Australians Anna Robinson and Natalie Doherty first visited Thailand in 2004. It was the beginning of a love affair that led to the formation of Take Us To Thailand, a boutique operation that enabled the two to share their local friendships and expertise. From Bangkok to Phuket and the islands beyond, here is their insider selection of where to stay: Bangkok
The Peninsula
333 Charoennakorn Road, Klongton-sai, Klongsan.
With its superb service, smart rooms and quality furnishings, The Peninsula is the ultimate city escape...
Sukhothai
13/3 South Sathorn Road.
Step out of your tuk-tuk, car or taxi to white-suited Thai staff welcoming you by name, fully briefed on the day’s agenda...
Dream
10 Sukhumvit Soi 15.
Perfect as an affordable option that doesn’t compromise style or service...
Phuket
Sri Panwa Estate
88 Moo 8 Sakdidej Road, Tambon Vichit.
Along with spectacular views, all villas have spacious infinity pools, king-sized day beds and outdoor jacuzzis...
Anantara Phuket
888 Moo 3, Tumbon Mai Khao.
A five-star resort on the northern Mai Khao beach with the best beachfront pool on Phuket...
Six Senses Destination Spa Phuket
32 Moo 5, Tambol Paklok, Amphur Thalang.
Destination Spa combines beachfront pool villas with wellness featuring customised Chinese/Thai/Indian/Indonesian spa treatments...
Sala Phuket Resort & Spa
333 Moo 3, Mai Khao Beach, Thalang District, Phuket.
Sala Samui Resort & Spa
10/9 Moo 5, Baan Plai Lam Bo Phut, Koh Samui Suratthani.
Sala Samui and Sala Phuket are stylish boutique resorts in the north of Koh Samui and Phuket. Both have Australian managers and offer personalised Thai hospitality in relaxed beachfront settings, including massage therapists at their Sala Spas, great international cuisine at beachfront restaurants and a car fleet to transfer you anywhere on the island.
And Beyond...
The Sarojin
60 Moo 2, Kukkak, Takuapa, Phang Nga.
To relax in seclusion (no children under 12) on a perfect beach year-round, head to The Sarojin at Khao Lak...
The Library
14/1 Moo 2, Bo Phut, Koh Samui, Suratthani.
It’s all about the fabulous swimming pool overlooking the beach and surrounded by oversized beanbags...
Rayavadee
214 Moo 2, Tambon Ao-Nang, Amphoe Muang, Krabi.
The beachside swimming pool is at the foot of high limestone cliffs, and you can play tennis on the jungle-side court...
Six Senses Hideaway Yao Noi
56 Moo 5, Tambol Koh Yao Noi, Amphur Koh Yao, Phang Nga.
Only 90 minutes west of Phuket Airport, this resort is hidden in lush forest with some of the best views you’ll ever see from bed – or from a yoga deck...
Rasananda
5/5 Moo 5, Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach, Baan Tai, Koh Phangan, Suratthani.
There’s a beautiful clear-water beach with fine white sand and great surf, a yoga platform and day spa in the jungle behind the resort, and speedboat tours to nearby islands for snorkelling...
Ultimate beach houses
Holiday at a private luxury beach villa complete with a Thai chef. Take the family to Ban Suriya and The Cove on Koh Samui, with children’s playrooms, pools, tree houses and outdoor cinemas. Baan Kilee on Samui and Villa Chan Grajang on Phuket offer upscale luxury with great views. To enjoy the Fisherman’s Village in Bophut, Samui, try Elle Macpherson’s home away from home at Villa M. The Headland on Samui is the ideal secluded getaway, or gather a group and rent all eight houses at Miskawaan on Maenam Beach for the privacy of home, service of a five-star resort and meals prepared fresh from the market daily.
Source Qantas The Australian Way June 2010