Amanpuri

Take pleasure in Thai traditions on the Andaman Sea. Poking out of the palm canopy across the hillside, the distinctive pointed roofs of pavilions evoke Ayutthaya’s architecture, the ancient capital of Siam. At this place of peace, interiors are enriched with custom-crafted furniture and original artworks, and guests feel entertained in the private residence of a benevolent, taste-making friend. Hand-loomed silks, fragrant orchids: there’s never any mistaking you’re in Thailand – even when dining on fresh Japanese sashimi at Nama restaurant, sharing an Italian-inspired dish at convivial Arva, or snacking on crispy Mexican tostadas over pisco cocktails in the Latin American bar. Sample coconut-flavored kanom krok cakes and lemongrass tea by the black-tiled pool, then descend to the beach to snorkel, kayak, or jet-ski in the Andaman Sea.

40 pavilions and 43 Thai villa homes are interspersed throughout the coconut grove. The resort’s pavilions are 115 square meters each, including the private outdoor terrace. Pavilion rates are determined according to view and location. All pavilions feature an outdoor sala, a king-size bed, separate bath and shower, refrigerator with fully stocked minibar, electronic safe, stereo CD cassette system, IDD services, and wireless broadband connections, also available in public areas of the resort, and air-conditioning. Pavilions 105 and 103 enjoy the best views of the Andaman Sea.

Adjacent to the resort and shaded by coconut palms are Villa Homes, many of them with ocean-front settings. Each villa consists of two to six separate bedrooms finished with Thai furnishings, art, and antiques. Villas also enjoy a private pool plus living and dining salas. A live-in maid and cook attend to all guests’ needs, including preparing Thai cuisine in a private kitchen. The villas are ideal for weddings, special events, and business meetings.

The Terrace restaurant offers casual, all-day dining in an alfresco setting and features Thai and European specialties. The Restaurant serves Italian cuisine and is open for dinner all year round and for lunch during high season. Both restaurants are located beside the swimming pool. Weather-permitting, lunches are held at the Beach Terrace and, during high season, evening torch-lit beach barbecues. The Bar offers poolside drinks and snacks. At last light, half a dozen molded-brass tables and pairings of teak, rattan-backed chairs are set out along the terrace between the pool and the steps leading to the beach. The view is to the sun setting on the Andaman Sea. Room service is available, 24 hours a day, in the privacy of the pavilions and outdoor salas.

The Aman Spa is the first Amanresort Spa. The Spa features six spacious Thai-style spa pavilions offering an open, light-filled space of wood and glass with a private steam room, shower, bath, dressing area, and an outdoor meditation sala. Healing or traditional treatments can be enjoyed individually or as a couple. Aman Spa therapists are available to tailor-make a treatment program based on assessing a guest’s individual needs. There is also a traditional sauna, granite steam room, and a fountain terrace where health drinks are served. Complimentary guided yoga and meditation sessions are offered at daybreak in the open-sided salas set high on the hillside.