The suite life – live like royalty at Thailand’s LGBT-friendly luxury hotels
Firmly placed among the top ranks of the most naturally blessed countries on the planet, Thailand no doubt has a reputation of being all about the oh-so-great outdoors. But no matter how pristine the kingdom’s beaches and how ancient its lush rainforests, you’ll hardly want to bed down in the open (there’s no air-con…).
When it’s time to head back indoors, LGBT-travellers are not only in for a cordial welcome and the locals’ world-renowned sense of hospitality, but also for a luxurious slice of heaven in Thailand’s many upscale hotels and resorts. Sound intriguing? Treat yourself to one of the below suites during your Thai getaway and live like the King or Queen that you are!
Manor Suite at the Rosewood Hotel, Bangkok
The name Rosewood stands for peak elegance and contemporary design twists globally, but nowhere is their creed more tangible than at the luxury hotel chain’s Bangkok outlet. Step into one of the Manor Suites for one of the Thai capital’s most spacious and stylish rooms, with Insta-envy-inducing vistas of Bangkok’s skyline (we recommend going for a corner suite for ultimate viewing pleasure!). With a real ‘apartment feel’, this suite feels just like home, offering everything you could wish for – a kingsize bed, designer furniture, two LCD TVs, a Nespresso machine and more… Don’t want to check back out? Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
www.gothaibefree.com/rosewood-bangkok
Two-bedroom Suite at The Library, Koh Samui
Coming with the kids? No problem. Koh Samui’s The Library is a stunner of a property with an utterly unique feature children (and their parents) can’t take their eyes off: a crimson pool! Though move away from the pool and the two-bedroom family suite offers just as much excitement. At a whopping 156 square metres, the bright and modern rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, mood lighting, a walk-in closet and ultra-sleek amenities – but we think it’s the outdoor lounge home to a private Jacuzzi that steals the show! Still not convinced this one’s for you? Let’s talk again once you’ve picked your pillows from the in-house pillow menu.
www.gothaibefree.com/the-library-koh-samui
Explorer’s Lodge at the Four Seasons Tented Camp, Golden Triangle
Trust the Four Seasons to coin a slightly different experience of staying in the Thai kingdom: an escape to the famous hotel chain’s remote Golden Triangle Tented Camp means getting to wallow in sheer luxury as you overlook Thailand’s immediate neighbours across the Mekong and Ruak Rivers: Laos and Myanmar. The exclusive Explorer’s Lodge spoils up to six guests with a certain colonial chic paired with traditionally Thai aesthetics, a private deck and a breath-taking infinity pool set amid the jungle canopy. While staying here is a dream come true, you might not actually want to go to bed… Instead, why not let staff arrange a barbecue and movie night under the stars for you?
www.gothaibefree.com/four-seasons-tented-camp-golden-triangle
Deluxe Pool Villa at the GLOW Elixir, Koh Yao Yai
Though only a quick boat ride from Phuket, laidback Koh Yao Yai is a world away from busy Patong. One of the island’s most popular hotels among the LGBT+ community is GLOW Elixir, a property boasting 300 metres of private beach and forty unique villas – because why stay in a suite when you can have a whole pad? Book yourself into a Deluxe Pool Villa for a private plunge pool, a Jacuzzi, outdoor showers and sunset views over the Andaman Sea that might just last a lifetime. This is an impossibly romantic getaway with a truly luxurious feel – and there’s air-con, too.