Amanpuri Resort, Phuket, Thailand

Since its opening in 1988, the Thai beach resort of Amanpuri has established an enviable reputation for personal service, fine cuisine and watersports activities, all of which complement the natural beauty of its tropical island surroundings.

Located on the west coast of Phuket, Thailand's largest island, Amanpuri is surrounded by the Andaman Sea. The resort's 40, Thai-style pavilions and 30 private villa homes are interspersed throughout a mature coconut plantation.

Amanpuri, a Sanskrit word meaning "place of peace," reflects its name in more ways than one. The entrance sala, surrounded by lotus ponds, overlooks the resort's main swimming pool, the restaurants and bar.

Each pavilion includes a large bedroom, a spacious dressing area, separate bath and shower and an outdoor sala and sun deck. Elevated walkways connect the pavilions to the resort's facilities.

The villas, with their separate rooms and spacious surroundings, are ideal locations for private meetings and seminars.

The villa homes, most of them with ocean-front settings, range from two to six bedrooms and are available for short or long-term rental. Each villa compound features separate dining, bedroom and living rooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a cook, maid service and a swimming pool.

Amanpuri's crescent beach is located at the foot of a cascading sweep of stone steps. Drinks and light snacks are served, beachside, throughout the day.

Amanpuri's own Amancrusises fleet numbers more than 20 cruisers and sailing craft, the largest of any hotel in Southeast Asia. Sailing, deep-sea fishing, diving and overnight charters, with full crew, are all available.

Guest activities range from watersports to tennis on six floodlit courts. The refurbished gym, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, is set down on the beach. Massage and beauty treatments are available in the salon or in the privacy of your pavilion. Five golf courses are located within a 30-minutes drive of Amanpuri.

The Restaurant specializes in Italian cuisine and is open every evening. In season, beach barbecues are held regularly at sundown. The library keeps a wide selection of cultural and historical books on Asia.

Facing the swimming pool, the Terrace is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant specializes in Thai cuisine. Blessed with a seaside setting of rare beauty, Amanpuri reflects the style and the elegance of the Thai culture.