Best Luxury Hotels in Krabi, Thailand

The 51-room Layana Resort and Spa is a luxury beachfront escape, with James Bond-style treatment that starts with a private speedboat along the scenic Andaman coast to Ko Lanta Island. The lush, adult-only resort consists of exquisite Garden Pavilions as well as exclusive Beach Suites (stand-alone bungalows) that sport private terraces and direct beach access. The resort offers a saltwater infinity pool, spa, and fitness center. Guests can sample international and local Thai cuisine at the on-site restaurant, and as the name suggests, watch the sunset from the Sundowner Bar and Lounge.

The Pimalai Resort and Spa is the grandest luxury property on Ko Lanta. It's hidden away near the southern end of the island, along beautiful Kantiang Beach and Bay. Sprawling across a hillside and onto the beach, the resort has two sides -- a hill estate and a beachfront. Most of the rooms are clustered on the beach side, although there are luxury pool villas up on the hill. All rooms are large and include teak floors, rattan curtains, daybeds, furnished patios and balconies, and plenty of privacy. The resort offers two swimming pools, one an infinity-edge pool overlooking the entire bay, plus a fitness center, spa, and tennis court. There are four restaurants and cafes, several bars, and secluded, lush grounds.

The Rayavadee Resort is a luxury beachside property with an idyllic locale that’s only reachable by boat. Set across 26 tropical acres inspired by a southern Thai village, each of the hotel's 102 stand-alone rooms are chic and private. They also include separate bedrooms and living rooms, large flat-screen TVs, and luxe bathrooms with separate showers and tubs. The setting is stunning, with a massive outdoor pool wedged between Krabi's signature cliffs. Remote as it is, the resort's beaches are public and can become crowded in peak season. Four restaurants, bars, a luxe spa, tennis courts, and water sports round out the features.

Nestled in a tropical forest -- but with island views and a white-sand beach -- this boutique resort offers a mix of luxury and natural beauty. The 59 contemporary rooms include several spacious villas with private plunge pools and hot tubs tucked into the jungle. Luxurious on-site features include a full-service spa, freeform pool, and restaurants serving Thai, Italian, and international cuisine.

Frequented mostly by couples and families seeking a quiet beach vacation, the 57-room Amari is compact compared to neighboring properties, but the warm and inviting boutique atmosphere has plenty of traditional Thai ambience. Luxurious rooms and villas are furnished with local accents and gorgeous natural wood, and feature massive bathrooms and private balconies -- some even have private plunge pools or hot tubs. Although the Tubkaek Beach location is a little isolated (it's 10 minutes to the nearest village), Amari offers plenty of distractions with its full-service spa, pool, delightful beachfront restaurant, and view of the Hong Islands.

With a romantic and quiet seaside setting, the Nakamanda Resort and Spa has all the makings of a tranquil tropical getaway. The upscale, 39-room resort is located on a secluded cove, and features an outdoor pool and an open-air bar with two private terraces face the Andaman Sea, plus a sleek, full-service spa (with hot tub and steam room) and a fitness center. Stylish, modern villas have minibars, coffeemakers, and soaking tubs; some come with kitchenettes and hot tubs or pools.

Formerly the Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort, the Dusit Thani is a 240-room, family-friendly resort on the white sands of Klong Muang Beach. This sharp, luxury property offers a large fitness center, a kids' club, and several dining and drinking options, though it has less traditional Thai flavor than other resorts in the area. All rooms are stylish and contemporary and feature free Wi-Fi -- many have balconies with sea views and some suites even have private pools.

This 276-room luxury resort is among the largest in Krabi. It's also one of the most expensive, but golfers and swimmers delight in the nine-hole golf course and one of the largest outdoor pools in Thailand -- though the beach is across the road. The Thai-Victorian decor is elegant, and rooms and suites are incredibly spacious, with a simple, breezy, and bright aesthetic. This resort is ideal for couples, business travelers, and families, and features everything from tennis courts and a spa to children’s activities and multiple restaurants. Aside from the beach, though, there isn't much within easy walking distance.

The Centara Grand Beach Resort sits alone on a private bay in the Andaman Sea, surrounded by limestone karst mountains. The rooms and villas here are huge, and all come with large balconies and open-plan bathrooms with soaking tubs and rainfall showers. The luxury resort has four restaurants to choose from, along with a spa, a fitness center, a fun kids' club, several swimming pools, and even a library. However, the only way to town other than by boat involves a steep path over the mountain, and some guests might feel isolated here. However, with such great facilities, a long white sand beach, water activities, and spectacular views, those wanting to literally get away from it all will find little need to go anywhere else.