Thailand’s luxury hotel scene is surging into a new golden era. After years of pandemic pauses, the kingdom has roared back to life with over 35 million visitors in 2024. In 2025, travelers and investors alike are riding this wave of resurgence – tourism revenue is soaring, and hospitality investment hit record highs in 2024. Against this backdrop, six standout properties – spanning Bangkok’s buzzing capital, the tropical shores of Phuket, Samui, Hua Hin, Pattaya, and the cultural heart of Chiang Mai – have emerged as icons of a post-pandemic renaissance. Each of these new openings blends world-class luxury with a distinct sense of place, rewriting the country’s high-end hospitality map. From branded residence projects catering to elite homeowners to wellness-centric beach retreats, these hotels are responding to fresh traveler priorities in imaginative ways. The following six sections explore how each property is redefining its locale’s appeal in 2025.
Aman Nai Lert Bangkok – Urban Sanctuary Reborn in the Capital
Bangkok’s first Aman has quietly risen amid the verdant enclave of Nai Lert Park – an ultra-luxury haven cocooned from the metropolis. Aman Nai Lert Bangkok occupies the first 19 floors of a new tower above one of the city’s largest private gardens, creating a rarefied retreat in the middle of downtown. By day, the hotel’s guests overlook an oasis of old-growth trees and serene ponds; by night, the lights of Bangkok glitter beyond, reminding you that Sukhumvit’s bustle is just steps away. This long-anticipated opening (Aman’s return to Thailand since Amanpuri’s debut in 1988) comes with sky-high expectations. Starting at 1,000 square feet, the suites are among Bangkok’s largest, and famed designer Jean-Michel Gathy has imbued every corner with a blend of modern zen and homage to heritage. Stepping into Aman Nai Lert feels like entering a “whisper-quiet world” of refined Thai textures and bespoke servicet – a stark contrast to the city’s frenetic streets.
“We worked around the historical details of the park and Nai Lert’s heritage home, blending them with a modern setup,” says David Schoonbroodt, a lead designer under Gathy. “The stone floors have a timber look to mimic the heritage home’s floorboards, and louvered ceilings nod to its roof structure.”
This marriage of old and new defines Aman Nai Lert’s appeal. The hotel’s lush seven-acre gardens lend it a timeless Bangkok grace – frangipani scents and birdsong overpower the traffic noise outside – even as sleek modern suites and a two-story Aman Spa deliver contemporary indulgences. In a city now brimming with five-star options, Aman’s trademark “quiet luxury” ethos sets it apart. The property also features a limited collection of Aman-branded residences, tapping into the branded residences boom transforming Thailand’s real estate scene. Exclusive, pricey, and deeply personalized, Aman Nai Lert offers something new for Bangkok: an intimate urban resort that proves an energetic megacity can also master serenity.
Aman Nai Lert Bangkok
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Hyatt Regency Phuket Bay – Coastal Revival on Kamala Beach
On Phuket’s sunset coast, the Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort (often dubbed “Phuket Bay” for its Kamala Bay views) has re-emerged as a cornerstone of the island’s luxury revival. Cascading down a lush hillside above the Andaman Sea, the resort offers a front-row seat to nature’s spectacle – think fiery tropical sunsets and the sound of gentle waves carrying on the breeze. Fresh off a meticulous refresh, Hyatt Regency Phuket greets guests with a contemporary Thai aesthetic: open-air pavilions, warm timber tones, and panoramic infinity pools that blend into the azure bay. The vibe is both family-friendly and chic, inviting travelers to return to Phuket for the simple pleasures of sand, sea, and exceptional service. This resort was also the subject of Thailand’s largest single-asset hotel deal on record (the property sold for THB 5 billion in 2024), underscoring investor confidence in Phuket’s rebound.
“I’m incredibly pleased to be joining Hyatt at this fantastic resort and to be now living on the beautiful island of Phuket,” said Chandrashekar “CJ” Joshi upon becoming General Manager. “The team here has created a wonderful hotel…I am looking forward to working with our team to build on this and create new and exciting experiences for guests.”
Joshi’s enthusiasm reflects Phuket’s broader tourism upswing. After quiet years, Kamala Bay is lively again with upscale beach clubs and visitors chasing its laid-back glamor (with Patong’s nightlife still only 15 minutes away if desired). Hyatt Regency Phuket caters to this new breed of post-pandemic traveler: wellness mornings of yoga by the sea, afternoons of snorkeling or zip-lining adventures arranged by the concierge, and evenings sampling southern Thai cuisine with sunset cocktails in hand. The resort’s terraced design means nearly every room and pool commands an ocean panorama. For families, there are kids’ clubs and marine biology activities; for couples, private plunge-pool villas tucked in the foliage. In 2025, Phuket’s focus is on experiences and space – and this Hyatt delivers both in spades, with multiple expansive pools and open-air lounges that never feel crowded. As part of a global brand known for reliable luxury, it also reassures international visitors with its high standards. Overlooking the gentle curve of Kamala’s shoreline, Hyatt Regency Phuket has become a beacon of the island’s confident comeback, blending island charm with polished hospitality.
Lock in your curated stay at Hyatt Regency Phuket Bay via Expedia — curated by The Thailand Advisor.
Smart bookings now mean more to enjoy on arrival.
Hyatt Regency Phuket Bay
Kimpton Kitalay Samui – A Village-Style Retreat with Soul
On the quieter northern shore of Koh Samui, Kimpton Kitalay Samui brings a fresh, design-forward energy to this beloved island. Situated on Choengmon Beach, the resort feels like a charming Samui fishing village reimagined for the boutique luxury set. That’s by intent – “Kitalay” combines kita (song) and lay (sea) in Thai, embodying an ode to the siren song of the sea and local community spirit. Scattered among palm-shaded lanes are rustic-elegant villas and low-rise suites, many with private pools or direct beach access. You’ll find handwoven fisherman’s baskets repurposed as light fixtures, local artwork adorning walls, and even custom-made ocean-blue cotton robes by a Samui tailor – all subtle nods to island heritage wrapped in Kimpton’s signature playful style. The atmosphere is unpretentious and inviting: staff pad around in casual uniforms, a “social hour” each evening encourages guests to mingle like neighbors, and even four-legged friends are welcome (the Kimpton Pets Programme ensures furry guests are pampered too). It’s a slice of laid-back tropical life with all the five-star trappings neatly tucked in.
“Koh Samui is renowned for its breathtaking beauty and village living, and this inspires the immersive guest experiences – our take on the return of Samui’s way of life at the resort,” says Michael Janssen, General Manager of Kimpton Kitalay Samui. “We offer Kimpton’s signature perks – from nightly Social Hour to an approachable luxury experience fueled by a team who champions heartfelt, human connections.”
Janssen’s words ring true the moment you arrive. Unlike some more formal resorts, Kitalay’s luxury is approachable – warm smiles at check-in, artisanal ice pops delivered poolside, and a genuine sense that you’ve entered a community, not just a hotel. The property’s five dining venues reinforce this with homespun flair: try fresh-caught seafood with spicy nam jim sauce at Fish House on the beach, or sip local single-origin coffee in the cozy library cafe. Days here tend to unfold with the rhythms of the island. Early risers join a guided beach stretch at dawn, families build sandcastles and splash in the resort’s multiple pools (seven in total, including a water park for kids), and couples steal away to the spa or a secret hammock garden. When Samui launched one of Thailand’s first “sandbox” reopening programs in 2021, it set the stage for intimate resorts like this to shine. Now fully open, Samui is attracting travelers seeking authenticity and breathing room – exactly what Kimpton Kitalay delivers. It’s luxury on a human scale, where the essence of Samui’s fishing village past enriches the present. As one of the island’s newest and most buzzed-about properties, this resort proves that big-brand hospitality (IHG’s Kimpton) can harmonize with local charm to create something truly special.
Lock in your curated stay at Kimpton Kitalay Samui via Expedia — curated by The Thailand Advisor.
Smart bookings now mean more to enjoy on arrival.
InterContinental Residences Hua Hin – Heritage Glamour Meets New Wealth
Long a royal favorite for seaside escapes, Hua Hin has seen a modern luxury surge – and nothing embodies this more than the InterContinental Residences Hua Hin. This development isn’t a traditional hotel but a collection of 238 private condominium units managed by IHG’s InterContinental brand, Thailand’s first standalone InterContinental-branded residence project. The distinction is key: every unit was sold to private owners, yet residents (and rental guests) enjoy the full five-star resort experience, blurring the line between vacation home and hotel. Nestled on Hua Hin’s prime beachfront, the Residences channel an opulent colonial revival style that nods to the town’s royal and colonial-era architecture – think white verandas, wrought-iron detailing, and lush landscaped courtyards – while offering thoroughly modern comforts. The project was a runaway success, selling out swiftly and even elevating Hua Hin’s property values in the process. In fact, it set a “new benchmark for luxury living in the region”, according to developer Proud Real Estate, and helped cement Hua Hin as Asia’s branded residences hotspot (Thailand now leads Asia Pacific in this segment at 23% of activity).
“The InterContinental Residences Hua Hin stands as a testament to this commitment, being the first ready-to-move-in condominium in Thailand under the InterContinental brand,” Proudputh Liptapanlop, Proud Real Estate’s director, said at the grand opening. “It’s more than a residence – it’s a lifestyle where hotel-level service and home comfort intertwine on Hua Hin’s most cherished beach.”
Strolling through the property, you indeed feel a lifestyle carefully curated. Owners and guests have access to an array of world-class facilities: multiple lagoon pools (including a grand oceanfront pool), a private sand beach area dotted with sun loungers, a hidden gym and yoga lawn for wellness, a game room, even a rock-climbing wall and treehouse for kids. Service is no afterthought – personal butlers, concierge, housekeeping, and even grocery stocking are on offer, delivering that famed InterContinental hospitality to your own “home.” The Residences’ design and amenities deliberately cater to multi-generational families and affluent Bangkokians seeking an easy weekend retreat. With Hua Hin just a 2.5-hour drive from Bangkok, many owners pop in for spontaneous getaways, blurring work-from-home with work-from-beach. The town itself is in the midst of a renaissance: chic wine bars and cafés now line the alleys near the century-old Hua Hin Railway station, and new investments (a high-speed rail and expanded airport) are underway. Yet the appeal remains what it was in King Rama VII’s day – a leisurely pace, golf by the sea, fresh seafood by night, and a sense of exclusive escape. InterContinental Residences Hua Hin has smartly amplified that allure for the 2020s, wrapping private real estate investment with a five-star bow. It represents a post-pandemic trend of “liveable luxury,” where health, privacy, and domestic comfort are as important as poolside mojitos. As Hua Hin continues its stylish evolution, this project anchors the narrative that Thailand’s luxury boom isn’t just about hotels – it’s also about home.
InterContinental Hua Hin (Residences are privately owned; limited Rental & Sale availability via Lazudi)
InterContinental Residences Hua Hin
Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach – A New Story for Pattaya’s Shore
Just south of Pattaya’s neon lights, a very different narrative is unfolding on Na Jomtien Beach. Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach, which debuted as Thailand’s first Andaz by Hyatt in early 2023, is recasting the Eastern Seaboard as a high-end, culture-rich getaway. The resort is set on a serene 6.4-hectare former family estate, lush with century-old rain trees and fronting a quiet stretch of “Sunset Beach.” Rather than imposing a high-rise, the developers (the Chia-Apar family) chose to preserve the land’s soul: the property feels like a charming Thai seaside village, complete with repurposed traditional teak houses and gardens that flow into the sand. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by the Raintree Court – an open-air central plaza anchored by an awe-inspiring native tree and reflective lily ponds. Around this communal heart are low-rise clusters of rooms and villas, plus a “Village Square” of free-flowing restaurants and lounges that invite socializing and sense-of-place experiences. Everywhere you turn, there’s a story: reclaimed wooden door panels from vintage homes, handwoven local textiles, and the scent of frangipani on the ocean breeze.
“Andaz Pattaya will be a unique addition to Thailand’s hospitality scene. Today’s travelers want to connect with the spirit of their destination,” says Chintat Chia-Apar, the owner’s son and project co-visionary. “The Andaz brand promise – to stimulate the senses through distinctively local experiences – will be at the forefront of our resort. We want to highlight the rich heritage of this amazing destination, while also providing fantastic facilities and inspiring activities for every guest…My family and I are excited to see our vision become a reality.”
True to that vision, staying at Andaz Pattaya feels like discovering a secret side of a region you only thought you knew. Pattaya city may have a reputation for hustle and nightlife, but Na Jomtien offers calm and authenticity – and Andaz amplifies it. Days here could include a guided tour of the nearby fishing village, an on-site fruit carving workshop, or simply lounging by one of three resort pools (including a beachfront pool club where live DJs spin at sundown). The resort’s dining spans the globe yet stays rooted: rustic Thai wok cuisine at Wok Wok, fresh Italian at La Cucina, and a hip seaside seafood grill & bar at Fish Club. There’s also a restored heritage house that now serves as a teahouse and an ultra-exclusive six-bedroom Presidential Heritage House for groups seeking villa-style seclusion. With the government’s Eastern Economic Corridor plans, this coast is slated for improved infrastructure and even a new high-speed rail link, bringing Bangkok within an hour’s reach. What Andaz Pattaya does so well is set the tone for how this area can evolve – with an emphasis on sustainability, local culture, and experiential luxury rather than mass tourism. It’s quickly become a darling of regional jet-setters seeking an easy escape from Bangkok that still delivers on five-star amenities. As the sun sinks into the Gulf of Thailand each evening, casting a glow over the resort’s private pier and the silhouettes of palm trees, one can’t help but feel Pattaya’s story entering an exciting new chapter – one written in the warm, creative, and community-focused ink of the Andaz brand.
Lock in your curated stay at Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach via Expedia — curated by The Thailand Advisor.
Smart bookings now mean more to enjoy on arrival.
Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach Gallary
Dusit Princess Chiang Mai – The Comeback of a Creative City Icon (D2)
In the heart of Chiang Mai, where ancient temples mix with trendy cafés, the dusitD2 Chiang Mai has long been a symbol of the city’s modern creative streak. Tucked just off Chang Klan Road near the famed Night Bazaar, this boutique hotel first made waves as a daringly contemporary alternative to the Lanna-style resorts up in the hills. Its design was all bold colors (a playful motif of “muted orange” throughout), sleek lines, and tech-savvy touches – a dramatic departure from the teak-and-silk traditional aesthetic dominating northern Thailand accommodations. Travel guides raved, calling it “Chiang Mai’s most daringly modern hotel, a complete break from traditional Lanna style” and “a slice of modern minimalism in the chaos of the Night Bazaar”. More than that, the hotel cultivated an upbeat, youthful atmosphere: the staff famously performed a choreographed dance at each afternoon shift change, and DJs would spin lounge music in the lobby bar come evening. For Chiang Mai’s growing cadre of digital nomads, designers, and experience-driven travelers, the D2 became an urban hub – a place where you could sip a craft cocktail after a day of trekking or night-market shopping, all the while feeling plugged into the city’s creative pulse.
“Every corner of this hotel is bathed in a postmodern minimalist cool…rooms are very livable and have all the finer creature comforts,” noted a Frommer’s review in admiration. Fodor’s, Lonely Planet, Condé Nast Traveler – all tipped their hats to the dusitD2 for bringing world-class boutique style to Chiang Mai’s city center.
After an 18-year run as a trendsetter, dusitD2 Chiang Mai closed its doors in 2023 for a much-needed refresh, leaving loyal fans eagerly awaiting its expected comeback. Now, in 2025, that comeback is on the horizon. Dusit International has hinted at reimagining the property to meet the new era’s expectations – preserving the funky, friendly DNA that made D2 special, while upgrading rooms and facilities for more discerning post-pandemic travelers. Chiang Mai’s hospitality landscape has evolved in the interim: new entrants like a sleek Meliá and an upcoming InterContinental in the old British Consulate grounds are raising the bar. Yet, the city’s charm remains rooted in its intimate scale and artistic vibe. A reborn dusitD2 under the banner Dusit Princess Chiang Mai on Expedia for your next trip aims to tap right back into that sweet spot. Its location (steps from Warorot Market and the riverside) is unbeatable for those who want to balance heritage and nightlife. Expected new features include enhanced wellness offerings – perhaps a spa that melds Thai herbal remedies with modern wellness trends – and spaces that double as co-working lounges for the remote work crowd. Dusit, a Thai brand, carries a sense of homegrown pride here; seeing the iconic neon logo light up again will be a sign that Chiang Mai’s urban boutique scene is not only back but pushing boundaries once more. As an Insider, Nicha Vora observes, sometimes the greatest luxury is a hotel with personality. DusitD2 Chiang Mai’s renaissance is poised to deliver just that – a playful, design-rich, and heartfelt experience that invites guests to be part of Chiang Mai’s continuing creative story.
Dusit Princess Chiang Mai
Lock in your curated stay at Dusit Princess Chiang Mai via Expedia — curated by The Thailand Advisor.
Smart bookings now mean more to enjoy on arrival.
Sources: Booming hotel investments underscore the momentum behind these luxury openings. Industry observers note that Thailand now leads Asia Pacific in branded residences demand, while traveler interest in upscale, experience-driven stays has never been higher. From TAT News celebrations of Thailand’s tourism renaissance to Skift analyses of hotel investment trends, one thing is clear: Thailand’s luxury hospitality map is being redrawn in real time – and these six icons are at the heart of the story.
