Clifftop rainforest cocoon
Open-air pavilions with soaring timber ceilings hug granite cliffs, looking past ancient banyans to the Andaman Sea below.
What it’s good at
Notable
Modern Southern Thai pavilions built with timber and green slate roofs terraced around preserved cliffside banyan trees.
Notable
Private infinity plunge pools in every villa, sparkling wine breakfasts, and dedicated butler service in multi-bedroom residences.
Notable
Cliff-edge salinated infinity pool lit by fiber optics, paired with sea-facing treatment suites and traditional Thai herbal therapies.
What they say
Also in Wallpaper*.
Perched high on a cliff, among lush tropical forests, the Paresa Resort on Thailand’s largest island offers dramatic views over the turquoise Andaman Sea.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Tucked along Kamala coastal road on Millionaires Mile, you are isolated above the waves yet ten minutes from Kamala Beach.
The rooms
Every villa features a private infinity pool and sundeck oriented toward the sunset, finished with warm timber and floor-to-ceiling glass.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A 30-meter salinated infinity pool sits on the cliff edge, embedded with fiber optics that glow at night.
The spa and gym
Treatment suites open to sea views with terrazzo soaking tubs, and the oceanfront fitness studio provides cardio equipment.
Restaurant
Talung Thai
Timber terraces look west over the Andaman Sea, serving regional Southern Thai curries and fresh local seafood.
How it began
Named from the Sanskrit for heaven of all heavens, the retreat was completed in 2009 by Bangkok-based UKD Architects.
Good to know
Stay here
Paresa Resort
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.