Presiding over a private beach at the northern end of Patong Bay, The Naka Phuket  offers panoramic sea views from its 94 glass-walled villas. Cantilevered out from a hillside cloaked by ironwoods and almond trees, the villas come with private plunge pools and understated wood-and-stone interiors that complement top Thai architect Duangrit Bunnag’s blueprint. The resort’s Napa Spa—the name means “sky”—is perched 30 meters above sea level, while an Olympic-size infinity pool and a casual beachfront restaurant, Nava, give guests good reason to mingle. – Harry Jacques

1/20 Moo 6 Kamala, Kathu; 66-76/337-999; thenakaphuket.com; doubles from US$750.