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Published on April 5, 2008

Just put this in, turn this knob to the right and you'll get a cup of coffee," says my female butler, cheerfully explaining how to use the cappuccino maker on our tour of my room's facilities.

Other stops on the itinerary include a TV, bathtub and a hi-tech lighting system. "But if it's too complicated, just press the butler button on the phone, and I'll be right here," she chirps.

That's how life is at the Barai Spa's suites in Hua Hin, where your forefinger suddenly seems to carry great power. Just dial up your butler, voice your wish, and whatever it is gets served up almost immediately. And some things are there before you even realised you wanted them.

Waking up, you're faced with the choice of taking a private breakfast by the pool in your suite or descending to mingle with other guests at the century-old wooden McFarland House. The restaurant, on the ground floor, is open to the public, while the upper floor is reserved exclusively for guests and spa clients.

My butler seems to intuitively sense when I'm ready for a spa treatment, or to enjoy the sun, sand and sea: On my return from breakfast, a basket of two towels, moisturising spray and sun-block is ready by the pool. Later in the day, when the relaxing warmth of the steam room seems like a good idea, the same care has been taken to smooth my way.

 With more than 100 square metres of floor space, the rooms are enormous. The high ceilings and courtyard out front add to a sense of luxury and comfort that spreads with the discovery of the many details and functions hidden behind sliding doors. Freebies on offer in the room include the contents of the mini bar: fresh juice, water and soft drinks. And if your thirst isn't slaked, you can take advantage of the complementary all-day herbal teas and drinks at McFarland House as well as the free evening cocktail between 5 and 7.

The first of the three compartments in each room is where breakfast and in-room spa treatments are taken. A sliding door opens on to a space with a huge king-plus-sized bed, two beds for Thai massage and a 1.5-by-1.5-metre bathtub, where, if you so desire, your butler will prepare a milk bath every evening. Two separate walk-in closets give plenty of wardrobe space for couples.

The four suites on the ground floor come with private pools while the four on the floor above have balconies. Room rates also cover yoga and meditation classes.

The spa is part of Hyatt Regency Hua Hin, which means guests can enjoy all the facilities of the hotel including a large swimming pool with a long slide and the lush, landscaped grounds.

Room rates are undeniably expensive at the Barai Spa, but those with a small fortune to splurge won't be disappointed with the swish service.

Sirinya Wattanasukchai

The Nation

      the barai

High Points: Privacy and exclusive service

Low Points: The room rates are beyond the pocket of most

Pay For It: The balcony suites range from Bt17,500 to Bt34,900 per night depending on the season, the pool suites from Bt21,000 to 38,900

Find It: 91 Hua Hin-Khao Takiap Road, Hua Hin

Phone It: (032) 521 234

Browse It: www.TheBarai.com