Fantasy island for real

Many prefer to hang out at the infinity-edge swimming pool, laze on lounge chairs, or read at the open-air library next to it.

Approaching Koh Racha Yai by boat, the first thing that visitors notice is the dazzling-white group of  colonial-style buildings on Batok Beach. The Racha certainly stands out among its competitors.

Arriving on the resort's doorstep, the sun-bleached sand stretches out before your eyes. Whether you're in the lobby, the library, by the infinity-edge swimming pool or at one of the restaurants, there are great views over the Andaman Sea.

The Racha has 70 rooms set in a lush tropical garden and divided into Superior Villas, Deluxe Villas with and without pool, Junior Pool Suites, Pool Villas and the top-class Lighthouse, a two-bedroom villa with a pool and terrace. None are more than a few shady steps beneath tall coconut trees to the free-form swimming pool with attached Jacuzzi.

After checking in, I followed a friendly member of staff to a Superior Villa not far from the swimming pool. Built as a detached house with its own private terrace overlooking the garden, each Superior Villa has a bathroom with bathtub as well as indoor and outdoor showers. They come with modern facilities like a DVD player, mini bar with coffee- and tea-making facilities, electronic safe, IDD phone and satellite TV.

When night falls, spotlights light up the white minimalist architecture. Venturing out, I discovered that the smooth white concrete walls I'd seen in daylight had become a rolling sand-dune-like surface under the warm amber glow of the lights.

Rather than curtains, heavy wooden blinds are used to protect the room from the strong sun. The floor is white, contrasting with the sturdy and stylish dark-wood door and furniture.

The choice of recreational facilities at the hotel is a thrill. Apart from the two swimming pools, guests have free use of mountain bikes to explore the island on their own. My next-door neighbour got around the island on a resort quad bike, even using it for short trips to and from the attached Anumba spa. The resort also has tennis courts, and offers water sports with catamarans, windsurfing, canoes and a PADI dive centre.

Dinnertime brings hotel guests you've never seen before, such is the variety of beachside diversions to keep holidaymakers busy during the day. Many prefer to hang out at the infinity-edge swimming pool, laze on lounge chairs, read at the open-air library next to it, stay connected with the rest of the world via the Internet and order lunch from the Fire Grill, located on the pool deck.

The Earth Cafe, one among several restaurants here, serves breakfast from 7 to 11am. For dinner, guests either opt for the Fire Grill, transformed into a fine-dining place beneath the moonlight, or make for the sumptuous barbecued seafood at the Sunset Beach Restaurant, which is right next to the beach.

While Racha sells itself as a romantic destination for honeymooners, this is a place where any beach lover will feel at home, and makes a great hideaway for friends who want to hang out together in solitude and luxury.

      At a glance

High Point: The Racha is undoubtedly one of the poshest resorts in Phuket. Its list of strong points is long: pretty location, deluxe amenities, good service and exceptional ambience.

Low Point: It is set right by Batok Beach, a small stretch of sand that occasionally gets crowded with day-trippers from Phuket.

Find it: The Racha is located on Koh Racha Yai's Batok Beach, 19 kilometres south of Phuket town, at 42/12-13 Moo 5, Rawai, Muang, Phuket 83130.

Pay for it: The standard rate for a Superior Villa is Bt5,700 per night. However, there are better deals during the low season - check the Internet.

Browse it: www.TheRacha.com