Amanpuri

Traditional Thai-style pavilions and villas are dotted amongst the towering coconut palms. Villas are either beachfront or garden facing and come with two to nine bedrooms, all of which feature a private swimming pool and two live-in staff to attend to guests' requests. The pavilions are set on the hillside overlooking the lush landscape and ocean, some of which come with private pools.

Unless you are learning to dive at Amanpuri, you will never know there is even a dive centre. Once you have booked your dives, whether to the local reefs or the Similan Islands, all you have to do is let the reception know your size, and a selection of gear will meet you at the boat. It is utterly painless. The dive operation is run by the efficient H2O Sportz, and Amanpuri ranks at the top of their client list of five-star resorts. This means you do too.

The beachfront Thai Restaurant uses local ingredients to serve mouth-watering cuisine, from Pad Thais to aromatic curries. For fine dining, head to Nama where dishes are made using the tradition of washoku, a style of cuisine that elevates cooking to an art form that takes years to perfect. The South American Lounge offers an authentic taste of Latin America through gourmet takes on traditional Mexican street food.

Guests can partake in additional activities at the Beach Club, offering a range of water sports whilst fitness fanatics will rejoice in the six floodlit tennis courts, gym and lap pool. There is also a 27-metre infinity pool and Aman Spa, offering a range of massages, therapies and beauty treatments, as well as yoga. Guests can also set sail on one of the resort's luxury boats to explore the area - we recommend visiting Phang Nga Bay for its array of spectacular limestone outcrops.