Paresa Resort Phuket ★★★★★

We landed in Phuket and, just 30 minutes later, we were ringing the bell of our hotel. Driving alongside wide sweeps of tropical beaches overhung with palm trees provided a mandatory paradisiacal welcome, whilst our first impression of the Paresa Resort Phuket was one of delight – the stunning complex is tucked away amongst lush lawns and rolling sea views. The doors opened out onto panoramic views, taking in the various hotel buildings that clung to the edge of the cliff, and, all around, turquoise waters shimmied a meditative dance and the wooden, natural architecture blended effortlessly into the rainforest. Banyan trees loomed over the sprawling landscape, some of which jutted upwards out of hanging terraces. Elsewhere, French windows slid silently open, closing the gap between modern technology and nature. The whole hotel oozed a rare elegance, bursting with organic nuances by architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

When we had soaked up every last detail we were shown to our suite with a warm and friendly welcome. Our room reflected the sublime and serene ambiance of the rest of the Paresa Resort, drawing inspiration from the calm sea waters and the impossibly white sands. It was incredibly spacious and well-lit, decorated with Thai wooden furniture that added a rustic touch to the proceedings. Outside, we lapped up the private terrace, where our sun-loungers looked out across the endless swell of the Andaman Sea. Rejoicing in the quiet sounds of the hotel, we marvelled at our luck and revelled in the spiritual reconnection we felt with ourselves and the world around us.

Wherever we went we felt weightless, an impression that was heavily reinforced by the beautiful infinity pool. Overlooking the sea and endless sunny skies, we knew we were a million miles away, our problems tucked up tightly in another world, on another planet. The restaurant gave off the same vibe, too, with its wide doors and tree-dappled terrace. Our lazy days began with breakfast as we gazed out at the green-carpeted hills and they finished with a delicious Thai dinner at the end of the day, watching the sky turn from cobalt blue to purple to pink.

The Paresa Resort Phuket is elegantly perched on the hillside, its complex of luxury buildings interspersed with impressive trees and the calm of nature. However, there is easy access to the paradise beaches of Kamala Bay, where days unfold lazily in a haze of shallow water, soft sands, and maybe a cocktail or two as the sun begins to dip.

Back at the resort, the relaxing spa welcomes us into its stylish arms, promising massages to unwind and treatments that revitalise and rejuvenate. There is something for all the senses at the Paresa Resort Phuket; the scent of coriander, ginger, and lemongrass, the sound of the swaying trees, the feel of the warm breeze on sun-kissed skin, the taste of freshly grilled fish, and the stunning sight of the Andaman Sea rolling out before us as we soak up the quiet charm of our private terrace.