Thailand's Most Romantic Hotels

Valentine’s Day is upon us ... when lovers’ thoughts turn to hearts and roses and chocolates and all that mushy nonsense. Thailand, of course, is an incredibly romantic destination, a favourite of honeymooners and those looking for ... well, a bit of action.

Here are my picks for five of Thailand’s most romantic places to stay:

The Siam Hotel, Bangkok:
I want my lover to spoil me, and because only the best will do, this is where I demand to stay whilst in Bangkok. Massive, stylish guest suites, with cloud-like beds, free-standing pod bathtubs, and the services of an attentive butler - more champagne, my friend! Exquisitely decorated with the personal antique collection of hotel owner and local celebrity Krissada Sukusol Clapp, this lovely hotel has a tranquil riverside location, well away from the chaos of the shopping precincts. www.thesiamhotel.com

Banyan Tree Koh Samui:
If you’re going to stay in a luxurious villa, with direct access off the bedroom to a private infinity pool overlooking the bay, you may as well have fun ... and use it in the manner for which it was intended. Nuff said. Enjoy your honeymoon! www.banyantree.com/samui

Anantara Rasanada Koh Phangan:
Oh my, what a view! Blinding white sand, turquoise water, coconut palms - tropical bliss. Drag yourself away from the king-size bed in your massive Ocean Garden Pool Suite - go on - and plonk down on the day bed next to your private plunge pool. Oh, and you might want to enjoy a glass of that complimentary booze while you’re at it. Truly a place blessed by nature, where the full moon brings out the romantic beast in us all .... http://phangan-rasananda.anantara.com/

Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort:
This is a different sort of romance ... misty views of the Mekong River and beyond to Laos and Burma, the distant trumpet of an elephant, and the tranquility of a jungle setting. This was the very first place I visited in Thailand, and it’s made an indelible impression on me. Insanely beautiful, culturally stimulating and undeniably romantic. http://goldentriangle.anantara.com/

Phutawan Raft House, Cheow Lan Lake, Khao Sok National Park
Who said you have to spend bucketloads of cash to have a romantic weekend? Here, it’s all about the simple life - a thatched roof over your head, a mattress to sleep on, waterfront views to die for, and the sweaty embrace of the your loved one. Step out in the morning straight into the lake, a pastel mirror as the sun rises over limestone karst peaks; then do nothing. Just sit and stare at that view. And listen to the gibbons, singing their own love song of freedom. Heaven. www.phutawanrafthouse.com