long tail boat rental services.

Do you have any services departing from Chalong Pier in Phuket?

No, we only depart from  Ao Yon Bay or the Marina in Boat Lagoon, not Chalong Pier.

The Chalong Pier is very busy and we tried to avoid departure from that area.

Is it possible to do Maithon Island as well on the Coral Island Phuket Tour?

Yes, you can definitely add Maithon Island to your trip if you would like.

Is it possible to combine a Racha and Coral Island Tour Phuket?

Yes, there will be an additional cost, but we can also go to Racha Island.

What is the private Coral Island Tour cost?

It all depends on the trip you book but our prices start from 19000.00 THB for a full-day trip.

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Coral Travel opened sales of business-class tours to Thailand

The tour operator began selling tour packages to Phuket and Pattaya for the winter season 2019/20. The flights to Thailand for Coral Travel will be operated by Royal Flight Airline on the new Boeing 777-300ER with business class seats. 

As Coral Travel reported, the flight program to Phuket airport from Moscow in the winter season is scheduled from October 15, 19 to May 17, 2020 and provides 3 flights of Royal Flight a week. The flight program to Pattaya starts on 19.10.19 and should end on 17.05.20 with departures 2 times a week. 

Experts believe that an important advantage of the Coral Travel flight program to Pattaya is arriving at U-Tapao airport - this reduces the transfer time to hotels compared with Bangkok airport. 

An important point for tourists will be the possibility of booking tour packages to Phuket and Pattaya with a business class flight - thanks to the use of the new Boeing777-300ER airplane of Royal Flight. 

Now the tours for the autumn-winter period from Coral Travel to Phuket can be purchased from 75,272 Rubles (1,054 Euros) for two persons (departure 15.10.2019, to Sharaya Boutique Hotel 3*, 7 nights, no meals). 

Prices for tours to Pattaya start from 79,610 Rubles (1,115 Euros) for two (departure 19.10.2019, to Red Planet Pattaya Hotel 3*, 11 nights, no meals). 

Digest, This article is written or translated by Russian Travel Digest’s News Team. Every day we search for the most important news on the Russian tourism and travel market to keep you updated.

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Coral Island in Phuket

Everything you need to know about coral island.

Coral Island, known locally as Koh Hae or Ko He, is a beautiful getaway destination around 3 km southeast of Phuket. The island has 2 main beaches: Long Beach and Banana Beach. Snorkeling off Banana Beach is a thrilling experience. If you go out far enough from Long Beach, you'll also have a lot to discover at its impressive coral reef.

The island is beautifully calm at night but can get quite busy during the day. Peace and quiet can be found at the extremities of both beaches. You can rent deck chairs and sun loungers, but these usually come free for those on day tours. Coral Island Resort usually includes lunch with their day tours, though those who come on their own can easily find a restaurant on the island.

Coral Island in Phuket - one of the highlights of 12 Best Things to Do in Chalong Bay and 9 Best Islands Around Phuket (Read all about Phuket Province here)

What to do on Coral Island

Both beaches have a lot of water sports activities, including banana boats, canoes, and snorkeling. There's a speedboat on Long Beach that can take you out for a brief parasail outing.

Coral Island Resort organizes batik-painting classes and scuba diving classes in English, Chinese and Thai. At the eastern end of Long Beach, you'll find an open-air pavilion used for massages.

How to get to Coral Island

You can get to Coral Island by renting a long-tail boat at either Rawai Beach or Chalong Pier. If you want to travel by speedboat, book a snorkeling trip from Chalong to get to the island within 15 minutes. You'll be provided with a snorkeling mask and fins, as well as a buffet lunch.

If you land at Long Beach but want to check out  Banana Beach ,  there is a trail at the eastern end of Long Beach that leads through a jungle. It takes around 15 minutes of hiking on uneven surfaces – not quite suitable for the elderly or those with small children. 

Location: Ko He, Rawai, Muang, Phuket, Thailand

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

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Pattaya coral island (koh larn) tour with 4-5 water activities (half day/full day) (+lunch option), how to book.

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Coral Island Pattaya

The little slice of paradise, known as the Coral Island (or Koh Larn) is the largest Near Island to Pattaya. Situated a 45-minute mesmerising boat ride away, the island is home to the best of everything Pattaya has to offer. From long stretches of pristine beaches surrounded by turquoise blue waters to a hilly interior that is interconnected with a series of pathways offering sublime views of the island’s coastline.

The beaches at Coral Island are dotted with open-air restaurants and bustling beach bars serving cocktails resembling the colour of the sunset! When you’re not sipping cocktails or eating world-class seafood, you may want to check out the variety of watersports available on the island. From snorkelling to kite surfing, Coral Island offers visitors a chance to cross several items off their bucket lists.

In other words, if you’re looking for a day tour out of Pattaya, it doesn’t get any better than the Coral Island.

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Things to know before you visit:.

Those hoping to spot coral reefs during their diving or snorkelling experience should head to the Banana Beach, where the reefs are located relatively closer to the shore.

Apart from the main roads, where one can find public transport, the two beaches of the island (Banana Beach and Long Beach) are connected by a jungle trail. It starts at the Eastern end of the Long Beach and makes for an adventurous 15-minute walk.

While the secret jungle pathway connecting the two beaches makes for a great adventure, it may not be fit for older visitors or those travelling with small children.

For Water sports Activities:

• For kids between the age of 3-4 years :- Free along with Adult participant
• Tour fees along with snorkeling :- 1000 TBH
• Tour fees along with Snorkeling and parasailing :-  1600 TBH
• Tour fees along with Snorkeling, parasailing, sea walker, banana Boat, Jet ski and CD :-  2500TBH

Open Timings: 8 A.M. to 3 P.M. (Daily)

Tour Fees for Kids for Visitors with Lunch: 600 TBH( Between 4-10)

Tour Fees for Adults for Visitors With Lunch: 800 TBH (Above 10 years)

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Coral Island pattaya

• Description

      Get immersed in the beauty of Ko Hey coral reefs and visualize the vibrant marine life! Coral island or Ko Hey is a popular tourist destination in Thailand. It’s located in the Rawai of Southeast Phuket, comparatively small than other islands in Thailand. The beach space of coral island is spectacular for a family vacation or honeymoon getaway. Get some quality time to spend your loved one or indulge in activities that engage your family trip. Enjoy a mesmerizing overnight stay to capture beauty of nightlife at coral islands. 

      Coral island offers a bustling day with plenty of activities for a fun vacation, 

Long beach in coral island

        Long beach is a pretty good place to unwind your adventurous side, get on a honeymoon phase enjoying the beautiful beach shores or indulge in plenty of adrenaline-rush water sports. The beach and its premises stay calm at night, but quiet busy during the day time. Enjoy a peaceful day at the long beach, rent deck chairs and sun loungers for extra comfort. Speed boat on long beach takes you through the most-exciting parasail outing. Eastern end of the long beach has an open-air pavilion used for massages. 

Banana beach

         Banana beach is one of the untouched beaches of Phuket. It’s not much exploited by the development of tourism. Banana beach is situated to the south of coral islands with crystal clear blue waters and white talcum beach shores. Banana beach comes under the marine preservation area of national park and has limited buildings. The proflific aquatic life makes it a right choice for diving and snorkelling. Get engaged for the whole day with immense water sports and other fun activities.  

Water sports at coral islands

Snorkelling 

      Since the island is untouched by tourism, the aquatic life is splendid and one of the sought after activity at Banana beach. Go deep into the sea with your instructor and get instantly surrounded by the coral reefs and colourful fishes on either side. It’s not advisable to feed the fish. 

      Kayaking is a mesmerizing water sport to enjoy your honeymoon phase. Travel with your soul mate and explore the islands whole heartedly. Get kayaks on rent at affordable price or get it from your tour operators. 

Scuba diving 

      Scuba diving is a real adventure among diving experts. Wear your diving suits and get ready to explore the underwater treasure. Get indulged in the sight of exotic coral reefs and stunning fish species. 

Parasailing 

       Parasailing in coral island is extremely popular among tourists. It’s the unique way to experience the crystal clear blue waters. Fly high and explore the surrounding greenery with your loved one. It’s a great honeymoon water sport where you can indulge in the sport as couples and move on to discover your dreams. 

Banana boat rides

       Banana boat ride is something spectacular for your family activity. Get ready for a fun and thrilling activity with your family and friends. Avail exciting packages from your tour operators and relish your vacation on coral islands. 

       The island has moderate weather conditions and open all year long. Set your travel during the low season for great fun and entertainment. 

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Coral reefs in Thailand: planning for the future in a fragile paradise

Until the late 1960s, underwater ecosystems remained the exclusive domain of scientists such as Jacques Cousteau. But then technical improvements and safety regulations helped turn scuba diving into a recreational sport — and marine life has never been quite the same since. In fact, it has been said that the first generation of scuba divers may be the last to enjoy healthy coral reefs.

Coral reefs are biologically diverse ecosystems that play a key role in influencing everything from fish stocks and weather patterns to pollution levels and shoreline erosion. But because they grow on a geological time scale — it takes years for some species to add a single inch to their size — the slightest scrape from a dive tank or misplaced flipper can destroy decades of delicate construction.

This is particularly an issue for the coral reefs around Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands. Since the 2000-release of the Hollywood film The Beach — which featured these Islands along with actor Leonardo DiCaprio — tourism is on the rise and the coral reefs in the Andaman Sea are taking a beating. But Udomsak Seenprachawong fears the economic gains from Phi Phi’s popularity will be short-lived — and the environmental pain irreparable.

Putting a price on paradise

Seenprachawong is an associate professor of environmental economics at Thailand’s National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA). With support from the Economy and Environment Program for Southeast Asia (EEPSEA) , Seenprachawong has translated the long-term impact of coral degradation into dollars and cents. He’s taken into account the value of coral reefs for the tourism industry and for the environment. He’s established an annual value for the region’s coral reefs in excess of 28,100 million baht (approximately $1.1 billion). His work has paved the way for changes that could help reduce pressure on reefs and provide money for their conservation.

> EEPSEA was established in May 1993 to support training and research in environmental and resource economics. EEPSEA is an initiative administered by Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) on behalf of a sponsors group, comprised of various donors from around the world. Coral: the foundation of a fragile ecosystem Composed of layers of calcium carbonate secreted over thousands of years by tiny, soft-bodied animals called polyps, coral reefs provide a home for a vast array of marine life. In addition, zooxanthellae, an algae that supports polyp life and gives coral its colour, absorbs carbon dioxide, processes it through photosynthesis and then emits oxygen. This process contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gases. Coral reefs around the world have been damaged by human activity. They have been overfished (sometimes as a result of destructive fishing practices, such as blasting with cyanide) affected by pollution, harmed by careless tourism, and damaged by marine traffic. The Phi Phi Islands reef area that Seenprachawong studied includes 32,000 hectares and is showing signs of distress. "At present, the reefs are quite degraded — only about 75 percent is living coral," says Seenprachawong. "In the past, as much as 90 percent of the coral was likely to have been healthy and growing. But scientists now estimate that if nothing is done, within the next 20 years 40 percent of the reef will be degraded." Further degradation will affect both people and the environment says Seenprachawong. "One of the short-term impacts would be on the livelihoods of people living in the area: they would catch less fish to eat or sell. Increased degradation could also damage tourism industry." But coral reefs also act as a natural breakwater, protecting shorelines from erosion and storm damage. Over the longer term, the combination of climate change and weakened reefs could lead to natural disasters caused by extreme weather and flooding. Quantifying intangible benefits It is relatively straightforward to place an economic value on natural resources that are mined, refined, and sold — these products have a price associated with them already. But determining the value of coral reefs required an innovative approach. By using two methods, Seenprachawong obtained values associated with the direct use of the reefs (i.e., their use as a tourist attraction) and their indirect use (i.e., their inherent biological value). To calculate a value arising from the direct use of the reefs, Seenprachwong surveyed the travel costs incurred by visitors to the region. The equation included transportation, food, lodging, and entry fees to the islands for the 150,000 tourists that visit each year (according to 1998 statistics). "The Travel Cost Method (TCM) can’t put a price on the experience itself, but we can use it to compute the consumer surplus — the difference between what consumers currently pay for a product or service and what they are willing to pay," says Seenprachawong. Seenprachawong found that, on average, tourists are willing to pay almost twice the current entry fee to the Islands. Based on this finding, he calculated the annual value of the area for domestic visitors at 69.9 million baht ($2.6 million) and for international visitors at 8,146.5 million baht ($302 million) — a total of more than 82,000 million baht ($304 million). To generate a second value for the indirect use and ‘non-use’ of the reef, Seenprachawong applied the contingency valuation method (CVM), which establishes a monetary value for a non-traded environmental good or service. "The indirect use includes the biological functions of the reef including, for example, the fact that the reefs protect shorelines," says Seenprachawong. "These functions have tremendous value for later generations. Thus the CVM helps us measure the value of the reefs for the future." According to Seenprachwong’s calculations, the annual indirect and non-use value of the regions is approximately 19,900 million baht ($738 million). From theory to practice With values in hand, Seenprachawong then made policy recommendations to local and national governments. For example, he believes governments should allocate a larger percentage of their annual budgets to managing the reefs. Seenprachawong also recommends implementing a 40 baht ($1.50) entry fee — twice the current rate — for entry to the Phi Phi Islands. That amount, he says, is enough to make the people think about the value of the reef, but not so high as to restrict their visits. Seenprachawong was particularly concerned with ensuring the fee was within the reach of Thai people who wished to travel to the Islands. Yet Seenprachawong also recognizes that domestic and international travelers use the area differently, and considered whether or not they should be charged accordingly (see sidebar: The Domestic vs. International Dilemma). He feels tourists should pay an additional fee of 150 baht ($5.50) to visits areas where coral is particularly sensitive to disturbances. This would generate additional revenue while not overly restricting the visits of low-income visitors. During periods when the marine ecosystem is most vulnerable, Seenprachwong advocates further increasing the fees. "The Office of Environmental Policy and Planning is buying into the idea," says Seenprachawong. "They believe we should also control the number of people visiting Phi Phi. We need to do a carrying capacity study to determine how much tourism is too much." Seenprachwong also feels his research results are relevant for government officials evaluating the costs and benefits of Thailand’s proposed Southern Seaboard Development Project (SSDP). The project aims to promote economic development in the country’s south by building deep sea ports and creating new industrial centers. The result will be more big ships traveling in the Andaman Sea. This traffic may affect the area’s coral reefs by shifting ocean currents, causing pollution, and increasing the risks of oil spills, says Seenprachawong. Looking beyond the reefs Although Seenprachawong has already transferred his Phi Phi Island results to other coral regions in the Andaman Sea, he believes the problem of undervaluing natural resources is widespread in Thailand. For instance, coral is only one of three undervalued natural resources that stabilize ocean currents, protect shorelines, and support the marine habitat. With their roots submerged in shallow water, salt-tolerant mangrove trees protect against shoreline erosion while also acting as a nursery and breeding grounds for birds and marine life that eventually migrate to the reef. Flowering marine plants known as seagrasses provide food and habitat for turtles, manatees, fish, while also filtering sediments, releasing oxygen, and stabilizing the ocean floor. Ultimately, Seenprachawong hopes to apply his model to all three resources. "The first project just covers coral but we can’t stop there because they are all interrelated," he says. "We need to find a way to measure all three as a bundle." He also hopes the coral study will become a model for other natural resources such as the golden teak forests that are home to an endangered tigers. Once again, the value would be critical to cost/benefit analyses undertaken as the government considers clearcutting to build a dam in Northern Thailand. Marilyn Smith is an Ottawa based writer who recently traveled to Thailand. 2002-10-04   The Domestic vs. International Dilemma With a full 85 percent of annual visits to the Phi Phi Islands made by international tourists, there’s no question that foreigners are the biggest threat to nearby coral reefs. For Seenprachawong, impressing the reefs’ value on this transient population remains a troubling issue. While a 40 baht fee ($1.50) is significant to local tourists, it is less than most European and North American travelers would pay for a cup of coffee at home: hardly enough to generate an attitude that supports long-term, environmental protection. Part of the problem, says Seenprachawong, is a marked difference in how local and international tourists use the site. "Thai people might only come for a day trip, so their travel costs are quite low. n contrast, foreigners stay for several days and might travel out to the reefs several times." It seems logical that foreigners should be charged accordingly, but Seenprachawong’s survey indicates they are not willing to pay significantly more than locals to visit marine parks. In fact, he recommends against implementing higher foreign fees to avoid tourist animosity. "One of the characteristics of Phi Phi visitors that works against the idea of higher foreign fees is that the vast majority of foreigners are backpackers who are traveling on very tight budgets," says Seenprachwong. "If the user fees are too high, there is a risk of losing business." To address this, he suggests a voluntary hotel fee of 40 baht ($1.50) per bed per night, which would effectively extract additional funds from the foreigners who enjoy extended stays. The voluntary nature of the fee is intended to reduce opposition from hoteliers. However, Seenprachawong feels the government should supply brochures to help foreigners understand how their ‘donations’ will be used to protect the reefs. "In my second project, I might do two differential fees for the locals and foreigners to see if foreigners would pay more," says Seenprachawong. "Or suggest a hotel room tax that would be a percentage of the room cost, so we could generate more revenue from high-end tourists." The Southern Seaboard Development Project Thailand’s Southern Seaboard Development Project (SSDP), is a large-scale project planned between the Lower South and Bangkok, facing the Gulf of Thailand to the east and the Andaman Sea to the west. Current plans for the SSDP call for the construction of two pipelines, two industrial ports, tank farms, an industrial estate, and at least one oil refinery. The plan is being endorsed by the Thai government, who is hoping to duplicate the economic success of the Eastern Seaboard, which has become a centre for the petrochemical trade since the National Petrochemical Public Company Limited was established there in 1984. It is also seen as a solution to alleviating urban sprawl around Bangkok, which has become a significant problem. The government is hoping that the development of a new economic area in the Southern Seaboard region will lure people out of the congested capital. Thailand’s coasts are abundant in natural resources, including fertile agricultural land, coal reefs, rich deposits of minerals and beautiful beaches and scenery. Environmental groups and those involved in the tourist trade are opposing the SSDP, saying that the industrial activity surrounding the project may destroy the Andaman coast's flourishing tourist trade and speed up an already rapid rate of environmental destruction evident throughout Thailand.

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Passing Thru Travel

Discover Thailand: Your Ultimate Guide to 20 Incredible Destinations in 2024

Posted: March 5, 2024 | Last updated: March 5, 2024

Thailand, with its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and renowned hospitality, offers a plethora of experiences for every traveler. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the serene beaches of the south and the lush mountains of the north, this guide will take you through the diverse facets of Thailand, ensuring a journey filled with discovery and wonder.

Bangkok, a city where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with modernity, offers an experience like no other. As you navigate its bustling streets, you’ll encounter magnificent temples such as Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Arun, standing as serene sanctuaries amidst the urban chaos. The Grand Palace, a former royal residence, highlights the city’s rich history and architectural grandeur.

For shopping enthusiasts, the sprawling Chatuchak Weekend Market presents a labyrinth of stalls selling everything from vintage clothing to local handicrafts. Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in Bangkok’s renowned street food, where dishes like Pad Thai and Som Tam are served with authentic flavors.

The city’s vibrant nightlife, from rooftop bars to lively street markets, pulsates with energy, offering a glimpse into the contemporary lifestyle of Bangkok’s residents. Navigating Bangkok explores contrasts, where each turn presents a new facet of this dynamic city.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the lesser-known but equally impressive Wat Benchamabophit for a more tranquil temple experience.

How To Get There: Bangkok is accessible by its two main airports, Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang. The city has an extensive public transport system, including the BTS Skytrain and MRT.

Best Time To Travel: The cool season from November to February is ideal, with pleasant weather and numerous festivals.

2. Chiang Mai

In Chiang Mai, the cultural heart of Northern Thailand, you’ll find a more laid-back atmosphere than Bangkok’s frenetic energy. The city is replete with historic temples, the most famous being Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang, each offering a peaceful retreat and a look into the spiritual practices of the locals. The Night Bazaar and Sunday Walking Street Market are hubs for artisanal crafts and street food, reflecting the city’s artistic flair and culinary richness.

Just outside the city, the lush landscapes of Doi Inthanon National Park await, with trekking trails leading to waterfalls and hill tribe villages. Chiang Mai’s charm lies in its blend of history, culture, and nature, providing a holistic experience of Thailand’s northern region.

Whether you’re exploring its ancient temples, engaging in a traditional Thai cooking class, or wandering through its vibrant markets, Chiang Mai captivates with its serene beauty and rich cultural tapestry.

Insider’s Tip: Take a Thai cooking class to delve deeper into the region’s unique flavors.

How To Get There: Chiang Mai has an international airport and is also accessible by train or bus from Bangkok.

Best Time To Travel: Visit during the cool season, particularly in November, for the Yi Peng Lantern Festival.

Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, is a blend of experiences catering to those seeking relaxation and adventure. The island’s beaches, like Patong, Kata, and Karon, offer a range of atmospheres, from bustling shores with water sports activities to more tranquil retreats. Beyond its stunning beaches, Phuket’s Old Town reveals a different side of the island, with Sino-Portuguese architecture and a burgeoning arts scene.

A visit to the Big Buddha is a must for a panoramic view of the island. The surrounding waters of Phuket, particularly the Phi Phi Islands and Similan Islands, are a paradise for divers and snorkelers, boasting vibrant marine life and crystal-clear waters.

Phuket’s nightlife, especially in Patong, pulsates with energy, offering many entertainment options. The island’s diversity, from its natural beauty to cultural richness, makes Phuket a microcosm of Thailand’s allure.

Insider’s Tip: Take a day trip to the Phi Phi Islands for some of the best snorkeling and diving.

How To Get There: Phuket is accessible by its international airport or by bus and ferry from the mainland.

Best Time To Travel: The best weather is from November to February, with calm seas and sunny skies.

4. Ayutthaya

The ancient city of Ayutthaya, once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, stands today as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a journey through Thailand’s storied past. As you wander through the historical park, you’ll encounter the ruins of temples and palaces, each telling a tale of the city’s former glory and subsequent destruction.

The site’s most iconic structures, such as Wat Mahathat and Wat Phra Si Sanphet, showcase the sophisticated art and architecture of the Ayutthaya period. Exploring Ayutthaya is not just a historical excursion; it’s an immersive experience that transports you back to when the city was a major trading hub of Asia.

The juxtaposition of ancient ruins against a backdrop of modern life underscores the enduring legacy of Ayutthaya’s historical and cultural significance in Thailand.

Insider’s Tip: Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds.

How To Get There: Ayutthaya is a short train or bus ride from Bangkok.

Best Time To Travel: The cool season, from November to February, offers comfortable exploring conditions.

In Krabi Province, you’ll find yourself amidst some of Thailand’s most picturesque landscapes, marked by dramatic limestone cliffs, pristine beaches, and clear blue waters. The province is renowned for destinations like Railay Beach, which is accessible only by boat. It offers world-class rock climbing and stunning beachscapes.

The Phi Phi Islands, with their iconic beaches and vibrant marine life, are perfect for day trips, offering opportunities for snorkeling and diving. For a more tranquil experience, the lesser-known Koh Lanta provides a laid-back atmosphere with its long, sandy beaches. Krabi’s natural beauty extends beyond its coastline, with inland attractions like the Emerald Pool and the Tiger Cave Temple, each offering unique experiences.

Whether you’re seeking adventure on the cliffs of Railay or tranquility on the beaches of Koh Lanta, Krabi presents a diverse array of natural wonders waiting to be explored.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the mangroves and limestone caves by kayak for a unique perspective.

How To Get There: Krabi has an airport, and it’s also accessible by bus and boat from other parts of Thailand.

Best Time To Travel: Visit from November to March for the best beach weather.

Pai, nestled in the mountains of Northern Thailand, is a haven for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. With its relaxed atmosphere, this small town attracts travelers looking to escape the hustle of city life. Surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery, Pai is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, visiting waterfalls, and exploring hot springs.

The Pai Canyon offers stunning views, especially at sunset, and is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. The town’s charming cafes, night markets, and art galleries reflect a unique blend of local Thai culture and bohemian influences.

Renting a scooter to explore the surrounding countryside is a popular way to discover the area’s hidden gems, but be cautious on the winding roads. Pai’s natural beauty, laid-back vibe, and cultural richness make it a refreshing stop in your Thailand journey.

Insider’s Tip: Rent a scooter to explore the surrounding countryside, but be cautious on the winding roads.

How To Get There: Pai is accessible by bus from Chiang Mai.

Best Time To Travel: The cool season, particularly from October to February, is ideal for comfortable temperatures.

7. Sukhothai

Sukhothai, the first capital of Thailand, is where Thai art, architecture, and language began to develop and flourish. The Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an archaeological delight with well-preserved ruins and majestic Buddha statues set amidst scenic lakes and gardens.

Exploring this ancient city on a bicycle offers a leisurely and intimate experience of the park’s vast grounds. Highlights include Wat Mahathat, with its impressive central stupa, and Wat Si Chum, known for its gigantic seated Buddha.

The historical significance of Sukhothai, coupled with its serene and picturesque setting, provides a profound insight into the origins of Thai culture and the nation’s early history.

Insider’s Tip: Visit during the Loy Krathong festival in November, when the park is beautifully lit with lanterns.

How To Get There: Sukhothai is accessible by bus or plane from Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

Best Time To Travel: The cool season is the best time to visit, especially around the Loy Krathong festival.

Hua Hin, once a quiet fishing village and now a popular beach resort town, offers a perfect blend of relaxation and cultural experiences. Known for its beautiful beaches, golf courses, and the summer palace of the Thai royal family, Hua Hin exudes an air of sophistication and tranquility.

The night markets in Hua Hin, particularly the Cicada Market, are great for experiencing local crafts and cuisine. Nearby natural attractions like Sam Roi Yot National Park, with its limestone mountains and mangrove forests, provide opportunities for nature exploration.

Hua Hin’s combination of beachside leisure, royal heritage, and natural beauty makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a more laid-back experience in Thailand.

Insider’s Tip: Try the local seafood at the night market, known for its freshness and variety.

How To Get There: Hua Hin is about a three-hour drive from Bangkok and is also accessible by train.

Best Time To Travel: Visit from November to February for the best beach weather and fewer rain showers.

9. Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi, known for the Bridge over the River Kwai and its World War II history, offers a poignant reminder of the past, set against a backdrop of stunning natural scenery. The Death Railway, war cemeteries, and museums provide a deep understanding of the region’s wartime history.

Beyond its historical significance, Kanchanaburi is also home to beautiful national parks like Erawan and Sai Yok, offering trekking, waterfalls, and river rafting. The province’s blend of history and natural beauty provides a multifaceted experience, making it a destination that appeals to history buffs and nature lovers.

Insider’s Tip: Take a train ride on the Death Railway for a scenic and historical journey.

How To Get There: Kanchanaburi is accessible by bus or train from Bangkok.

Best Time To Travel: The cool and dry season from November to February is ideal for exploring and outdoor activities.

10. The Golden Triangle

The Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge, offers a unique cultural and geographical experience. This area, once notorious for its opium production, now provides insights into the region’s history with attractions like the Hall of Opium Museum.

A boat ride on the Mekong River is a serene way to experience the beauty of this area and the confluence of the three countries. The ancient city of Chiang Saen nearby, with its ruins and temples, adds a historical dimension to your visit. The Golden Triangle’s cultural influences and stunning landscapes make it a fascinating destination in Northern Thailand.

Insider’s Tip: For a panoramic view of the three countries, visit the viewpoint at Wat Phra That Pu Khao.

How To Get There: The Golden Triangle is accessible by bus or car from Chiang Rai.

Best Time To Travel: The cool season, from November to February, offers comfortable weather for exploring.

11. Similan Islands

The Similan Islands in the Andaman Sea are a pristine archipelago renowned for their exceptional diving and snorkeling opportunities. These islands, part of a protected national park, boast some of the clearest waters in Thailand, with visibility often extending up to 30 meters.

The underwater landscape of coral reefs teeming with diverse marine life, including manta rays, whale sharks, and a myriad of colorful fish species. Above water, the islands are equally stunning, with powdery white sand beaches and lush tropical forests. The Similan Islands are perfect for a retreat for anyone seeking unspoiled natural beauty.

Whether you’re exploring the depths of the ocean or simply relaxing on a secluded beach, the Similans offer a tranquil escape from the world, where nature’s wonders are on full display.

Insider’s Tip: Book a liveaboard diving trip for an immersive experience in the islands’ underwater world.

How To Get There: The Similan Islands are accessible by boat from Khao Lak or Phuket.

Best Time To Travel: The diving season runs from November to April, with the best conditions from February to April.

12. The Isaan Region

The Isaan region, located in northeastern Thailand, is a land steeped in tradition and history, offering a stark contrast to the country’s more tourist-centric areas. This region is the heartland of Thai culture, where ancient customs and lifestyles are preserved. Isaan’s rural landscapes, dotted with rice paddies and traditional villages, provide a glimpse into a simpler way of life.

The region is also home to some of Thailand’s most significant archaeological sites, including the prehistoric Ban Chiang and the Khmer ruins of Phanom Rung. Isaan’s cuisine, known for its bold flavors and spiciness, is a highlight, with dishes like som tam (spicy papaya salad) and larb (minced meat salad) being local staples

A journey through Isaan is a journey through the soul of Thailand, where the richness of the country’s heritage and the warmth of its people are palpable in every experience.

Insider’s Tip: Try the local dishes like som tam (spicy papaya salad) and larb (minced meat salad) for an authentic taste of Isaan.

How To Get There: Isaan is accessible by bus or train from Bangkok, or by plane to regional airports like Udon Thani.

Best Time To Travel: Visit during the cool season, from November to February, for comfortable travel conditions.

13. Koh Samui

Koh Samui, nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, is a tropical paradise combining natural beauty, luxury, and relaxation. The island is renowned for its idyllic beaches, such as Chaweng and Lamai, which offer crystal-clear waters and powdery white sands. Beyond its stunning coastline, Koh Samui has various attractions, from the majestic Big Buddha statue to the enchanting Na Muang Waterfalls.

The island’s interior is a lush landscape of coconut groves and rainforests, offering opportunities for hiking and exploring. Koh Samui’s culinary scene is a blend of traditional Thai flavors and international cuisine, with a plethora of dining options ranging from beachside shacks to upscale restaurants.

The island’s vibrant nightlife, centered around Chaweng Beach, provides entertainment well into the early hours. Koh Samui caters to all types of travelers seeking a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a luxurious retreat.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the Ang Thong National Marine Park for stunning landscapes and snorkeling opportunities.

How To Get There: Koh Samui has an airport with flights from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and international destinations.

Best Time To Travel: The best time to visit is from December to February, with dry weather and calm seas.

14. Railay Beach

Railay Beach, accessible only by boat, is a hidden gem offering a serene escape from the more crowded tourist spots. This peninsula, known for its stunning limestone cliffs and pristine beaches, is a haven for rock climbers and beachgoers.

The turquoise waters are perfect for swimming and kayaking, while the viewpoints and caves provide opportunities for exploration. Railay maintains a laid-back atmosphere, with a small selection of bars and restaurants, making it an ideal spot for adventure and relaxation in a tranquil setting.

Insider’s Tip: Take a rock climbing course if you’re a beginner to safely enjoy the sport under expert guidance.

How To Get There: Railay Beach is accessible by boat from Ao Nang or Krabi Town.

Best Time To Travel: Visit from November to April when the weather is dry, and the seas are calm.

15. Udon Thani and the Red Lotus Sea

Udon Thani, a vibrant city in Thailand’s northeastern region, is the gateway to the mesmerizing Red Lotus Sea (Lake Nong Han). It’s best visited in the cool season, as it transforms into a breathtaking expanse of pink and red lotuses stretching as far as the eye can see. A boat ride through the serene waters, dotted with these vibrant blooms, offers a truly unique and tranquil experience.

Beyond the lake, Udon Thani boasts a rich cultural heritage, with various temples, museums, and markets reflecting the local Isan culture. The Ban Chiang Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Udon Thani, provides fascinating insights into the region’s ancient history.

This area’s blend of natural beauty and cultural depth makes it a compelling destination for those exploring beyond Thailand’s typical tourist paths.

Insider’s Tip: Visit early in the morning when the lotuses are fully bloomed and the lake is less crowded.

How To Get There: Udon Thani is accessible by plane from Bangkok, and the Red Lotus Sea is a short drive from the city.

Best Time To Travel: The lotuses bloom from December to February, making it the ideal time to visit.

16. The Ancient City of Sukhothai

The ancient city of Sukhothai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a journey back in time to the roots of Thai civilization. As the first capital of Thailand, it holds a special place in the nation’s history. The Sukhothai Historical Park, with its well-preserved ruins set amidst lush greenery and tranquil ponds, offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the 13th-century Sukhothai Kingdom.

Exploring the park, you’ll encounter majestic Buddha figures, towering stupas, and intricate carvings, all evocative of the city’s past splendor. Cycling through the park’s vast grounds allows for an intimate exploration of its numerous sites, including Wat Mahathat, the park’s largest temple, and Wat Si Chum, famous for its gigantic seated Buddha. A visit to Sukhothai immerses ancient Thailand’s artistic and spiritual legacy.

Insider’s Tip: Rent a bicycle to explore the extensive grounds of the historical park at your own pace.

How To Get There: Sukhothai is accessible by bus or plane from Bangkok, and the historical park is a short ride from the city center.

Best Time To Travel: The cool season from November to February offers pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor ruins.

17. The Floating Markets Near Bangkok

The floating markets near Bangkok, such as Damnoen Saduak and Amphawa, offer a vibrant and colorful glimpse into traditional Thai life. These bustling waterways, lined with boats laden with fresh produce, local delicacies, and handicrafts, present a lively and picturesque scene.

A visit to these markets is a sensory experience, with the sights, sounds, and smells of authentic Thai commerce and cuisine. Damnoen Saduak, the most famous of these markets, provides a more tourist-focused experience, while Amphawa offers a more local atmosphere and is primarily known for its evening seafood vendors.

Exploring these floating markets by boat or along the canalside walkways is a unique way to experience the local culture and indulge in some of Thailand’s most delicious foods and charming souvenirs.

Insider’s Tip: Take a boat tour to fully experience the market and try local snacks from the floating vendors.

How To Get There: The floating markets are accessible by bus or organized tours from Bangkok.

Best Time To Travel: Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the heat.

18. Erawan National Park and Waterfalls

Erawan National Park, located in the Kanchanaburi Province, is a natural oasis known for its stunning seven-tiered Erawan Waterfall, named after the three-headed elephant of Hindu mythology. Each tier of the waterfall offers a different shape and character, with natural pools perfect for swimming and relaxation.

The park’s lush forests are home to plentiful wildlife and provide numerous hiking trails for nature enthusiasts. Beyond the waterfalls, the park’s caves, such as Tham Phra That and Tham Ta Duang, offer further exploration opportunities.

Visiting Erawan National Park is a chance to witness one of Thailand’s most beautiful waterfalls and connect with the country’s rich natural landscapes.

Insider’s Tip: Bring swimwear and trek to the upper tiers of the waterfall for a more secluded and serene experience.

How To Get There: The park is located in Kanchanaburi Province and is accessible by bus or car from Bangkok.

Best Time To Travel: Visit from November to April when the water levels are ideal for swimming and the trails are dry.

19. Pattaya

Pattaya, once a quiet fishing village and now a bustling coastal city, is known for its vibrant nightlife, sandy beaches, and many tourist attractions. While Pattaya’s reputation is often tied to its entertainment and nightlife, the city offers much more. The Sanctuary of Truth, a stunning all-wood structure filled with intricate carvings, highlights traditional Thai craftsmanship.

For nature lovers, Pattaya offers the Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden, a beautifully landscaped park with themed gardens and cultural shows. The nearby Coral Island (Koh Larn) provides a quick escape to quieter beaches and clear waters, ideal for snorkeling and water sports. Pattaya’s diverse offerings make it a destination that caters to various interests, from cultural exploration to beachside relaxation.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the Pattaya Floating Market for a cultural experience and to sample local Thai dishes.

How To Get There: Pattaya is a two-hour drive from Bangkok and is also accessible by bus or taxi.

Best Time To Travel: Visit from November to February for pleasant weather and to avoid the rainy season.

20. The Hill Tribes of Northern Thailand

Northern Thailand’s hill tribes offer a unique cultural experience, distinct from the rest of the country. These ethnic groups, including the Karen, Hmong, Akha, and Lisu, each have their own customs, languages, and traditional dress. Visiting these hill tribe villages, often nestled in the picturesque mountains and valleys of the region, provides insight into their traditional ways of life, which remain largely untouched by modernization.

Responsible and respectful tourism is key when visiting these communities. Many villages welcome visitors to learn about their culture, participate in traditional crafts, and even stay overnight for a more immersive experience. Engaging with the hill tribes of Northern Thailand offers a deeper understanding of the country’s ethnic diversity and rich cultural tapestry.

Insider’s Tip: Choose a community-based tourism program that benefits the tribes directly and respects their culture.

How To Get There: Hill tribe villages are accessible from Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, often as part of guided tours.

Best Time To Travel: The cool season, from November to February, is comfortable for visiting the highland areas.

The Bottom Line

Thailand’s magic lies in its diversity – from bustling cities and ancient ruins to serene beaches and lush jungles. As you explore this enchanting country, embrace its history, indulge in its culinary delights, and immerse yourself in its natural beauty. Remember, Thailand offers an experience beyond the ordinary, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.

While exploring Thailand, take the time to learn a few phrases in Thai. A simple “hello” (sawasdee) or “thank you” (khob khun) can go a long way in showing respect for the local culture and enhancing your travel experience.

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The post Discover Thailand: Your Ultimate Guide to 20 Incredible Destinations in 2024 republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Pikoso.kz.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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Decades of Travel Inform This Guide to Southern Thai Cooking

Austin Bush offers a meticulously researched, gorgeously photographed collection of recipes from the region.

By Jessica Carbone

Published on April 18, 2024

This interview is brought to you by the SAVEUR Cookbook Club , our passionate community of food-loving readers from around the globe celebrating our favorite authors and recipes. Join us as we cook through a new book every month, and share your food pics and vids on social media with the hashtags #SAVEURCookbookClub and #EatTheWorld.

As anyone eagerly anticipating season 3 of HBO’s “The White Lotus” knows, Southern Thailand is home to some of the most beautiful white-sand and blue-water beaches, lush rainforests, and breathtaking coral reefs in the world. Its history is just as much a draw for visitors, an opportunity to learn about the collision of several different ethnic and religious groups that shaped the region’s distinct architecture, culture, and cuisine. Yet the foods most tourists encounter in Southern Thailand rarely display the breadth and complexity of the region. To truly understand the beauty and diversity of Southern Thailand, one needs the guidance of a true explorer and documentarian. And you couldn’t ask for a better guide than Austin Bush.

After receiving his degree in linguistics from the University of Oregon, Bush moved to Thailand and began a 20-year love affair with the country, researching, photographing, and writing about its multifaceted history, communities, and food for numerous publications. In his latest book, The Food of Southern Thailand , his photographs capture the beauty of Southern Thailand, and his prose offers up a tribute to the brilliance of Southern Thai home cooks, proprietors, and restaurateurs who shared them with him. As Bush says in his introduction, “The recipes that stem from this process are not mine; rather, they are my effort to capture and share what the people of Southern Thailand cook and eat.” Yet via Bush’s explanations, the stories behind the dishes come fully to life via their locales: the sweet factories of Phuket, the indulgent breakfast menus of Trang, the urban eateries of Hat Yai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and beyond all get their time in the spotlight, as do the skilled farmers and fishermen that secure the signature ingredients of the region.

When I spoke with Bush from his current home in Lisbon, Portugal, it was clear that though his research in Thailand has momentarily concluded, he remains passionate about the chance to tell more stories about the people and dishes he encountered in his travels. Even for those who might only read his book as a travelog, he hopes that it might serve as an invitation to push past the beaches and what he calls the “well-worn ruts of the tourist trail,” and towards a full appreciation of the vibrancy of Southern Thai cuisine and culture.

When you released your first book, The Food of Northern Thailand , in 2018, you were just ahead of the popular interest in regional Thai dishes. What motivated you to turn your attention to the food of Southern Thailand?

As I started the project of the first book, I was already seeing Andy Ricker and his former Pok Pok restaurants helping to make Americans aware of Northern Thai food, and of the regionality of Thai food in general, which was great. And after I did the book on Northern Thailand, I saw that more places were exploring that regionality, both in Thailand and even a bit in the United States, especially Southern Thai. Certainly there is Jitlada in Los Angeles, and in Brooklyn there’s Ugly Baby . In Bangkok, there’s even a restaurant called Sorn that does some Southern Thai food and is one of the hardest places to get into. So it just seemed like it was on the radar. But I knew very little about it—whenever I have free time, I tend to go up north. I'm not really a beach guy, and I’d only gone to a few of the islands. So there was a bit of a blank space in my knowledge of Thai food, and I was compelled to learn more about it.

Talk a bit about your research process as you move from region to region in Thailand.

I wouldn’t really call myself a journalist; I’ve never worked in a newsroom or anything like that. But I use a lot of the same techniques as my journalist friends, and being accurate and asking questions and researching facts is really important to me. I always start by doing research, which sometimes can be as simple as looking stuff up online. There’s a lot of resources, and Thai people are pretty online, especially on Facebook, so that’s where I learn about little regional restaurants and niche recipes, and I use that to get a broad framework of what I’m doing. Then when I travel, I seek out local sources. For example, I might go to a tiny town in Southern Thailand with the idea of one dish, then I’ll start talking to people, and I’ll learn about another dish or ingredient or method of cooking. Sometimes the people I connect with are educators: people who teach at universities or people involved with the cultural side of things, promoting the culture of their community or their province. On a couple occasions I met with people who taught culinary science at local colleges and high schools, and they’re sort of vanguards and protectors of local recipes alongside the local government. Talking to people and asking questions, and always being curious, leads to more things opening up.

If I connect with someone, if someone is willing to show me how to make a dish, I do some research ahead of time. There is a pretty solid selection of cookbooks in Thailand; people do tend to record recipes, and in particular provinces or communities will self-publish cookbooks. These are my favorite souvenirs to buy anywhere in the world—weird, obscure, independently published cookbooks. I have a bunch of regional cookbooks, I go to libraries—I do my homework. I ask a lot of questions, and I’m meticulous about taking notes, video, photographs. And I always hope that the photographs will go into the book, which is another journalistic aspect of it. For many cookbooks, even if people do research in one place, the food photographs are often taken in a studio in London or Los Angeles or New York. But every photo you see in this book was taken in situ , of the actual dishes and places and people; they’re more like food photojournalism. The most manipulation I’ll do is maybe turn a plate or clean up a smear of something, but I wouldn’t even call it food styling. It was a little bit harder in Northern Thailand, where dishes are kind of brown and grilled, and don’t really pop that much, but in Southern Thailand, the dishes are so vibrant and colorful; they just pop.

What do you think the key differences are between the tourist experience of food in Southern Thailand and the person who encounters this region through your book?

The vast majority of foreign tourists who go to Thailand, maybe 75% or more, go to an island or to a beach at some point. The places that they stay tend to be a bit isolated, and they end up eating at the backpacker café or at the resort. Rarely do they get out and eat at an “authentic” local place. It’s a sort of paradox: so many foreigners have been to the south, but I think very few of them have actually eaten food from the south. For example, people who go to a seafood restaurant in the south—both tourists and Thai people—may find that what they’re eating is more Chinese-influenced than anything, where the menu is sort of the same on the island Ko Samui as it would be in Bangkok. Especially in the south, where you have so many options that pull you in different directions, you need a bit of handholding and direction to the local dishes.

You give an exhaustive overview about the history of Southern Thailand, the different kingdoms and moments of conflict emerging over sea trade. What role does that history play in appreciating the cuisine?

To talk about any cuisine, you need to talk about its historical influences and background, even sometimes going back 1,000 years. But in the case of Southern Thailand, I just thought that those foreign influences are so apparent. In my previous book on Northern Thailand, I wrote about how the Thai People likely came from Southern China thousands of years ago, and so they were in Northern Thailand before they moved south. As a result, Northern Thai food is more like the original Thai food, meaning they use more indigenous ingredients and the cooking methods are really simple: soups, grilling, and even raw dishes. You go south, and things become more sophisticated, and you have all these influences. Indian traders brought things 1,000 years ago; ethnic Malay people were there and introduced a ton of things. Then you have influences from the Muslim world, from places like Saudi Arabia or Persia. Most recently, Chinese people came, and they had a huge influence by introducing the wok and ingredients like pork and duck and salted eggs. So you have to touch on those influences.

You also talk about this idea of the borders as being less rigid and much more ephemeral than they would be in other countries. How do you see these culinary exchanges happening across borders and along the coasts as a porous exchange?

It's really apparent in Southern Thailand, and there are two examples of that that come to mind. One is the deep south, which borders Malaysia. There are provinces that are today part of Thailand that were previously part of British Malaysia, and there’s a conflict that results from that—a lot of people today don’t want to be part of Thailand. In many ways these people live Malay lives in Thailand: they’re Muslim; they speak Yawi, a dialect of Malay; they have a different cuisine that is essentially Malay food. But at one point, they were all a colony of England, and then they became part of Thailand only in the 1930s or something like that.

And then the other one is on the Andaman Coast, which is the West coast. A long time ago there were a few places on that—Singapore, Malacca, Penang, Phuket, Trang to name a few—which were called the “Straits Chinese” by the British. These were old trade routes maintained by Chinese traders, and in those cities, today you find Peranakan or Baba Nyonya culture, a mix of Chinese and Southeast Asian language and culture and cooking. The Chinese have had a huge influence on that region, but it’s only in those places that it evolved into this unique form that entails food and dress and all kinds of different things. And even these foreign influences are really diverse. Thailand in general has a huge Chinese influence, but in Bangkok, almost everybody who’s Chinese is from one ethnic group. But down south, you find Cantonese, Hakka, Teochew, Hokkien people, all these groups that basically don’t exist elsewhere in Thailand. And that manifests itself in food as well—you find obscure Chinese dishes, you know, in Hokkien Province, but also in this one town in Southern Thailand as well. So it’s really fascinating to me.

You give a lot of attention throughout the book to the people who work in agriculture in Southern Thailand, those who harvest the coconuts, who prepare the palm sugar, who ferment the shrimp paste, in a very embedded, almost ethnographic way. What role does an understanding of agricultural processes play in your research?

It’s really important to me. For a long time, food culture was obsessed with chefs, and I hope that maybe the next wave will be like people who produce the ingredients. In the case of Southern Thailand, some of the methods people use to produce these foods are so fascinating, especially visually. I’ve watched monkeys gathering coconuts a few times now, and it’s so fascinating to me, and so wacky and cool. And the old men who climb 40 to 50 feet up to pick or tap palm trees for sugar, too, it’s just amazing. Sometimes talking about agriculture producers can be a bit boring, but in cases like these, it looks very cool and it’s very unique.

What do readers need to know about the ingredients and cooking techniques of Southern Thailand to bring these dishes into their home kitchens?

It’s difficult to explain, because a lot of people may not have had these dishes before seeking out these ingredients. I think someone who buys this book probably isn’t expecting a phat thai recipe, even though both of my books have regional phat thai recipes. So I hope that people going into this book aren’t looking for what they know as standard Thai dishes, but maybe something a bit more adventurous, or more obscure in flavor. This is a niche cookbook about a very specific cuisine, and I know not everybody has access to these ingredients. So with this and even with my previous book, my intention was to create something that people could approach for different reasons. Of course there’s recipes, but someone could also sit down and just read this book for its cultural information, as a travelog, to gain perspective. I would also hope that someone who’s been to Southern Thailand might just like it, especially the pictures. But I didn't want to make just a cookbook, because not everybody can get fresh turmeric or mango seeds, so it needs to have different functions.

What I would urge people to do is to try and cook a bit more like Thai people—not to cook by measurements so much, more by taste. Thai dishes have so many elements, and often require many different cooking processes, so Thai cooks are constantly tasting and adjusting seasonings, and are especially attentive to smell. So I try to teach people, via text, to smell things, to taste test as they’re cooking, and to keep adjusting. I may describe a dish as predominantly sour, but if you like sweetness, you can bump that up, or reduce the saltiness. So the instructions I include in this book are more like broad parameters for a dish, and very much subject to preferences. For example, I made one of the dishes from this book in the United States, and I was too rigid about following my own instructions—meaning, I put 10 grams of chiles in the dish as written, and I found it was way too spicy. But then I realized I was using some Mexican chiles, which are really different from Thai chiles, much spicier and not as fragrant, and I hadn’t tasted them first. So I urge people to use the book as a guideline, and to rely on their senses a bit more.

You describe the province of Nakhon Si Thammarat as the home of the quintessential Southern Thai dining experience: the curry stalls. What is your advice for someone tasting their way through the curry stalls?

It’s really fun where there’s no menus to guide you, and you just roll into the place. It’s basically a big counter which can have everything from eight to 28 different dishes. Even for me, who knows a lot about food, I always encounter new things at these places. But I just sort of look, and whatever looks sort of interesting, or whatever I haven’t had before, that’s what I go for. It’s an interesting exercise in Thai ordering, because Thai food is all about balance and contrast. If I ordered, for example, a rich coconut milk curry, I’d want something different to go with it, like a crispy deep-fried dish, or a relatively simple soup. I wouldn’t want three different coconut milk-based curries; no Thai person would order that, they’d want the contrast or difference from dish to dish.

How did you see the many different Muslim foodways of Thailand shaping Southern Thai cuisine?

So in Thailand, about five percent of the population is Muslim, but the community has a huge influence on food. There’s a handful of Muslim dishes, including biryani, roti, and a handful of others that you can get everywhere in the country. But as you go further south, the region becomes really diverse, and almost no one outside of Thailand knows about any of the other dishes. So for me, I felt like I was a culinary explorer. I knew a little bit about Malay food, but there was so much diversity and so many interesting dishes, it was just fascinating. It was my favorite part of the book to research.

I went to one or two iftar feasts, to break the Ramadan fast, and I was expecting a big feast with dishes specific to the iftar. But at the feasts with the family I stayed with in Pattani, the dishes were basically the same as what they often enjoyed. There was one woman who made a fascinating dish of beef cooked in sweet coconut milk—more like a soup than a curry—but otherwise it was just a slightly fancier version of what they ate throughout the year. The special feasts are usually for weddings or religious ceremonies, where someone might slaughter a goat or something else. But for the iftar it was just kind of slightly nicer, more indulgent versions of the stuff that they normally have.

It is challenging to talk about, because in this region, there has been essentially a civil war going on for decades now, and there are some dangerous things happening, with roadblocks and explosions everywhere. As a result, some Thai people in Bangkok and elsewhere have developed a really negative perception of Muslims in the south and associate them with violence, much as some Westerners have. But in my experience, the Muslim Thai I met were so kind and friendly, and by far the most hospitable people I met. To work on these books, I have to get access to people's kitchens, and I have an advantage as a white guy who speaks Thai. People find that kind of charming or curious, or whatever. In the north, I found that people were quite shy and reserved, and so it was a little bit of a struggle to get into people’s homes. But in Southern Thailand, I was blown away by their hospitality and kindness of the Muslim families I met. I would love people to go down and meet them and visit the region, and not just go to the places that foreign tourists already go to.

The food in the countryside, meanwhile, is what you call “inland soul food,” where the ingredients really define the cuisine. What would you say defines Thai country cooking?

In the south, what comes to my mind first is rice, as rice is the most important food in the region, and it’s grown inland. But another example would be the “bitter beans” or “stink beans.” They’re not really farmed, they grow in these wild trees, but they’re the most emblematic Southern Thai ingredients, and certainly in Bangkok people associate them with Southern Thai food. But even in the south, you’re never very far from the ocean, so fish and seafood, whether fresh or preserved, tends to make its way into a lot of dishes.

There are so many different dining encounters in Southern Thailand. What is the range of formality from one dining experience to another?

In general, Thailand is a pretty informal place, especially given how people eat. But the most interesting example were the curry stalls. For example, a curry stall can literally be someone’s house, where they’ve converted the front to function as a “restaurant,” where there may be seats but the owner’s junk is still lying around and there are family portraits on the walls, and their kids are doing homework at a table. Another curry restaurant I went to, by contrast, was a more traditional restaurant kitchen, with people wearing hair nets and boots and a whole setup, so you have that whole spectrum. It's all pretty informal, you know, and both were semi-open air establishments. The fanciest places would be the seafood restaurants I talked to, but honestly, they're not even really that fancy in terms of their amenities. It’s just more expensive, and more Chinese, but they’re still relatively informal.

Do you have any specific recipes in the book that you especially loved working on?

There are so many that are great—I’m heading to the U.S. to promote the book, and I’m preparing the Hat Yai-fried chicken a lot; not just because Americans love fried chicken, but because it’s such a delicious recipe and so distinct from other types of fried chicken. And if you’re willing to use MSG as I suggest, it really is great. But one of the dishes that really stands out to me—maybe not my favorite, but certainly one of the most delicious—is called Plaa Khem Thawt Kathi, and it’s just a fascinating recipe. You chop up salted fish and boil it down in thick coconut milk, and what happens is that the water evaporates from the coconut milk to leave the proteins behind. Then the oil starts to separate and you get to the bottom of the pan, and the proteins in the coconut start to get crispy, and you’re left with these salty, crumbly, rich sort of breadcrumbs at the end. Then you pour off the oil, and then you eat it almost like a dip with herbal sides or spooned over rice. It can be really messy because you may be splattering oil—the woman who taught me how to make it put empty soda bottles up over her sleeves to protect her arms—but it was a perfect example of what makes Southern Thai cooking so special.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

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The 100 Best New Hotels of the Year

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It List 2024: The best new hotels of the year, all visited and reviewed by Travel + Leisure's expert editors and contributors.

Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over the world, having flown, sailed, road tripped, and taken the train countless miles. They've visited small towns and big cities, hidden gems and popular destinations, beaches and mountains, and everything in between. With a breadth of knowledge about destinations around the globe, air travel, cruises, hotels, food and drinks, outdoor adventure, and more, they are able to take their real-world experience and provide readers with tried-and-tested trip ideas, in-depth intel, and inspiration at every point of a journey.

Our annual guide to the most game-changing hotel openings (and reopenings) has taken Travel + Leisure editors and contributors to 39 countries on six continents. We started with a list of more than 200 soon-to-open hotels, and T+L editors and reporters visited nearly 130 of them over the last 12 months. The endeavor brought us to a swish, antiques-filled hot spot in Fort Worth , Texas’s Cultural District; a hideaway that breathes big personality into Spain’s little-known wine region of Priorat; and an all-inclusive ski resort in Hokkaido, Japan , among other intriguing new hotels redefining the destinations around them.

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The full 100, 1 hotel hanalei bay, kauai.

Nina Ruggiero/Travel + Leisure

Once in a while, a hotel lands in a new place feeling like it’s always belonged there. The 1 Hotels brand and the Hawaiian island of Kauai were destined to be a match: They share a dedication to sustainability and a reputation for lush greenery. When 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay opened its doors in February 2023, the first thing locals and returning visitors noticed was that unlike its predecessor, the stark-white St. Regis Princeville, it didn’t stand out. On Kauai, that’s a good thing. A khaki-green exterior, rooftop gardens, and a host of endemic plants mean the hotel blends into its surrounding hills, leading all eyes straight to Hanalei Bay. And the bay is well deserving of the spotlight: as if its clear, swimmable waters weren’t enough, the skyline is dominated by the peaks of Mount Makana — also known as Bali Hai, the start of the otherworldly Na Pali coast — and the vibrant rainbows that appear in the sky almost daily. From the ocean-facing rooms and open-air restaurants to the pool with a view, everything at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is built for enjoying this incredible backdrop, blurring the lines between indoors and out. The Bamford Wellness Spa is focused on Hawaiian plant medicine, with personalized facials and massages that make use of local scrubs and honeys. The spa also offers sensory stimulation like hyperbaric oxygen therapy and a zero-gravity float chamber. The new Within Wellbeing program, a first for the 1 Hotels portfolio, curates four- and seven-night retreats focused on personal growth, longevity, balance, nutrition, and more. The 8,000-square-foot Anatomy gym offers personal training and fitness classes daily, and the signature restaurant, 1 Kitchen , serves organic vegetables grown on site, sustainably and locally caught seafood, and biodynamic wines. The hotel makes a concerted effort to support Hawaiian businesses, from the designers in its boutique and the juices and coffee at Neighbors , its all-day café, to its partnerships with nearby farms, surf schools , guides, and nonprofits including the Kauai Humane Society . From $1,200/night. Accessible hotel. — Nina Ruggiero

21c Museum Hotel St. Louis

Courtesy of 21c Museum Hotels

Opening in August 2023 with the not-so-hidden agenda to breathe new life into one of St. Louis’s most historic neighborhoods, this 173-room property — Missouri’s second 21c Museum Hotel — has proven that it is indeed fun to stay at a YMCA. Before the renovated, 10-story neo-Renaissance building found a second life as a hotel, it housed the downtown St. Louis chapter of the YMCA for nearly a century. Today, instead of luring guests with team sports and weight rooms, this Locust Street location does so with art exhibitions, culinary extravagances, and well-curated guest rooms. The building’s Wes Anderson–esque facade was renovated by the preservation pros at Perfido Weiskopf Wagstaff + Goettel , while Bill Rooney Studio reimagined the guest rooms and architecture firm Hufft designed the public spaces. True to the brand’s ethos, the hotel only showcases art from the 21st century, each piece hanging from an unexpected place, like on the walls lining the YMCA’s former basketball court — gloss floors, suspended running track, and all. Altogether, there is more than 14,000 square feet of art exhibition space, all designed to double as event space hosting community activities like altruistic happy hours supporting a different local nonprofit each month. Even the hotel rooms act as mini galleries, featuring unconventional layouts and exclusive artwork from artists with strong ties to Missouri, like Carmon Colangelo. Designers brought in custom Rookwood Pottery tiles to replicate the historic inlays of the basement fitness and swim club, where the phrase “Swim for Life” is still etched on the pool floor, preserving a piece of YMCA history. In contrast, new culinary additions bring a fresh appeal to the hotel — I loved the Northwest Coffee at Good Press cafe and the playful, Spanish-style tapas and cocktails at Idol Wolf restaurant. From $161/night. Accessible hotel. — Kristy Alpert

Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel, Italy

Housed in a 13th-century Capuchin convent, Anantara Convento di Amalfi 's church has been meticulously maintained, as have its Arab-Norman cloisters, where a Franciscan friar leads walking meditations and luxury wedding ceremonies between the cliffs and the sea. Inside, convent benches still line simple, dimly lit halls, inspiring quiet moments of contemplation, though the bougainvillea-draped exterior corridors are just as appealing. Convento is built high into a cliff overlooking one of the most beautiful sections of the Amalfi Coast, serving a sparkling blue view that’s best enjoyed by day from the infinity pool or a table at La Locanda della Canonica , where pizza by legendary Neapolitan pizzaiolo Gino Sorbillo is plated on colorful ceramics. By night, yachts light the dark waters below, adding to the romance of fine-dining restaurant Dei Cappuccini , where chef Claudio Lanuto creates tasting menus using fresh seafood and vegetables from the on-site monks’ garden. The sea is also on display from the outdoor gym and each of the 52 beige-and-white rooms and suites — where reflections of the sapphire Mediterranean offer the only pop of color, save for bowls of bright yellow Amalfi lemons. The only exception is the Suite del Priore (formerly home to the convent prior), with a ceiling covered in preserved frescoes above the four-poster bed. The serene neutral color palette extends to the spa , which includes a hammam and uses Valmont skin care products. Amalfi’s town center is a short walk away, and the hotel arranges some of the area’s most breathtaking excursions , from private sunset cruises and scenic hikes to helicopter tours. From $1,401/night. Accessible hotel. — Nina Ruggiero

Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas, Thailand

Courtesy of Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas

The 40-minute speedboat ride from Phuket to the new Anantara Koh Yao Yai brought me to a secluded property in the middle of Phang Nga Bay. The 27-acre paradise sits on a quiet, powdery stretch of sand shared only with elusive hornbills and macaques. Built from the ground up, Anantara Koh Yao Yai’s 148 rooms are spread across a handful of buildings: two-story penthouses and cozy villas, all featuring private plunge pools, plus family-friendly suites outfitted with darling bunk beds and slides. A minimalist design runs through every butler-serviced room: sleek wood paneling, woven headboards, marble baths with soaking tubs, and copious amounts of light pouring in through floor-to-ceiling balcony doors. The same aesthetic carries over to the 10,00-square-foot spa with a hammam as well as the resort’s main, silver gray–tiled infinity pool overlooking the water. The indoor-outdoor Beach Restaurant serves an ambitious international menu — sushi, pastas, and much more — which excels thanks to fresh, local ingredients. For a more hands-on culinary experience, I tried a cooking class at the on-site Spice Spoons culinary school and learned to make green curry, pad Thai, and mango sticky rice with an expert chef. From $750/night. — Tanvi Chheda

andBeyond Punakha Valley, Bhutan

Chris Schalkx

Luxury safari operator andBeyond’s first property outside Africa and South America, andBeyond Punakha River Lodge is a game-changer for Bhutan. After locating a lush plot of land along the roaring Mo River in the Punakha Valley, the company worked with Fox Browne Creative, known for its high-end African safari camps, to bring the vision to life. The lodge’s eight suites meld the brand’s signature safari-style tents with Bhutanese details such as ornate timber frames, shingled roofs, and kaleidoscopic textiles (woven by Renew, a nonprofit dedicated to women’s empowerment). Bathrooms open onto outdoor showers and have skylights above the soaking tubs, making them perfect for stargazing. The spa features herbal hot-stone baths and poolside loungers with views of the Himalayas. Adventure seekers can opt for bike rides in the mountains and whitewater rafting, complete with elaborate picnics. The lodge also offers guided tours to the gold-trimmed Punakha Dzong, one of the country’s oldest fortresses, and jungle hikes to frozen-in-time villages. From $890/night, all-inclusive. Accessible hotel. — Chris Schalkx

Angama Amboseli, Kimana, Kenya

Emli Bendixen

In the south of Kenya, everybody looks for elephants, but it’s the birds you notice first: lilac-breasted rollers, grey-crowned cranes, turacos, kingfishers, and hornbills. The wildlife is as varied and eye-catching as the landscape, which is dominated by the spectacular Mount Kilimanjaro. No wonder high-end safari operator Angama chose this spot for its new lodge , a follow-up to the game-changing Angama Mara, which opened in 2015. The new property, with its 10 spacious suites, sits in the private Kimana Sanctuary, a 5,700-acre tract filled with wildlife, including antelope, buffalo, elephants, giraffes, impalas, and warthogs. With an infinity pool, excellent farm-to-fork cuisine, and a bar lounge, Angama Amboseli makes for a plush home base for forays into Amboseli National Park. From $1,650 per person, all-inclusive.​ Accessible hotel. — Paul Brady

Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection, Fort Worth, Texas

Denny Lee/Travel + Leisure

Arriving at Bowie House on a Friday night, I was surrounded by fun-loving Texans in cowboy hats and fur vests leaving their Rivian SUVs with the valet. They walked through the art- and antiques-filled lobby, richly adorned with Texas longhorns, cowhide-upholstered club chairs, wool rugs, and a riot of horse-themed objects: paintings, statues, photographs, saddles. The wood-paneled bar overflowed with elegantly dressed women laughing over bottles of wine; older couples slurping down oysters by the fireplace, families carving into steaks in the Bricks & Horses restaurant, and young professionals perusing the impressive art (all collected by the hotel’s charismatic owner, Dallas businesswoman Jo Ellard). The equestrian theme continues upstairs in the 88 rooms, each of which is furnished with comforting touches like bar carts, art books, woven leather headboards, and dimmable lighting. Of course it’s no accident that the hotel is practically next door to the Will Rogers Memorial Center, a premiere venue for horse competitions and livestock shows. (When I visited, there was a stock show and rodeo going on.) Now those riders, cowboys, and cowgirls have a place to hang out, in all their western finery. From $609/night. Accessible hotel. — Denny Lee

Broadwick Soho, London

Courtesy of Broadwick Soho

Broadwick Soho ’s mishmash of florid patterns and bold colors make it hard not to fall for this endearingly eccentric London property. Its aesthetic has proven to be catnip to the artists and actors who’ve always patronized Soho, central London’s most louche and creative district. At the ground-floor reception, finished in pretty pinks, big-bucks artworks by Bridget Riley and Francis Bacon are displayed without fanfare. Truth is, they’re easily missed in the midst of so much aesthetic flamboyance. Look out for drinks cabinets secreted within adorable brass elephants, handcrafted by Jaipuri artisans; pretty illustrated countertops specially made in Positano, Italy; and a glitzy mirrored cabinet in The Nook, a residents-only lounge where hotel guests can peruse a British-inflected record collection including classics from Sade and The Rolling Stones. There are opportunities to mingle with locals at rooftop bar Flute, where the gorgeous, golden onyx-topped bar counter is offset by some good-humored kitsch: animal-print fabrics, cork-clad walls, palm-print carpets. This might be a lighthearted spot, but they take cocktails seriously; a bartender educated me on Soho’s long standing as a center of mixology before presenting me with a perfect paloma, and the atmospheric city views from the terrace make this a top spot for date nights. Named for the owner’s mother, dimly lit basement restaurant Dear Jackie is more discreet and feels fun and indulgent — my rich, punchy puttanesca pasta was delicious and a good value at less than $20. Sated on all the delights of Soho, within and beyond the hotel, guests can retire to one of 57 comfy, characterful rooms finished in soft pastels, distinguished with unique artworks, and generously stocked with toiletries by chic Sicilian outfit Ortigia. From $753/night. Accessible hotel. — John O'Ceallaigh

Bulgari Hotel Tokyo

Courtesy of Bulgari Hotels & Resorts

“We bring the art of Italian living wherever we go,” Silvio Ursini, executive vice president of Bulgari Hotels & Resorts , told me at the opening of the Bulgari Hotel Tokyo . The 98-room property, which occupies the top five floors of the 45-story Tokyo Midtown Yaesu tower, is the eighth in Bulgari’s small, luxurious portfolio (a ninth, in Rome, opened in June). It feels like a Roman holiday in Japan — where both arigato gozaimasu and grazie mille are completely acceptable ways to thank someone for a glass of Champagne. Guests can choose from an Italian restaurant helmed by Niko Romito, an acclaimed chef born and raised in Italy, or an eight-seat omakase counter from chef Kenji Gyoten, known for his Michelin three-starred restaurant in Fukuoka, Japan. The hotel’s design is a pastiche of Japanese artistry. In my room, the ceilings were hand-painted with five layers of gold paint by local craftspeople and were second only to the alluring black granite bathtub. My favorite Italian design piece was the one I visited each morning, when I would take the elevator to the 40th-floor, and plunge into the spa’s 15,000-square-foot pool. Its floor is breathtaking, made of mosaic tile and Venetian glass in an entrancing shade of green that glimmers gold when natural light shines through the water. From $1,700/night. Accessible hotel. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

Cap Karoso, Sumba, Indonesia 

Frédéric Lagrange

Nothing builds anticipation like a 45-minute drive between corn fields and the sapphire Indian Ocean, on a road lined with flora so lush vines spill onto the pavement. It wouldn’t have taken much to enchant me after that trip, but the welcome I received at Cap Karoso , a 15-acre beachfront resort on an undeveloped island east of Bali, still managed to overdeliver. The staff greeted me by name and handed me an indigo ceramic cup containing a heavenly hibiscus-coconut elixir: precisely the type of off-the-grid charm that makes this 47-room, 20-villa property so singular. The food and drink from the Beach Club restaurant and Apicine Bar were flavored with local ingredients — think papaya spritzes and handmade gnocchi with Sumba cashew foam, courtesy of executive chef Antoine LeVacon and consulting mixology maestro Nico de Soto. The guest chef–only restaurant Julang stimulated my tastebuds with dishes like king prawn with asparagus, cardamom foam, and ponzu sauce courtesy of Tokyo-born chef Katsuaki Okiyama, the guest chef during my stay. This is a place well equipped for downtime, thanks to the Malala Spa, which uses healing herbs and rituals for its treatments, and has two picturesque pools, sunlit accommodations with generous bathtubs, and commissioned artwork that plays on motifs from ancient Sumbanese culture. Nearby, traditional Marapu villages, crystalline lagoons, and surf breaks are also ripe for exploration. Fiery sunsets mesmerized me from the beach, where at low tide locals fished for their dinners, but nothing captivated me quite like my interactions with the predominantly Sumbanese staff, who are overwhelmingly warm. From $300/night. — Kathryn Romeyn

Capella Sydney

Samantha Falawée/Travel + Leisure

When Capella Sydney opened in March 2023, the news created a buzz. That might have been because it was Sydney ’s first luxury hotel to open in almost a decade — and is housed in a handsome, early 1900s building in the heart of the city that once held Australia’s Lands and Education offices. Or it may have been because it was the first property outside of Asia from the Singapore-based Capella Hotels & Resorts, which was voted the No. 1 hotel brand by readers in last year’s World’s Best Awards. Walking into the lobby entrance, I passed four multimedia pieces by aboriginal artist Judy Watson that depict motifs of the Indigenous Eora, the original inhabitants of the land on which Sydney now stands. Hanging from the ceiling of Aperture, the indoor courtyard-garden area serving finger sandwiches and afternoon tea, is a mesmerizing, flower-like light installation by Dutch duo Drift — the only other one like it is housed in the permanent collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam . In the hotel’s 192 rooms, dramatic black steel window frames and soothing dove-gray marble blend unobtrusively with a warm, neutral palette. Brasserie 1930 has a modern but cozy atmosphere. My eggs Benedict, served on a fluffy crumpet with truffle hollandaise, sautéed kale, and smoked Berkshire ham, was so delicate and delicious, I ordered it every morning of my stay. In the evening, I headed to the McRae Bar to try craft cocktails inspired by popular drinks of the late 1800s to early 1900s – and was  surprised to come across a local “Culturist,” a rotating cast of local experts from mixologists to magician Harry Milas , who delighted me, along with a handful of guests, with a sleight-of-hand show. The hotel is located within walking distance to the city’s Royal Botanic Garden, the ferry and train stations at Circular Quay Wharf, and the Sydney Opera House. After a day spent sightseeing, I headed to Auriga Spa on the sixth floor. Swimming in the 66-foot heated pool, under a glass ceiling flooded with sunlight, was the perfect relaxing moment. From $650/night. Accessible hotel. — Samantha Falewée

Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel, France

Courtesy of Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel

As I opened the door to my beachfront room at the Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel , I was greeted by a perfectly framed view of a lone yacht perched on a lightly rippled Mediterranean Sea. The scene was so quintessentially Côte d’Azur that it felt scripted just for my arrival. Considering this property’s silver-screen credentials, maybe it’s not so far-fetched a thought. The address of choice for Hollywood’s A-list since the first Cannes Film Festival in 1946, the Carlton, like the most-loved cinema hits, was due for a modern remake. After a two-year closure, La Grande Dame, as the hotel is known along La Croisette, has emerged with a new swagger, whether that’s from the false ceilings pulled away to reveal hidden frescoes in the lobby; a refreshed dining scene that includes Rüya, the French Riviera’s first Anatolian restaurant; or the rooms, smartly restyled in soft grays, light pinks, and off-whites. The color palette was deliberately chosen by designer Tristan Auer to showcase the region’s famous light as it streams through the bay windows. With its heritage-listed belle époque facade relatively untouched, the hotel’s biggest change is felt on the side facing away from the sea. Gone is an unsightly car park, replaced by two expansive wings split into a clutch of exclusive branded residences and an immense 10,770-square-foot penthouse. Tucked inside this new horseshoe form is a tranquil garden, Cannes’ largest infinity pool, and enough space to fit an ice rink come winter. From $550/night. Accessible hotel. — Chrissie McClatchie

Casa Pestagua, Cartagena, Colombia

Kiko Kairuz/Courtesy of Casa Pestagua

Thanks to a $15 million renovation, one of Cartagena’s most beautiful colonial mansions now shines as a 16-room boutique hotel, Casa Pestagua . The 18th-century facade blends seamlessly into the charming squares, cobblestoned streets, and colorful buildings of the historic Old City, and inside, guests enjoy amenities that include a bar and a gym. AniMare, the restaurant, serves both traditional dishes like ceviches and seafood cazuela — a stew made with coconut milk and vegetables — and more contemporary offerings like açaí bowls. For guests in need of a break from the city, the hotel offers day trips to Barú Island; you can even stay overnight in one of six beachfront bungalows (exclusive to guests of Casa Pestagua and its sibling property Casa San Agustín) for an additional cost. From $500/night. ​ — Susmita Baral

Cayo Levantado Resort, Dominican Republic 

Courtesy of Cayo Levantado

As the only resort occupying the palm-fringed Cayo Levantado island off the coast of Samana Bay, this luxury all-inclusive wellness property, which opened its doors in the summer of 2023, whisks guests away to a serene world that blends ancient traditions with modern practices. Travelers get a sense of what’s to come as soon as the resort’s private boat approaches the island’s Victorian-inspired dock, where turquoise waters backed by lush tropical greenery conceal 218 spacious guest rooms, suites, and villas with private plunge pools and patios. Dominican architect Ramón Emilio Jiménez has done a spectacular job of introducing a sense of place by incorporating local materials and handmade decor like palm leaf-shaped sconces and Guayacán wood trays. However, the highlight of Cayo Levantado is the wellness experiences, which are organized around four “paths”: refresh, restore, relax, and renew. For each, guests can choose from a long list of activities such as breathwork classes, yoga, sound baths, Tibetan singing bowl meditation sessions, cold plunges, and even a Shamanic cleansing ceremony — many of which take place in the resort’s open-air wellness center. 

Nutrition is also an important part of any stay. Some of my favorite meals were at the resort’s Santa Yuca restaurant. This idyllic open-air space serves healthy dishes, like a fantastic grilled watermelon salad with avocado cream sauce, prepared with ingredients that literally grow right next to the tables. From $450 per person per night, all-inclusive. — Dobrina Zhekova

Château des Fleurs, Paris

Mr. Tripper/Courtesy of Château des Fleurs

The family-run Vivre-Les Maisons Bertrand group has been having quite the opening season in the Triangle d’Or section of Paris’s eighth arrondissement with the debut of Château des Fleurs , a boutique escape just off the Champs-Élysées. Designed by Barcelona firm Quintana Partners, the 37-room hotel is a highly designed flurry of custom flourishes, from the Gaudí-inspired doors to the elegantly sculpted wooden gym equipment to the ebullient motif of carved wooden balls that pops up throughout the lobby, evocative of the bubbles in the glass of Champagne that greets guests staying in a suite. With hammam-style showers and a railway-style dressing area, tufted velvet sofas and a claw-foot tub within feet of the bed, the Belle Époque sanctuaries can be hard to leave. What feels most 21st-century about this 1910 hotel is that the lobby bar and snug micro-restaurant, Oma, which means “mother” in Korean, is as much a meeting space for guests and city residents as it is for pulling out a laptop to work. From $490/night. Accessible hotel. — Christine Muhlke

Club Med Kiroro Grand, Hokkaido, Japan 

Lydia Price/Travel + Leisure

With its new property in Japan, Club Med has achieved an enormous feat: making it easy for families to take a far-flung international ski trip. The brand’s latest all-inclusive resort, Club Med Kiroro Grand , is on the northern island of Hokkaido, where heaps of fluffy snow are blown in on Siberian winds. The towering 266-room property immerses guests in an enchanted forest. You’ll find giant sculptures of woodland creatures, mushroom-shaped light fixtures, and foliage-covered ceilings in the sprawling complex, which includes an indoor pool, a kids’ campus, and a spa. My favorite amenity was the outdoor onsen, where I soaked in mineral-rich spring water every afternoon. The main dining hall serves a diverse spread of comfort food designed to please the broad range of nationalities staying at the resort. Dishes included bulgogi, pad see ew, and roasted chicken with mashed potatoes — all freshly made by Kiroro’s chefs and bursting with layers of flavor. Apart from the multicultural buffets, the resort houses three specialty restaurants. My eight-course sushi feast at Ebisu was a masterpiece made almost exclusively from local ingredients. Not to be outdone, barbecue restaurant Kaen served the most succulent Wagyu beef I’ve ever tasted, with other Hokkaido-sourced produce like scallops, pork, and salmon on the guest-manned grills. And at the lively Ogon, I took a crash course in making my own Japanese hot pot. All three restaurants are mere steps away from the lobby doors; in fact, everything at Kiroro Grand is less than a 10-minute walk away from the guest rooms, making long treks schlepping skis and disgruntled children a thing of the past. From $2,250 per person for seven nights. Accessible hotel. — Lydia Price

Como Le Montrachet, Burgundy, France 

Courtesy of COMO Hotels and Resorts

Though new to the scene, Como Le Montrachet — the luxury hospitality group’s first venture in France — is quickly becoming a go-to for local and visiting Burgundophiles alike. At the head of Puligny-Montrachet’s sleepy town square, this breezy inn combines contemporary design with its sturdy, rustic, 19th-century bones, and even in its infancy drew a consistent crowd for dinner at adjoining restaurant Le Montrachet. The wine selection is, of course, world-class — it’s never difficult to find great wines when in France (especially in Burgundy), but the Le Montrachet team truly takes the selection and service to the next level in its quest to highlight the region’s best at a variety of price points. Apart from a few local winery visits (a must), my time spent here revolved around the seasonally driven menu and its accompanying pours, each with a sommelier’s anecdote or two. And I’d be remiss to not call out the cheese cart, which could easily be considered life-changing, although certainly not for the faint of heart. Accessible from Paris, Dijon, Lyon, and nearby Beaune, Como Le Montrachet is an epicure’s sanctuary, and an unpretentious one at that (you certainly don’t need to be a wine expert to feel welcomed here). And in true Como fashion, each of the hotel’s common areas and guest rooms are directly inspired by the surrounding environment — a theme that defines Le Montrachet’s culinary program in a holistic harnessing of terroir. From $377/night. Accessible hotel. — Céline Bossart

Como Metropolitan Singapore

Last September, the Singapore-based Como group unveiled Como Metropolitan Singapore , the brand’s first hotel in its home country. Located on Orchard Road — the city-state’s famed shopping and lifestyle hub — the hotel is part of Como Orchard, an immersive experience spread over 19 floors, which showcases the group’s strengths in hospitality, wellness, fashion and cuisine. Designed by Atelier Ikebuchi and Milan-based Otto Studio, the interiors feature clean lines, contemporary aesthetics, and furniture from noted Italian brand Giorgetti. A bonsai tree marks its discreet entrance, while the lobby features a huge LED display of flowers by artist Thomas Hilland and locally sourced coffees served by Bruno, the robot barista. The 156 rooms are full of thoughtful touches, such as amenities from wellness brand Como Shambhala, butler hatches, and refillable water bottles. A newly launched Sleep Dreams package encourages deep relaxation in your room using a device that plays low-frequency sound waves. Como Shambhala offers yoga, pilates, a 1,500-square-foot gym, and innovative treatments like hot and cold immersion therapies. (I tried the Oxygen Therapy, which involved destressing in a lightly pressurized hyperbaric device.) International dining concepts like Cedric Grolet Singapore and Cote Singapore draw both travelers and locals to the property; the former serves Grolet’s exquisite fruit and flower-shaped pastries, sandwiches, and teas. Cote Singapore — the Michelin-starred U.S. restaurant’s first international outpost–blends American steak preparations with Korean BBQ, offering top-quality beef cuts and a lively, clubby atmosphere best described as “sexy Yakuza den.” From $300/night. Accessible hotel. — Shamilee Vellu

Curtain Bluff, Antigua

Courtesy of Curtain Bluff

Tucked away on Antigua’s southwest end, this 72-room property recently unveiled a multimillion-dollar renovation that combines old-school elegance with modern flair. It’s evident in the details: the rattan chairs from the ‘80s that have been re-lacquered; the classic turquoise and green bedding now juxtaposed with contemporary tiling. This delicate dance between welcoming the new and continuing the legacy of late founders Howard and Chelle Hulford is what makes Curtain Bluff one of the most coveted resorts in Antigua. The resort’s new two-story, state-of-the-art wellness center is a hideaway, complete with an infinity pool overlooking the ocean, an expanded fitness center, and a yoga pavilion. After your massage, retreat to the upper balcony to take a dip in the cliffside Jacuzzi. The resort’s most popular suites have been outfitted with marble soaking tubs and large walk-in showers that leave you feeling energized and ready for the day. Guests will still find all the familiar amenities that make Curtain Bluff so special: four full-size tennis courts, delicious Caribbean-French dishes at restaurants Sea Grape and Tamarind, and a host of sports and water activities for families. Be sure to carve out time to sample the resort’s international wine cellar during a tasting with head sommelier Glouster St. Ville. From $1,850/night. Accessible hotel. — Jasmine Grant

Dawn Ranch, Sonoma County, California

Maya Kachroo-Levine/Travel + Leisure

The spicy, amber-rich scent of cedar greeted me before I saw the wooden cabins at Dawn Ranch , which form a horseshoe around a grassy lawn dotted with cornhole boards and a giant Connect 4 set. The whimsy of this redwood-shaded hideaway from the hospitality group behind Marram Montauk reflects the carefree energy of Guerneville, a town on the Russian River. The 87 accommodations include seasonal glamping tents, but I opted for a cottage, which had a double-sided fireplace lined with green tile. The property has its own dock on the river and is just 14 miles from both Healdsburg’s posh wineries and the Pacific coast. Guests can also borrow bikes for a quick jaunt to the famed 1,400-year-old Colonel Armstrong redwood. Don’t let the allure of Sonoma fine dining pull you away from the Ranch’s restaurant: helmed by two Argentine chefs, it has South American undertones, with dishes like yellowfin tiradito at dinner and Paraguayan chiapas , a gluten-free cheesy bread, for breakfast. From $450/night.​ Accessible hotel. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

Eliamos Villas Hotel & Spa, Kefalonia, Greece

Courtesy of Eliamos Villas Hotel & Spa

Covertly nestled on a cypress-clad hillside on Kefalonia island, this unpretentious, all-villa hotel in a profoundly soothing setting is a rare find on Greece’s Ionian Sea. Eliamos Villas Hotel & Spa was born out of a love for the sprawling, fertile isle shared by London-based interior architect and designer Maike Gruna and her Greek-Australian husband with Kefalonian roots. Gruna crafted 12 minimalist, honey-hued stone villas that meld inconspicuously with surrounding olive groves. The three-bedroom sea-view villa, framed by beamed timber ceilings and dressed in neutral tones, stands out as Eliamos’ premium offering — expansive terrace included. En suite bathrooms feature walk-in showers, matte earthenware sinks, and soul-grounding pale gray concrete floors. Beside Villa 103’s private saltwater infinity pool, I sunk into a plush sunbed and tuned into soporific island time as distant sailboats floated on electric, indigo waters. At the exceptional alfresco restaurant, chef Sokratis Maligkanis turns out creative, seasonal Mediterranean comfort fare amid a riot of pink and violet wildflowers and aromatic herbs like sage and rosemary. He sources hyperlocal raw materials like forest mushrooms foraged from looming Mount Ainos for luscious risotto. Ripe summer peaches are marinated and laced with extra-virgin olive oil, making for a sweet alternative to classic tomato salad. Foodies, take note — only guests can dine here. For the fitness-minded, there’s a communal lap pool and an all-wood outdoor gym where yoga classes are also held. Hop on a complimentary e-bike to explore nearby beaches or rent a motorboat and reach isolated coves. To completely unwind, book an in-villa massage or reflexology treatment. From $700/night. — Helen Iatrou

Estelle Manor, Oxfordshire, England

Courtesy of Estelle Manor

Don’t let the stately Jacobean facade fool you: There’s nothing stuffy about Estelle Manor , a 60-acre estate in the green pastures of Oxfordshire, about an hour northwest of central London. A country offshoot of the U.K. capital’s private club Maison Estelle, the resort is all Roaring Twenties, devil-may-care razzle-dazzle. It all feels cinematic and delightfully British, including the way the house car — a Land Rover, naturally — clatters over the pebbles of the tree-lined drive and the cheery apricot glow of the fire that seems to flicker in sync with the DJ. The 108 guest rooms are outfitted in a flamboyantly aristocratic style: tasseled pillows, faded kilim fabrics, four-poster beds, and lacquered mini-bars crammed with everything from elderflower kombucha to collagen eye patches. Amenities include a gym, a co-working space, a chic boutique, and three good restaurants: the Billiards Room, a buzzy Chinese venue; the Glasshouse, which serves heritage vegetables and Cotswolds chicken; and the Brasserie, with seasonal favorites like Oxford-cheddar soufflé and Alaskan king crab. From $500/night. Accessible hotel. ​— Nicole Trilivas

Explora Journeys’ Explora I

Paul Brady/Travel + Leisure

It’s not every day a new cruise line arrives. The debut of the remarkable Explora I was a moment years in the making for Explora Journeys , the upstart luxury operator that aims to bring a European sensibility to the world of vacations at sea. So far, the project is a smashing success, thanks to the ship’s low-key vibe, standout food and beverage, and intriguing itineraries that visit in-demand ports in Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Caribbean. My own August 2023 trip on Explora I , from Copenhagen to Hamburg, Germany, included fulfilling visits to places such as Oslo and the town of Stavanger, Norway, a gateway to adventurous hiking with a postcard-perfect Old Town. The ship itself was also a destination, with its abundance of outdoor space — including an alfresco fitness center — and pools at seemingly every turn. The 461 suites, all of them with balconies, are filled with luxurious touches such as Frette linens and robes, heated marble floors, and Dyson hair dryers. But Explora I truly shines when it comes to food: During the week I was aboard, it was impossible to find a bad meal — and I was often astonished at the quality of, in particular, the pasta served in the Emporium Marketplace and the sushi on offer at Sakura, two of the nine restaurants aboard. The most ambitious of them all is Anthology, a rotating-chef concept that has seen a residency from seafood whiz Mario Ulaissi, known for his Michelin three-starred restaurant on Italy's Adriatic coast, and that recently welcomed Emma Bengtsson, from Aquavit , in New York City. Much has been made of Explora I ’s Rolex boutique — the first on any cruise ship — but for my money, the other shops on board were more interesting: the company has tapped family-owned businesses around the world to create capsule collections of resort wear, handbags, fragrances, sunglasses, and beautiful gifts that can’t be found elsewhere. From $2,050 per person for a six-day sailing. Accessible ship. — Paul Brady

Faraway Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts 

Elizabeth Rhodes/Travel + Leisure

Martha’s Vineyard — with its golden beaches, illuminated lighthouses, seafood shacks, and periwinkle hydrangea bushes — is the prototype for a classic New England summer escape. And while structured navy stripes and fish paintings have their place, Faraway Martha’s Vineyard trades the old-school nautical aesthetic found throughout the Vineyard for something breezy, refined, and whimsical. Owner Blue Flag Partners and design firm Workshop/APD transformed the Vineyard’s beloved old Kelley House and its surrounding buildings into the second Faraway location (the first opened on Nantucket in 2021). Bohemian influences from the 1960s and ‘70s are felt throughout the 58 guest rooms and suites — which range from standard rooms in Kelley House to two-bedroom suites in the adjacent houses — and in the lobby, with ceiling-high bookshelves adorned with bursts of jewel-toned florals and black-and-white tapestries. I was one of the first to check into the totally reimagined Edgartown hotel in July, prime time for a seaside stroll and a lobster roll — both of which I found just a short walk from the hotel’s central location. The hotel’s restaurants honor the location’s historic roots with a fresh take: The Newes From America, an Edgartown institution that actually predates the hotel by a few centuries, serves classic pub fare, while the lush outdoor Pelican Club offers tropical cocktails and delicious sushi (I ordered The Pelican maki roll and the spicy tuna crispy rice). At the center of the property sits a new pool lined with loungers and cabanas, a large hot tub, and a fitness center. From $695/night. Accessible hotel. — Elizabeth Rhodes

Fontainebleau Las Vegas 

Connie Zhou/Courtesy of Fontainebleau Las Vegas

Since Fontainebleau Las Vegas was first announced in 2005, there has been an infusion of more than $3.7 billion into this 67-story resort. And after walking through its cantilevered porte-cochere, I can say, as a Vegas local, that it’s been worth the wait. Beyond the lobby is an impressive art collection including a 46-foot sculpture by Urs Fischer and paintings by Richard Prince. The design, curated by the resort’s creative director Peter Arnell and executive vice president of design John Rawlins, feels cohesive, especially with a six-acre pool deck that boasts every aquatic feature imaginable, from serenity pools to full on bacchanals. The nearby spa features a performance sauna where professional dancers use choreographed towel flicks to warm the guests, and the massive co-ed thermal area is the city’s largest, with hydrotherapy pools, cold plunges, a snow shower, a salt-mist cave, and an herbal inhalation room. Rooms start at a generous 488 square feet and feature striking views of the Strip and Las Vegas Valley; I particularly loved the massive sunken tub in my Royal Suite. There are 36 restaurants and bars: my favorites included Kyu (an Asian-inspired, wood-fired BBQ) where the nam prik –sauced kale chips and wagyu tartare mixed with brûléed bone marrow was a revelation; Papi Steak, serving some of the city’s best prime selects; and Ito, where booking one of the 12 seats at the swank omakase counter affords access to the resort’s super-exclusive members’ club, the Poodle Room, before and after dinner. For more convivial pursuits, visit the on-site outpost of white-hot Miami nightclub Liv and Liv Beach. From $300/night. Accessible hotel. — David Morris

Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica

Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

The Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo , originally opened in 2004, got a major update that finished at the end of 2023, including an expanded kids’ club, a reimagined, adults-only, infinity-edge pool with cabanas and chairs for rental, and a spectacular beach club. I was particularly fond of the new Virador Beach Club , which invites you in with its neutral palette and amazing Mediterranean eats. (The labneh and moussaka were two of my favorite noshes, but the whole menu, orchestrated by chef Khaled Natour, offers something truly different on the Gold Coast.) The property also has a new wellness shala, basically a serene tree house hovering over the resort and gazing out toward the water. The architectural marvel perfectly blends with its environment, and I found it immediately relaxed me before my sound-healing session, in which the vibration of gongs and sound bowls lulled me into a trance. Next, I visited the separate spa building for a Tsuru Cacao Ancestral Ritual before retiring to the hydrotherapy pools. The property is sprawling, at 120 acres, which you can explore on foot or e-bike, and the activity roster is impressive — golf on the 18-hole Arnold Palmer–designed green, local rum tastings, and surfing lessons are all on offer. Whether you venture out to the waves on a standard board or get a lesson on the new eFoil surfboard that’ll have you floating above the water, it’s all about pura vida . From $1,200/night. Accessible hotel. — Samantha Leal

Gardiner House, Newport, Rhode Island 

Michael P.H. Clifford/Courtesy of Gardiner House

Entering the newly opened Gardiner House in Newport, Rhode Island, felt like stepping back into the Gilded Age. Inspired by the Gardiner family’s 1860s mansion, the luxury 21-key boutique hotel is located on Lee's Wharf — a piece of prime real estate facing Newport’s idyllic marina. Though it opened in fall 2023, just as Newport hit the off-season, Gardiner House turned the city’s hospitality scene on its head by quickly becoming a social hub for stylish locals and in-the-know winter visitors. The heartbeat of the hotel is the Studio Bar and lounge right off the foyer, where art-littered, dark-green walls; a real-wood fireplace; and an eclectic assortment of velvet sofas, comfy accent chairs, and oversized ottomans strike the perfect balance between cozy and chic. There’s a variety of delicious craft cocktails to choose from, and a small menu of light bites: yellowfin with avocado, kobe beef sliders, and truffle fries were my favorites. The property’s culinary portfolio will expand this spring with the debut of a second-floor Mediterranean restaurant with an outdoor terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows offering an unobstructed view of Newport Harbor. Most of the rooms and suites have harbor views, too, plus simple, beachy decor and thoughtful amenities — Matouk linens and Ortigia toiletries, for example — throughout the space. Guests can walk to Thames Street, Newport’s buzzy downtown area, in less than a minute where a myriad of mom-and-pop shops, vintage boutiques, and restaurants await. From $725/night. Accessible hotel. — Annie Archer

Gran Hotel Mas d'en Bruno, Priorat, Spain

Located in Tarragona, a province roughly an hour-and-a-half outside of Barcelona, Gran Hotel Mas d’en Bruno is set between hilltop villages, undulating country roads, and the Siurana River. On arrival guests pass through rows of Grenache grapes before being welcomed into a 500-year-old building, complete with arched windows and terra-cotta rooftops. Consider the 24 rooms to be siblings; some have soaking-tubs, others fireplaces. All the marble, from the coffee tables to the Catalonia-sourced alabaster lamps, hails from Spain. Organic shapes echo throughout the hotel, which comprises the main house (or masia ) and the separate atelier annex, which holds a few of the guest rooms and sits along miles of vines owned by winery Clos de L’Obac. The rounded edges of the bed headboards and wood accents seamlessly merge with exterior features such as terraces or balconies. Once the former site of an olive press, the spa offers a single treatment room, as well as a hot tub and a stone-walled soaking pool. The restaurant, which has views of the property’s swimming pool and proprietary vineyards, transforms from morning to night. During the day, enjoy lunch at Tarraco, which combines Mediterranean and Italian fare, and after sunset try the tasting menu with local wine pairings at Vinum (à la carte offerings are also available). Arrange for a rock-climbing or hiking excursion in Serra de Montsant Natural Park or opt for a bike ride through the region (four electric bikes are complimentary). From $450/night. Accessible hotel. – Alexandra Cheney  

Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll, Iceland 

Courtesy of Highland Base – Kerlingarfjöll

Iceland is famous for Ring Road, the 820-mile route circling the island, but tucked in the center of the country is a remote region known as the Highlands. It’s hard to access, with only a few unpaved roads, and in the winter, you must be driven there by a guide. Now, at the edge of the Kerlingarfjöll mountain range, a new hotel — Highland Base — is letting travelers post up in comfort. “We're basically putting a destination here in the middle of the island,” Magnús Orri Marínarson Schram, Highland Base’s general manager, told T+L. The journey here typically takes four hours from Reykjavík, but mine took six due to unpredictable weather — and the destination was worth every minute of the journey. Highland Base has 46 hotel rooms, six one-bedroom private lodges, seven huts, and a campsite. My room had all the luxe amenities I could ask for, but didn’t feel too out of place in the middle of nature thanks to the earthy tones that match the exterior landscape. The underground passageway connecting the hotel rooms to the main building was a nice touch for guests (read: me) who didn’t want to face the outdoor elements before every meal. The menu featured hearty, seasonal dishes like mushroom soup made with coconut cream; Icelandic lamb soup with rutabaga and potatoes; and pan-fried Arctic char. But the real gem is the daily waffle bar, which is a touching tribute to the site’s past: It used to be a ski school that served waffles to kids after their lessons. Opening this year is a sauna and three geothermal pools with water sourced from the nearby hot springs; Kerlingarfjöll has the third-largest geothermal area in all of Iceland. From $430/night. Accessible hotel. — Susmita Baral

Hotel 1928, Waco, Texas

Courtesy of Hotel 1928

Over the past decade, Joanna and Chip Gaines have won fame for making old homes in and around their hometown of Waco, Texas, new again. On their TV show Fixer Upper, they uncovered countless shiplap walls and helped popularize the modern farmhouse trend. Their shoppable Magnolia empire now offers everything from wallpaper to kitchenware to baked goods — and, with the recent opening of Hotel 1928 , luxurious lodgings in downtown Waco.

Hotel 1928 — in a Moorish Revival building constructed in, yes, 1928 — might be the couple’s most remarkable fixer-upper yet. The former Shriners temple had sat largely empty since the 1990s. With AJ Capital, owner of the soon to be Hilton -operated Graduate Hotels , Joanna and Chip restored the elaborate plasterwork inside and out, buffed and polished the original terrazzo floors, and created 33 sumptuously furnished rooms and suites. The hotel is now a sparkling showcase for Joanna’s evolving but always elegant aesthetic, with moody, black walls and red, vintage area rugs in the public spaces; plush, pink sofas and floral-upholstered banquettes in Bertie’s, the rooftop bar; and stunning deep-green tile paired with white marble in the expansive bathrooms. What truly sets the Hotel 1928 apart is its devotion to local history as well as Texas’s rich culture. Up and down the halls, you’ll find framed vintage images by local photographer James Jasek, who has been shooting Waco since the 1950s. One of famed author Larry McMurtry’s typewriters sits in the corner of the library. A signature scent blending the state’s legendary cedar with sandalwood and jasmine infuses the building (candles are available in the gift shop). And at your preferred wakeup time, a gentle knock on your door will announce the arrival of your coffee — a custom blend by Texas’s own Merit Coffee Co . From $375/night. Accessible hotel. — Jeff Chu

Hotel Bardo Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is known for its antebellum architecture, its Southern hospitality — and its fabled ghosts. And now there’s a luxury resort that channels all three. Opened in February, Hotel Bardo Savannah occupies a Southern Gothic terra-cotta mansion on Forsyth Park, 30 acres of green space surrounded by historic homes and Spanish-moss-draped oak trees. During a pre-dinner stroll, I wandered the streets of restored Victorian homes without seeing a single bachelorette party or a horse-drawn carriage (common sights in the city’s more touristy areas to the north). On my return, the hotel beckoned like an urban oasis, with friendly valets in olive green uniforms welcoming me back by name. Entering the lobby, I found a warm, festive space furnished with circular club chairs, marble-topped tables, and potted palms. The welcoming décor continues in the 149 guest rooms and suites — think pole-wrap headboards, green velvet chairs, and brass lamps. My “Bardo” suite was particularly huge, with a full kitchen, six-person dining table, and plush daybed under a 12-foot-high turret. Saint Bibiana, the hotel’s hot-ticket Italian restaurant, is housed in a separate three-story mansion. There I had a delightful dinner that included fresh oysters, silky burrata and perfectly cooked pasta before heading to Club Bardo, a members-only lounge on the second floor, for cocktails. Hotels often try to make their guests feel like locals, and Bardo has succeeded in this goal by inviting its neighbors to join in the fun. By 10 p.m. the club was buzzing with well-dressed couples, flirty singles, and young professionals sipping wine and Negronis. From $450/night. Accessible hotel. — Denny Lee

Hotel Casa Lucia, Buenos Aires

Courtesy of Hotel Casa Lucia

If Casa Lucia 's walls could talk, they’d tell you it was the tallest building in Latin America when erected in 1929. Set in the upper-crust neighborhood of Recoleta on a sycamore tree– and neoclassical building–lined street, the 20-story art deco skyscraper debuted after a year-long renovation under the flag of Spanish lifestyle brand Único Hotels . Breaking from tradition, the new iteration swings open the hotel’s wrought-iron gates to directly connect the slick lobby bar and signature Cantina restaurant to Calle Arroyo’s vibrant tableau of sidewalk cafes, art galleries, and cocktail haunts. The atrium entrance, gleaming in polished checkerboard marble, is home to a new showpiece brass-and-wood bar that serves cocktails and more than 400 wines by the bottle. Evening hangout Le Club Bacan is a handsome candlelit cocktail and tapas bar with a private members’ club, while Cantina pays homage to Argentina’s polo heritage and culinary roots with helmets and mallets mounted on walls and a menu appealing to the local palate (read: delicious beef and wine). Of the 142 rooms and suites, choose one on an upper floor with a balcony to take in panoramic cityscapes and a bird’s-eye views of Rio de la Plata, as well as contemporary Argentinian artwork, hand-woven lampshades, and photographs of the beautiful doors of Buenos Aires, which hang over every bed. Soon, a serene spa will open with a 52-foot pool, sauna, steam room, and massage and reflexology offerings. From $600/night. Accessible hotel. — Nora Walsh

Hotel Honeyrose Montréal, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel 

Courtesy of Hotel Honeyrose Montreal

At Honeyrose , a new downtown Montreal hotel, bold design gestures mean Insta-ready surprises everywhere: a swirling lobby staircase, pressed-flower bar tables, and black-and-white murals in the common areas. While Honeyrose is part of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio brand, its owners amped up the local flavor by tapping stellar Montreal talent. Architects from Provencher Roy designed the sleek guest rooms — among the city’s biggest — with bathroom amenities from local organic brand Idoine and art from Montreal painter Roxy Peroxyde, who adds floral face tattoos to traditional portraits. Homegrown design guru Zébulon Perron dreamed up the naval-inspired, ground-floor Commodore restaurant, where a wooden crown hovers over a glossy circular bar. French bistro fare here includes an epic Niçoise salad, Gruyère-slathered onion soup, and an ethereal crème brûlée. I was thrilled to see coffee sourced from my local roastery, Atwater Market’s beloved Brûlerie aux Quatre Vents. Montreal-based set designer Juliette Sarrazin outfitted the buzzy, fifth-floor Muze lounge with pink flamingos, birdcages, and 1970s swing seats on the massive terrace. The 15th floor houses a T-shaped pool and Precor machinery–equipped gym with city views through floor-to-ceiling windows. You won’t find a better location if you’re here for one of the city’s big cultural events, like the Montreal International Jazz Festival . Honeyrose borders the Quartier des Spectacles ― literally, the “neighborhood of shows” ― with its concert halls, outdoor performance venues, and museums. Access to the city’s speedy, efficient Metro is across the street, and Old Montreal is a 15-minute stroll south. From $269/night . Accessible hotel. — Michael Kaminer

Hotel La Palma, Capri, Italy

Courtesy of Hotel La Palma

Expectations were high when the prestigious Oetker Collection — the brand behind legendary properties like the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on the French Riviera and The Lanesborough in London — took over Capri’s most historic hotel just steps from the famed Piazzetta. Originally opened in 1822 as the Locanda Pagano, the new design draws on this rich heritage, with ceiling frescoes in the lobby and neoclassical furniture. The color palette consists of varying shades of aquamarine, from the striped lounge chairs by the pool to the upholstery in the 50 rooms and suites, as if the hues of the Mediterranean on a bright summer day were used to decorate the space. Acclaimed chef Gennaro Esposito opened a namesake restaurant at La Palma serving simple coastal cuisine like zucchini tartare and sole meunière. The ground-floor bar and the rooftop restaurant, Bianca, are a bit more casual — by Capri standards, anyway — and provide the perfect spot for a pre-dinner spritz. But the hotel’s secret weapon is the beach club, Da Gioia, occupying a prime position in Marina Piccola. Anyone can book a table for a lazy lunch of caprese salad and lobster linguini on the deck overlooking the sea, but only hotel guests can use the lounge chairs on the pebble beach. After a day in the sun, visit the spa for a facial, using skincare products by Tata Harper and Augustinus Bader, before freshening up for dinner. From $1,028/night. Accessible hotel. — Laura Itzkowitz

Hotel San Fernando, Mexico City

Hugo Campoy/Courtesy of Hotel San Fernando

Did you know San Fernando is the patron saint of the Spanish Army Corps of Engineers? The designers from Bunkhouse, the creative Austin, Texas–based hospitality group, reveled in such off-beat details of Hispanic culture when they reimagined the Edificio San Fernando, an elegant art deco apartment building from 1947, as a boutique hotel in La Condesa, one of CDMX's leafiest and most charming neighborhoods. The Hotel San Fernando is a loving celebration of mexicanidad that recalls the genteel beauty of the city in the post-war era, when it was a sleepy mountain capital where a few cars trundled down broad, leafy avenues and artistic celebrities like Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo were bringing the country's Indigenous culture into the mainstream. The hotel’s 19 rooms spread over five floors feel like spacious apartments, with original casement windows, contemporary furnishings from local design studio La Metropolitana, and (in many cases) their own kitchens and lounge rooms. Bunkhouse's designers say they were inspired by the Mexican idea of sobremesa , the dreamy after-meal time when diners relax into conversation and take a respite from their hectic lives. The sense of entering a serene refuge from the 21st century begins as you pass through the original curved doors to the lobby, which is adorned with striking green tiles, stained-glass windows, hanging textiles, and decorative lamps from the Oaxacan-based studio Oaxifornia. The polished-stone and wood stairway leading upstairs is overflowing with potted plants, giving a calming, tropical greenhouse effect (there is no elevator), while the attached Lounge Fernando extending onto the sidewalk serves tasty small bites (try the fried shrimp tacos), an array of creative margaritas, and Mexican natural wines. Drinks can also be taken to the sun-dappled rooftop, which doubles as a breakfast patio for guests in the mornings. And because San Fernando opens into the heart of La Condesa, an array of fine restaurants, bars, cafes, parks, clothing boutiques, and art galleries are only a stroll away. From $225/night. — Tony Perrottet

Hôtel Swexan, Dallas 

Marco Galloway/Courtesy of Hotel Swexan

There’s a reason Hôtel Swexan is putting Dallas on the radar for luxury city stays since its opening last summer. The paradoxical name takes Swiss and Texan to form a singular word and a thoroughly considered approach to hospitality and design. The 134-room, 20-floor hotel building was designed by famed architect Kengo Kuma — making it his third in Dallas’s growing bounty of world-famous architecture. From the moment of entry, I felt the warmth of Texas hospitality and the remarkable influence of sophisticated and traditional European design. The intimate foyer eases your senses into a relaxing and indulgent atmosphere and the guest rooms are lavishly comfortable with just the right amount of residential feel. The floor-to-ceiling windows reveal city views while the spacious marble bathrooms give a spa-like experience with Le Labo products and a dramatic bathtub that fills from the ceiling. Staying at Hôtel Swexan transports you away from Dallas while also very much anchoring you to the best the city has to offer. A standout feature of the property is its ability to act either as a full retreat you’ll never want to leave or as a home base for exploring the city’s museums, entertainment venues, sporting events, and walking trails. There are five unique food-and-beverage concepts within the building from rooftop to basement. The most notable is the seventh-floor steakhouse, Stillwell’s. Its midcentury ranch atmosphere and the zero-waste beef program of locally raised Akaushi cattle make this a contender for top tier steakhouses in a city known for them. In between meals and lounging poolside under the Texas sun, a visit to the gym is a must — the sprawling, cutting-edge fitness center would impress even a professional athlete with its choice of equipment, outdoor terrace, cold plunge, and saunas offering a plethora of ways to work out or relax. Beyond the expansive list of on-property features, what steals the show here is the level of service. Our stay was made memorable by the personalized touches for us and the over-the-top-attentive staff. With its intentional design details, top-quality service, and offerings in wellness and dining, Hôtel Swexan sets a new standard for city hotels. From $432/night. — Mariah Tyler

JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa, South Korea 

Ben Richards/Courtesy of JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa

Formed by a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago, South Korea’s Jeju Island puts on a show: Idyllic fishing villages are flanked by glistening black basalt, cascading waterfalls gurgle against dormant volcano backdrops, and rugged shorelines dotted with azaleas abound in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the southern city of Seogwipo, JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa sits on a quiet cliffside overlooking a rugged coastline, forested hillsides, and the crouching tiger–shaped Beomseom Island in the distance. Led by designer Bill Bensley, the property pays homage to Korean culture, with walls made of quilting fabric called jogakbo , and ceiling lights shaped like traditional Korean scholars’ hats, called gat . The property features 197 guest rooms, including 28 suites, with hanok-inspired wooden walls and balconies that reveal panoramic views of the cobalt East China Sea. Five on-site restaurants highlight local Jeju delicacies like the Udo peanut, apple mangos, and a crispy black pork belly – which executive chef Joon Ko salts for three days and slow cooks for three hours. Other amenities include four pools, a spa, a gym, and a sundrenched lounge where I enjoyed afternoon tea and desserts like citrus sponge cake topped with green mandarin cream. Ask the hotel how you can swim with Jeju’s famous haenyeo female divers, whose sustainable practices and daily catches like abalone and urchin have been feeding their communities and hotels for decades. From $827/night . Accessible hotel. — Kristin Braswell

Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, Island of Hawaii

Courtesy of Rosewood

Kona Village , once a celebrity haven on Hawaii’s Big Island, shuttered in 2011 after an earthquake off the northeastern coast of Honshu, Japan, generated a devastating tsunami, and reopened this past summer as part of the Rosewood Hotels & Resorts’ portfolio. When my husband and I arrived eight days into Kona’s new chapter, we met return guests — the old resort amassed a hefty cult following, counting Steve Jobs among its biggest fans — eager to revisit their old rooms. Sure enough, you can still book the six legacy hales that survived the tsunami, though along with the 144 new stand-alone villas, these have been upgraded by designer Nicole Hollis with improvements that include palapa-shaded decks, outdoor showers, and Hawaiian accents such as fans, hats, paddles, and kapa -printed pillows. We spent one afternoon on a sailing canoe, gliding three miles out into the Pacific, and followed that with a soak in the 82-foot Shipwreck Pool. At around 3 p.m. a cart brimming with bright-green coconuts came around, which we drank from in a sumptuous black-stone hot tub. We feasted at the four restaurants and bars — each of which has its own mai tai recipe, by the way — starting our day with Hawaiian malasada donuts at Moana and ending it with wood-fired local ahi tuna at Kahuwai Cookhouse, our toes in the sand as we watched the sunset. From $1,800/night. Accessible hotel. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

KuKaya Lodge by The Bushcamp Company, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Courtesy of The Bushcamp Company

At KuKaya , the latest lodge from safari outfitter The Bushcamp Company , just a few miles from the main entrance to Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, guests choose their own adventure. I had my pick of private game drives day or night, or thrilling walking safaris. Each of the lodge’s six thatched-roof tents comes with luxurious interiors, plush bedding, separate living areas, full kitchens, and glass walls that open completely for indoor-outdoor living and wildlife viewing opportunities. There’s ample outdoor space, too, and every tent has a fire pit and private plunge pool, so you can enjoy the scenery in total solitude. I found my solitude was only interrupted by vervet monkeys giving me a mile-long stare from the trees above, a tower of giraffes walking to the water’s edge, a pride of lions stalking their prey, and endangered African wild dogs playing along the riverbed just a few feet away. Each night, guests are invited to dine at KuKaya’s outdoor restaurant, where they’re served an astonishing meal of fruits and vegetables grown at Bushcamp’s private garden, fish caught in the river just down the street, and even local mango dried on-site, ensuring the lowest carbon footprint possible. Just be sure to close the door to your outdoor shower before you leave; the monkeys really are just waiting to ransack your room. From $590 per person per night. — Stacey Leasca

La Fantaisie, Paris 

Jérôme Galland/Courtesy of La Fantaisie

Faubourg-Montmartre, a stretch of the ninth arrondissement that’s often passed over by non-Parisians, is now attracting a crowd of creatives at La Fantaisie . Camouflaging with the boulangeries and bistros of villagey Rue Cadet, the only sign of the hotel entrance is the rattan tables lining the sidewalk cafe out front. The rest of the hotel, by Swedish design darling Martin Brudnizki, isn’t nearly as discreet. The 73 rooms and suites are themed around the oasis-like courtyard garden, originally designed by celebrated 16th-century master gardeners Jacques and Jean Cadet (the market street is named after the brothers). Pistachio, coral, and pale lemon are the dominant shades splashed everywhere, from the ceilings and Sicily-inspired ceramics to the velvet bar stools of Dominique Crenn’s restaurant, Golden Poppy. An homage to California’s state flower — and a link to the chef’s Michelin three-starred Atelier Crenn in San Francisco — the winter garden eatery unfolds around a centerpiece olive tree with mirrors dangling like Christmas ornaments and faux fleur poppies sprouting behind floral fabric–swathed banquettes. With culinary royalty like Crenn at the helm, pescetarian dishes take risks that pay off — scone-like banana pancakes with a dollop of smoked osciètre caviar, corn waffles checkered with smoked trout roe, and carrot and mussel sabayon were standouts. Even if you’re visiting in winter like I was, the rooftop Bar Sur Le Toit’s Mediterranean garden is still in bloom (herbs are plucked for Crenn’s signature cocktails). If you’re feeling jet lagged, the holistic philosophy from the subterranean Holidermie wellness sanctuary extends to minibar offerings like a botanical-based sleep elixir and melatonin-infused gummies placed on the nightstand at turndown. From $378/night. Accessible hotel. — Lane Nieset

Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino, Greece

Margarita Nikitaki/Travel + Leisure

They say breakfast is the best part of the day (and many a hotel stay). At the Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino, they are right: smiling waiters in relaxed linens bring you a ginger kombucha shot and warm pastries while you ponder whether to order the Peloponnesian porridge made with trahanas (fermented wheat with goat’s milk) or the Greek-style eggs Florentine with spanakopita stuffing and feta dill hollandaise. Before you’ve made up your mind, you’re presented with the paramana , a tray of dainty sweet and savory dishes that changes daily. Almost everything is sourced within a 50-mile radius of the resort, from the sheep’s milk yogurt and honeycomb to the organic tomatoes drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. With some fifteen million olive trees, the region of Messenia (a 3.5-hour drive from Athens) is the agricultural heartland of the Peloponnese and home to a rare trove of ancient ruins. Greece’s first Mandarin Oriental pays homage to the abundance of local products and artisans, as well as the country’s myths and legends: There are olive oil tastings, textiles inspired by folk costumes, electric bikes for exploring the Gialova lagoon — a rich habitat for migrating birds — and boat trips to pay homage to the heroes of the battle of Navarino, which took place on the placid bay that is visible from every sun-drenched suite and villa of the 99-key resort. The curvy, glass-fronted buildings are embedded in the hillside and enveloped by greenery, creating a sense of space and openness. It requires serious willpower to venture out when there’s Ormos Beach Club, a sexy swim-up pool bar for slushie cocktails; Pizza Sapienza, an okamase pizza bar that will change your relationship with carbs forever; an indoor-outdoor lap pool that seems to float between sea and sky, and a serene spa that blends Eastern and Mediterranean botanical remedies. From $1,095/night. Accessible hotel. — Rachel Howard

Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya, Mexico

William Jess Laird/Courtesy of Belmond

Mexican architect Jose Luis Moreno was scouting for a home by plane when he first saw the 200-acre piece of land that would eventually become Maroma , the Riviera Maya’s first luxury resort, which opened in 1995. By 2021, the white stucco property, by then part of the Belmond group, was ready for a glow-up. After a two-year closure and $45 million design overhaul by London-based Tara Bernerd & Partners, Maroma now fully channels the joy of Mexico. Some 700,000 clay tiles were sourced from Jalisco for the 72 rooms and suites, but strategic pops of yellow — on an umbrella by the saltwater pool or woven into loaner guest caftans by female artisans in Chiapas — are what caught my eye. Chef Curtis Stone crafts a menu of fire-roasted meats and seafood at Woodend, while at Casa Mayor, executive chef Daniel Camacho sources 90 percent of his ingredients from within Mexico, including surprises such as a regional coffee of the day. (I loved the beans from Veracruz.) The electric-white beach is still the main draw, but when you need a break from the sunshine, a small-batch tequila and raicilla tasting in the private cantina awaits. From $1,095/night.​ Accessible hotel. — Jacqueline Gifford

Mollie Aspen, Colorado 

Courtesy of Mollie Aspen

By the time I made it to Mollie Aspen in January, only a month into the hotel’s life, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky had reportedly already been through. That’s Aspen for you. Rihanna’s pick, unsurprisingly, hits; the hybrid lobby-restaurant-cafe is cozy without the in-your-face, capital-m Mountain Vibes. (Read: no taxidermy.) At the restaurant, furnished with soft brown banquettes and deep chestnut leather couches, I had a winter salad with roasted squash and a perfectly smashed burger on a toasty sesame bun. Mollie’s food and drinks are by Death & Co. , and as a longtime fan of the cocktail empire that brought us now-classic cocktails like the mezcal-aperol Naked & Famous, I mostly came to the new hotel to eat and drink. I ended my Saturday night at the hotel with fried, powdered sugar–dusted zeppole and a Pineapple Express, a non-alcoholic cold brew and Seedlip concoction that could give even the best espresso martini a run for its money. It was a perfect drink to nurse while warming my hands by the slate and marble–lavished fireplace, but I’m eager to return in the summer when the third-floor rooftop terrace bar will open with exceptional views of Aspen Mountain and an al fresco plunge pool. The design of the 68 rooms match the muted common space aesthetics — all by Brooklyn, New York–based Post Company , whose work shows up twice more on It List this year: natural wood and butter-soft black leather, Maison Balsac tinted glass water pitchers, Parachute sheets, grid-patterned rugs, and of course, mountain views. From $500/night. Accessible hotel. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

Nay Palad Hideaway, Siargao Island, Philippines

Courtesy of Nay Palad

This resort on the soft sands of Siargao Island, a 90-minute flight from Manila, has been reborn. It used to be Dedon Island, an upscale tropical hotel from the owners of outdoor furniture company Dedon, until 2021’s Typhoon Odette all but leveled the property. In June 2023 it rose again, as Nay Palad Hideaway . You can expect warm, thoughtful service, and the resort staff can arrange activities, like island-hopping yacht excursions and picnic lunches under coconut trees, that are just right for jealousy-inducing selfies. But you should take time to enjoy the comfort and charm of your villa, too. Whether you’re staying in a tucked-away garden unit surrounded by sweet-smelling spider lilies or hiding out with your crew in the three-bedroom Perlah Villa, these spacious dwellings are sanctuaries in themselves. Most of the furniture was made by artisans from Siargao and evokes the easy-breezy vibe of island life: oversize wooden headboards carved with jungle motifs, woven loveseats that swing from the ceiling, and baskets in the shape of crabs. In addition to these quirky details, however, what elevates the 10 pointy-roofed villas is their size — each has indoor and outdoor showers, a private patio large enough for yoga sessions, and a secret loft space that can act as a separate lounge or extra bedroom. From $1,780/night.​ — Chadner Navarro

Nolinski Venezia

Guillaume de Laubier/Courtesy of Nolinski Venezia

Venice may be slowly sinking, but the enchanting canal-filled city proved irresistible to Evok Collection , the group behind a handful of boutique hotel brands in France. Its first property in Italy recently opened in the 1929 Stock Exchange building near Piazza San Marco and brought some French je ne sais quoi (and superlative croissant-making skills) to La Serenissima. Entering the red-carpeted foyer, head to the ground-floor restaurant, Il Caffè, which serves an excellent fritto misto in an intimate dining room with exposed brick walls or the adjacent courtyard. Upstairs, the design becomes even more show-stopping. Off the colonnaded second-floor lobby is the cozy Library Bar, replete with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves stacked with more than 4,000 books, a piano, velvet banquettes, and a Marc Chagall–inspired ceiling mural by French artist Simon Buret. Housed in the former council chamber’s auditorium, the Palais Royal Restaurant sports a glamorous midcentury air and serves an à-la-carte breakfast menu worth waking up for, especially those buttery French croissants and pain au chocolat. Though the hotel owners are French, there are nods to Venice, including around 600 Murano glass objects, some in the shape of an octopus, a recurring motif. The 43 rooms and suites are beautifully decorated with stucco headboards, mango wood paneling, and bathrooms featuring mosaic tiles and Japanese Toto toilets. Suites come with a separate sitting area, a bar stocked with complimentary full-size bottles of premium liquors, and elegant cocktail glasses in which to drink them. Fancy a midnight soak? A small indoor pool on the top floor festooned with gold mosaic tiles is open 24/7. From $851/night. Accessible hotel. — Laura Itzkowitz

Norumbega Inn, Camden, Maine

Courtesy of Norumbega Inn

Just north of Camden, Maine, on Route 1, the towering, turreted “ Castle by the Sea ” has been winning the hearts of road-trippers and romantics for the better part of 130 years. After an overhaul by owners Will Tims and Brett Haynie, who purchased the property in 2022, the interiors of this Gilded Age treasure now live up to the grand facade. New York City–based design firm Studiocake was tapped to collaborate on the refreshed look, which is inspired by the home’s original owner: an inventor and globetrotter named Joseph Baker Stearns. The finishes and furnishings layer old and new, and give guests the impression that they’ve been spirited away to a storied country estate. You might encounter a pressed-flower collage by artist Tricia Paoluccio across from an antique chest of drawers, or one of Greta Grossman’s midcentury modern Grasshopper lamps perched next to a Baroque-inspired carved wooden chair with tapestry cushions. Norumbega’s 11 rooms each have their own selling point, such as the curving leaded-glass panes of the turret room, the second-floor gallery in the library room, or the sweeping views of Penobscot Bay from the top-floor balcony. If you can bear to leave your room, there’s a lounge with a grand piano and a well-stocked library waiting downstairs, along with a basement game room, a bar overlooking the grassy back lawn, and a covered porch where you can hang out in warm weather with a cocktail and a pulpo snack plate whipped up by the property’s Peruvian chef. From $229/night. — Lila Harron Battis

North Island Okavango, Botswana

Martin Harvey/Courtesy of Natural Selection

North Island Okavango ’s greatest luxury is its exclusivity. Set amid tall ebony trees on the edge of a lagoon frequented by elephants and hippos, the idyllic camp has just three tents — and it’s really a stretch to call them “tents,” though their roofs are indeed made of canvas. Each luxurious suite has 850 square feet of indoor space — living room, bar area, one-and-a-half bathrooms — and 650 square feet outside. They all have indoor and outdoor showers as well as a soaking tub with lagoon views. While the furnishings are carefully chosen, the decor — contemporary African baskets, fine woodwork, flat-weave rugs — never steals attention from the stunning surroundings. That all-too-rare feeling of immersion in nature continues when you’re out on safari. North Island, part of the Natural Selection portfolio of camps and lodges, sits in a section of the Okavango with few other safari camps, so you’ll rarely see other tourists. Wildlife is plentiful — on my trip, I spotted not just lions and leopards, but also sitatungas, an unusual amphibious antelope. And because of North Island’s prime location in the Okavango Delta’s neck, there are year-round opportunities to travel both on land and by water, either by the local dugout canoes called mokoro or by motorboat, which are ideal for viewing hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife. The solar-powered camp’s design honors its environment in other ways, too: North Island Okavango’s tents and the network of decks on which they sit can be totally deconstructed, with no permanent trace on the fragile ecosystem. And because the surrounding concession belongs to a community trust, a portion of the revenues directly supports five nearby villages. From $1,395 per person per night. — Jeff Chu

Oceania Cruises’ Vista

Nick Tortajada/Courtesy of Oceania Cruises

The new Oceania Vista is in a class of its own; no really, it’s the first in Oceania Cruises ’ new Allura class. Of its 11 bars and restaurants, three are entirely new to the Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings–owned brand — including a high-end cocktail spot called Founders’ Bar, serving 26 intricate drinks that use house-made syrups and top-shelf booze like Whistle Pig and parsley-infused Grey Goose. As Oceania levels up, the cruise line has produced a ship that feels more like a floating resort than the vessels that came before. There’s pickleball; a health-conscious restaurant, Aquamar, serving made-to-order salads and pressed juices; and a coffee shop that looks like one in walking distance of my home in L.A. (marble counters, gold accents, leather bar stools) and pulls an espresso shot of similar quality. Vista has more suites than others in the Oceania fleet, too: There are 14 Oceania Suites (up to 1,200 square feet); eight Vista Suites (up to 1,850 square feet); and three Owner’s Suites with Ralph Lauren Home decor and two massive terraces (2,400 square feet). But the most hotel-like touch? A celebrity chef–driven restaurant, Toscana, where Giada De Laurentiis — the ship’s godmother — supplied two recipes for the menu. As someone who watched a lot of Everyday Italian in the early aughts, I was particularly excited to try her signature, Capri-inspired lemon spaghetti, and lemon-cream sauce with grilled shrimp and capers didn’t disappoint. From $2,499 per person for a seven-night sailing. Accessible ship. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

One&Only Aesthesis, Greece 

On the Athens Riviera, 10 miles from the city center, Greece’s first One&Only seems to float along the tranquil Saronic Gulf. Spacious “residences,” designed for families and groups of friends, unfold onto private stretches of beach, and waterfront bungalows have wooden docks and ladders that descend to the water. The stay is more akin to a Mykonos vacation than a city break, yet I could get to the Acropolis in less than an hour. Though the tavernas and wine bars of Athens beckoned, I was reluctant to miss any meals at the resort, where chef Paco Morales — known for the Michelin three-starred Noor, in Córdoba, Spain — has a pop-up that serves chicken croquettes topped with ras al hanout mayo and delicate, flash-fried calamari stuffed into a brioche. The food wasn’t the only luxury: the country’s first Guerlain Spa, where I indulged in an ultra-hydrating facial, made it even harder to leave the resort. From $1,620/night.​ — Maya Kachroo-Levine

One&Only One Za’abeel, Dubai 

Courtesy of One&Only Resorts

In Dubai, change is intentional — and the opening of One&Only One Za’abeel , the One&Only Resorts brand’s first hotel in the heart of a major city, is no exception. In the affluent Za’abeel district, the hotel is connected to an adjoining tower by the world’s longest cantilever , the 750-foot-long Link, a concept by Japanese architecture firm Nikken Sekkei that hovers more than 300 feet above the ground. Inside, the resort vibe is brought to life by noted Aman designer Jean-Michel Gathy, with a soothing color palette and rich textures that pay homage to the country’s desert landscapes. The 229 rooms and suites continue the elegance with sand, taupe, and gold tones, marble floors, and carpets so soft you’d sleep on them if there wasn’t already a plush, king-size bed calling your name. Floor-to-ceiling windows draw your eyes to the horizon over Old Dubai or the futuristic skyline of Downtown Dubai, depending on your room. Relaxation is built into the resort’s ethos, with a three-floor spa, the Longevity Hub by Clinique La Prairie. I enjoyed a 90-minute Longevity Path to Detox treatment, a three-step process that involves phytotherapy and hydrotherapy. But where the intentionality behind One&Only One Za’abeel shines is in its cuisine. In step with Dubai’s plans to become a major culinary destination , the resort offers 11 exceptional restaurants and six chefs known for their Michelin-starred restaurants (chef Anne-Sophie Pic of London’s La Dame De Pic , for example). From the inventive street food at StreetXO by chef Dabiz Muñoz (try the paella pollo and caviar) to the interactive Andaliman, where dishes like the Jimbaran-style grilled red snapper are prepared tableside, each restaurant feels like a destination in its own right. Even indecisive eaters will find a home at the upscale food hall, Arrazuna, where sampling everything is expected. To wind down, grab a sunbed at Tapasake Pool Club, take a dip in the 393-foot-long infinity pool, the longest in the UAE, and watch the sunset. From $835/night. Accessible hotel. — Danielle Pointdujour

Otro Oaxaca, Mexico

Courtesy of Otro Oaxaca/Design Hotels

Directly across the street from Oaxaca’s Baroque cathedral Santo Domingo, Otro Oaxaca boasts perhaps the best views and most coveted location of any hotel in the cobblestoned city. The newest opening from Mexican boutique hotel firm Grupo Habita , Otro is its fourth installment in the state of Oaxaca. Otro is just a short walk from some of the city’s most tempting restaurants, museums, and attractions, yet it offers guests a tranquil respite from the clamor. The neo-vanguardist hotel, with its natural palette of reclaimed wood, adobe, brick, and iron, is a dream for design aficionados, and each of its 16 utilitarian rooms includes surprising pops of color, like green–coated aluminum bed frames with built-in bedside tables and burgundy suede blackout curtains. On the rooftop, guests can take in the panoramic views of Oaxaca’s central valleys while lounging on French terry cloth daybeds lining the lap pool. For those who prefer more private swimming quarters, book an hour-long slot at Otro’s subterranean plunge pool, meant to mimic a cenote. I happily spent 60 minutes luxuriating in the underground space before heading to dinner at Otro’s restaurant. I started my meal by choosing from a wide selection of mezcals, the menu offering everything from espadín to rare agave spirits like tepeztate and tobasiche . Otro’s dinner menu highlights the bounty of Oaxacan seafood, with fish delivered daily from the coast. The stone crab pâté toast with fermented black garlic — at once sweet, savory, and with generous hunks of meaty crab — is a must-order. From $300/night. — Catherine Tansey

Palihouse Hyde Park Village, Tampa, Florida

Courtesy of Palisociety

Accessed from a street-level scene of upscale boutiques and restaurants in one of Tampa’s most sought-after residential neighborhoods, Palihouse Hyde Park Village made me feel like I was arriving at a friend’s house. Inside I found a two-story lobby with checkerboard terrazzo floors and a coffered white oak paneling; elsewhere in the property I spotted other surprising touches, like a three-tier, hand-blown glass chandelier, a framed collection of vintage Hermès scarves, and handmade Mexican ceramic tiles. The hotel’s living-room-style lounge, the Lobby Bar, is perfect for cocktails and conversation, and serves breakfast plus an all-day bar menu featuring classic burgers, lobster tacos, and tuna tartare. Tucked away down art-filled corridors are 36 rooms outfitted with Smeg mini fridges, custom wallpaper and drapery, and a cocktail bar stocked with artisan spirits, tools, and tumblers for in-room cocktail hour. Outside in the leafy Hyde Park Village neighborhood, you can browse boutiques, bike along the nearby bayfront, or just picnic on pizza under the shade of a live oak. From $305/night. Accessible hotel. — Terry Ward

Pelorus Private Island, Australia

Jason Ierace/Courtesy of Pelorus Private Island

The Indigenous Manbarra people, custodians of Australia’s Palm Islands for millennia, believe this small, northeastern archipelago was formed when the Rainbow Serpent emerged from the Queensland tablelands and lay down in the ocean. The islands, strewn across the Coral Sea, are the vertebrae of its spine. On the northernmost island, known as Pelorus, North Palm, or Yanooa, an $8 million property with five lavish residences has opened, promising the most exclusive – and inclusive – accommodation on the Great Barrier Reef. Access to this isolated idyll is by helicopter (30 minutes) or motor yacht (five hours) from the Queensland city of Townsville. At the southwestern tip of a 1,000-acre tropical island, guests are greeted with chilled towels and Champagne before hosts Grant Logan and Kate Hawkins settle them into their reclusive hideaway. The modernist pavilion-style building features an infinity pool and generous interior spaces of neutral tones and native timbers to ensure the eye is always drawn to the saturated blues and greens of your playground: the Coral Sea. Days are as active or sedentary as you desire, with every imaginable water toy – Jet Skis, Seabobs, water bicycles, and a motorboat – at your disposal for island or outer reef explorations. Craving company, a spa treatment, or a quick lesson in marine science? Sibling resort Orpheus Island Lodge, a short speedboat ride across the strait, has a restaurant, day spa, and marine research center. From $13,067 per night for two people. Accessible hotel. — Kendall Hill

Pendry Newport Beach, California

Courtesy of Pendry Newport Beach

Nestled in the heart of Newport Beach’s Fashion Island, the latest addition to the Pendry portfolio promises to establish itself as an Orange County icon — following in the footsteps of its long-loved sibling property, Montage Laguna Beach , 11 miles down the road. In true younger sibling form, Pendry Newport Beach is Montage’s cool, trendy foil that comes alive at night. After the sun sets on the cabana-lined pool and fireside Jacuzzi out back, a vibrant atmosphere unfolds at Bar Pendry, where locals mingle with hotel guests over craft cocktails. After joining in the revelry with a smoky bourbon for him and a tropical, toasted coconut–topped concoction for me, my fiancé and I ducked into the hotel’s private wing for a more subdued nightlife scene at the members-only Elwood Club . The club hosts a coastal Italian restaurant, Viamara , and a cozy sports pub where we swung our way through a few rounds in the Topgolf Swing Suite. But the late-night highlight is its cabaret, where we sat in a velvet booth listening to live jazz over two glasses of red. At Set Steak & Sushi , dinner is an event in its own right as bluefin tuna pizza, Peking duck, and prime steaks are served beneath glowing lanterns on a romantic terrace, or inside a stylish nautical-themed dining room. The 40-ounce tomahawk still regularly makes its way into our dinner conversations. Spread throughout a 20-story tower, the hotel’s 295 guest rooms, 114 of which are suites, are sleek and contemporary, offering a spacious home base from which to explore the area. You won’t wake up on a beachfront, but you will find yourself close to must-visit spots such as Balboa Island, Crystal Cove, and Corona del Mar. Take advantage of Pendry’s Ride & Drive program and grab keys to a Cadillac at no charge, or strap on a helmet and take out a Scott e-bike. If you’re traveling with little ones, don’t worry, Paintbox, the on-site kids’ club, will entertain them while you’re out. Or, you may decide to use your kid-free time to pamper yourself at the spa; it’s the only Spa Pendry with a MediSpa machine and cryotherapy. From $396/night. Accessible hotel. — Nina Ruggiero

Raffles Boston

Courtesy of Raffles Boston

The 137-year-old Raffles hotel brand is finally making a splash in North America — and in Boston, of all places. Opened in September and set in a 35-story tower in the well-heeled Back Bay neighborhood, it is as smashing as you’d expect. On arrival, I was whisked to the 17th-floor Sky Lobby, which has wraparound views of the skyline. My room was sumptuous, with sophisticated gold and black touches that gesture to the brand’s Asian roots. Butler service was discreet and attentive — after check-in, I found a chilled cranberry cocktail called the “Boston Sling” (a nod to the Singapore Sling, which was created at the flagship property in 1915) waiting in the room’s glass-fronted wooden bar. From $700/night.​ Accessible hotel. — Elizabeth Cantrell

Raffles London at The OWO 

Flora Stubbs/Travel + Leisure

In a city where splashy new hotels seem to pop up on a weekly basis, how do you make sure your property makes the biggest splash of them all? In the case of Raffles London at The OWO , it went something like this: Purchase the landmarked Old War Offices from Britain’s Ministry of Defense (rumored listing price: $450 million). Lavish more than $1.25 billion on restoring its hallowed corridors, along which Sir Winston Churchill famously strode, making decisions that altered the face of history as he went. (The wood-paneled office in which he decided to enter World War II is now part of the Churchill Suite, bookable for $29,000 a night.) To keep things contemporary, install a gleaming, 27,000-square-foot Guerlain spa over four subterranean floors and invite Argentine chef Mauro Colagreco, known for his Michelin three-starred restaurant on the French Riviera, to oversee three of the hotel’s nine restaurants, including an eponymous dining room focused on the finest ingredients from the British Isles. The effect of all this? Every bit as dazzling as you might expect. Stepping through The OWO’s Portland Stone portico on Whitehall Street, I was wowed by the Grand Staircase, above which a 26-foot Murano glass chandelier hangs like a benevolent planet. Up on the third floor, my boots sunk into the deep, cream and ruby-red carpets now lining the building’s 2.5 miles of corridor, along which boy scouts once delivered messages by bicycle. I stayed in a suite named after Vera Atkins, a British-Romanian spy — one of eight female politicians, spies, and public figures around whom the hotel’s expansive corner suites are themed. Thierry Despont, the late Parisian interiors star, sprinkled his fairy dust over all of The OWO’s 120 accommodations; the Atkins suite had an updated art deco look, with curvaceous velvet banquettes and heavy-cream accents to brighten up all the wood paneling and parquet. Speaking of spies, “James Bond” author Ian Flemming regularly visited the OWO’s library (now the restaurant Mauro Colagreco), and the building itself has appeared in no fewer than five Bond movies, as the MI6 offices. There may be stiff competition among high-end London hotels, but there can be few that deliver a more quintessentially British experience than this one. From $1,385/night. Accessible hotel. — Flora Stubbs  

Regent Hong Kong

Susmita Baral/Travel + Leisure

Regent Hong Kong has been a fixture in the city’s Kowloon area since 1980, but it just reopened after a massive two-year renovation. Walking onto the newly renovated property felt like entering a secret oasis in a city of 7.4 million people. The hotel presents like a sanctuary, starting with the Feng Shui fountain outside and the terrace with lush landscaping and three infinity pools. My room had a window-front daybed and a deep soaking tub from which I could enjoy the views across the city’s iconic Victoria Harbor and Hong Kong Island. And should you, like me, not want to leave unless absolutely necessary, know there are excellent on-site dining options. The hotel is home to seven restaurants and bars, including Michelin two-starred Lai Ching Heen ; an outpost of Nobu; and Harbourside, where guests can indulge in an elevated daily buffet for breakfast and lunch. I found myself crippled with decision fatigue on what to eat for breakfast — the local specialties, the continental breakfast, the fresh-baked pastries, or all of the above? The answer was obviously D, all of the above. From $767/night. Accessible hotel. — Susmita Baral

Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Grandeur

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ sixth ship, the Seven Seas Grandeur , sailed its inaugural season in December, joining sibling ships Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Splendor as the newest member of the luxury fleet. The cruise line is a favorite among Travel + Leisure readers for its gorgeous ships and all-inclusive pricing that covers unlimited shore excursions, dining at specialty restaurants, and even round-trip airfare. Grandeur lives up to its name thanks to stunning, art-filled spaces designed by cruise ship interior experts Studio Dado: signature restaurant Compass Rose is enchanting with interiors inspired by a fairy-tale forest; the Observation Lounge sparkles with an undulating chandelier and swanky bar; and the $11,000-per-night Regent Suite has a private en suite spa and custom Treesse mini pool. As I boarded Grandeur for the ship’s inaugural sailing, I was mesmerized by the grand staircase and glittering chandelier. And with a maximum capacity of 744 guests, I found it easy to take time to myself in the myriad of quiet spots tucked throughout the ship, whether in the Serene Spa and Wellness area, in the Library, or on the Sports Deck overlooking the ocean. Seven restaurants include specialty steakhouse Prime 7, pan-Asian restaurant Pacific Rim, and breakfast and lunch buffet La Veranda, which refines the cruise buffet experience with daily specials like paella and sushi. Several bars and lounges, a pool and hot tubs, a casino, Broadway-style productions, and cooking classes at the Culinary Arts Kitchen make the ship a destination in itself, though guests will want to take advantage of those included excursions on Caribbean, Central American, North American, and European itineraries, ranging from seven to 16 nights, during the ship’s 2024 season. From $4,669 per person for a seven-night sailing. Accessible ship. — Elizabeth Rhodes

Roost Detroit

Matthew Williams/Courtesy of ROOST Detroit

Tucked inside Detroit’s iconic Book Tower, this Roost location merges the comforts of a contemporary home with the elegance of a bygone era. The building’s past and future blend seamlessly, thanks to a transformative renovation by the real estate firm Bedrock Detroit. The painstaking restoration, conducted over a seven-year period, invokes the structure’s Italian Renaissance–revival style, originally conceived by architect Louis Kamper in the 1920s, which includes awe-inspiring arches and a romantic rotunda that now floats above an all-day café and wine bar. The property has been updated with a contemporary art collection curated by the Library Street Collective gallery and features pieces by local creatives Senghor Reid and Sydney James. Travelers staying in one of the property’s 117 apartment suites will love the spacious floor plans, some of which feature Detroit river views.

But the details are what define the guest experience: stellar service, Le Labo Santal 33 amenities, elevated electronics from Sonos and Samsung, and colorful Fortessa glassware are just a few ways this property defies the expectations of a standard extended stay. Roost is also an ideal hideaway for remote work: a 3,000-square-foot study also serves as a co-working space and lounge that features private booths and retreat-ready conference rooms. There are several restaurants, including a chic rooftop bar named Kampers, but Le Supreme is the one that stands out. This Parisian-inspired brasserie has vintage-inspired decor. I parked myself in a booth and ordered a rhubarb and rosé-filled Mon Cheri cocktail, which paired well with the peppercorn-crusted filet mignon and a shrimp, avocado, and mâche salad. From $289/night. Accessible hotel. — Keyaira Boone

Rosemary, Marrakesh

Marina Denisova/Courtesy of Rosemary

Hidden behind a hand-carved cedar door, Rosemary is the latest example of the creative energy sizzling through this ancient city. The five-bedroom guesthouse was designed by Belgian artist Laurence Leenaert, who founded the ceramics and textile brand Lrnce, known for its cool, artsy aesthetic. Working with more than 30 local artisans, she used materials sourced in Morocco — including stained glass from Meknes, pots from Safi, and marble from Rabat. Every inch of the riad is an expression of her imagination, from the abstract drawings hand-carved into sandstone tables to the colorful murals made from zellige tiles. Squint and you’ll notice that each of the tiles in the bathroom is a miniature painting; find out more in the ceramic and plaster workshops that turn Rosemary into a creative hub. From $236/night.​ — Chloe Sachdev

Rosewood Munich 

Davide Lovatti/Courtesy of Rosewood

Entering the Rosewood Munich , a hotel 10 years in the making, feels like walking into your friend’s living room (granted, your most stylish friend’s living room), with a grand lobby where you can sink into plush seating while sampling the local sweets the hotel puts out to satisfy your sugar cravings. Cuvilliés, the brasserie open to both guests and locals, is one of the poshest new restaurants in Munich, with ingredients sourced from the region, including Helmut Schlader Alpine caviar, wagyu beef from Tegernsee, and lamb from a breeder in Jochberg. Guests can retire to their apartment-style rooms, decked out in bespoke furnishings and all-marble baths. The most luxurious accommodations, though, are Rosewood’s five houses, with unparalleled amenities like full kitchens, massive soaking tubs, private courtyard terraces, and more than 2,600 square feet of living space. My favorite spot at the hotel is much smaller: the ultra-exclusive speakeasy, 100B, hidden on the property. During my visit to the hotel, I caught a rare glimpse inside the space to find soft, red velvet furnishings accent rich, dark-wood walls, made all the better by its top-shelf drink offerings, including hard-to-find bottles of Pappy Van Winkle and other rarified liquors. The only way in is to butter up a bartender, who may or may not acknowledge its very existence. From $865/night. Accessible hotel. — Stacey Leasca

Sha Wellness Clinic Mexico

Courtesy of SHA Mexico

Wellness culture reaches its apex at Sha Wellness Clinic , open since January 2024 in Costa Mujeres, Mexico, just north of Cancun. The 100-room property, with 35 privately owned residences, offers an all-inclusive, immersive wellness experience in four- to 21-day programs. Guests engage in wellness therapies, ranging in scope from the medical – intravenous oxygenation, for instance – to the therapeutic, like Shiatsu massage. Upon arrival, each traveler receives a state-of-the-art evaluation, assessing everything from body composition to vascular age to muscular strength, to determine specific wellness needs. My own four-day Rebalance & Energize program included sessions with a Chinese medicine specialist for acupuncture and energy healing; a consultation with a head nutritionist for a meal plan; various overall health assessments with the clinic’s physicians; a Tibetan sound bowl session; and a water-based treatment called the hydroenergetic detox, in which I was wrapped in seaweed and massaged by machine. Shamadi, the nutrition-focused fine-dining venue, serves sophisticated, multicourse menus both inside and outside, on a terrace overlooking the sea. (A second restaurant, Earthy, focused on live-fire cooking, is set to open soon.) When they aren’t meeting with the clinic’s trained professionals, guests are also welcome to use the property’s hydrotherapy circuit, infinity pools, and fitness facility, or snorkel at the largest coral reef in the Northern Hemisphere. During my stay, a swim with a school of stunning barracuda, shimmering in Caribbean sunlight, proved particularly restorative. Four-night program from $5,600, all-inclusive. – Hannah Selinger

Shinta Mani Mustang, Nepal

Elise Hassey/Courtesy of Shinta Mani Mustang

There are still wildly beautiful and enchanted pockets of the world to discover, and this new property — imagined by celebrated interior designer Bill Bensley — is right in the heart of one: the ancient Kingdom of Mustang in Nepal, close to the border of Tibet. From the outside, this U-shaped structure, built using local Baglung stone, resembles a monastery. But inside, thanks to Bensley’s historical research and taste for rich color and pattern, it feels like an elegant, colorful palace. Large public spaces are appointed with a mix of antique Mustang treasures, lampshades decorated with cascading yak hair, and pops of orange and yellow. When not on daily excursions to nearby temples and villages, guests can visit the resort’s spa, which is overseen by a doctor of traditional Tibetan medicine. Each of the 29 rooms has a spacious bathroom — many with deep tubs — as well as woven tiger rugs on the polished black wood floors, and felt blankets from a Nepal-based workshop that supplies Hermes. But none of it can begin to compete with the view of Mount Nilgiri through the floor-to-ceiling windows. From $1,800/night, with a five-night minimum. Accessible hotel. — Gisela Williams  

Silversands Beach House, Grenada 

Courtesy of Silversands

Just three minutes from the airport — and steps from Portici Beach — the latest from luxury hospitality brand Silversands is a 28-room resort with hillside rooms offering panoramic views and canopied beachfront suites that almost touch the surf. All are designed with relaxing neutral tones, artwork handpicked by the property’s Egyptian developer, Naguib Sawiris, and floor-to-ceiling windows and doors that lead to expansive terraces or decks. The restaurant, Azzurro, blends Caribbean and Mediterranean cuisines in dishes like pasta topped with coconut-​and-panko-crusted shrimp and island-inspired sorbets. There are three more restaurants for guests to enjoy, as well as the longest pool in the Caribbean, at the bigger Silversands Grand Anse, 15 minutes away via Mercedes-Benz shuttle. From $700/night. Accessible hotel. ​ — Danielle Pointdujour

Silversea’s Silver Nova

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Carrying 728 passengers, Silver Nova is big for the luxury sector, but boasts a hugely important metric: a capacious passenger space ratio — that is, the number of guests relative to the size of the ship. Simply put, this ship offers more elbow room per passenger than almost any other cruise vessel. Silver Nova is wrapped in glass, with an asymmetrical layout; the funnel is positioned off-center, so is the pool, offering an expansive, uncluttered pool deck. Many features of the brand-new ship recall previous Silversea successes, my favorite of which is the S.A.L.T. (Sea And Land Taste) program, expanded for Silver Nova . S.A.L.T. perks include a gorgeous, sea-facing lab for hands-on culinary lessons (at no additional cost), plus a new concept, the Chef’s Table, where an 11-course menu is prepared for just 24 diners. All facets of the S.A.L.T. ecosystem, including ingredients, a bar, lectures, and shore excursions, are keyed to the region Nova is sailing. While food is a drawing card for Silver Nova , accommodations also received a revamp. Tied to the theme of bringing the outside in, there are brilliant new suites found in the aft starboard corner of the ship, with wraparound balconies revealing a 270-degree view.  This is where you can tuck me in when I win the lottery and head off on a world cruise. But until then, Silver Nova will summer in Alaska and spend northern hemisphere winters in Australia and New Zealand, places where top-deck views should prove ceaselessly rewarding. From $3,250 per person for a seven-night sailing. Accessible ship. — David Swanson

Silvestre Nosara Hotel & Residences, Costa Rica

Juan Tribaldos/Courtesy of Silvestre Nosara

If there is a formula for building a hotel that immediately makes you feel at home, Chris Ingham Brooke and Ilya Korolev, the owners of Costa Rica's newest boutique stay, Silvestre Nosara , have nailed it. Maybe it's because the nine-key property is also where Brooke and his family live, or perhaps it's because every single detail of the spacious residences was executed with the utmost consideration for the comfort and privacy of families. Each apartment-like residence has two bedrooms and two en suite bathrooms, plus floor-to-ceiling French doors that open to patios or balconies. The ground-level residences feature lush private gardens with saunas and cold-plunge bathtubs. The kitchens come with fully stocked refrigerators, and if you run out of something, the concierge team is happy to run out and get it from a nearby organic food store. Guests can head to the two-level rooftop for breakfast; the roof is also where you'll find the hotel's infinity pool and cabanas, surrounded by a canopy of trees providing shade from the ground. Naturally, if you've come all the way to Nosara with your family , you're probably here to soak up the sun and catch a few waves. So grab a complimentary board from the hotel's surf school and head straight down the hotel’s jungle path to the famous Playa Guiones, just five minutes away. From $960/night, with a three-night minimum. — Dobrina Zhekova

Singita Mara River Tented Camp, Serengeti, Tanzania

Courtesy of Singita

The most low-key property in Singita’s illustrious East African lineup is also the most exclusive. Singita Mara River Tented Camp is one of only a few permanent camps in the sought-after Lamai wedge, a spit of savanna sequestered from the vast Serengeti National Park by the Mara River. Reopened after a complete rebuild that saw infrastructure from the old camp cleverly repurposed, the camp is sexy and sustainable, and channels the adventurous spirit of a mobile operation — while still providing every imaginable creature comfort. Over 20 African designers and makers were commissioned to add their creative stamp to the new camp. The six well-spaced tents have king-size beds, outdoor tubs, and beaded Maasai artworks by Sidai Designs , an Arusha-based female collective. The chic but utilitarian interiors are done in bold blues and reds, inspired by traditional Maasai blankets. Compact design solutions like mobile wardrobes add to the clutter-free vibe; there’s even a canvas-clad mini-bar stocked with local beers, homemade fruit cordials, Champagne, and vegan chocolate. Like all Singita lodges, the hub of the camp is a bar where smoothies, cappuccinos, and craft cocktails are served by the 100-percent Tanzanian staff. The camp’s prime riverfront site guarantees front-row seats to all the predator-prey action during migration season, but sightings remain impressive year-round, thanks to plentiful resident plains game, including herds of buffalo and elephants, and all the big cats. Suites from $2,045 per person per night. — Jane Broughton

Six Senses Crans-Montana, Switzerland

Imagine you took a quiet, sleek spa with darkened windows and hushed hallways and deposited it onto a Swiss mountainside in an old ski town in the most skiable part of the Valais region, and you get the idea behind Six Senses Crans-Montana . In a town that still feels ripped from a 1987 calendar (in a good way!), the property is like a portal to the future that you can ski right into — or out of. And when you enter that portal from the cold slopes, a “ski concierge” will be waiting to rush your gear into a warm room to dry before it’s delivered to you again on your way out in the morning. My favorite parts of the 45 room-resort were the views of the Alps and the huge soaking tub in my room. Byakko, a lacquered jewel box of a Japanese restaurant on the second floor, serves sushi and other dishes not quite local to the Rhône Valley. The more woodsy Wild Cabin, on the first floor, is where you can have your smoothies for breakfast, pizzas at lunchtime, or game-heavy dinners. A local charcuterie and cheese course is served every evening in the lobby bar. But the pièce de résistance is the spa, a steamy subterranean waterworks with hot tubs and cold plunges, two full-size pools, and toasty massage rooms. From $1,090/night. Accessible hotel. — Devin Friedman

Six Senses Rome

Courtesy of Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas

The Eternal City has plenty of exclusive hotels where the brass is polished to a shine and the Negronis flow easily (see: the famed Hotel de Russie terrace). The new Six Senses , a 96-room temple to wellness, smack on Via del Corso and a five-minute walk to the Trevi Fountain, is a welcome departure from all that tradition. Fresh off a red-eye from New York City, I tested “biohacking” remedies at the subterranean spa, slipping on a blue-light facial mask, a back massager, and Normatec compression socks to shake off the jet lag, before making my way to a sprawling series of Roman baths — utterly palatial, by any city hotel standards. And though the property is housed in a 15th-century palazzo, with a central marble staircase that transported me back to the Renaissance, the overall vibe feels fresh and relaxed thanks to Milan-based designer Patricia Urquiola. In a nod to well-being, the rooms are designed to soothe, from the spare, cocciopesto-covered walls to the divine Naturalmat organic mattresses. They also give you a sense of place — contemporary photos of ancient Roman busts crown the beds — and if you're willing to splurge, the license to live like a local. Book a deluxe junior suite with a terrace, and you can enjoy a bottle of wine outdoors with the rooftops of the city seemingly at your fingertips. The travertine-clad lobby embraces warm earth tones, with plants and a skylight bringing the outdoors in; for true alfresco living, don’t miss the Notos Rooftop, a combination yoga studio, restaurant, and farmers market. How very 21st century is that? From $1,083/night. Accessible hotel. — Jacqueline Gifford

Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland 

From a distance, you could easily mistake Slieve Donard for a castle. The sprawling Victorian resort first opened 125 years ago as a railway hotel, becoming the grande dame of Newcastle, a small seaside resort town in Northern Ireland’s County Down. Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts — a brand with a collection of five historic properties located near some of Scotland and Northern Ireland’s best golf courses — completed Slieve Donard’s renovation in September. The transformed lobby and guest rooms highlight Northern Ireland’s natural beauty and the property’s heritage, and reimagined restaurants update the grandeur of the hotel’s heyday. J.J. Farrall’s, named after the hotel’s architect, serves afternoon tea and refined Irish cuisine at dinner; the Percy French, Lighthouse Lounge, and the Wolf offer more casual snacks and drinks. I was immediately struck by the hotel’s plush interiors, striking facade, and stunning views of the Irish Sea and the Mourne Mountains. Many of the 180 rooms look out over the Mournes, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty — and home to Slieve Donard, the highest mountain in Northern Ireland and the hotel’s namesake. Beautiful hikes, Game of Thrones tours, and whisky distilleries are among the most popular things to do in the area, but many visitors come here for one thing: golf. The property is located right next to the Royal County Down Golf Club, which dates back to 1889 and is home to the Championship Course, widely recognized as one of the most beautiful in the world. From $286/night. Accessible hotel. — Elizabeth Rhodes

Son Bunyola Hotel & Villas, Mallorca, Spain

Courtesy of Son Bunyola Hotel & Villas

A stay at this sprawling property on Mallorca’s sunbaked western coast feels like a visit to a billionaire’s home, and in a sense, it is. Son Bunyola is the newest in Richard Branson’s Virgin Limited Edition hotel collection. The centerpiece of the 1,300-acre plot is a 16th-century manor, which houses 26 rooms and suites. There are also three multi-bedroom villas, one of which is built into a defense tower that dates back to the 13th century. The design team managed to make these storied structures feel like a home away from home. The result is an exclusive Mediterranean hideaway where guests spend their days sunning on yachts, sipping Mallorcan wines, and indulging in ancient Moroccan rituals at the spa. Nights are filled with seven-course tasting menus and starry views. It’s an adult playground, and that’s by design. Thankfully, when you check out, you can take the handmade espadrilles in your room with you, to continue the relaxation at home. From $703/night.​ Accessible hotel. — Jennifer Bradley Franklin

Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island, Australia 

GEORGE APOSTOLIDIS/Courtesy of Southern Ocean Lodge

When Southern Ocean Lodge first opened on an island off the coast of southern Australia in 2008, it set the bar for all-inclusive eco-lodges in Australia with its spectacular setting, striking design, and precise yet easygoing hospitality. But the resort burned to the ground in one of the devastating bushfires of 2020. Sheltering underground with smoke seeping into their bunker, longtime managers John Hird and Alison Heath vowed to rebuild. Their employer, Baillie Lodges, agreed, and the lodge reopened this past December. The 25 terraced suites have been updated to include soaking tubs, double vanities, and master controls for zoned lighting. Furnishings are smartly positioned — I could count the night stars through the floor-to-ceiling windows from bed — and the suites have also been angled to provide maximum privacy and views of the surf on the beach below. Chef Tom Saliba makes ample use of island ingredients, like hand-fed partridges, which he barbecues, and mushrooms for whipped tofu with panisse at breakfast. The lounge features a 1970s-style central fireplace and plenty of comfortable seating, but perhaps its greatest charm is a wide-open bar generously stocked with ingredients, a cocktail book that guests are encouraged to use to mix their own drinks, and bar accoutrements. The wine cellar is filled with southern Australian bottles to wander in and grab. The expanded spa now includes warm pools and cold plunges, plus a sauna, and those looking for adventure can book guided tours to spot fur seals and endangered sea lions. From $2,213/night. Accessible hotel.­ — Betsy Andrews

Tanda Tula Safari Camp, Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa

Courtesy of Tanda Tula

At this reimagined camp in the Timbavati , one of South Africa’s lesser-known private nature reserves, there are 180-degree views of the Nhlaralumi River, which is dry for much of the year, allowing for feet-in-the-sand sundowners and barbecues after immersive game drives. Part of the Greater Kruger region, the reserve is known for guaranteed, year-round sightings of leopards lurking in riverine thickets, large herds of buffalo, packs of wild dogs running free, and numerous prides of lions — including rare white lions. But perhaps the real luxury of choosing this intimate camp is that you’ll rarely bump into other safari cars while exploring the ecosystem, unlike reserves located inside Kruger that can be overrun with tourists. The interiors of the nine off-grid suites channel a strong sense of place through homegrown design that feels refreshingly modern, while still honoring the intricate patterns of traditional Tsonga motifs. Everything is steeped in the colors of the surrounding bush — including the deep aubergine of the purple pod cluster leaf, an indigenous tree. Sleek, statement bathrooms lead to open-air showers, private plunge pools, and incredible views. The service feels easy and intuitive, whether you’re arranging a massage in your suite or ordering lunch on your deck. Menus are in sync with the seasons and champion fresh produce grown by small-scale local farmers. Uplifting people is part of Tanda Tula’s DNA: through the work of the property’s foundation, your stay helps fund educational opportunities and scholarships for bright young minds, as well as an adult literacy program for staff. Suites from $1,338 per person per night. Accessible hotel. — Jane Broughton

The Fifth Avenue Hotel, New York City

William Abranowicz/Courtesy of The Fifth Avenue Hotel

The buzz on social media surrounding the debut of The Fifth Avenue Hotel was hard to ignore — especially with Sarah Jessica Parker as host of the grand opening. The Fifth, as those in the know call it, brought new life into Manhattan’s hospitality scene with 153 rooms and suites decorated in a maximalist style by the firm of designer du jour Martin Brudnizki. The interiors are defined by rich colors; luxurious tapestries; artwork like Queen Mary, a portrait by Alanna Airitam; and Murano-glass chandeliers that provide an air of fantasy. Café Carmellini, from chef Andrew Carmellini, is reminiscent of the HBO series The Gilded Age, with lush fabrics and balcony seating overlooking the dining room. But instead of icy glares between the Astors and the Russells, you’ll find delicious dishes like lobster cannelloni and rabbit cacciatore. Before you head back to your room, have a nightcap at the Portrait Bar. The Cebu Island, an inspired cocktail blending rum, scotch, and Midori with a variety of tropical ingredients, deserves a buzz of its own. From $895/night. Accessible hotel. ​— Danielle Pointdujour

The Georgian, Santa Monica, California 

Douglas Friedman/Courtesy of The Georgian

The First Lady, as The Georgian is often referred, first opened its doors in 1933 and quickly became a hangout for the Hollywood A-list crowd. In a sea of white buildings lining Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica, California, The Georgian’s not-quite-Tiffany & Co. blue facade with gold trim pops. The eight-story hotel reopened in 2023 after an extensive renovation, and for Blvd Hospitality co-owners Jon Blanchard and Nico Rusconi, deciding what stayed and what went was a grand undertaking. Stayed: the original bathrooms in the 56 guest rooms, including the antique tile work, and that unquestionably Georgian blue facade, which is echoed in the bellhops’ baby-blue uniforms. Another vintage nod: The Georgian Room restaurant hosts Spaghetti Sundays, where I feasted on house-made garlic bread, spaghetti in a hearty marinara sauce, and Grandpa Tony's Meatballs, all a nod to the Red Griffin, the restaurant The Georgian housed in the ‘50s. Currently, the hotel offers a total of 84 guest rooms (including 28 suites), two open-to-the-public restaurants, an art gallery (with new exhibitions opening every two weeks), a library curated by Lee Kaplan of Arcana Books , a Peloton-outfitted gym, and a sultry, U-shaped lobby bar. A feast for the eyes, textures and colors fill every space. Pink chairs and yellow booths populate the outdoor terrace, coral-colored feathered lamps and mustard floor-to-ceiling curtains are seen throughout the lobby, and black-and-white images of Santa Monica line the walls. In the guest suites (one of which is named after Blanchard’s son, Hudson), there are record players and art deco–inspired bars, complete with a quartet of buttons that read like a directory: “Champagne,” “dessert,” “book club,” and “the usual,” the last of which is meant for repeat guests and their beverage/room service order of choice. From $700/night. Accessible hotel. — Alexandra Cheney

The Hotel Maria, Helsinki, Finland

Courtesy of The Hotel Maria

Founded by an Olympic champion and named for Empress Maria Feodorovna, the cosmopolitan mother of Russia’s last tsar, Helsinki’s The Hotel Maria has ambitions as rarefied as its pedigree. In 2020, Finnish developer (and three-time Olympic gold medalist) Samppa Lajunen acquired a parcel of mostly 19th-century buildings in the elegant Kruununhaka neighborhood and set out to convert them into the five-star hotel he believed Finland’s capital needed. The result is a 117-key property that blends glossy international luxury with Nordic sensibilities in a way that feels classic, even pleasantly old-school, as well as purposefully Finnish. The spa, for example, provides guests with an opportunity to try out the national obsession by alternating between sauna and cold plunge. And, throughout the hotel, 200 dreamlike, silvery paintings of iconic flora and fauna by homegrown artist Pia Feinik are on display. Thanks to quirks of the historic structures, every room is unique. Entry-level guest rooms are spacious and well-appointed, and those seeking something more distinctive can choose from 38 suites, including the sprawling, kitchen-equipped Imperial Suite, which feels like the pied-à-terre of a minor royal. Perhaps as an antidote to the winter darkness, around 180 chandeliers blaze in Maria’s rooms and public spaces, most strikingly in the sleek Bar Maria, where clusters of stylized glass icicles glow softly overhead. At the hotel’s hushed and refined flagship restaurant, Lilja, local ingredients like reindeer and cloudberry are foregrounded, and elbow room abounds (Finns like their personal space). Although Helsinki is often visited only as a day trip off a Baltic cruise, it’s a city with a welcoming, walkable center that rewards a longer stay, especially with The Hotel Maria as an unabashedly fancy — though not stuffy — home base. From $487/night . Accessible hotel. — Maggie Shipstead

The Hoxton, Brussels

Courtesy of The Hoxton

In the rapidly developing Northern Quarter of Brussels, close to the Bruxelles-Nord railway station, is a 198-room outpost of The Hoxton , the U.K. hotel brand’s first in Belgium. Concrete architraves adorning the windows, which local architecture practice 51N4E left intact, are a stark yet nostalgic reminder of the building’s industrial and corporate past as the former IBM Tower. But the interiors, courtesy of in-house creative team Aime Studios, exude warmth and softness. For instance, the striking double-height lobby is filled with plants, in homage to the 19th-century botanical garden that once stood nearby. This greenery is juxtaposed with artwork (the lower level doubles as the Hox Gallery) and a smattering of glamorous vintage furniture snagged at flea markets and secondhand shops across the region. Public spaces are buzzy: Cantina Valentina, the Peruvian-style restaurant, is packed with locals devouring ceviche and tequeños against a backdrop of artist Madeleine Schilling’s dreamy botanical mural. There’s also Tope, a rooftop taqueria, where artist Claire de Quénetain’s painted pink ripple wallpaper is enjoyed alongside jalapeño margaritas, cacti, and heady views of the city. After a frothy, orange flower-scented Pisco sour nightcap in one of the lobby’s cocooning chairs, guests head up to their color-blocked rooms, a mélange of deep red, cream, and sky blue punctuated by striped headboards, long oval-shaped glass room dividers, and velvet sofas. Bathrooms, outfitted with confetti-pink pedestal sinks, exude an equally delightful retro feel. From $217/night. Accessible hotel. — Alia Akkam

The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection, Los Olivos, California

Courtesy of Inn at Mattei's Tavern/Auberge Resorts Collection

The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern finally brings a luxurious place to stay to Los Olivos, a gem in the Santa Ynez Valley with a population of 1,132 that was crowned America’s best small food and culture town by T+L in 2023. The delightful 1880s property is pristine and enchantingly symmetrical, with guest houses coated in a gleaming layer of white paint and a red-shingled water tower sitting in the middle of an idyllic, greenhouse-flanked lawn. During my first evening, I crossed this perfect patch of grass to the Tavern restaurant for a round of martinis and just-out-of-the-oven focaccia, followed by clams served with a slab of pork belly in a garlicky broth. I then slipped down the hall to the Bar, housed in the tavern that original owner Felix Mattei opened in 1886, to finish my evening with a spicy red blend from the Santa Rita hills and a chocolate soufflé doused in caramel sauce. I loved strolling into town to taste wine at Dragonette Cellars , Story of Soil , and the beloved Stolpman Vineyards Fresh Garage — just a small sampling of the 27 wineries within walking distance of the hotel. There’s also the cute Los Olivos General Store and a new restaurant from the chef behind the Michelin-starred gem in nearby Los Alamos , Bell’s . But spending time at the hotel was equally tempting. On my last day, I gave in and just lazed by the pool, where I lunched on duck wontons and grilled shiitakes at the alfresco Gin’s Bar — named for Gin Lung Gin, the head chef at Mattei’s in the 1910s. From $950/night. Accessible hotel. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

The Lafayette Hotel & Club, San Diego

Courtesy of The LaFayette

After opening in 1946, The Lafayette Hotel & Club in San Diego quickly became a celebrity hot spot. Bob Hope, its first guest, owned a penthouse apartment there. Johnny Weissmuller, of “Tarzan” fame, designed the pool. Confirmed visitors included Ava Gardner, Frank Sinatra, and Katharine Hepburn; local lore says Marilyn Monroe might have checked in with a politically powerful friend of hers. Over the subsequent decades, The Lafayette’s star flickered. Three years ago, local restaurateur Arsalun Tafazoli bought the hotel, and after a stunning, $31-million renovation, The Lafayette reopened this past summer. While the landmarked exterior is largely unchanged, the interior shouts loudly with new life. The Brooklyn, New York–based firm Post Company orchestrated the unabashedly maximalist design: sofas and chairs with leopard print, zebra stripes, and bold florals; multicolored Mexican Talavera toilets; hand-painted murals; one custom wallpaper featuring kimono-clad women, another with jungle-dwelling bush babies. Look closely at the bedside reading lamps and the posts of the canopy beds, and you might spot snakes; Tafazoli sees the creatures as avatars of revitalization because of how they shed their old skins. And this isn’t style over substance: There are Sferra linens on the beds, Diptyque toiletries in every bathroom, and even stationery custom-printed with the guest’s name on the desk in every room. Listen up; famed music producer Swizz Beatz curated the soundtrack. The Lafayette’s exuberant eclecticism continues in its bars — there are three, including The Gutter, where you can play skee-ball and shuffleboard while you drink — and its restaurants, most notably Quixote, where Mexican-born chef José Cepeda serves modern takes on venerable family recipes. From $248/night. Accessible hotel. — Jeff Chu

The Lana, Dubai

Courtesy of The Lana

The Middle East debut for the Dorchester Collection is just another sign that when it comes to hospitality, Dubai is on the level of London, Paris, Rome, and Los Angeles. And The Lana still manages to stand out in a crowded field. That’s partly because of its location in Marasi Bay Marina, an upscale new development. The striking Foster & Partners building is avant-garde, while the interiors, from designers Gilles & Boissier, are more subtle, with soft pinks and sandy beiges that nod to the surrounding desert and elegant touches such as textured wallpaper and rich wood paneling in the 225 rooms and suites. There’s also a Dior spa and a trio of notable restaurants helmed by celebrated chefs — Martin Berasategui, Jean Imbert, and Angelo Musa. Locals are already clamoring to get into the rooftop bar, High Society, where I took in the skyline, martini in hand. From $925/night. Accessible hotel.­ — Chrissie McClatchie

The Leela Ashtamudi, A Raviz Hotel, Kerala, India

Courtesy of The Leela Palaces Hotels and Resorts

On the banks of Kerala’s second largest lake, Ashtamudi, The Leela offers visitors the chance to experience the unhurried beauty of Kerala’s backwaters. Tourist traffic on Ashtamudi is substantially lower than at Kerala’s other waterways, like the sought-after Kumarakom Backwaters and Alleppey Backwaters. While the new hotel is still a work in progress — a bar and restaurant, among other things, are not yet open — it is arguably the best in this underappreciated region. On a recent trip, I saw no tourists as I took the hotel boat around the lake in search of brackish water dolphins, only fisherfolk tending to their nets. After a morning on the lake, I had lunch at the hotel overlooking the lakeside garden. Here, guests can have a chef prepare the fish they catch on their trip, or visit a local market with one to buy produce and cook it together. Later that day, I enjoyed an Abhyanga treatment at The Leela’s spa, where the masseurs kneaded my travel-weary back. The hotel’s 93 rooms and suites are tastefully done up; where some rooms feature traditional Kerala mural work drawn from Hindu myths, others carry modern art. The furniture, too, is a mix of colonial and contemporary. The room to book: the Royal Heritage suite that offers an expansive view of the lake, sunset included. From $97/night. Accessible hotel. — Prasad Ramamurthy  

The Peninsula London

Will Pryce/Courtesy of The Peninsula London

The Peninsula brand, which operates a 96-year-old flagship in Hong Kong as well as properties as far-flung as Beverly Hills and Istanbul, spent 35 years looking for the right address in London. They found it on a prime corner overlooking Wellington Arch, in the heart of Belgravia. The eight-story building, its Portland-stone facade a nod to British craftsmanship, opened to the public in 2023. The timing couldn’t have been better — or worse — depending upon how you look at it, as the British capital is experiencing a luxury hotel boom. So what sets The Peninsula London apart? That location, for one. I was able to walk to Harrods and Buckingham Palace in 15 minutes, and yet still feel tucked away from the fray, thanks to the quiet courtyard, anchored by two 120-year-old Japanese maple trees, and the subterranean, forest-themed spa. The 190 rooms, designed by Peter Marino to soothe with their neutral, calming tones, start at a very generous 549 square feet. But the biggest perk might be the in-room technology, a Peninsula signature, so seamless I could charge all of my devices on a bedside table (some cord-free) without unpacking an adapter. If some parts of the hotel lean classic, others skew more whimsical, including the rooftop Brooklands Bar & Restaurant by Claude Bosi, themed around race cars and aviation (even if you don’t eat there, have a peek at the replica Concorde suspended from the dining-room ceiling). And Canton Blue, the formal Chinese restaurant, is a true feast for the eyes with its displays of suspended porcelain cups, plates, and antique musical instruments. Full from the excellent soup dumplings and Peking duck, I left my table at 11:30 p.m. — and the room was still abuzz. From $1,600/night. Accessible hotel. — Jacqueline Gifford

The Pinch, Charleston, South Carolina

Matthew Williams/Courtesy of The Pinch, Charleston

Just off of King Street in Charleston, South Carolina, the flicker of gaslight beckons those in the know down a cobblestone alley to The Pinch . Housed in a collection of 19th-century buildings, the property was brought to life by design and management company Method Co . Its 22 rooms and suites, plus three extended-stay residences, are furnished tip to toe in sumptuous materials — walnut herringbone floors, zellige tiles, burnt-orange velvet sofas, marble farmhouse sinks with unlacquered brass fixtures — but the overall feel is playful and easygoing, never fussy or formal. The hotel is also home to The Quinte, a moody, wood-paneled oyster bar that retains traces of its billiards parlor past, and Lowland, a fine-dining spot in a historic townhouse across the alleyway. Presiding over the culinary show is James Beard Award–winning executive chef Jason Stanhope, who gestures to Southern classics without veering into cliché. At Lowland, unexpectedly inspired dishes such as a celery salad with dates and cheddar stuck with me well after I pushed back from the table. The Pinch is just right for a long, leisurely stay, with washer-dryers in every room and kitchens that bear the design fingerprints of a true cook: hooded gas ranges, a full lineup of kitchen tools, and enough place settings to invite friends for dinner. It’s the details that make this place sing: there’s a white-noise machine by the bed, a burr grinder for the freshest coffee, a minibar lineup that nails the high-low mix (An adaptogenic zero-proof spritz? Yep. Moon pies? Also yep.). Pair all that with extended-stay discounts and a price tag that feels refreshingly reasonable, and a multiweek Charleston residency starts to look less like a pipe dream and more like an ideal plan for shaking off the midwinter blues. From $300/night. Accessible hotel. — Lila Harron Battis

The Restoration Asheville, North Carolina 

Blake Shorter/Courtesy of The Restoration Asheville

Front-door access to the best trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains, James Beard Award–winning restaurants, abundant breweries, and a thriving art scene have made Asheville, North Carolina, one of T+L readers’ favorite American cities . But what’s long been missing is an elevated hotel in the heart of downtown. Enter The Restoration Asheville , a 60-key property from The Restoration Hotel Collection (which has a flagship property in Charleston ) that opened in April 2023. My room had a green suede chaise lounge and a dramatic, oversized church-window mirror. I appreciated the Appalachian touches throughout the property, like floor-to-ceiling murals by local painter Scott Allred depicting the nearby mountains. The library-themed lobby and the adjacent streetside patio are excellent places for coffee and people-watching. I also appreciated the variety of dining options, including The Exchange restaurant, which has upgraded Southern favorites, like a jalapeño- and buttermilk-battered fried chicken sandwich and a trout and chicory caesar salad, and The Draftsman, a basement-level bar with a bowling alley and skee-ball. But if you’ve come to Asheville, you’ve come to eat and drink your way through the city . I recommend brunch at Chai Pani or Cúrate , dinner at Neng Jr.’s , and cocktails at Anoche , a snug mezcal bar in the River Arts District. Plus, the new S&W Market , a food hall and taproom in a soaring art deco building, is next door to the Restoration. From $225/night. Accessible hotel. — Elizabeth Cantrell

The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, Florida

Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Naples

The Ritz-Carlton, Naples , to me, has always embraced its status as a social hub with gusto. I’ve seen many an anniversary dinner, Champagne toast, and lavish, eggs Benedict–stuffed brunch celebrated on these grounds. Kids splash away in the wave-shaped family pool; adults indulge in stiff cocktails with their shoes off at Gumbo Limbo, the seaside restaurant; and everyone relaxes under the spell of that old-school, Ritz-Carlton service. Now, this 38-year-old resort – reopened after Hurricane Ian and a $100-million-plus glow up — leans more new school in its design. I was still greeted by a fleet of staffers outside the grand porte-cochere, but the lobby interior is less claustrophobic. Gone are the dark-wood beams, chandeliers, and thick carpet; in their place are brass accents and floating crystal pendants suspended above a marble-topped bar, the hot reservation on a Saturday night. The airy, nautical feel also extends into all 474 guest rooms, where I was impressed by the grasscloth headboards, the built-in bedside reading lamps, and the full-size bottles of Diptyque amenities. Seventy new suites and the largest Ritz-Carlton Club lounge in North America lie in the 14-floor Vanderbilt Tower, an addition that flows so well with the original building, you can’t really tell what’s old and new. Other fun tweaks include a new adults-only pool, 10 poolside bungalows (all named for Florida islands) with en suite bathrooms, and Sofra, which, unlike Gumbo, favors lighter dishes like heirloom tomato salad accompanied by barrel-aged feta and grilled whole sea bream. With dining trends moving the way they are these days, this Mediterranean spot, like the resort itself, will soon be the talk of the town. From $1,100/night. Accessible hotel. — Jacqueline Gifford

The Rome Edition

Nikolas Koenig/Courtesy of The Rome EDITION

The first thing you notice about The Rome Edition is its ideal location, a 10-minute walk from both the Borghese Gardens and the Trevi Fountain. Inside, you’re struck by the floor-to-ceiling green velvet curtains designer Patricia Urquiola chose to contrast with the travertine walls of the lobby, while boxy white sofas echo the straight-lined architecture. The 91 guest rooms feel minimalist, even with beds swathed in Italian linens and marble bathrooms stocked with Le Labo amenities. Cobalt-blue and lime-green upholstery pop against the white-oak paneling in the restaurant Anima, helmed by Paola Colucci, the chef behind Trastevere cult favorite Pianostrada. Diners rave about the pillowy focaccia topped with mortadella, smoked ricotta, pistachios, honey, and orange zest. For drinks, choose from the Jade Bar, the Punch Room, and the Roof, which offers memorable city views. From $747/night.​ — Laura Itzkowitz

The Rounds at Scribner’s, Hunter, New York 

From left: Chris Mottalini/Courtesy of The Rounds; Paul Brady/Travel + Leisure

Does the perfect cabin in the woods exist? It does now. A new hotel within a hotel in New York’s Catskill Mountains promises forest bathing without the grit, a dose of nature while keeping it hygge. A set of just 11 cabins, inspired by the shape of yurts, they’re up the hill from Scribner’s Catskill Lodge , the destination lodge that’s popular with city families seeking an escape and groups of friends intent on a ski weekend without the hassles of flying. Picture the Muji Hotel Ginza , crossed with the chicest Airbnb A-frame you’ve ever seen in Joshua Tree, California, and you’ll have a feel for the cabins at the Rounds. Designed by Post Company (known for their work on Mollie Aspen , nearby upstate gem Inness , and The Lake House on Canandaigua ), the stand-alone cottages here are a fusion of Scandinavian and Japanese motifs, along with several contemporary features: oiled white-pine floors and trim, linens and cottons, an outdoor cedar soaking tub, angular accent lights, and a freestanding gas-fueled fireplace. In the five suites, a large sunken sitting area is the focal point, below a small skylight that affords plenty of natural light. (Another showstopper: the Calacatta Viola marble pedestal sink in the bathroom.) Guests have the full run of the main Scribner’s lodge, which has an array of games and activities (bocce in the summer, ice skating in colder months), plus a full-service restaurant, Prospect, where I sat at the bar and ordered the winter harvest salad and a pork chop with Morita chile sauce. The wine list features plenty of natural finds, including several from New York State. Those staying in the Rounds have their own communal spot, the Apex Lodge, a low-key place to grab a morning coffee or evening brew and check with the staff about hiking trails or local restaurants. While it’s certainly possible to simply veg out here, bouncing from one’s private deck to the soaking tub, there’s a nightly ritual that’s worth emerging for: once the sun sets, and the fire in the Lodge’s midcentury modern chiminea gets going, there’s no better place to be, s’mores in hand. From $450/night. Accessible hotel. — Paul Brady

The Singapore Edition

Courtesy of The Singapore Edition

With a slew of ambitious newcomers opening their doors and long-standing stalwarts emerging from floor-to-ceiling refurbishments, 2023 was a banner year for Singapore's hotel scene . Among the most-anticipated new arrivals was The Singapore Edition , the first Southeast Asian outpost of the buzzy, design-minded hotel group launched by nightlife guru Ian Schrager (of NYC's Studio 54 fame) and Marriott International. Those familiar with the brand will clock its hallmarks from the get-go: A sculptural staircase takes center stage in the marble-floored lobby; oversized artworks dot the common areas; and the 204 guest rooms channel the brand's signature minimalism through straight-lined furnishings in soothing palettes of ivory and oak. Even the Punch Room, the punch-focused cocktail bar now found at almost a dozen Edition hotels across the globe, made its Singapore debut swathed in eye-popping Yves Klein blue. But the hotel is far from a copy-and-paste affair. Uniquely Singaporean touches include lush indoor gardens that nod to the city's tropical greenery, and louvered window panels inspired by the homes that once dominated this neighborhood, called the Orchard Road district. Similarly fresh is The Edition Singapore’s signature restaurant, the aptly named Fysh, where Australian chef and self-proclaimed “fish butcher” Josh Niland serves up wildly innovative fin-to-tail creations such as noodles from fish bone, tuna merguez sausage, and sweet ice cream — really! — from fish eyeballs. From $400/night. Accessible hotel. — Chris Schalkx

The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya, Mexico

Courtesy of The St. Regis Kanai Resort

While all of the five-star service and amenities associated with The St. Regis brand are here (including the acclaimed 24-hour butler service and the nightly Champagne sabering), this Riviera Maya, Mexico, resort presents a significant break from tradition. About 40 minutes from Cancun, in the gated Kanai community, is an airy, architectural marvel that makes the most of its stunning natural setting — while still protecting it. The curved, overlapping circular design by Mexican architectural firm Edmonds International was inspired by the stellar constellation Pleiades. It reminded me of a bright-white UFO, gently hovering over lush green vegetation. Yes, it hovers: To achieve a minimal footprint, the entire resort is set on stilts above the surrounding mangroves, which bleed into the adjacent 620-acre Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The view from my sleek, spacious room looked out on the mangroves, with the smooth, white-sand beach and cerulean water beyond. The 143 rooms and suites (all with patios and many with private infinity pools) feature locally inspired details like green marble sinks nodding to Mexico’s cenotes, ceramic light pendants that evoke the stars above, and wood-carved headboards reminiscent of ancient Maya textiles. When I tired of the beach, I moved between the two pools, the spa with its hydrotherapy circuit, the well-curated boutique filled with Mexican-crafted creations, and the hotel’s eight bars and restaurants. I especially loved escaping to the library when I needed a break from the hot sun, sampling the Maya cacao and teas on offer. From $1,099/night. Accessible hotel. — Devorah Lev-Tov

Todos Santos Boutique Hotel, Mexico

Fernando Marroquin/Courtesy of Todos Santos Boutique Hotel

During the pandemic, a media-shy Mexican family of shoe tycoons visited Todos Santos, the enchanting oasis an hour up the coast from Los Cabos, and bought a cobweb-collecting lodge housed in the historic villa of a 19th-century sugarcane baron (as one does). With zero hospitality experience but a keen eye for design, the optimistic hoteliers renovated extensively and opened the Todos Santos Boutique Hotel in January, giving the building the thoughtful, exquisite inn its handsome Spanish Colonial–style bones deserve. Potted palms nearly skim the black coffered ceilings in the open-air lobby, where twin stone staircases cascade down to the pool, sunken like some chic little lagoon where tasseled khaki umbrellas have sprouted along the edges like mushrooms. The lush landscaping and surrounding brickwork — including a new-build casita housing four suites and upping the existing room total to 10 — give the space the cloistered vibe of a Mexican riad . With checkerboard marble floors in the lobby, a gold-framed art collection, impeccable woodwork covering La Copa bar, and emerald-tiled bathrooms, every new material feels considered and luxurious. Every preserved element feels historically purposeful, even the bullet holes peppering the foyer walls from a long-ago gunfight. Honestly, who wouldn’t kill for this property? From $796/night. Accessible hotel. — Adam Erace

Trunk(Hotel)Yoyogi Park, Tokyo 

Courtesy of Trunk

Since opening its first location in Harajuku in 2017, the Trunk brand has distinguished itself as Tokyo’s go-to cool-kid hangout. Its latest iteration, Trunk(Hotel) Yoyogi Park , opened in September just steps from one of the city’s largest green spaces. The rooftop infinity pool provides views of the cityscape and the park’s tree canopy, best enjoyed over a cocktail from the oyster bar. The minimalist design, from Japanese architect Keiji Ashizawa and the Danish firm Norm Architects, mixes rough materials with high polish, adding washi-paper pendant lights by Kojima Shoten of Kyoto and Ariake paper-cord chairs. Some of the 25 rooms have terraces facing the park, freestanding bathtubs, and copper-trimmed room dividers. Pizzeria e Trattoria L’Ombelico offers all-day dining, and is best known for Tokyo-Neapolitan-style pies — made with an extra punch of salt. From $405/night.​ — Kristin Braswell

Ulum Moab, Utah

Courtesy of ULUM Moab

Ulum Moab is the first outpost of Ulum, a new brand from glamping hospitality giant Under Canvas. The concept was born from Under Canvas Moab guests' requests for "more comfort in nature," said Matt Gaghen, CEO of Under Canvas. And it certainly delivers: Despite technically staying in a tent, not once did I feel like I was roughing it. My 360-square-foot tent had a king-size bed, a queen-size sofa bed, temperature control, a rain shower, a 70-square-foot deck, and a bathroom stocked with Aesop amenities. The glamping resort, which sits on 200 acres of desert with views of 100-foot cliffs and the Looking Glass Arch, has 50 tents, hot and cold dipping pools, and a lobby with floor-to-ceiling windows to enjoy the stunning views. The concierge can point guests to nearby hiking and biking trails at various state parks, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and rock climbing at Looking Glass Arch — and you’re just an hour away from both Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park . What took my breath away was the stargazing on clear nights; Moab is known for its low light pollution and uses International Dark Sky standards to keep it that way. The on-site cafe and restaurant serve breakfast and dinner, with a heavy emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients and Southwest-inspired flavors. Even the cocktail and mocktail offerings are inspired by local flora. From $629/night. — Susmita Baral

Umana Bali, LXR Hotels & Resorts, Indonesia

Elspeth Velten/Travel + Leisure

Skirting the edge of a cliff above Bali’s southernmost point sits Hilton brand LXR’s newest resort: the 72-villa Umana Bali . On an island where resorts are clustered in major tourist centers like Seminyak, Nusa Dua, and Jimbaran, LXR’s first resort in Southeast Asia is refreshingly off the beaten path in the village of Ungasan. The resort’s Balinese pride is on full display, starting from the traditional welcome ceremony that greeted me on arrival and continuing with the property’s terraced layout (a nod to Bali’s iconic tiered rice fields) and the jewel-box of local desserts in all colors of the rainbow at breakfast. Each of Umana’s one-, two- and three-room villas encircle their own massive infinity pools, with access directly from the primary bedroom (and a secret path to a tropical outdoor shower). Inside, villas are studded with touches from Bali designers like Kevala Ceramics and locally made sandals, beach bags, and sun hats for use during a stay. These local accents are complemented by top-of-the-line amenities like Sonos speakers and Toto Washlet toilets. I grabbed a sun hat while taking advantage of the hotel’s easy access to Melasti Beach, which has, in my opinion, some of the clearest water in Bali. During my stay, the Umana staff made everything on my Bali wish list happen: I enjoyed a morning village walk through the local market and past the temples at Ungasan, participated in a private sound healing session in the resort’s beautiful spa, and felt totally catered to when I brought up my pregnancy-related dietary restrictions. Whether I ate on-site at Commune or Oliverra, or indulged in an in-villa breakfast, I never had to mention a specific restriction twice. From $750/night. Accessible hotel. — Elspeth Velten

Vermelho, Alentejo, Portugal

Rodrigo Cardoso

While today, few travelers can point to the tiny village of Melides on a map, that could soon change with the opening of Vermelho , the first hotel from legendary shoe designer Christian Louboutin. Portuguese architect Madalena Caiado made the property look like the centuries-old monasteries found throughout the region; Louboutin, the king of red-lacquered soles, selected every eye-catching interior detail. Opulent carpets? Yes. A chandelier shaped like a celestial sea urchin? Absolutely. An installation of 100 ceramic bird heads by the artist Elisabeth Lincot? You bet. Many pieces were pulled from Louboutin’s personal collection, including vintage prints and intricately designed textiles. Vermelho’s centerpiece is a cocktail lounge with an ornate silverwork bar made by Sevillian jeweler Orfebre Villareal. The restaurant, Xtian, serves classic Portuguese dishes with international flavors. Each of the 13 rooms and suites has a different look, but all come with enormous tiled tubs and colorful Frette robes. Outdoors, noted landscape designer Louis Benech has added peaceful gardens and a heated natural swimming pool. From $322/night. Accessible hotel. ​​ — Lindsay Cohn

Villa Mabrouka, Tangier, Morocco

Chris Wallace

Nearly 30 years after first arriving in Morocco in 1966, Algerian-born couturier Yves Saint Laurent and his partner, Pierre Bergé, bought Dar Mabrouka, a whitewashed villa in Tangier overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar, and made it their summer home. In 2019, more than 10 years after Saint Laurent’s death, English designer Jasper Conran purchased the property, renamed it Villa Mabrouka , and transformed it into a 12-suite hotel. During my stay, I couldn’t help being reminded of the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles—partly because of the laid-back, house-party atmosphere, and partly because of the eclectic design style. The mélange of pieces in the Marrakech Suite (formerly Saint Laurent’s bedroom) included an inlaid pearl table from Syria, a Kermit-green cashmere throw from India, and Moroccan lanterns. The gardens overflow  with 6,500 new plants, shrubs, and trees, as well  an emerald herringbone tiled pool. The newly constructed dining gazebo has a trompe l’oeil wallcovering painted by the English artist Lawrence Mynott, and serves a can’t-miss Berber tagine. From $490/night . Accessible hotel. — Chris Wallace

Volga Hotel, Mexico City

Courtesy of VOLGA

I barely knew where to rest my eyes at the architecturally inventive Volga Hotel , the latest offering from the Mexican hospitality group Hamak that takes the concept of a "design hotel" to new levels. Perhaps guests should think of it as an urban cenote — or at least that’s what Javier Sánchez, one of the three Mexican architects behind this hotel, which opened its doors fall 2023 in the trendy neighborhood of Cuauhtémoc, wants you to think. The aesthetic experience begins when approaching the hotel from the street: its Brutalist, fortress-like exterior gives no clue as to the magic that lies within. Once inside, guests descend a circular stairway made of shining copper, down into near darkness, to the reception desk and lobby located one floor underground, where raw-concrete walls sprout exuberant plants. The 50 spacious rooms have the spare, calming aesthetic of a Japanese ryokan , with natural materials — wood, volcanic rock, brass, and Turkish marble — and are stocked with scented bath amenities from local company Aromaría. All have interior balconies with curved wooden screens that offer privacy when shut, or slide open to offer ringside seats to the courtyard far below, which is occupied during mealtimes by a fine-dining Mexican-Mediterranean restaurant run by the celebrity chef Edo Kobayashi. The reservations-only lounge, the Music Room, is where hip young Mexicans sip mezcal- and tequila-forward cocktails as local DJs play, but the outside world is not entirely ignored. Take the elevator to the rooftop during the day and you step out into an explosion of brilliant sunshine and a bar serving "ethnobotanical" drinks around a heated lap pool with 180-degree views of the city. From $416/night. — Tony Perrottet

Courtesy of W Budapest

In July, the W Hotel brand opened its grandest property yet, in the Hungarian capital’s UNESCO-listed Drechsler Palace. The W Budapest is the revival of an architectural gem that also showcases W’s new creative direction: grounded in elegance and sophistication, without foregoing the brand’s fun side. On entering the hotel, guests walk through archways made from an intricate metallic mesh — a modern "second skin" designed to represent the building’s new life. Other details that blend past and present, and celebrate the city's history, can be found throughout the interior — from the wave-like glass ceiling covering the courtyard to the mirrored walls that create an optical illusion in the underground spa, a nod to Hungarian escape artist Harry Houdini. In fact the serene spa, with its aromatherapy steam room, Finnish sauna, and heated relaxation pool, is one of the hotel’s highlights, and offers a welcome moment of tranquility in the heart of this busy city. I had a phenomenal de-stress massage that cured all signs of jet-lag and fatigue. Another way to unwind? Head to the hotel's underground speakeasy, Society25, where head bartender Stefano Ripiccini has dreamt up a cocktail list inspired by the Belle Époque. From $326/night. Accessible hotel. — Dobrina Zhekova

Warren Street Hotel, New York City 

Simon Brown/Courtesy of Warren Street Hotel

When Joni Mitchell wrote, “They paved paradise and put up a parking lot,” she certainly wasn’t singing about Warren Street. In quite the opposite turn of events, British designer Kit Kemp and her Firmdale Hotels group took a soulless parking lot in New York City’s Tribeca neighborhood and erected its very own turquoise steel-and-glass paradise from the ground up. Bursting with contemporary art and Kemp’s signature prints, the Warren Street Hotel quickly secured its spot as my happy place in New York; even on the cold, gray first week of February, I found it was impossible to hold onto a sour mood upon entering. In its 69 unique rooms, colors and patterns mix in unexpected ways, creating the feeling that anything could happen. In addition to her beloved London lineup , this is Kemp’s third NYC hotel. She’s the creative mind behind the Crosby Street Hotel in SoHo and The Whitby Hotel in Midtown, but the opening of Warren Street may be her most whimsical creation yet. She worked on the project with her daughters, Willow and Minnie Kemp, and the mother-daughter connection is undoubtedly what injected such warmth into the stylish property, particularly in its suites and residences. Mine came with a bookshelf-lined lounge, fireplace, and marble soaking tub with a TV hung beside it, beckoning me to stay in for the night. Some are even outfitted with the ultimate city luxury: private terraces with manicured gardens. Regardless of room type, expect floor-to-ceiling windows and a space that will entice you to linger a little bit longer and order breakfast in bed. (Yes, even with downtown Manhattan waiting outside.) Still, don’t keep all your meals behind closed doors. Downstairs, the Warren Street Bar & Restaurant , an all-day brasserie with a big personality, was already drawing locals when I visited in the hotel’s first month. From $925/night. Accessible hotel. — Nina Ruggiero

Wilderness Usawa Serengeti, Tanzania

Courtesy of Wilderness

The main attraction of virtually any Serengeti safari is invariably the great migration, the 1,200-mile mass journey of more than 2 million wildebeest and zebra each year. Chasing that magnificent natural spectacle is especially thrilling at Usawa , a new roving camp from luxury safari company Wilderness , which migrates along with the animals, following the herds across nine sites in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. The camp starts the year in the southern part of Serengeti National Park, in Kusini (where the calving season runs from January to March), and makes it all the way to Bologonja in the north (where wildlife famously crosses the Mara River). Each of the camps is identical, with six canvas-wrapped guest tents featuring king-size beds, all-natural skin care products, and colorful decor like woven blankets and upcycled glassware — all handmade by Tanzanian artisans. Usawa, which means “balance” in Swahili, is also fully off-grid, operating via a combination of solar panels, portable sewage tanks, and mobile batteries. The light footprint means wildlife is never disturbed as camps are manually erected and deconstructed, making game drive–worthy sightings possible even from your tent — and leaving no trace behind once Wilderness packs up and moves to the next location. Sustainability plays a part in the culinary offerings as well, with elevated traditional recipes like creamy  mtori  plantain soup and spicy curry showcasing fresh veggies and meat from Tanzania’s robust farming communities. Most satisfying of all at Usawa, however, is the chance to see one of nature’s greatest phenomena up-close, year-round: dramatic Mara River crossings by the thousands, big cats and other predators in action, and the birth of hundreds of calves in a single day. From $950 per person per night, with a minimum two-night stay. — Jackie Caradonio

Yowie Hotel, Philadelphia

Bre Furlong/Courtesy of Yowie

Shannon Maldonado opened Yowie , a tiny shop in Philadelphia’s Queen Village neighborhood, in 2017, garnering a devoted following with her ever-evolving collection of cool, highly curated wares. In what feels like a natural evolution, last July, the designer opened a boutique hotel where nearly every item in the rooms is available to purchase. If walking through her shop is like getting a glimpse into Maldonado’s dynamic world, checking into the Yowie Hotel is getting to live inside it, even just for a night. The 11-room hotel is situated on the city’s historic South Street, anchored on the ground floor by the new Yowie shop and Wim, a bright, minimalist cafe. Accommodations range from a cozy room with a king-size bed to a two-bedroom suite, and while each space is outfitted with a kitchen and splashed in her calculated mashup of contemporary furniture, color, and custom art, no two are the same. Yowie is an invisible service hotel, which means in lieu of a check-in desk, you’ll get a welcome text with a code to unlock the doors. It’s all the more impressive, then, that even without the traditional hotel trappings, the designer and her team manage to impart so much warmth into the guest experience. Find a poster by the elevator with this month’s neighborhood happenings, a drawer full of goodies you may have forgotten to pack in the hallway, and a handwritten welcome note alongside a few paper guides recommending the staff’s favorite Philly spots in your room. And since there’s no lobby, I didn’t have to walk through the shop or cafe, but I wanted to for a salted caramel latte and a spiced carrot toast at Wim, and to pick up a few ceramic cereal bowls I admired in the room, as a way to bring a little piece of Yowie home. From $215/night . Accessible hotel. — Regan Stephens

It List 2024