Mornings spent reading a book in a hammock, afternoons spent splashing about by the corals and evenings sat in a seafood restaurant. That’s the life that most lead when they come to visit Thailand’s incredible beaches.

Most of the country’s best beaches are in the south, but there are options closer to Bangkok, such as Pattaya to the east, which has several top end resorts such as The Marriott and The Dusit. Slightly closer to Bangkok is Bangsaen, a big favourite with Thais and home to The Tide Resort, a magnificent beachfront hotel. To the west of Bangkok lies Hua Hin, where a string of five-star resorts stretch out along the beachfront and where the country’s well-heeled like to spend their weekends.

Farther south are the islands of Ko Samui and Phuket and the mainland coastal strip of Krabi. All these boast some of the country’s most developed resorts, but also some of its finest, most scenic beaches. Or there is Pimalai on Ko Lanta, a stunning villa with gardens and views galore. The living space stretches for 350 sq m and is decorated in a contemporary Thai style.