Small, stylish and unique, the beauty of boutique hotels is in the individual design of each accommodation. A recent week’s visit to Thailand offered the perfect opportunity to indulge in the comforts of three equally lovely yet otherwise very different boutique hotels: Bangkok’s discrete urban retreat Phranakorn Nornlen, the luxe and laid back Rest Detail Hotel, and the wedged between jungle and sea Tubaak Krabi Boutique Resort.
Phranakorn Nornlen, Bangkok
Lost in time with oodles of kitsch appeal, Phranakorn Nornlen is a cheery little urban retreat on a sleepy residential side street in Bangkok. The downside? Good luck finding a cabbie or tuk tuk driver that knows the location! But, with the right attitude, that only added to to fun. The upside? The most deliciously refreshing smoothies in the world, super cheap rates and as friendly and helpful a staff as ever you’ll find. This is a brilliant hotel for stopovers or long term visits. The homey vibe and eye of the storm address made my stay in Bangkok an easy and mellow experience (the on sight Thai massages might have helped as well).
Rest Detail Hotel, Hua Hin
Rest Detail Hotel is located outside of the resort town of Hua Hin. About a hundred miles or so south of Bangkok, popular retreat for weekenders and a fairly convent destination for anyone flying in/out of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. Hardly more than a year old, Rest Detail’s contemporary design (a tropical minimalist feel, large comfy furnishings, open gracious spaces) delights the senses. From kicking back in the infinity pool overlooking the Gulf of Siam to enjoying the private sunrise views from one’s own bed or outdoor en suite whirlpool, rooms here are designed to pamper.
Tubaak Krabi Boutique Resort, Krabi
With numerous cheap and short flights from Bangkok and the glorious feeling of leaving the problems of the world miles and miles behind, Krabi on southern Thailand’s dramatic west coast is a lush a pit stop for anyone in need of getting away from it all. Nestled between the jungle (a national park no less) and the Andaman Sea with an otherworldly view of a thirteen island archipelago, the quaint forty-two room Tubaak Krabi Boutique Resort is an exceptionally accommodating option for this evocative area. Built around the forest and sacrificing only those trees needed to be cut down, Tubaak Krabi has an enchantingly snug, forested, villagey feel. A list of accolades and awards for its design, the most wonderfully placed hammock, free access to sea kayaks and mountain bikes, top notch dining on the beach, giant en suite outdoor bathtubs and more all epitomize the restorative powers and thoughtful attention to detail at the heart of this resort.
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