Koh Kood

Though Koh Kood is Thailand’s fourth largest island and home to some of the country’s most beautiful beaches, what you won’t find are masses of sun-seeking tourists. Yet. While we wouldn’t be foolish enough to put money on the chances of Koh Kood staying this tranquil for long, for now it just might be the country’s top island getaway.

Some of Koh Kood’s hottest beaches -- it’s impossible to single out one “best” -- include Khlong Chao, Ao Phrao and Bang Bao Bay. The island’s circled with white-golden sands, turquoise waters and swaying deep green palms, all projecting colors so vivid your photos will look unreal.

Pair all this with delicious Thai meals and icy bottles of beer at rustic seaside restaurants and you’ll never want to leave. Almost all the beaches and resorts are on the west coast, making it an ideal destination for those who want to rent a motorbike and explore them all in a day or two.

At the top end of the luxury ladder is Soneva Kiri, which encapsulates everything you could possibly want in a beach retreat. Made up of more than two dozen tented pool villas, it’s one of Thailand’s top resorts and quite possibly its most eco-conscious -- even the water is bottled onsite to avoid unnecessary plastic waste.