"Despite its age, Amanpuri still tops the list as one of the best hotels in Thailand, as spectacular as it was when it opened on a coconut grove on Phuket’s west coast back in 1988. It was the first name in a collection that would go on to change the parameters of luxury travel and hotel design; coming here has become a rite of passage for Aman junkies far and wide. And for good reason: from the midnight-blue pool at the entrance to the dramatic staircase leading down to the semi-private beach, architect Ed Tuttle (a creative force for the group) made a timeless classic. Each of the 40 polished teakwood pavilions is a miniature Thai temple of indulgence, a world of crisp linen, fresh orchids, and spa-like bathrooms that take up almost half its floor space. All come with sala-covered sundecks, some with private pools. Its Holistic Wellness Centre, the first of its kind within the Aman group, veers way beyond the usual spa trappings and offers medical services that include IV nutrient infusions and cryotherapy." - Chris Schalkx