Khao Yai, ThailandWangkata
Sala Khaoyai Hotel
Minimalist hilltop pavilions
Wangkata Khao Yai, Thailand
Renovated
2021
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe WellnessOutside the door
The house
Sala HospitalityMinimalist hilltop pavilions
Just twelve pavilions crown an isolated ridge, trading hotel bustle for unbroken valley vistas and mountain breezes.
“All rooms feature pleasant shades of dove gray and white, exposed bricks, stripped-down walls, and polished concrete flooring.”
What it’s good at
Notable
Whitewashed brick hillside pavilions step down toward a dramatic cantilevered curved infinity pool.
Notable
Private rooftop barbecue setups and handwritten departure notes across twelve secluded hillside villas.
Listed
In-villa Thai massages and private open-air soaking tubs facing the mountain valleys.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
an ultra-modern boutique resort on a hilltop overlooking the lush valleys below.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Quiet farms and orchards spread across the valley below, and Khao Yai National Park is a short drive away.
1 of 4
The rooms
Canopied beds look straight out through floor-to-ceiling glass, while villas add outdoor plunge pools and soaking tubs.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
A 32-meter lap pool cantilevers over the ridge, and beanbags dot the lawn by the curved pool.
sala Hilltop Restaurant
Open-air terrace tables overlook the pool and valley, serving authentic Thai dishes and local wines.
At the table
Sheltered dining terraces look out across the greenery, and circular pavilions host gatherings above the valley.
How it began
Bangkok studio Onion cut the villas into the hillside, shaping the roofs after traditional open-air rest pavilions.
Khao Yai
More like this
InterContinental Khao Yai Resort by IHG
“Upcycled railcar estate”
Maison Mystique
“Cinematic mountain curio”
Hotel MYS Khao Yai
“Cantilevered forest lodge”
The app
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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.