Thailand

From the editors of Condé Nast Traveler:

A short ride down an unpaved road off the main highway from Phuket delivers guests to this white-walled 293-room resort on prime frontage along Khao Lak Beach, one of Asia's most exceptional for its gentle waves and miles-long stretch of sand. The postcard-perfect setting alone would draw sun seekers—both families and romantics—but the resort itself is up to snuff. Modern architecture blends aesthetically with Thai touches like the curved multi-tiered roofs, and lush indigenous vegetation like pink and white frangipani trees dot the grounds. Guest rooms, while not the resort's design pinnacle, are outfitted with deep terrazzo bathtubs and generous-sized balconies or terraces, and also give a nod to location with Thai silk curtains and throw pillows on the daybeds. Swimmable paths flow through the resort's horseshoe-shaped layout, allowing guests to move leisurely toward the elongated indigo-tiled pool with a bar, where crowds gather for the festive afternoon happy hour. Four on-site eateries provide a little for everyone, from the Japanese fare at Sakura, in an architecturally striking space, to the beachfront Olive delivering Mediterranean fare and live music. The main restaurant, Waterfront, is a chic contemporary box that's a welcome change from cluttered resort design. Come here for the breakfast buffet that runs the global gamut from waffles and an extensive barista menu to platters laden with Thai fruits and Chinese noodles made to order. At dusk the genuinely kind Thai staff get busy setting up romantic dinners on the sand. —2010 Hot List

Which room to book: Families will enjoy the instant pool access from ground floor accommodations.

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