From sky-high soirees and fireworks, to castaway Christmas picnics, private yacht trips and fire dancing shows – The Best Thai Hotels for the Festive Season
| Best for Bliss-Seekers: |
| Secluded In-Villa Spa Treatments and Festive Feasts at V Villa Hua Hin |
Located on the tranquil coast of the Andaman Sea, V Villas Hua Hin provides an inimitable blend of extravagance, privacy and comfort – the perfect place to escape and find serenity this festive season.
For undisturbed bliss, guests can contact their own personal butlers 24-hours-a-day through their complimentary Portier phone, who can organise in-villa spa treatments – customisable down to the scents, oils and therapies used – the ideal way to rest and rejuvenate following a private yoga or Pilates session on the villas sun-dappled deck. For a truly spiritual experience encouraging guests to reflect before the New Year ahead, guided meditation on the beach at sunrise is followed by the magical ‘tak bat’ ritual, whereby local monks walk down the stretch of white-sanded beach and bless passers-by.
As well as a 5-course Christmas Dinner and New Year’s Eve gala feast, a variety of lavish dining experiences will be taking place on the beach daily; including French inspired Oyster & Mussel Nights, Wok Nights bringing the thrill of the famed Hua Hin Night Market with traditional Thai music, and speciality Italian nights with a live violinist – inviting true tranquillity overlooking the Andaman Sea.
For a festive feast with a twist, V Villas Hua Hin can also organise an in-villa barbecue with the resorts resident chef where guests favourite fresh seafood can be prepared on demand. After a day of basking in the privacy of the luxurious and expansive villa, guests can experience horseback riding and Tai Chi on the beautiful beach or try a Thai boxing class with an experienced trainer, who can teach them to master the national sport of Thailand whilst burning off the over-indulgence of Christmas.
| Best for Foodie-Families: |
| Castaway Christmas Picnics and Outdoor Cinema Nights at Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra |
Located on the west coast of Southern Thailand, Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort invites families to swap the traditional white Christmas and escape by private yacht for a sunset cruise or by speedboat to the nearby Hong Island, Phi Phi Island or Bamboo Island surrounded by majestic limestone cliffs, for a castaway Christmas picnic as well as snorkelling, paddle boarding and kayaking around the turquoise lagoon.
On Christmas Day, Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra offers an alternative to the classic Christmas turkey lunch; guests are invited on a tasty tour of Southern Thailand with a traditional Thai street-food style market dinner, where guests can savour authentic dishes such as a creamy crab curry and punchy Pad Thai as well as delicacies of ceviche, sushi and sashimi, and foodie guests can even learn how to prepare dishes themselves at the Sofitel Krabi Cooking School.
By night, an outdoor cinema awaits where guests can relax under swaying palms as they watch their favourite Christmas classics on the big screen, or retreat to the So Spa boasting a variety of indulgent treatments; including a coconut massage, chocolate scrub or jacuzzi with essential oils. Exciting live performances will also be shown throughout the week, such as music from festive live bands in the Explorer’s Bar, thrilling fire dance shows and even Disney inspired performances for the kids.
| Best for Sophisticates: |
| Champagne, Cocktails and Fireworks over the Bangkok Skyline at SO/ Bangkok |
At the urban luxury SO/ Bangkok, fashion and festivities come hand in hand, as this fashion-forward hotel – designed in a unique collaboration with Monsieur Cristian Lacroix – promises a glamorous Christmas celebration in the heart of Bangkok. At the newly refurbished Park Society restaurant on the 29th floor, guests can dine on a delectable 5-course Christmas or New Year’s Eve tasting dinner including Carabinero Red Prawn, Chicken Liver “Timbale”, Foie Gras, Truffle Halibut, Miyazaki Striploin, finished off with a chocolate gold dessert, whilst admiring a spectacular firework show with the city’s best views of Bangkok skyline. To countdown to the new year in style, the sky-high Water Club pool bar offers panoramic views over Lumpini Park, and the HI-SO rooftop bar offers music from famous DJs, so that guests can keep the party going alfresco.
In the innovative Chocolab, children and adults alike can join a chocolate crafting class with master chocolatiers and learn how to make speciality Christmas-inspired creations or an impressive Gingerbread house, before savouring a custom fashion high-tea at the MIXO bar or warm mulled wine and fragrant cheese fondues at the Red Oven restaurant.