Thanks for sharing your favorites and views. You have a lot of insider knowledge. The list is a reflection of my own favorites of course. I am not a fan though of the W Retreat (don’t like the beach) nor the FS Chiang Mai. Kind regards

Out of the list above only a few hotels fit the top 10:
Soneva Kiri
FS Tented Camp
Six Senses Yao Noi (although the beach is a compronise)
Rayavadee (although 50% of customer complain about noisy boats at the beach crowded with day trip tourists).

FS Samui – the beach is too shallow, swimming in low tide is not possible though gets a little better in winter months. Their residences however are superb.

Banyan Phuket – it’s ok if you like to live a kilometer away from the beach.

Mandarin Oriental Bangkok – too old, the buildings a old with rediculously low ceilings in the rooms. Peninsula is so much better in every aspect. Overpriced.

Amanpuri – super old, some things feel antique – bathrooms for instance. Extremely overpriced. Don’t understand why would anyone want to pay that money for what they offer.

Point Yamu – no beach! Some rooms designs are interesting but that’s not enough. W Retreat Samui is much better for that matter.

Dhara Devi Chiang Mai – wierd combination of Thai and colonial architecture. The Thai part is a bit like a residential development. Four Seasons Chiang Mai would be my first choice.

Among my personal favourites:

Anantara Maikhao Phuket – fantastic beach, great value for money, villas no further than 3 min walk from the sea. Top choice in Phuket.

Trisara – the beach is shallow, the rooms overpriced but still it;s a better choice than Amanpuri, villas have great sunset views.

Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan – the most beautiful beach in the Gulf of Siam, great value for money, have beachfront pool villas (most Thai luxury 5* hotels dont)

W Retreat – to choice for trendy design lovers, good location, beach 4/5

Banyan Tree Samui – the biggest1 bedroom pool villas in Samui, have separate living room, good location, beach 4/5 (better than FS)

Vana Belle Koh Samui – another perfect beachfront unaffected by low tides. New and reasonably priced.

Santiburi – though less expensive but super popular and has the best beach in Samui.

Pimalai Resort Koh Lanta – the best kept 5* secret, magnificent beach, biggest pool villas in it’s class, fantastic management by a dedicated GM.

Let me know if you want a free upgrade ;). It’s the world’s most stunning resort indeed! I just love it …