The 51-room Layana Resort and Spa is a luxury beachfront escape, with James Bond-style treatment that starts with a private speed boat along the scenic Andaman coast to Koh Lanta Island. The lush, adults-only resort consists of exquisite Garden Pavilions as well as exclusive Beach Suites (stand-alone bungalows) that sport private terraces and direct beach access. The resort offers a saltwater infinity pool, spa, and fitness center. Guests can sample international and local Thai cuisine at the on-site restaurant, and as the name suggests, watch the sunset from the Sundowner Bar and Lounge.

The Shore at Katathani is an upscale villa resort that caters mainly to couples and honeymooners. The spacious villas come with private plunge pools, some with direct ocean views. Its private location, tucked away in a cove along Kata Noi Beach, adds to the hotel's intimate, beachy atmosphere. The property includes a small spa, an oceanfront restaurant, and freeform infinity pool with sweeping views of the beach. The Shore does not allow children under 12.

Hidden in the jungle in the famed Golden Triangle, this Four Seasons sits right on the border of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar, and is only accessible by private boat. The 15 luxury tents all include huge antique-style bathtubs, outdoor rainfall showers, unlimited minibars, free bottles of Champagne, and enormous balconies that overlook the Ruak River and the jungle. There's a small swimming pool in the forest as well as a hot tub, but the real treat at this all-inclusive property are activities like elephant rides and educational experiences. A minimum two-night stay is required, though it would be pointless to come to such a magical place for just an evening.

The road leading to Paresa, an ultra-luxe hilltop resort in a remote location on Phuket's Millionaire Mile, provides epic views of unspoiled cliff coastline between Kamala Beach and Patong. The resort itself has panoramic views of the Andaman Sea and utmost seclusion (the trade-off is no direct beach access, but the resort works around that problem with a free hourly shuttle to town and Kamala Beach). The 49 sea-facing luxury villas have a minimalist aesthetic, flat-screen TVs, stocked minibars, and gorgeous infinity pools.

The 39-room Nakamanda Resort and Spa is an upscale romantic retreat on a secluded cove with traditional Thai decor and attractive tropical grounds. An outdoor pool and an open-air bar with two private terraces face the Andaman Sea, and there’s also a full-service spa and a fitness center. Stylish, modern villas have soaking bathtubs, and some come with kitchenettes and hot tubs or pools.

There are 49 rooms at this luxury adult-only, all-villa property set high in the hills overlooking Layan Beach. The secluded location is ideal for those wanting some rest and relaxation, and the luxurious villas are designed for guests to thoroughly unwind. Each has its own infinity pool, huge bedroom, bathroom, and gorgeous views of the sea or countryside. In-villa spa treatments can be arranged. The hotel’s restaurant serves modern Thai cuisine, and the 360° Bar is a real hotspot. A free shuttle is provided to the nearest beach.

The Twin Lotus Resort & Spa is an adults-only resort, located on the quiet northern end of Khlong Dao Beach, close to Saladan town and the ferry pier for the mainland. All categories of rooms (there are 76 rooms and bungalows in total) are spacious and elegantly decorated, with DVD players and huge furnished terraces. The large luxury resort features include two swimming pools, two restaurants, a fitness center and spa, bicycle rentals, and a library with books and DVDs.

The 177-room Beyond Resort Khaolak is an upscale beachside resort a 10-minute drive outside Khao Lak. Children aren't allowed here, which adds to the peaceful, quiet nature of the property. All accommodations are villas, and they are spacious, modern, and equipped with features like flat-screen TVs, minibars, and massive bathrooms. Some have outdoor tubs and private plunge pools overlooking the sea. There are three options for dining, plus a beach bar. The outdoor pool is huge, and the spa is an elegant, relaxing retreat.

Tucked away in the jungle village of Kamala, the five-pearl Bell Pool Villa Resort Phuket exudes exclusivity from behind the gated walls. Its 16 villas feature secluded gardens, large private pools, and 24-hour butler service. A full range of in-room spa services is available, along with breakfast and poolside barbecues, and privacy is paramount; the al fresco restaurant serves as the only communal space. A free shuttle and bicycles provide easy access to the beach.

The Pimalai Resort and Spa is the grandest luxury property on Koh Lanta. It's hidden away near the southern end of the island, along beautiful Kantiang Beach and Bay. Sprawling across a hillside and onto the beach, the resort has two sides -- a hill estate and a beachfront. Most of the rooms are clustered on the beach side, although there are luxury pool villas up on the hill. All rooms are large and include teak floors, rattan curtains, daybeds, furnished patios and balconies, and plenty of privacy. The resort offers two swimming pools, one an infinity-edge pool overlooking the entire bay, plus a fitness center, spa, and tennis court. There are four restaurants and cafes, several bars, and secluded, lush grounds.

Surrounded by little but forest and deserted beach, this luxury hideaway on Yao Noi island is praised for its privacy and seclusion. Guests also appreciate the staff remembering their every preference. The 56 extremely spacious villas offer private infinity pools and impressive views of Phang Nga Bay, along with thoughtful details in both design and amenities. Facilities include a well-regarded spa with some free treatments, a beautiful open-air yoga pavilion, and four elegant restaurants that offer outdoor seating. Note that there are some reports of noise in the early hours from the resort next door.

Located in a quiet valley between Kamala and Patong, this luxury resort stands out for its stunning modern architecture and beautiful, peaceful natural setting. The five-pearl retreat has its own stretch of beach with great snorkeling and an Olympic-size infinity pool overlooking the sea. The 94 glass-walled villas have dramatic views (though some are better than others) and their own private infinity pools. There isn't much in the immediate area, but on-site features include a Thai restaurant, two bars, and a spa. The sprawling layout of the property means golf carts are required to reach the rooms, and service requests can sometimes take a while. Prices are on the high side for this category (arguably with good reason).

Andara Resort and Villas is one of the most expensive five-pearl options in Phuket, but with the high price tag comes over-the-top extras like private chefs and access to a customized yacht. Well-heeled guests choose from luxury villas or suites; most of them have gorgeous private pools and sweeping views of the Andaman Sea. It would be easy to spend an entire vacation holed up in the villas, which get stocked with guests' favorite foods, and a private chef comes to prepare customized meals. Other great features are the relaxing spa, infinity-edge swimming pool with ocean views and a hot tub, and Silk restaurant. One caveat: the beach is about a 10-minute walk (or quick buggy ride) from the hotel.

The Sandalwood Luxury Villas is small hilltop retreat overlooking the sea. The 10 luxury villas are decorated in a traditional Thai style, and half of them have their own private infinity pools. The smallest have kitchenettes, while larger units (which can have up to four bedrooms) add full kitchens. There are also a fine-dining Thai restaurant, free breakfast, and an infinity pool with postcard views. The property is not in walking distance to the beaches, but the hotel provides a regular free shuttle service, along with a mobile phone to call for pick up anywhere on the island.

Anantara Phuket Villas is a five-pearl property with gorgeous villas; all come with lovely private pools. It was designed by renowned architect Bill Bensley, and his high attention to stylish detail shows throughout the Sino Portuguese property: intricately carved wood, open-air buildings, reflection pools, and pagoda-style structures can be found here. Though Anantara has everything its competitors have -- a luxe spa, free breakfast buffet, cooking school, and free bikes -- the one major flaw here is the tiny, red-flag beach.

Trisara Phuket is one of the most luxurious and private five-pearl properties in Phuket. Guests are met at the airport by an SUV and shuttled to the stylish resort, complete with a private sandy beach, infinity-edge swimming pool, three restaurants, and gorgeous accommodations with private pools and views of the Andaman Sea. There's a private boathouse and a popular Jazz Brunch on Sundays. Prices are high, but freebies include airport transportation, a breakfast buffet, chocolates, and Wi-Fi.

Located on a small, tropical island (accessed via a five-minute speedboat ride from Phuket), the Naka consists of 67 private villas with private courtyards that boast plunge pools and giant outdoor soaking tubs. Naka Spa is one of the best in Thailand; it includes an ice room and warm Watsu pool. A private beach, a gorgeous two-tiered swimming pool, and three on-site restaurants are convenient and necessary features, as there isn't much else on the island besides natural jungles and a small Muslim fishing village. One oddity is that the grounds aren't very well maintained and look patchy in many areas.

Overlooking the Panwa Cape on Phuket's southern end, the Amatara Resort is an ideal spot for couples seeking a luxurious tropical vacation with all the trimmings. The infinity-edge pool with Andaman Sea views is breathtaking, the private beach is quiet and calm, and the 105 rooms are elegant and contemporary. Each one has a private balcony, iPad tablet, flat-screen TV, electric blinds, and a spacious bathroom with oversize glass shower and deep soaking tub. Large Pool Villas feature sunken living rooms, private L-shaped plunge pools, free minibars, 24-hour butler service, and circular bathtubs big enough for two.

The 88-villa Banyan Tree Samui is an intimate, ultra-luxury property that draws those seeking an exclusive taste of the high life. Each room is a gorgeous stand-alone villa featuring a private pool, separate living area, and a beautiful bathroom with a rainfall shower and separate soaking tub. With four restaurants, a gym and yoga studio, a renowned spa, an infinity pool, and free water sports on the private beach, guests don't need to ever leave. However, those wishing to explore the island can request free shuttle service to nearby towns.