ANANTARA PHUKET RESORT & SPA

Built in 2008, this club resort offers accommodation just a few paces from the Andaman Sea, nestled within gardens of coconut palms, jasmine, orchids and birds of paradise on one side and a meandering lagoon inspired by a traditional southern Thai village on the other. In this retreat of idyllic intimacy, the resort presents a collection of 83 villas allowing guests absolute comfort, space and privacy. Facilities on offer to guests at this air-conditioned establishment include a lobby area with a 24-hour reception and check-out service, a hotel safe, a currency exchange facility, a restaurant and conference facilities. There is the Turtle Club kids' club for children, a library, The Gallery boutique and executive meeting and board rooms. Guests may also take advantage of the WLAN Internet access (charges apply) and the room and laundry services (both for an additional fee). There is a car park for those arriving by car and guests wishing to explore the surrounding area on bicycle will find a cycle hire station on the premises.Each villa has its own private pool and features an large indoor bedroom, dressing room and bathroom with a shower/bathtub and hairdryer, which has the feel of a traditional Thai-style home. The accommodation features colourful silks and teak furnishings and a deep, outdoor terrazzo tub is joined directly to guests' swimming pools, which are surrounded by hardwood timber decking. All villas also come with an iPod with docking station, an LCD TV and DVD surround-sound system, an espresso coffee machine, a residents' minibar filled with snacks and beverages and a residents' wine cellar. They offer indoor and outdoor rain showers, a daybed in the bedroom, an outdoor living 'sala' with sun loungers and an umbrella and WLAN Internet access (fee depends on category). The accommodation is also equipped with a king-size bed, a direct dial telephone, a stereo system and individually adjustable air conditioning as well as a safe.The resort's front office is open 24 hours a day. The check-in time starts at 15:00 hrs and the check-out time finishes at 12:00 hrs.