Travel

Rising high within Bangkok’s iconic King Power Mahanakhon, The Standard Bangkok Mahanakhon brings together bold design, playful luxury, and the vibrant energy that defines modern Bangkok. The hotel feels unmistakably The Standard from the moment you arrive, with its colourful interiors, striking contemporary art, retro inspired details, and lively social atmosphere woven throughout every space. Despite its energetic personality, the property still manages to feel polished, comfortable, and surprisingly relaxing in the middle of the city.

We stayed in a spacious Suite Spot room, which worked perfectly for unwinding after busy days exploring Bangkok. The suite featured a separate living area, floor to ceiling windows overlooking the city skyline, and a beautifully designed bathroom with sleek modern finishes. Throughout the room, The Standard’s signature aesthetic was everywhere, blending bold colours, curved furnishings, playful details, and glamorous touches without ever feeling overdesigned.

One of the highlights of the stay was simply experiencing the hotel itself. Every corner feels thoughtfully curated, from the dramatic lobby spaces to the stylish pool deck surrounded by greenery and colourful loungers. The atmosphere constantly shifts throughout the day, feeling calm and refined in the mornings before transforming into one of the city’s liveliest social hubs by evening.

The property’s dining and nightlife venues add to the hotel’s magnetic energy, particularly the rooftop spaces that overlook Bangkok’s glittering skyline from high above the city. Even beyond the restaurants and bars, the hotel feels deeply connected to Bangkok’s creative scene, attracting a stylish mix of locals and international travellers.

We also loved the impressive fitness centre, which is one of the best equipped hotel gyms we have experienced in the city. Combined with the central location beside the BTS, the hotel makes an excellent base for both exploring Bangkok and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere within the property itself.

Bold, creative, and effortlessly stylish, The Standard Bangkok Mahanakhon feels less like a traditional luxury hotel and more like a design driven lifestyle destination at the centre of the city’s energy.

I am a fully qualified independent travel agent specializing in Luxury Family Travel.  I’m here to plan your dream family holiday, create a personal itinerary to suit your family’s needs, and give you all the first hand knowledge I have from travelling full time as a family.  Contact me at christing.chang@fora.travel assist in booking your next trip.

Rising above the vibrant streets of Bangkok, Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld offers an energetic luxury city escape in one of the capital’s most convenient locations. Connected directly to CentralWorld shopping mall, the hotel places guests right in the centre of Bangkok’s dining, entertainment, and shopping district while still feeling calm and elevated above the city below.

The atmosphere throughout the hotel feels polished yet relaxed, with spacious rooms, expansive skyline views, and excellent facilities that make it easy to unwind after busy days exploring Bangkok. Guests can enjoy a large outdoor swimming pool, a well-equipped fitness centre, and a wide variety of dining venues without ever needing to leave the property.

One of the highlights of our stay was spending evenings at Red Sky Restaurant and the adjoining rooftop bar. The panoramic city views are spectacular, especially after sunset when Bangkok begins to sparkle below. With live music, creative cocktails, and an elegant rooftop setting, it easily became one of our favourite spots in the city for a relaxed evening atmosphere.

We also loved dining at UNO MAS, the hotel’s lively Spanish restaurant. The vibrant atmosphere, live Spanish music, and entirely Spanish wine list created a fun and immersive dining experience. The traditional Segovia-style suckling pig carved tableside added a memorable theatrical touch to the evening.

For travellers wanting a luxury hotel with excellent dining, rooftop experiences, and unbeatable access to Bangkok’s best shopping and entertainment, Centara Grand Bangkok delivers a lively and memorable stay right in the heart of the city.

I am a fully qualified independent travel agent specializing in Luxury Family Travel.  I’m here to plan your dream family holiday, create a personal itinerary to suit your family’s needs, and give you all the first hand knowledge I have from travelling full time as a family.  Contact me at christing.chang@fora.travel assist in booking your next trip.

Perched high above the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand, Six Senses Samui feels worlds away from the busier corners of the island. Hidden amongst lush tropical greenery on a private headland, the resort embraces a slower, more intentional style of luxury where wellness, sustainability, and nature are woven seamlessly into every part of the experience. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere encouraged us to disconnect from routine and fully settle into island life.

Our family stayed in the Ocean Front Pool Villa Suite, a beautifully designed space that balanced privacy with comfort for travelling with children. The villa featured a spacious master bedroom alongside a separate twin bed area that could easily be closed off with a large sliding partition, giving everyone their own space while still feeling connected. The expansive outdoor terrace quickly became the heart of our stay, with a private infinity pool overlooking endless ocean views and some of the most spectacular sunsets we have seen in Koh Samui.

What stood out most throughout our stay was how naturally the resort blends luxury with environmental consciousness. The rustic architecture, wooden pathways, and open-air design create a genuine connection to the surrounding landscape rather than separating guests from it. One of our children’s favourite experiences was visiting the Farm on the Hill, where they collected freshly laid eggs in the morning and learned more about the resort’s sustainability initiatives and resident animals. It added such a meaningful and personal touch to the stay.

Days at Six Senses moved at an easy rhythm between long swims in the resort’s ocean-view pools, relaxing spa treatments, beach activities, and workouts overlooking the sea at the fitness centre. Whether enjoying quiet moments in our villa or exploring the grounds together as a family, the resort managed to feel both deeply restorative and wonderfully welcoming for children at the same time.

Dining was another highlight of our stay, with several beautiful restaurants offering very different atmospheres throughout the resort. Breakfast each morning felt both indulgent and nourishing, with an extensive spread alongside an excellent cooked to order menu. We especially loved the fresh juices, quality coffee, healthy options, and live noodle station, which became a family favourite.

For relaxed daytime dining, Drift offered the perfect beachside setting for long lunches overlooking the water, while evenings rotated between the elegant Dining on the Hill and the spectacular clifftop setting of Dining on the Rocks. Across every restaurant, the menus felt fresh, vibrant, and thoughtfully curated, with plenty of vegetarian dishes alongside lighter wellness-focused options that still felt full of flavour and indulgence. The variety of dining experiences added so much to the overall stay and made it easy to enjoy something different each day without ever needing to leave the resort.

More than simply a luxury resort, Six Senses Samui offers a style of travel that feels thoughtful, immersive, and genuinely rejuvenating.

I am a fully qualified independent travel agent specializing in Luxury Family Travel.  I’m here to plan your dream family holiday, create a personal itinerary to suit your family’s needs, and give you all the first hand knowledge I have from travelling full time as a family.  Contact me at christing.chang@fora.travel assist in booking your next trip.

Our family recently had the privilege of staying at the beautiful Siritarar Residence, a spectacular luxury beachfront villa set along the peaceful shores of Lipa Noi in Koh Samui. From the moment we arrived, the property felt incredibly special, combining the privacy of an exclusive residence with the atmosphere and attention to detail of a five star boutique hotel. Surrounded by sweeping sea views and unforgettable sunsets, it was the kind of place that immediately encourages you to slow down and fully relax.

The villa features six luxurious bedrooms alongside expansive indoor and outdoor living spaces designed perfectly for families and groups travelling together. We spent our days kayaking and paddle boarding across the calm turquoise waters directly in front of the residence, relaxing beside the refreshing freshwater swimming pool, and making use of the fully equipped gym and games facilities. There was always something to enjoy, whether our family wanted active days outdoors or simply quiet afternoons soaking in the peaceful beachfront setting.

One of the highlights of our stay was the exceptional personalised service throughout. Having a private chef preparing home cooked meals and authentic Thai specialities each day elevated the entire experience and made villa living feel effortlessly luxurious.

What impressed us most, however, was the thoughtful design woven throughout the residence. Every space feels elegant yet welcoming, with beautiful textures, natural materials, and sophisticated finishes creating a warm and luxurious atmosphere. Sustainability is also deeply considered throughout the property, with recycled wood and eco conscious materials incorporated seamlessly into the design. The innovative freshwater pool helps minimise chemical use, while architectural features naturally reduce energy consumption without compromising comfort.

Siritarar Residence is also ideal for celebrations and special events, with a stunning oceanfront venue space accommodating up to 120 guests. Accessibility has also been thoughtfully considered, ensuring the property feels welcoming for a wide range of travellers.

Managed by Elite Havens, Siritarar Residence delivers the polished service and seamless hospitality the brand is known for across Asia’s most exclusive private villas. From personalised dining experiences to attentive villa staff and beautifully maintained facilities, every detail felt professionally curated while still maintaining the warmth and comfort of a private family home.

Tucked away on the serene western shores of Koh Samui, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Koh Samui offers a completely different side of the island compared to the busier east coast. Located directly on Lipa Noi Beach, the resort combines relaxed tropical luxury with the signature upbeat atmosphere Nikki Beach is known for, creating a stay that feels both peaceful and effortlessly stylish.

We stayed in a Pool Access Suite with a connecting room for our children, which worked perfectly for our family. The accommodation felt spacious, modern, and very comfortable for a longer stay, with the added convenience of stepping directly into the pool from our terrace each morning. The resort itself has a boutique feel despite offering excellent facilities, and we loved how easy it was to move between our room, the beachfront, and the main social areas throughout the day.

One of the highlights of the property is the resort’s beautiful elongated swimming pool running through the centre of the grounds toward the beach. Combined with the calm ocean views and swaying palms, the setting feels incredibly relaxing, particularly in the late afternoon when the famous Koh Samui sunsets begin to light up the sky. Sunset quickly became our favourite time of day here.

The resort’s beach club and restaurant were also major highlights throughout our stay. We found ourselves returning daily for relaxed lunches, sunset cocktails, and dinners overlooking the ocean. The atmosphere manages to feel lively without being overwhelming, with music, beachfront dining, and occasional fire shows adding to the experience.

We also appreciated the fully equipped gym, allowing us to maintain our routines while travelling. Above all, the service throughout the resort was exceptional. Every member of the team was warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming, making the entire stay feel seamless from start to finish.

Perched along the quieter northern coastline of Koh Samui, W Koh Samui was the ideal spot for our family getaway. Lush tropical geeenery, a tranquil and idyllic beach, modern private pool villas and a fun and buzzing vibe which draws in all ages. While W properties are often known for their lively atmosphere, this particular resort balances that perfectly with the laid back island lifestyle that represents Koh Samui’s charm.

We stayed in one of the Beachfront Pool Villas and absolutely loved the sense of privacy and space it offered. Waking up to uninterrupted sea views with direct beach access just steps from our pool quickly became one of our favourite parts of the stay. The villa itself felt luxurious yet comfortable, with sleek modern interiors, oversized bathrooms, generous outdoor living areas, and plenty of room to fully unwind as a family. It had that perfect blend of stylish design without ever feeling too formal or overdone.

Most of our days were spent moving between the beach and the resort’s stunning infinity pool. The beach here feels peaceful and calm, ideal for long walks, swimming, or simply sitting under the palms watching the colours change across the water as the sun begins to set. Sunset at W Koh Samui is something special, especially with the atmosphere around WOOBAR beginning to come alive each evening. We loved spending afternoons there enjoying afternoon tea overlooking the ocean before returning later for cocktails, music, and the resort’s entertaining fire shows.

The dining throughout the resort was consistently excellent. Breakfast at The Kitchen Table became part of our daily routine, with its impressive live stations, fresh tropical fruits, made to order dishes, and fresh coconuts. We also enjoyed relaxed meals at The Kitchen Table throughout our stay, while Namu delivered beautifully executed Japanese cuisine in a sophisticated but welcoming setting.

Our family enjoyed the plethora of activities, from competitive tennis matches on the professional courts to water-sports, and even making full use of the state of the art fitness center and calming five star spa.

What really stood out was how easy the resort felt for families despite its stylish luxury atmosphere. Between the expansive villas, welcoming service, and beautiful beach, the resort manages to cater equally well to couples, groups, and families looking for a modern tropical escape in Koh Samui.

I am a fully qualified independent travel agent specializing in Luxury Family Travel. I’m here to plan your dream family holiday, create a personal itinerary tailored to your family’s needs, and share the first hand knowledge I’ve gained from travelling full time as a family. W Koh Samui is one of our Preferred Partner properties, allowing my clients to enjoy exclusive perks and VIP benefits during their stay. Contact me at christing.chang@fora.travel to assist in booking your next getaway.

For our recent family stay in Koh Samui, Amari Koh Samui was exactly the kind of resort we love for an easy tropical escape. Set on the quieter end of Chaweng Beach, the resort manages to feel lively and convenient while still offering plenty of space to slow down and properly relax. With direct beachfront access, tropical gardens throughout the property, and a welcoming atmosphere from the moment we arrived, it felt perfectly suited to families wanting both comfort and location.

We stayed in a Deluxe Family Room which worked so well for the four of us. The room felt bright, modern, and spacious enough that we never felt cramped after long days in the sun. One of the things I loved most about the resort overall was how family friendly everything felt without losing that polished resort atmosphere. It strikes a really nice balance between relaxed luxury and practicality for travelling with children.

The kids were instantly obsessed with the swimming pools and splash areas, and we spent most days moving between the beach, poolside loungers, and shaded garden walkways. Chaweng Beach itself is beautiful here, with soft white sand and calm shallow water that was perfect for families. While the children played, we appreciated having access to a fully equipped gym and Breeze Spa, where we booked a couples massage that ended up being one of the most relaxing parts of the trip.

Another standout was how much variety the resort offered when it came to dining and evening atmosphere. Whether it was sunset dinners by the beach, relaxed family meals, or the lively seafood night complete with live entertainment on the sand, there was always something happening without the resort ever feeling overwhelming.

What makes Amari Koh Samui so appealing is how versatile it is. It works just as well for couples wanting a beachfront holiday as it does for families travelling with young children or even larger multigenerational groups. For us, it was the perfect base for enjoying Koh Samui while still having everything we needed right at the resort.

Our family spent a blissful few days at Tolani Resort Koh Samui, tucked away on a peaceful stretch of Koh Samui’s southern coastline. Stylish yet welcoming, the resort feels like a true island sanctuary, with its quiet beachfront setting, luxury private pool villas, thoughtful wellness facilities, and warm service throughout our stay.

We spent our days going from pool to beach, paddle boarding and kayaking along the quiet shores, before settling in for relaxed poolside lunches. Pad Thai for the kids, burgers for us, and fresh tropical drinks in hand made for the perfect easy holiday rhythm. We also loved making full use of the fitness centre, sauna, and hot and cold plunge pools, which added to the resort’s calming wellness atmosphere.

Families will especially love the Two Bedroom Pool Villa, which was modern, spacious, and incredibly comfortable for four of us. The villa balanced sleek tropical design with a cosy atmosphere, and having our own private pool made it feel even more special. The resort itself is beautifully laid out, surrounded by lush greenery and positioned directly on a secluded beachfront that never felt crowded.

One of the highlights of our stay was dinner each evening at KOA Dining. The beachfront restaurant quickly became a family favourite for its classic Thai dishes, laid back atmosphere, and beautiful open air setting overlooking the white sand beach. I especially loved the creative plant based and vegan options, which felt fresh, vibrant, and genuinely thoughtful rather than an afterthought. Sitting on the sunken lounge sofas with the sea breeze rolling in at sunset became one of those simple holiday moments you never want to end.

Tolani Resort Koh Samui is the kind of place that invites you to slow down completely. Ideal for families, couples, or anyone craving a quieter side of Koh Samui, it offers a perfect reset away from the crowds while still delivering luxury, style, and genuine island charm.

Perched along the quieter southern stretch of Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa on beautiful Lamai Beach, this peaceful resort offered the perfect balance of relaxation and understated luxury for our family getaway in Koh Samui. Surrounded by tropical greenery and overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, the property feels wonderfully secluded while still being within easy reach of the island’s cafés, beach clubs, temples and local markets.

We stayed in one of the resort’s private pool villas, which blended traditional Thai-inspired design with spacious indoor and outdoor living. The villa worked well for families, with plenty of room for additional beds and a private plunge pool that quickly became our daughter’s favourite spot to cool off after the beach.

Most of our days were spent enjoying the resort’s relaxed pace, slow mornings by the pool, long walks along the peaceful beachfront and afternoons exploring different parts of the island before returning to the calm atmosphere of the resort. Dining was another standout throughout our stay, from relaxed lunches and generous breakfasts at Banana Leaf to memorable seafood dinners overlooking the water at tawaNN.

What truly made the experience special was the warmth of the staff, who consistently made our stay feel effortless and genuinely welcoming. For families looking for a quieter side of Koh Samui with authentic Thai character, spacious villas and a laid-back atmosphere, Renaissance Koh Samui is such a lovely choice.

I am a fully qualified independent travel agent specializing in Luxury Family Travel.  I’m here to plan your dream family holiday, create a personal itinerary to suit your family’s needs, and give you all the first hand knowledge I have from travelling full time as a family.  Contact me at christing.chang@fora.travel assist in booking your next trip.

Perched above the sparkling coastline of Koh Samui, Moonstone Samui is the kind of private villa that immediately leaves an impression. With six beautifully appointed bedrooms, sweeping ocean panoramas, and an effortless blend of luxury and comfort, it’s easy to see why the property has become one of the island’s most sought-after villa stays.

Returning for our second visit, we were reminded just how special the experience feels from the moment you arrive. The dramatic sea views instantly capture your attention, while the warm villa team welcomes guests with genuine hospitality and thoughtful touches that make settling in completely seamless.

Designed for both relaxation and entertaining, the villa offers expansive indoor and outdoor living spaces, an infinity pool overlooking the coastline, a private cinema, games room, fitness centre, and multiple dining areas perfect for gathering with family and friends. Every ensuite bedroom enjoys its own terrace and uninterrupted sea views, creating a true sense of privacy throughout the property.

One of the highlights of staying at Moonstone Samui is the exceptional in-villa dining experience. We highly recommend arranging meals with the private chef, from beautifully presented breakfasts each morning to flavourful Thai dinners shared at sunset. Families travelling with children will especially love the interactive pizza-making experiences available for little ones.

Evenings here are unforgettable. Watching the sunset from the sunken outdoor lounge with the ocean stretching endlessly below was one of our favourite moments of the stay, followed by cozy family movie nights in the villa’s private cinema after long afternoons spent in the pool.

Located just a short stroll from the peaceful shores of Samrong Bay, the villa also offers plenty to keep guests entertained, including table tennis, mahjong, a poker table, and pool activities for children and adults alike. The attentive staff are always on hand to assist with every detail, creating an experience that feels both polished and deeply personal.

For families, group getaways, milestone celebrations, or simply an indulgent escape in Koh Samui, Moonstone Samui delivers a private villa experience that is both luxurious and unforgettable.