The Houben Hotel

A red infinity pool perched on a Koh Lanta hillside, with the Andaman Sea sitting below it like a painting someone hung there on purpose. This adults-only boutique resort runs to about fifteen rooms, which keeps things quiet in a way the beachfront hotels rarely manage. Rooms are contemporary without being aggressive about it, and the small spa and seafood-focused restaurant mean you rarely feel the urge to leave. The beach requires a walk, which somehow makes the view from up here feel like the point.

One honor, in evidence: