Thailand's suite spots: The most opulent stay options at remarkable resorts around the country

Thailand's accommodation scene stands out for its remarkable depth and versatility, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. And that’s an adage that can be applied to its showpiece villas and suites, the pick of the stays at the country’s top resorts.

From luxurious beach and urban retreats to heritage and design-led options that ooze desirability, here’s some of the finest suite spots Thailand has to offer.

BEST FOR HISTORY BUFFS

Louis Leonowens Suite, 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai

There's nothing like an interesting backstory to add lustre to a hotel. And 137 Pillars House in Chiang Mai is not short on heritage colour.

The property, located in Chiang Mai’s arty Wat Gate district, dates back to 1889 and was once owned by Louis Leonowens, the son of Anna (of Anna and the King movie fame). The resort's centrepiece building, flanked by one of Thailand's only croquet lawns, is a lovingly restored teak homestead that was the northern HQ of the (British) East Borneo Trading Company.

The former proprietor looms large at the resort, and its most expansive two suites are named after him. Each covers an area of 135 sq m, featuring a spacious living area and an opulent super-king-size bedroom that blends traditional and modern Asian design elements.

Rich dark wood furnishings and gleaming polished wooden floors create a striking contrast against whitewashed walls adorned with red and gold upholstery and Thai-inspired decor. French doors open onto a mesmerising view of the infinity pool, lush greenery wall, and the historic pillared house, while each suite has a 5.5m by 2.5m swimming pool.

Other suite categories include the seductive entry-level Rajah Brooke Suites, the upper-floor William Bain Terrace Suites, and the East Borneo Suites, which both come with sumptuous verandas.

A new category added to the property’s suite inventory during a major refurbishment in 2019, the three David Fleming Macfie suites – named after a former occupant of the original teak homestead and a manager of the Borneo Company – feature rooms with adjoining tropical vintage-tile conservatories: perfect for families looking for a little extra space.

Period details include freestanding clawfoot bathtubs and rattan planter's rocking chairs. In the main building, guests can teleport back in time to Palette, for refined Lanna cuisine and the suave, wood-panelled Jack Bain's Bar. A more contemporary form of indulgence can be enjoyed at the property's slimline 25m lap pool flanked by that stunning vertical plant wall.

BEST FOR TRAINSPOTTERS

Heritage Railcar One Bedroom Suite, InterContinental Khao Yai

When Bill Bensley envisions a design theme, it's wise to let his creativity take flight. This rings true at the dazzling InterContinental Khao Yai Resort, where Bensley has taken a slightly tenuous connection with railways and dreamed up one of Thailand's most compelling properties.

Khao Yai has never been a rail hub in Thailand. But everything about the property – from the train tracks running throughout the resort to the beautifully done reception, done out as a vintage train station waiting room, and the whimsical back story about (fictional) local train conductor Khun Somsak – will make you think it was.

The completeness of the concept is encapsulated by the resort’s railcar suites which each occupy a vintage railway carriage, salvaged from junkyards around Thailand. Indeed, the suites – set apart from the rest of the resort within a garden-fringed enclave – are among the most distinctive accommodations found in the Kingdom.

The newly introduced suites boast narrow marble-clad shower cabins, ceiling-mounted luggage racks, and futon-style beds elegantly positioned on slightly elevated platforms at each cabin's end.

The interiors are a testament to the diverse inspirations drawn from various Asian railway journeys, featuring intricately carved wood headboards, silk weavings, and ceramic accents. The suites open onto expansive patios equipped with outdoor tubs and lounge areas and some boast private plunge pools.

BEST FOR AN URBAN ESCAPE

Riverside Villa, Capella Bangkok

The majestic Chao Phraya River looms large at Capella Bangkok. And nowhere more so than at its riverside villas, which count among the most palatial stays by Thailand's most storied waterway.

Accessed via a private courtyard entrance, they offer exquisite comfort and complete privacy at the river’s edge. Outside, tropical gardens surround the plunge pool, and a sala for two provides a prime riverside perch.

Inside, things are equally amenable. Chic travertine marble bathrooms come with flash toiletries by Italian brands La Bottega and Marvis. Living and bedroom areas are straight-lined cream and wood affairs featuring luxurious carpeting, writing desks and seating from which to soak in the river views.

Designed to be boutique pied-a-terres for travellers, the villas at Capella Bangkok can be hard to leave. A bonus of a villa stay is a complimentary one-hour massage at Auriga Wellness, the property's signature spa sanctuary.

Other reasons to step out from the villa include curated guest experiences and a showstopping contingent of F&B options that includes Stella and Cote by Mauro Colagreco, a fine-dining concept spearheaded by the Argentinean chef of three Michelin-starred Mirazur in France. 

BEST FOR BEACHSIDE INDULGENCE

Villa Sawan, Trisara, Phuket

One of Phuket’s most desirable properties, Trisara is renowned for its paradisiacal privacy. Its collection of residences perched directly over the resort’s bay – which range in size from two-bed units to multi-bedroom configurations – rank among the most spectacular in Thailand.

The pick of the residences is Villa Sawan, an eight-bedroom “resort within a resort”. Home to ocean-facing views, lush gardens, and use of a cove with a private beach at the foot of the property, Villa Sawan is the ultimate exclusive escape.

Guests can take a dip in the Andaman Sea or unwind by swimming laps in the 25m swimming pool. Staff are available and on-call throughout the stay. The villa also features a home cinema, a well-equipped gym, and spa facilities.

Expansive suites, sea-facing verandahs, and extensive swimming pools are prominent in all the residences’ blend of indoor and outdoor spaces that lend themselves to intimate gatherings. Adding additional lustre to proceedings is the fact that all the villas are catered for by a dedicated maid and chef who prepares home-cooked Thai and Western dishes on demand and by request.

With privacy guaranteed, the residences are also perfect for special occasions such as anniversaries, birthdays, marriage proposals or celebrations with extended family or with groups of friends.

“Our residences allow larger groups to connect in unique residences with harmony with nature, allowing for a sense of reconnection, privacy, and the ultimate in luxury relaxation,” says Kittisak “Kitt” Pattamasaevi, the CEO of Montara Hospitality Group, the owners of Trisara.

BEST FOR INTREPID ADVENTURERS

Explorer’s Lodge, Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, Chiang Rai

Situated on a hillside at the confluence of the Ruak and Mekong Rivers, this two-bedroom villa offers a unique alternative to the resort's 15 luxurious two-person tents, scattered throughout the jungle with sweeping vistas of Thailand, Myanmar, and Burma.

Designed by Bill Bensley, the villa is inspired by the resort's 19th-century safari-adventure theme, featuring meticulously crafted wooden furnishings, rich timber flooring, atmospheric hurricane lamps, and striking hand-hammered copper bathtubs.

However, with its outdoor plunge pool and a wealth of activities centred around the camp's rehabilitated elephants, it's challenging to envision spending much time indoors.

We recommend embarking on an invigorating ascent to the resort's highest point for a breathtaking sunrise view behind the Laotian mountains during breakfast, followed by a soothing traditional Thai massage in the spa, enveloped by the lush bamboo jungle upon your return to camp.