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Your Next Winter Escape: Thailand

When it’s winter in Aus­tralia, temperatures in southern Thailand are just about perfect. It begins to cool down a lit­tle from the peak temperatures in March, April and May, but the humidity of the wet season is still a couple of months away. In Koh Samui and Hua Hin you’re unlikely to see any rain while in Phuket it is margin­ally wetter, but generally in the form of short afternoon storms.

Best for Rejuvenation

Chiva-Som, Hua Hin

At Chiva-Som you can take the traditional wellness program a little further – the resort has an on-site medi-spa run by a trained cosmic dermatologist and surgeon. Laser treatments and peels rejuvenate skin, ultrasonic lypolisis removes pockets of fat from the body or a mini thread face lift can take years off. There’s also a standard range of spa treatments, holistic therapies and organic cuisine on offer.

Rates: Three-night packages start from THB54,000 (about A$1,763) per person all inclusive.

 

chivasom.com

Best for Romance

Avista Hideaway Resort & Spa, Phuket

Phuket’s newest luxury resort opened in late 2012 just a short distance from Patong. Rooms are spacious and the pick of the bunch are the duplex pool suites with two private terraces, Jacuzzi, outdoor kitchen, and butler service. The spa offers traditional Ayurvedic treatments from a qualified Ayurvedic doctor.

Rates: Entry level rooms from THB6,600 (about A$215) per night and suites from THB10,200 (about A$333) per night plus taxes. hideaway.

 

vistahotelsandresorts.com

Best for Detoxing

Kamalaya Koh Samui

Holidays don’t have to be all about indulgence and at Kamalaya guests can reset the clock with a range of wellness programs focusing on detox, stress, sleep and weight loss. Spend three nights or two weeks doing yoga, eating delicious healthy meals, indulging in spa treatments and returning each night to an ultra luxe villa. You’ll return home a new person.

Rates: Three-night packages from THB56,100 (about A$1,831) per person all inclusive.

 

kamalaya.com

Best for Tranquility

X2 Samui, Koh Samui

Pronounced “cross to”, X2 Samui is one of two X2 properties in Thailand (with a third under construction) from what claims to be the country’s first design hotel chain. 27 villas, most with private pools, are spread across five acres of land at Marat, a largely undeveloped area just to the south of Chaweng Beach. With a philosophy of “satisfying the spirit” the property’s design is simple and restrained with lots of natural stone and wood, and many of the buildings are designed around large, established trees. 4K restaurant serves fusion cuisine with a focus on local produce and the spa sits on its own private beachfront. The outdoor areas have just undergone a refresh, so the X2 is looking slick and shiny for the season.

Rates: Villas from THB15,000 (about A$490) per night.

 

x2resorts.com/samui

Direct flights to Bangkok are available from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth and flight time is between seven and nine hours. Return economy fares start from A$1,000, premium economy fares from A$1,388 and business class fares from A$4,000.

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