What to expect: A large open-air lobby with an incorporated lounge and restaurant gives panoramic cliff-top views of the surrounding coconut plantation and the Gulf of Thailand below. An infinity pool adjacent to the lobby shares the view. Rooms are distributed throughout the resort’s 16 acres. Guests (mostly couples and families on vacation) are shuttled down to the sandy beach and adjacent swimming pool in golf carts.

Amenity highlights: An infinity pool with a swim-up bar sits on the edge of a cliff, with views of coconut plantations and the Gulf of Thailand below. A second pool sits near the beach, and five more are distributed throughout the villas. Water sport equipment and mountain bikes are available. A fully-equipped fitness centre, a day spa, and floodlit tennis courts are all on site. A business centre and conference rooms cater to the business traveller.

Insider tip: One of the ways of “making merit” in Buddhism is to give alms to the monks. Every morning monks walk traditional neighbourhoods collecting alms. Wake up early and walk out to the main road to watch the monks file past around 6:30 AM. Or better yet, increase your own merit by putting alms or food in their bowls. Then make it back to the hotel by 7 AM for a free guided bicycle tour through the coconut groves.