Tongsai Bay Cottages & Hotel, Koh Samui, Thailand

This elegant hideaway manages to combine Thai charm, tropical surroundings and unadulterated luxury without a whiff of ostentation. Contemporary and sophisticated yet almost rustic, the first-class friendly service makes Tongsai contender for The Most Perfect Place to Be. The owners have been careful to ensure all the buildings are in harmony with the lush natural habitat, successfully creating an unforgettable holiday environment. Sun lovers have a half-crescent freshwater pool with an infinity edge that melts into the horizon and a seawater pool by the private beach to choose from. Here Tongsai ticks every box you could wish for – the sunloungers are even equipped with flags to grab the attention of the bar staff, while iced water and cooling face clothes land in your paws at regular intervals. And fear not the word ‘resort’ – the cottages and rooms overlooking this little enclave ensure are anything but tacky. Even the coastal Internet café is a dream – cool, clean and modern, it also serves cakes and coffees that make Starbucks taste like the kind you’d get at a dodgy greasy spoon, all served, as ever, with a mega-watt smile.

The rooms Whether it’s a beachfront suite with a bathtub on the balcony or one of grand villas, all of the accommodation boasts spectacular sea view. And honeymooners couldn’t find a better bunk-up than the Tongsai Pool Villas with their enormous porches bearing an alfresco four-postered bed, a bath, their own not-so-mini bars and private pools.