Oriental Beach Village Phuket — Koh Kho Khao

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We spent the 2019-2020 Christmas/New Year’s holiday month at the brand new, swanky Oriental Beach Resort on Koh Kho Khao (2 hours north of Phuket airport) on the Andaman Sea. Rack rate is $2,800/month including breakfast. It’s oceanfront with a generously-sized pool. Bingo. There’s a few resorts nearby but just It was a lovely smattering of interesting, friendly people from all of the world in a comfortable, generous . Low key and just lovely.

It’s clothing optional. Travelers less familiar with this niche travel market may have a few timid questions about that. Want to be naked in your generously-sized one or two bedroom villa? No problem. Walk to breakfast naked? Go for it. Prefer to wear your bikini or a swim cover and just sun the buns on the private beach? No judgement. Don’t really want to go naked anywhere but have a partner who does? No worries. Enjoy the freedom and glowing (all over!) as your authentic self! It’s completely non sexual and not a parade of posers. We have a forthcoming video review with more detail about service and amenities. Subscribe to our newsletter and you won’t miss it when it’s published. Or look for it on our Watch page.

Gord Nuea Boutique House — Chiang Mai

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This delightful family-run guesthouse is in a perfect location in Chiang Mai’s old city. This was our second visit to this bustling city in Thailand’s north. The facility is well designed, constructed and cared for with lovely appointments throughout the common areas. The rooms are snug, a little sparse with extra firm beds but overall adequate. It’s immaculately clean and charming. Walk everywhere! Hail a Grab car, or jump in the back of a tuk tuk or red truck, for any destination outside your walking comfort zone. Booking.com appropriately rates this at a whooping 9.5. Well earned! With a super breakfast. We stayed 12 nights in a standard double (property link), and paid $73 per night including tax and breakfast. Truly, the warm, helpful and hardworking family of Mr. Nong, Nam and his Mom — plus the well-behaved dog, cockatiel and koi fish — give the property an x-factor of warmth and just good vibes!