A terrific tin holiday

Indigo Pearl is probably the best theme resort in Thailand.

The Indigo Pearl is probably the best theme resort in Thailand. Indoors and outdoors, it's loaded with almost every flamboyant detail imaginable.

You get a combination of Phuket's tin-mining history and the artistic wizardry of its American architect and designer Bill Bensley. Walking around the property is one surprise after another, and they keep popping up in your own room too.

A vivid blue sofa with bright orange cushions sits between concrete columns wrapped with stainless steel.

The steel is everywhere, and if it's not actually gear that's been pulled out of a mine, it's been treated to look like that, blackened or textured or both. All the tables and the reception counter seem to be made of the same dusky steel.

My Pearl Bed Room in the new wing is fascinating, with its layout divided up according to function and the furniture and trimmings looking aged and authentic.

There's a walk-in closet, indoor and outdoor living areas, outdoor bathtub and indoor shower area, plus a king-size bed overlooking the pool.

The room's unique character is clear right from the entrance, where the creased steel door opens on to a sleekly polished cement floor and unpolished concrete walls.

You've walked into the tin mine, and all the furniture is in that stainless steel that seems grimy with use but is in fact spotless.

The water taps in the bathroom haven't seen the inside of a mine - they were specially created for the resort - but they certainly fit in with the theme.

There are six room types. The most expensive is the Bensley Suite, named after the designer. It's two storeys with a private pool and sundeck, more modern overall than other accommodations but still sharing the tin-mine concept.

All the restaurants join in as well. The Tin Mine has screwdriver forks, knotty spoons and lots of handyman's equipment. With its cosy booths and steakhouse atmosphere, the Rivet Grill offers a more luxurious sense of the underground.

The resort doesn't have a beach, just access to one, but frankly, I didn't really care much about the Phuket seashore this time. I enjoyed checking out the design details so much that I forgot all about it.

Until October 31, the hotel is offering six "rainbow" packages featuring different activities, along with breakfast, airport transfers and - here's a bonus - if it rains for three consecutive hours, you get a voucher to stay an extra night, immediately or later.

The trick is that, while it rains often every day in Phuket, the rain rarely lasts for longer than an hour!