Anantara Siam, Bangkok, Thailand

While the banks of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River have become prime real estate for any major hotel brand looking to set up shop in the city, local group Anantara, has left that limelight to one of its younger resorts, highlighting its downtown Siam property as its flagship in Thailand, instead. 

Occupying a series of low-slung buildings, overlooking the Royal Bangkok Sports Club, Anantara Siam might not look like much from the outside, but inside, a recent facelift, that has smartly merged half its entry level rooms to create a series of luxury Premier options, has firmly established the hotel’s spot at the top of the Anantara food chain.

Designer Jeffrey Wilkes’ mood board takes its cues from Thai palaces that have been constructed with European influences, resulting in a modern look that eschews time-worn Asian details, but is still in keeping with the brand’s signature Thai aesthetic.

As such, silk wall panels, leather headboards and traditional furnishings are pulled together by modern grey and royal blue colour palettes, while glass bathroom doors are etched with pencil sketches of the birdlife that can be seen in nearby Lumphini Park.

If the world’s best street food doesn’t entice, the hotel’s considerable dining options might; we suggest heading to the Tony Chi-designed Madison, where perfectly seared grain-fed Wagyu beef is a satisfying start to an evening of cocktails and cigars at Aqua, located in the hotel's courtyard.

But with a new two-bedroom Explorer Suite by Jim Thompson - also part of the hotel’s upgrade - on offer, it’s difficult to imagine leaving your room.