The Sarojin, Khao Lak, Thailand - Explore & Book
"When Kate and Andrew Kemp decided to build a 5-star luxury resort on an unspoilt beach in Khao Lak, they really went to town. Their main focus was impeccable, personalised service - something they feel everyone should experience once in a lifetime - and then they threw in a few dreams of their own: bath rims big enough to hold champagne glasses, an uber spa and a deli-bar in each room. They had to employ a serious number of staff to make it all happen - 245 to 56 rooms - but it's certainly been worth it (the awards speak for themselves). It has a gloriously romantic setting, surrounded by white sand and Khao Sok National Park's rainforests - and it's only an hour from the Similan Islands, one of the world's top 10 dive sites. The rooms have views over the reflective lotus pond, the infinity pool or the lush gardens; your days will be filled with long beach walks, relaxed pampering and lazy meals. But the real USP is the 'Imagineer', who tailor-makes activities 'just for 2': drink champagne by a waterfall, go diving at sunrise or bamboo raft down jungle rapids. Awesome. Highs Set on 11km of private beach and surrounded by 10 acres of gardens, it's secluded and far from Phuket's crowds The beach is protected by Pakarang Cape, keeping the water lagoon-like and still, even in low season Midnight dips in your private pool The super spa, with a whole range of indulgent treatments and the sound of the Andaman Sea in the background Service with capital S, and unlike most hotels, all the little extras are complimentary (cold drinks, freshly cut watermelon) Incredible attention to detail: aesthetically it's gorgeous, and the 'Imagineer' can arrange some extraordinary personalised adventures for you Lows It's expensive but it offers an exceptionally high level of personalised service Not all rooms have have sea views It's super romantic - if you came here with a friend, you might feel self-conscious - and kids under 10 aren't allowed" - Liz Simpson
