Islands Issue: The Unadulterated List 2025 Thailand From Samui To Phuket

Thailand’s Islands—Elegance Unfolds, Where Culture Breathes

From Phuket’s heritage facades to Samui’s sacred groves and Ko Kood’s untouched shores, Thailand’s islands reveal a living canvas—where tradition and design coalesce in quiet harmony.

In this edition of The Unadulterated List, Savour BlackBookAsia presents island retreats where modern elegance nods to ancestral soul. Think barefoot luxury softened by artisanal craft, floating villas above mirror seas, and eco-resorts shaped by nature.

These sanctuaries invite transformation, not merely stay—each destination a celebration of Thai customs, architectural poetry, and sensual balance.

Honoring excellence through Savour BlackBookAsia’s 10th Hotel Hall of Fame Awards, this curated selection opens doors to elevated journeys shaped by culture, serenity, and timeless design.

Click on the hotel name for the full feature.

1. Soneva Kiri

Be pampered even from the start of your trip with the finer things in life by taking the eight seater jet that brings guests to the famed destination of Soneva Kiri. Designed to blend in with the environment, this property uses natural materials like wood, stone, bamboo, and many others. Simple actions are implemented throughout the resort, contributing to sustainability and the protection of marine biodiversity, to encourage local producers in an ethical approach, and to support craftspeople who keep age-old traditions alive. More than a resort, Soneva Kiri is an experience.

2. Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui

Famed for its breathtaking natural beauty and unparalleled opulence, Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui has served as a captivating venue for various cinematic productions, showcasing its intrinsic allure. Located amidst lush coconut groves, with impeccably appointed villas and residences cascading gracefully down a verdant hillside to a secluded private bay, it provides globe-trotters with a haven where world-class service converges with authentic Thai charm. It is the quintessential escape for those seeking both serenity and thrilling island adventures on the pristine northwest tip of Thailand’s celebrated Koh Samui.

3. The Surin, Phuket

On the west coast of Thailand’s largest island, Phuket or “The Pearl of Andaman Sea”, sits The Surin Phuket. This discreet property provides an intimate setting for holiday-goers who seek the peace of mind. From the buzzing main street of Surin Town, embark on a journey through lush greenery before welcomed by the effervescent concierge with a soothing cup of house-made beverage alongside Phuang Malai, floral garland as the symbol of luck.

4. Santiburi Koh Samui (Leading Hotels Of The World)

When fashion, gastronomy and superlative travel coincides, one can expect an experience unlike any other. Hosted at where else than Santiburi, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World on the famed Thai island of Koh Samui with it’s white sandy shores, blue skies and turquoise waters. Get ready to embark on a luxury experience you would remember for years to come.

5. JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa

Located just steps away from the turtle nesting habitat of Mai Khao beach, JW Marriott Phuket is a 5-star resort with an eye for traditional architecture as designed by famous hotel designer, Bill Bensley. With 265 rooms, 3 swimming pools, the legendary Mandara spa, a wide selection of 10 restaurants across the beachfront property, it is no wonder that JW Marriott Phuket continues to be a premier destination for families looking for the perfect Thai getaway.

6. Anantara Layan Resort

Opened in 2014, Anantara Layan Phuket Resort is a lush hill and seaside resort overlooking the beautiful Layan Beach on the western coast of Phuket. A blend of the old and the new, the resort manages to encapsulate modern chic while keeping the traditions of Thai hospitality. Rooms are designed with modern architecture and paintings while still utilizing wood tones and oriental patterns.

7. Paresa Luxury Kamala Resort

Located along the top of the iconic cliffs of Kamala Beach overlooking the cerulean Andaman sea, Paresa Resort Phuket gives guests a cocoon of tranquility and serenity along the “Millionaire’s Mile”. Being the geographically highest resort on the island, Paresa, which is Sanskrit for “Heaven of All Heavens” draws from southern Thai inspiration to create a blend of modern and traditional, with buildings nestled within large banyan trees.

8. Kata Rocks

Opened in December 2014, Kata Rocks faces the pristine Andaman Sea along the coast of Kata Beach. The resort emphasizes modern minimalist décor that reflects the beautiful environment its set in. Founded by CEO of Infinite Luxury and yachting enthusiast Richard Pope, the resort is designed with yachts in mind. The white, blue and grey tones of the sea echo consistently throughout the resort, from the interiors of the rooms to the uniforms of the staff.

9. The Slate

Located just 10 minutes away from the airport and a 5-minute walk to Nai Yang Beach, The Slate gives guests an escape into a world of industrial beauty with a blend of lush, natural greenery. Opened in 2007, The Slate was renowned designer Bill Bensley’s first foray into Hotel design. Inspired by the historic and successful tin mining industry of Phuket, the resort features a theme of natural untreated stone and steel elements carried beautifully across the entire property.

10. Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa

A celebration of classical and sincere Thai hospitality, unstinting state of the art convenience and world class dining, all seamlessly combined for travelers indulgence in the fabled island of Phuket with a history as rich and fun-filled as that of Thailand itself. Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa is surrounded with crystal clear waters and white sand beaches on Mai Khao Beach.


Savour BlackBookAsia is a purely editorial, experience-driven publication where no money or even vouchers have ever been exchanged in return for reviews—ensuring complete impartiality since day one. It is the media arm of BlackBookAsia, proudly celebrating its 11th anniversary in 2025.

Savour BlackBookAsia’s “The Unadulterated List” debuts at our highly anticipated annual Hotel Hall of Fame Awards. Fewer than 10% of over 1,000 properties earn a place on this critically acclaimed list, following a rigorous voting process open exclusively to those who have personally visited, stayed at, or dined in the respective hotels and resorts.

Discover The Unadulterated List 2025—a handpicked collection of the world’s most captivating hotels. Each property is an ode to sophistication, offering immersive experiences that blend cultural richness with exquisite design.

– Click the link below to unveil the destinations that set the new standard in hospitality.

Savour BlackBookAsia’s Unadulterated List 2025 – Hall of Fame: The 100 Best Hotels in the World – Savour BlackBookAsia

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