The hoots of lar gibbons serve as your wakeup call at this boutique retreat, located two hours north of Phuket at the edge of Khao Sok National Park. Thanyamundra can arrange guided treks through the nearby rain forest—it’s among the world’s oldest—or more sedate activities, such as morning tours of southern Thailand’s only certified organic farm, led by a charismatic, multilingual gardener who’s proud to show off his fruit trees and neatly planted rows of aromatic Thai and Italian basil, dill, coriander, snake beans, rocket lettuce, and morning glory.
Alternatively, join one of the resort’s relaxed cooking classes, conducted over glasses of biodynamic wine in a shiny show kitchen. There are only nine rooms and suites here, housed in a pair of contemporary, Thai-inspired villas and filled with antiques, silk accents, and modern amenities. Perhaps just as compelling is the 50-meter-long hilltop infinity pool or, for those looking to workout on nature’s doorstep, the jungle-facing gym. Thanyamundra also has its holistic side, hosting regularly scheduled weekend retreats led by legendary Ironman Jürgen Zäck and former Amanresorts yogi Kimberly Roberts.
66-76/336-000; thanyamundra.com; doubles from US$150
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