Amanpuri - the word means 'place of peace' - conveys a very distinct sense of tranquillity. Its rooms, or pavilions, tumble down a coconut-studded hillside above a secluded sandy cove and enjoy quite unrivalled standards of luxury. Each pavilion features air-conditioning, a king-size bed, teakwood furnishings, stocked minibar, stereo systems, luxurious bathroom with large sunken bath, and a striking outdoor 'sala' for sunbathing and dining a duex. Guests have a choice of two alfresco dining possibilities - 'The Terrace', offering Thai and European meals or 'The Restaurant' specialising in Mediterranean dishes. The cuisine is light and fresh, with the seafood, vegetables and fruit selected each morning and the breads, pastas, and pastries and desserts newly baked each day. Every meal is delightfully enhanced by attentive and courteous Thai service, with 24-hour room service also available in the privacy of the pavilions and outdoor 'salas'. Between November and April congenial barbecues are enjoyable beachside alternatives.

And extensive a la carte choice of resort activities awaits at Amanpuri. There is a very stylish black-tile freshwater pool, two floodlit tennis courts, a gymnasium located on the beach, wind-surfing, water-skiing, scuba-diving (including instruction), golf at five nearby courses, a sauna and a library with a wide selection of books or classical, jazz and pop compact discs. Hair, beauty and massage treatments are provided in the privacy of your room or at the Salon.

Amanpuri was the first Amanresort and, in our opinion, was largely responsible for the very high standards now found in a number of Oriental beach properties. It remains very fashionable and very much a favourite haunt of celebrities from around the world. Highly recommended.

Elegant Villa Living
Amanpuri offers one of Phuket's best-kept secrets - thirty privately owned garden and ocean Villa homes adjoining the main hotel. Designed in harmony with the hotel, each has from two to five bedrooms and is a cool oasis of sophistication and exclusivity par excellence, wonderfully private and favoured for that reason by a particularly distinguished clientele. All feature a private pool, living and dining Thai 'salas' and are perfect venues for leisure or business meetings. A live-in maid and cook take care of all catering - and the full facilities of Amanpuri are on hand.