Vijitt Hotel

16 Moo 2, Viset Road, Rawai, Muang, Phuket

As we sit next to our luxurious private pool on arrival, a pair of stunning sea eagles wheel overhead; it sets the tone perfectly for our stay. While much of this part of southern Phuket is built up to large extent, Vijitt is tranquil, set in mature, idyllic surrounds that have been conserved with genuine care for the surrounding vegetation and wildlife by the owners for over 60 years. The resort comprises 92 luxury spacious and extremely well-appointed villas. Each one has a flat-screen TV, DVD player and full kitchen – while 30 have their own plunge pools affording views out to sea.

A plethora of plants and rubber trees gives a good degree of privacy to each villa, making it as suited to families as it is couples looking for a genuinely relaxing retreat. Breakfast is certainly one of the strongest suits at the resort, with the beachside restaurant serving up a near-perfect incarnation of traditional Thai congee (sweet or savoury rice porridge), paired with local fruits and yoghurt.

Outside in the communal spaces, a wide, shallow bay below the main area provides further beautiful vistas out to sea and when the tide is in, the kite surfers put on a colourful display whizzing past, while you lounge in a waterfront infinity pool the size of Denmark. The surfers can, of course, be joined by more energetic guests, where there are plenty more activities like horse riding, kick boxing classes (where some are non-contact) and cycling.

Though as you would expect, a top-drawer spa and botanical walks can be arranged for a more sedate afternoon’s entertainment. Dinner is well catered for, offering a choice of two restaurants – one serving an interpretation of international cuisine and the other traditional southern Thai food. Water is recycled around the resort, which by Thai standards allows it to consider itself ‘green’. For a southern Phuket escape, you won’t leave disappointed. GR. Doubles from £110, vijittresort.com