Aava Resort & Spa, Khanom, Thailand
Aava Resort & Spa is the kind of hotel that we’d keep to ourselves if we could, thanks to its eye-bogglingly beautiful beach, brilliant Finnish owners and dandy Scandi styling. The chefs are supremely talented, rooms are romantic and there’s even an onsite bakery that rustles up perfect pizzas. The dark-blue-tiled pool is the watery heart of the hotel, overlooking the beach, next to the restaurant and flanked by villas. We love the Poolside Villas for their ladder access to the pool and their private sun-deck with a sunbed, comfy sofa and a little table that hints at sunny private lunches; opt for 3 or 4 if you want privacy or 1 or 6 – at the front of the hotel, close to the beach and restaurant – if you prefer to be in the thick of things. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for the rare local pink dolphins.Smith Extra A fruit basket, house-made chocolate balls from Aava Bakery and a bottle of sparkling wine
Aava Resort & Spa, Khanom, Thailand
Hotel Muse, Bangkok, Thailand
Despite its high-rise size, Hotel Muse in Bangkok feels refreshingly intimate, thanks to its seductive Euro-inspired decor and lofty layout. The ambience is playful yet elegant and its sensual city-view bedrooms are offset by super-styled interiors, including some of the most hedonistic wining and dining spots in town. Bag yourself a Dowadueng Corner Deluxe suite for eye-widening city views through dual-aspect windows in the dusky black- and grey-toned bedroom, or via tall glass panels in the bathroom. The Speakeasy, Muse's social epicentre on the 24th and 25th floors, has become the talk of the town. The west-facing Long Bar clings to the side of the hotel and is great for sinking sundowners, but the rooftop Lawn Bar boasts the best city views.Smith Extra An exclusive Muse platter at rooftop bar the Speakeasy, ideal to enjoy at sunset on arrival day
Hotel Muse, Bangkok, Thailand
Japamala Resort, Tioman Island, Malaysia
Just-remote-enough Japamala Resort on tiny Tioman Island is the ultimate back-to-nature escape. Joined by a series of canopy-skimming walkways, the hotel's luxury treehouses and cliff-clinging chalets are secluded and serene, promising rainforest-ringed privacy and vertiginous vistas of the South China Sea. A curvaceous, seaside stunner, Japamala's main pool is complete with overwater cabanas and a soothing waterfall. There's a petite, older pool in a courtyard behind Tamarind restaurant, but the beachfront oasis is the prime spot for splashing. With a day-bed cantilevered out over the ocean, the views from Seaview Chalet 16 take some beating. If privacy is your priority, plump for the Seaview Sarang, which has a cool waterfall pool, courtyard Jacuzzi and secluded sun-deck.Smith Extra A traditional sarong. Guests in Jungle Luxe Sarang rooms (and higher categories) will also get a massage for two
Japamala Resort, Tioman Island, Malaysia
Navutu Dreams Resort & Spa, Siem Reap, Cambodia
It may feel like a blissful beach retreat, but Navutu Dreams Resort & Spa in Siem Reap is actually on the rural outskirts of Cambodia's famous inland temple town. Upping the oasis factor are two pools, tropical gardens, smart Italian and Khmer dining, and an intimate spa. Navutu’s light white-and-blue contemporary bedrooms nod to soothing Mediterranean style: we love the six upper-tier Grand Tour Rooms, divided into two sleek, white pavilions, each sharing a roof terrace with a dreamy day-bed for soaking up rural views at sunset. Before you head home, book a pampering session in the intimate spa above reception; treatments span trad Khmer, Thai and tropical therapies inspired by the South Pacific, where Navutu's owners run a sister stay in Fiji.Smith Extra A bottle of prosecco
Navutu Dreams Resort & Spa, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Villa Samadhi, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Taking its name from the Sanskrit word for journey, Villa Samadhi boutique hotel offers a luxurious departure from the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur. Located in the Malaysian capital's leafy embassy district, this Thai-styled temptress wows with lantern-lit paths, a curvaceous central pool and ultra-private rooms. Surrounded by cabanas and tropical gardens, the blue-tiled, lagoon-shaped pool weaves through the heart of the hotel. Ladders from ground-floor terraces allow guests to swim out from their rooms. A giant silk lantern takes centre stage in Mandi-Mandi, a pavilion-style restaurant overlooking the pool. Excellent breakfasts start with tropical fruits, cheese and freshly baked goods before your choice of hot main is served – standouts include flaky roti canai and indulgent eggs Benedict. Smith Extra: A Samadhi gift (a sarong or chopsticks) on departure. Guests staying in the Sarang room (and higher room categories) will receive the gift and a bottle of wine
Villa Samadhi, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
