The W Retreat Hotel

4/1 Moo 1 Tambol Maenam, Surat Thani Koh Samui

It’s hard not to utter a not-so-silent ‘wow’ when you approach The W Retreat’s deliberately narrow entrance to reception and see its infinity pond floating high above the gulf of Thailand with the island of Koh Pha Ngan in the distance. At night, the pond hosts surreal illuminations with floating balls and dough-boy-shaped chairs pulsing through the colours of the rainbow. The designers were let off the leash here and it’s fun, funky and cool. At sea level, you’ll find individual villas with private plunge pools and sun decks. The larger ones offer two generous-sized beds and masses of hanging space. The complimentary ice cream stations are a nice touch. Food-wise, breakfast is the star, prepared in front of you and covering cuisine from across the globe. The signature restaurant, Namu, is Japanese with a nod to pan-Asian flavours. Rooms from £424.