Thailand Uncovered...

Thailand gave us the perfect mix of adventure, incredible food, extraordinary scenery and time to simply relax. We experienced three very different stays, each offering something special, and together they made the perfect combination of adventure, indulgence and relaxation.

We started in Phuket, headed into the spectacular rainforest of Khao Sok National Park, and finished with five nights of beachfront luxury in Khao Lak.

Whether you're dreaming of a luxury getaway, planning a multi-generational holiday with the family or looking for a tailor-made adventure that combines beaches, wildlife and unique accommodation, Thailand has so much to offer.

Here's a little look at our journey and why I'd recommend combining different experiences to make the most of this wonderful destination.

Stop One: The Slate, Phuket — Five Nights of Quirky Luxury

Our Thailand adventure began with five nights at The Slate, a seriously individual five-star hotel in Phuket. If you love hotels with personality, this one is worth adding to your wish list. Inspired by Phuket's tin-mining heritage, The Slate combines industrial design, artistic touches and tropical surroundings to create something quite different from your typical luxury resort. It's quirky, creative and full of character, with beautiful accommodation, gorgeous grounds and plenty of interesting details to discover. We stayed in a Pearl Bed Suite, which was a lovely place to retreat to after a day of exploring. What I particularly loved was that the hotel felt different. It had its own identity rather than looking like every other five-star property, and that's something I always appreciate when choosing somewhere special to stay. We used The Slate as our base for five nights, enjoying the hotel itself while heading out to explore Phuket and the surrounding islands.

Exploring the Phi Phi Islands and Maya Bay

One of our highlights was a boat trip to the famous Phi Phi Islands, including the incredible Maya Bay. You know those places you've seen in photographs so many times that you wonder whether they'll live up to expectations?  Maya Bay was certainly one of those places for me. Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and beautiful turquoise water, the scenery was absolutely stunning. We made a really early start in the hope of beating the crowds, and I'm so glad we did. Even arriving early, it was clear just how popular this little slice of paradise is. By the time we were leaving, the beach was packed!

It was a good reminder that when visiting somewhere as famous as Maya Bay, timing can make a huge difference to your experience.

A note if you're planning a visit:  Maya Bay is subject to national park regulations, seasonal closures and visitor restrictions to protect its fragile environment. It typically has an annual seasonal closure, but dates and access arrangements can change. Swimming is prohibited, and visitors must follow the park's rules. Always check the latest guidance with the relevant Thai national park authorities before travelling.

Yona Beach Club: A Floating Beach Club with a Difference

Another memorable experience was visiting Yona Beach Club, Phuket's spectacular floating beach club out on the water. Accessed by speedboat, it's a very different kind of beach day. Stylish surroundings, a luxurious atmosphere, swimming pools, music and the novelty of spending time on a floating venue surrounded by the sea. It was seriously cool and a brilliant contrast to our island-hopping adventure. Whether you're looking for somewhere to celebrate a special occasion or simply fancy experiencing a different side of Phuket, it's certainly an experience to consider.

And the Food? Absolutely Delicious!

One thing we quickly discovered was just how good the food in Thailand is. We enjoyed wonderful meals both at The Slate and in restaurants outside the hotel. From delicious local food to more elaborate dining experiences, there's so much variety, and eating out can be surprisingly affordable. One of the lovely things about Thailand is that you don't necessarily need to spend a fortune to eat incredibly well. You can enjoy simple, authentic dishes one day and a more luxurious dining experience the next.

After five nights of exploring, enjoying the hotel and eating our way around Phuket, it was time for a complete change of scenery...

Stop Two: Elephant Hills — An Unforgettable Jungle and Lake Adventure

Next, we were collected and transferred to Elephant Hills in Khao Sok National Park for a two-night adventure that became one of the most memorable parts of our trip. If The Slate was about quirky luxury, Elephant Hills was about immersing ourselves in nature. Our first night was spent at the jungle camp, surrounded by lush rainforest. The following night, we moved to the incredible floating lake camp on Cheow Lan Lake. And wow. What a place! Imagine emerald-green water, dramatic limestone cliffs rising from the lake and rainforest stretching as far as the eye can see. It felt a million miles away from the busy beaches of Phuket.

Sleeping on the Lake

The floating lake camp was something truly special. Staying in tented accommodation right on the lake, surrounded by such spectacular scenery, was a completely different experience from a conventional hotel stay. There's something wonderful about waking up somewhere so peaceful, with nature all around you. It was one of those travel experiences that reminds you why exploring somewhere beyond the usual holiday hotspots can be so rewarding.

Wildlife, Kayaking and Responsible Tourism

Elephant Hills isn't simply somewhere beautiful to stay. The guided activities are a huge part of the experience. We enjoyed kayaking on the lake, exploring the surrounding scenery and looking out for wildlife. Being out on the water, with those enormous limestone formations towering above us, was unforgettable. The experience also has a strong focus on elephant welfare, conservation and responsible tourism. It provides opportunities to learn about these incredible animals and the importance of protecting their environment.

For me, that's an important part of travel: not just seeing somewhere beautiful, but having experiences that help you appreciate the place and its wildlife. The two nights felt wonderfully different from the rest of our holiday. With meals and guided activities included, so much was taken care of, allowing us to concentrate on enjoying the surroundings. A practical tip: take some cash for extras, as you shouldn't assume that every additional purchase can be paid for by card.

Would I recommend Elephant Hills? Absolutely. If you want to add adventure, wildlife and something genuinely different to your Thailand holiday, it's well worth considering. You don't have to spend your entire holiday beside a swimming pool to enjoy a little luxury. Sometimes, the most memorable experiences are the ones that take you somewhere completely unexpected.

Stop Three: Devasom Khao Lak — Five Nights of Beachfront Bliss

After our jungle and lake adventure, we headed back towards the coast for our final five nights at Devasom Khao Lak Beach Resort.

And what a way to finish! Devasom is a beautiful beachfront property with a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere. From the architecture and immaculate grounds to the gorgeous accommodation, everything felt thoughtfully designed and beautifully maintained. It was luxurious without feeling over the top, and after the excitement of Phuket and our adventure in Khao Sok, it was exactly what we needed. The resort sits beside the beach, with lovely pools and beautiful spaces to relax. We enjoyed the spa too, treating ourselves to a neck and back massage that was absolutely wonderful.

Sometimes you just need a few days where the only decision is whether to head to the pool, wander down to the beach or enjoy another lovely meal. Food, Fabulous Dining and Special Moments. The food at Devasom deserves a mention all of its own. We enjoyed several special dining experiences during our stay, and the food was a real highlight. Beautifully prepared dishes, fresh ingredients and wonderful flavours made every meal something to look forward to. It wasn't just one memorable dinner. The dining was consistently part of what made our stay so enjoyable. Combined with the beautiful setting, attentive service and peaceful beachfront location, it made for a wonderfully indulgent end to our trip. We loved the accommodation, the pools, the spa and the whole atmosphere of the resort. Everything felt spot on, and it was the perfect place to slow down and reflect on everything we'd experienced. Devasom was a reminder that sometimes the best way to finish an adventure is with a little time to relax and enjoy the finer things.

Thailand: A Little Bit of Everything

Looking back, I think what made this trip so special was the variety. From the quirky luxury of The Slate and the incredible scenery of Elephant Hills to the peaceful beachfront setting of Devasom, every stop offered something completely different. There was adventure, relaxation, amazing food and some truly memorable places to stay. It was a reminder that Thailand is so much more than beautiful beaches — although it certainly has those in abundance!

Whether you're looking for a luxury getaway, planning a multi-generational holiday or dreaming of a tailor-made adventure that combines a little bit of everything, Thailand has so many possibilities. For me, it's the experiences that stay with you long after you've unpacked your suitcase. Sleeping on a lake surrounded by rainforest, seeing Maya Bay for the first time and enjoying those final few days of beachfront bliss are memories I'll treasure. Thailand, you were pretty special. I have a feeling I'll be back!