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Published on December 22, 2007

Appropriately named after Buddhism's fourth level of heaven, Tusita is a small hotel hidden away in a coconut orchard of Thung Tako district, Chumphon province. As a result, the place hasn't yet been discovered by mass tourism. To get there, you just have to drive southbound or take a flight to Surat Thani Airport and then take an hour-long ride to the district.

Turning off the main road into a local road surrounded by lush orchards, it becomes just how perfect the location is. The nearest beach, called Arunothai, is about 200 metres away from the Tusita Resort & Spa, which comprises only 17 rooms and suites.

At first impression we notice the southern Thai-style red-tiled roof architecture. As entering its property, the eyes encounter so much of luxurious details featuring a blend between the exotic decor from Morocco and India, and the refined elegance of British decor. It's exciting to spot more and more unique items, from great carpets, including  pillowcases, curtains, cushions, picture frames and lamps. The decor is said to have been hand-picked by the owner, who travels extensively.

All the rooms are connected by a wooden bridge on stilts, while the saltwater swimming pool is just located in the middle of the hotel, and nearby is a small gym with lots of workout equipment overlooking the pool. Pari spa is a key part of the resort tucked away under the shade of coconut trees.

"Nimman", which is also a name for a heaven, is depicted as the name of 10 deluxe rooms. Despite its 50-sqm room size, the smallest of the rooms, each of them is equipped with full amenities including tea and coffee making facilities, CD player, safe, mini-bar, hairdryer and pretty balcony.

Each room is set up its bathtub in the open air space, plus rain shower as an option.

The one and only 80-sqm suite at Tusita is called Wimanthip. It is especially designed for honeymooners, with its spacious open air bathroom equipped with Jacuzzi and private steam room.

There is also a spacious house for family named as Tusita Residence. This house, sized  150 sqm, is equipped with two bedrooms and sleeping area on the mezzanine, as well as a living room and dining table and a private steam room too.

A small electric cart is awaiting just outside the resort for whenever guests want to go to the beach. The cart takes people to another property of Tusita, called Tusita@ The Beach. Set right by the tranquil Arunothai Beach, it boasts two Beachfront Jacuzzi Rooms, two beachfront Jacuzzi Suites and one Beachfront Villa for guests. All rooms feature Mediterranean-style decor. Private dinners en suite or barbecued seafood by the beach can be arranged. With its location near Thung Tako estuary, fresh seafood is easily found in this area.

Tusita is an ideal place for a real escape for anyone who seeks privacy and luxury in the not-so-well-known beach of Chumphon. But it is exclusively afforded by deep-pocketed holidaymakers.

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Tusita Resort & Spa at a glance

High Point: Tusita is the one and only luxury resort in this remote district of Thung Tako, and excellent for those in search of a real hideaway.

Low Point: Tusita Resort and Spa is tucked away in the orchard, not by the beach, and its beach Blub at Tusita & the Sea is 500 metres away.

Pay for it: Starts from Bt5,500 up to Bt17,000 a night

Find it: 259/9 Moo1, Paktako, Thung Tako, Chumphon

Book it: (077) 579 151, info@tusitaresort.com

Browse it: TusitaResort.com

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Vipasai Niyamabha

Special to The Nation