Here’s the scoop on three fantastic hotels I recently visited while in Thailand. Each of the three could be described as “boutique” but the individual take on that concept as well as each hotel’s unique location varied considerably. I can assuredly recommend these accommodations for anyone contemplating a little Southeast Asian rest and relaxation. From the luxe and laid back Rest Detail Hotel in Hua Hin and the edge-of-the-world tropical splendour of Tubaak Krabi Boutique Resort to Bangkok’s secret urban retreat of Phranakorn Nornlen, these relaxingly low key Thai hotels offer the opportunity to unwind with convenience and style.

Rest Detail Hotel, Hua Hin

My first couple of nights in Thailand were spent at Rest Detail Hotel outside the resort town of Hua Hin. About a hundred miles or so from Bangkok, I arranged for the hotel to pick me up at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok … which, in retrospect, was the perfect introduction to Thailand: I left the logistics to my driver and postponed the buzz of Bangkok for another less jet lagged day.

Once settled into this sweet little seaside hotel it didn’t take long to realize it was one of the most comfortable places I’ve ever laid my head. Hardly more than a year old, the contemporary design (a tropical minimalist feel, large comfy furnishings, open gracious spaces) suited me just fine. Indeed, kicking back in the infinity pool overlooking the Gulf of Siam was a treat I very much hope to experience again.

Equally to my liking was the phenomenal food. Cosmo dishes such as cuttlefish-ink spaghetti seafood tom yum wowed my palette without overshadowing local sensations like the fiery papaya salad, som tom. And the breakfast … oh the breakfast! I suppose Rest Detail’s breaky would be reason enough to revisit. A sort of best of Asia with an abundance of western faves, this was one of the most gorgeous breakfasts I’ve ever eaten! Highlights: steamed bread with pandamus custard, chicken fried rice, warm soy milk with deep fried dough, fresh guava juice.

As the name suggests, they take their guests’ comfort very seriously at Rest Detail Hotel. I would absolutely love to stay there again. There’s a range of rooms, from lush to super lush available at reasonable rates (especially if coming from pricey London).

Go for the fab location, top notch service and comfortable rooms. Stay for the remarkably delicious food!

Tubaak Krabi Boutique Resort, Krabi

From Hua Hin, my next stop was Tubaak Krabi Boutique Resort in southern Thailand. This quaint forty-two room hotel – nestled between the jungle (a national park no less) and the Andaman Sea with an otherworldly view of a thirteen island archipelago – was an ideal spot to do as little as possible. The most wonderfully placed hammock, free access to sea kayaks and mountain bikes, top notch dining on the beach (I loved the roti nam gaeng!), a giant en suite outdoor bathtub and more all epitomized the restorative powers of Krabi.

What I adored most about this resort was how the designers build around the jungle, sacrificing only those trees that absolutely had to be cut down. The result was a snug, forested, villagey atmosphere. A list of accolades and awards for Tubaak’s thoughtful design confirm I’m not the only guest to be delightfully lulled by the tropical charms of Tubaak Krabi.

Reasonable rates, cheap and plentiful short flights from Bangkok and the glorious feeling of leaving the problems of the world miles and miles behind make this lush pit stop a no-brainer for anyone in need of getting away from it all.

Phranakorn Nornlen, Bangkok

Lost in time with oodles of kitsch appeal, Phranakorn Nornlen is a cheery little urban retreat on a sleepy residential side street in Bangkok. The downside? Good luck finding a cabbie or tuk tuk driver that knows the location! But, with the right attitude, that only adds to to fun. The upside? The most deliciously refreshing smoothies in the world, super cheap rates and as friendly and helpful a staff as ever you’ll find.

This is brilliant hotel for stopovers or long term visits. The homey vibe and eye of the storm address made my stay in Bangkok an easy and mellow experience (the on sight Thai massages might have helped as well).

From Bangkok, it was off to Laos – an adventure deserving its own post at a later date.