Rayavadee, Krabi

Rayavadee, Krabi

An ex-colleague got in touch recently and said, "I'd like to go somewhere nice in Thailand". If you have been to Thailand, you will know that it is not short of really nice places to stay. This particular hotel dials it up another notch.

Rayavadee is situated at the southernmost point of the Phranang Peninsula along the Andaman coast in Krabi Province. You get there by speedboat, and when you arrive, you will find yourself in a hotel on the edge of Krabi Marine National Park.

The villas and pavilions you stay in are set within lush jungle. The beaches are stunning, with movie-worthy limestone cliffs with the turquoise water of the Andaman Sea at their base. Monkeys can be spotted in the trees. Personal butlers (if you stay in the villas) can arrange spa treatments and excursions to nearby islands.

It’s just one of the hotels he will stay at during his trip, but it really is a special one. I can give you prices for just saying here, but my recommendation would be to combine it with Bangkok and possibly one other location. The flight is just an hour from Bangkok, and then it's a 20-minute drive to the pier where you will find your speedboat that will take you to the hotel. It makes it a perfect destination to mix up the hustle and bustle of Bangkok with some relaxing time by the sea.