Rumour has it that White Lotus will be back on screens soon, with this series set in beautiful Thailand, which has got us dreaming of an exotic getaway

BANYAN TREE PHUKET
Nestled amidst greenery beside a serene lagoon, this retreat was named ‘No 1 Resort in Thailand’ in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2024. It was here that the Banyan Group was born when founder Ho Kwon Ping came across a large plot of land while on holiday in the early 1980s. A former tin mine, he was told the polluted land could never support development, but undeterred, he embarked on an extensive regeneration programme, reintroducing indigenous plants and planting more than 7,000 trees.
Banyan Tree Phuket opened in 1994 and the resort now features 218 luxurious all-pool villas, each designed to provide a private sanctuary. Inspired by traditional Thai architecture, these blend cultural heritage with modern amenities.
World-class guest facilities include an award-winning spa, and a wellness centre offering movement and meditation classes and workshops. And, catering to diverse culinary tastes, there are seven restaurants across the site, including signature Thai eatery Saffron, and floating restaurant, Tin Tapas bar.
Passionate about providing authentic experiences, the team at Banyan Tree Phuket have introduced ‘Stay for Good’ initiatives, partnering with local artisans to offer unique encounters, such as traditional art and craft workshops focusing on skills like Thai pottery and batik painting. It has the makings of the perfect holiday.
banyantree.com/thailand/Phuket

THE SURIN
Part of the YTL Hotels portfolio and a member of the prestigious Design Hotels, this five-star resort boasts an idyllic beachfront location on the pristine sands of Pansea Beach. Built around the enormous sunset-facing pool and a temple-like open air pavilion, accommodation is offered in 109 idyllic cottages, suites and pool villas linked by meandering walkways, all set within a coconut grove. From the Hillside Cottages, hidden in the rainforest, to the Beachfront Suites, offering direct access to the white sand, all offer chic, rustic charm. The beach, widely regarded as the island’s most beautiful, is semi-private, reachable only by boat or through the hotel, and provides the perfect setting for guests to enjoy a host of complimentary non-motorised water sports that includes sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, snorkelling, body and paddle boarding. There’s even a beachfront gym to run off the holiday excesses.
For those seeking a slower pace, the secluded spa is nestled within the hotel’s natural setting, surrounded by granite boulders and lush jungle foliage, and offers therapies designed to nourish, rejuvenate and balance, all reflecting Thailand’s healing traditions.
With three outstanding restaurants across the resort, guests can enjoy an array of delicious culinary options, with imaginative menus combining Western and Thai influences, as well as freshly caught fish and seafood. Totally dreamy.
thesurinphuket.com

INIALA BEACH HOUSE
Located within a private estate, enclosed by tall palm trees on one side and the idyllic Natai Beach on the other, Iniala Beach House is a masterpiece of design, fusing traditional Thai architecture with organic, contemporary forms.
A variety of luxurious accommodation options are on offer, ranging from vast three-bedroom beachfront villas to exquisite penthouse residences. Each boasts a private pool, and every villa includes a private spa with massage tables. Meanwhile, resort facilities include a full gym with Thai boxing ring, a cinema room, two spas and a stunning beachfront infinity pool. And with three staff members for every guest, the level of service is unparalleled.
The jewel in the resort’s crown is Aulis Phuket, an innovative chef’s table restaurant by internationally acclaimed British chef Simon Rogan, which was awarded its first Michelin star last November, less than a year after opening. Testament to the chef’s culinary philosophy, the restaurant offers an intimate 15-seat dining experience that has redefined the culinary landscape in Phuket, championing hyper-local ingredients, sustainable practices, and cutting-edge culinary techniques.
Other dining options include a brand-new casual beachfront barbecue restaurant, Anaalā Thailand, created by award-winning chef Ian Kittichai, the head judge on MasterChef Thailand, and all-day global dining spot Campana Lounge, making the resort a real destination for foodies.