Pool suite at Andara. In this case, the pool has a blue bottom.

In Phuket, the magazine chose Andara Resort & Villas in Kamala, which opened officially just two months ago. The reviewer seems most impressed with the electronics, particularly the “wicked 52-inch LCD television in [the] living room”, and goes on to drool over the Bose stereo system and the Gaggia coffee machine.

The writer finally turns to the more pedestrian delights of five-star travel – the “black-bottom infinity pool [that] attracts an array of beautiful bodies”, the beach club and the motor yachts.

The JW Marriott Khao Lak - not actually in Khao Lak, but close.

The second local resort in the list is the new JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa at Khuk Kak Beach in Phang Nga, just north of Khao Lak, which opened in November last year. The reviewer more conventionally highlights the “postcard-perfect setting”, noting that “the resort itself is up to snuff”. That’s a relief.

But this reviewer is definitely a foodie. Counting the words, around 40% are reserved for restaurant descriptions. The electronics are not mentioned.

Finally, Traveler chose the new Phulay Bay all-suites/villas resort at Phulay Bay, about 10km (as the crow flies) to the northwest of Ao Nang in Krabi. The resort, which opened just before Christmas, and which is managed by Ritz-Carlton – it’s the first in the world to carry the group’s Reserve brand -  makes the list despite the “disappointing” beach, the “rocky” shallows and the “unsightly dredging complex” offshore.

Don't spill your coffee, please - living area in one of the Phulay Bay suites.

But it does have all that’s required for personal hygiene, the reviewer writes: “lotus-shaped sinks, double-headed rain showers, and outdoor tubs.” Very good for washing off Icelandic volcano ash.

Sadly, no local venues made the nightlife or spa Hot Lists this year. But then, three local resorts out of a worldwide list of 134 (in 55 countries) is still impressive.

It should be noted, too, that the Traveler reviewers slip in and out without telling anyone they are coming, and paying their own hotel bills – so this is one of the most honest lists out there, and therefore one that carries enormous promotional weight for the properties that are featured. For all the lists, go here.

Cool stuff: The pool at the Marriott Courtyard Kamala.

The new Marriott Courtyard in Kamala is offering a special opening deal of 3,333 baht a night, including taxes. The deal, which includes breakfast, continues until October 31.

The hotel, right on the beach, has 180 one-, two- and three-bedroom suites with broadband Internet connection, a large pool, Kids World (for when Mum and Dad plan to spend time in the spa) and excellent international cuisine in the MoMo Café.

To book, call +66 (0) 2 6567707 or email bookmarriott@marriotthotels.com.

There are now three Marriott Courtyards in Phuket. The other two are at Surin Beach and in Patong.