Banyan Tree, Phuket

Phuket Island’s northwestern coast is home to this villa resort near Bang Tao Bay. Small-scale, modern buildings influenced by local architecture make up the accommodations. The warmly-lit, hardwood-floored lobby houses the concierge desk, and from the deluxe villa to the deluxe two-bedroom villa, interiors incorporate both modern furniture and Asian-influenced artwork. On-site activities range from tennis to cooking classes and a library, or venture further out to kayak or trek through the forest. Five restaurants and several bars include the Watercourt buffet and a pool bar.