While the MICHELIN Star recognizes the most outstanding restaurants in the world, the MICHELIN Key does the same for outstanding hotels.
On September 25, 2024, the MICHELIN Guide revealed the brand new One, Two, and Three Key distinctions for the most outstanding hotels in Thailand. The announcement comes four years into a comprehensive refresh of hotel selection. Like the Michelin Stars for restaurants, the Michelin Keys are for the most outstanding hotels, and the list has grown to over 5,000 hotels across the world, according to the Michelin Guide.
Thailand's Three Key Club
Eight properties earned our highest hotel honor in Thailand, the exclusive Three Key distinction. Of these, four hotels represent the very best of Thailand’s world-renowned seaside resorts. Nor are they all clustered on one blessed stretch of coastline. In Thailand, these four hotels (Amanpuri, Phulay Bay, Samujana Villas, and Soneva Kiri) are found all throughout the country, spanning thousands of miles and two seas.
Outside those spectacular oceanside suites and villas, we find four more Three Key hotels. Itself not far from the sea, Keemala is set in treehouse accommodations amidst the jungle of Phuket. In the mountainside, you’ll find the impeccable service and luxe design of the Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai. The list rounds out in Bangkok with the incredibly storied Mandarin Oriental and the Art Deco-influenced The Siam.
The Three Key Hotels
Bangkok: Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
Bangkok: The Siam
Chiang Mai: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai
Trat: Soneva Kiri
Koh Samui: Samujana Villas
Krabi: Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Phuket: Amanpuri
Phuket: Keemala
The Two Key Hotels
Bangkok: Capella Bangkok
Bangkok: Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River
Bangkok: Park Hyatt Bangkok
Bangkok: Rosewood Bangkok
Bangkok: The Okura Prestige Bangkok
Bangkok: The Peninsula Bangkok
Bangkok: The Sukhothai Bangkok
Chiang Mai: Rachamankha
Chiang Rai: Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort
Koh Samui: Banyan Tree Samui
Koh Samui: Napasai, A Belmond Hotel, Koh Samui
Koh Samui: SALA Samui Choengmon Beach
Koh Samui: Six Senses Samui
Phang Nga: The Sarojin Thailand
Phang Nga: Six Senses Yao Noi
Krabi: Banyan Tree Krabi
Krabi: Pimalai Resort & Spa
Phuket: InterContinental Phuket Resort
Phuket: Rosewood Phuket
The One Key Hotels
Bangkok: 137 Pillars Suites Bangkok
Bangkok: Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel
Bangkok: COMO Metropolitan Bangkok
Bangkok: InterContinental Bangkok
Bangkok: Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok
Bangkok: Oriental Residence Bangkok
Bangkok: SO/ Bangkok
Bangkok: The Standard Bangkok
Phetchaburi: Veranda Resort & Villas Hua Hin Cha Am
Chiang Mai: 137 Pillars House
Chiang Mai: Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai: Raya Heritage
Chiang Mai: Tamarind Village
Prachuap Khiri Khan: Anantara Hua Hin Resort & Spa
Prachuap Khiri Khan: The Standard Hua Hin
Prachuap Khiri Khan: V Villas Hua Hin
Prachuap Khiri Khan: Aleenta Resort & Spa, Hua Hin
Nakhon Ratchasima: InterContinental Khao Yai Resort
Koh Samui: Anantara Lawana Resort and Spa
Koh Samui: Kerem Luxury Beachfront Villas
Koh Samui: Kimpton Kitalay Samui
Krabi: Rayavadee
Phang Nga: Aleenta Resort & Spa, Phuket
Phang Nga: Iniala Beach House
Phuket: Andara Resort & Villas
Phuket: COMO Point Yamu
Phuket: The Nai Harn Phuket
Phuket: The Pavilions, Phuket
Phuket: The Slate
Phuket: Trisara
Phuket: The Racha
There are certainly less extravagant ways to enjoy Koh Samui. But this island, once — long ago — a well-kept secret, is now anything but undiscovered. It’s still paradise, though, or can be, if you play your cards right; and if you want to enjoy the unparalleled natural beauty of this heavenly island without having to elbow your way through a crowd on the beach, you’ll have to find a way to seclude yourself just a little bit. The private villas at Samujana should do nicely.
This hideaway, set high on a hilltop overlooking a coral cove, features a range of spacious villas, all lavishly outfitted with infinity pools, fully equipped kitchens, private cinemas, and sweeping views over the water. This is more than a place for relaxing — it’s a place for entertaining as well. Indeed, there are no regular hotel rooms here. The most modest option is a villa with three bedrooms, and some have as many as eight. And yet, even if you were traveling with a small crowd, there’s still plenty of space to spread out and enjoy a bit of solitude. The aesthetic is sleek and modern, with seamless integration between indoors and outdoors; there’s extensive lounge space ideal for reading a book, taking a nap, or lingering over a breakfast of tropical fruits and pastries.
When you’re staying in a place as blissful as Samujana, you might not want to leave. A fleet of Thai chefs is at the ready to whip up a lunch or dinner of steamed snapper and green curry in your villa’s kitchen. If you’re feeling more energetic, venture onto Koh Samui’s dining scene, visit the towering Big Buddha, hike to the island’s famed waterfalls, or just put your towel down on the beach. Swing by the nearby rum distillery on the way back and pick up a bottle: the staff at Samujana will be happy to mix you a mojito on your terrace at sunset.
Check out the available villas for sale at SAMUJANA
(via MICHELIN Guide)
Comments