Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River

Four Seasons has one of the best settings in Bangkok. The Chao Phraya runs along one side, and Charoen Krung, the city's oldest paved road, along the other, with its galleries, boutiques and restaurants. Saphan Taksin BTS is a short walk away, and the hotel's free shuttle boat runs to Sathorn Pier and ICONSIAM.

The architecture cascades towards the river, with interconnected courtyards and gardens that flow from one to the next, and interiors by Jean-Michel Gathy. Contemporary Thai art is part of the experience too: a gallery run by Bangkok's Museum of Contemporary Art shows new exhibitions every quarter.

Floor-to-ceiling windows and high ceilings maximise rooms starting at 50 square metres, with river or garden views. Bathrooms are spa-like, with deep soaking tubs and separate rain showers, and signature suites have large private terraces.

This is one of Bangkok's great hotels for food and drink. The signature Cantonese restaurant overlooks gardens and a reflection pond, with Peking duck and dim sum prepared in a live kitchen. A riverside Italian restaurant inspired by Lake Como serves wood-fired pizzas and fresh pasta, and a French brasserie has its own oyster bar. Save room for a nightcap at BKK Social Club, one of Bangkok's best-known bars, where the cocktails draw on Latin American glamour.

The two-floor Urban Wellness Centre is built around a palm courtyard. Its spa rituals draw on Thai healing traditions, with herbal steams, scrubs and compress massage, alongside a vitality pool and physiotherapy. Two infinity pools overlook the river, and a 35-metre lap pool serves serious swimmers.