Beyond Krabi's claws

Aqua restaurant overlooks the sea

The tranquil and airy Anantara Sikao Resort & Spa in Trang is designed as a powerful antidote to the poisonous cares of city life. Originally an Amari property, the refurbished two-storey building now sports a more elegant, laid-back look. Wrapped round a large, leafy garden, the façade's wood-brown and green colour scheme blends smoothly with the backdrop of pine trees and mountains.

The clever layout immerses guests in the gorgeous southern scenery but leaves them with a choice to make: do we get a room facing the garden or the ocean? If you want to bathe your eyes in the ocean, the windows of a Deluxe Ocean Front brim with Pak Meng Beach and the blue waters and limestone rock formations beyond. From your private balcony, you can lounge around on the daybed or, even better, on the grassy lawn, watching the sun slowly sinking into the ocean.

If you're inner nature is more green, check in to the Deluxe Garden Terrace. The contemporary-Thai-inspired room has a spacious private balcony with outdoor lounging area that gives you direct access to the tropical garden and the pool, as well as glimpses of the glittering Andaman Sea.

The Deluxes, at 45 square metres, are ideal for both lone travellers and couples. For a grander, more luxurious stay, there's an 84-squaremetre Anantara Suite overlooking Koh Mook, with oversized bathtub nudging playfully into the spacious bedroom. Or you can go for the same-sized Anantara Pool Suite and get a large private pool of your own to wallow in at the balcony's edge. Embraced by the garden, the suite comes with in-room massage area and private outdoor terrace.

All guestrooms have a kingsize bed, bathtub and separate shower, in-room high-speed Internet port, tea and coffee making and 24hour room service. Free Internet is available in the lobby. Take a stroll and you'll quickly discover the freeform outdoor pool with bar, the spa, and Aqua restaurant, which overlooks the sea.

Find a romantic spot in the evening and you can take advantage of the Anantara's Dining by Design service, conjuring up a private dinner anywhere in the resort for you and your lover. Choose from the fine selection of wine to get the mood flowing.

A good place to head for at sunset is the Beach House, a bar on the sand that serves lip-smacking cocktails and snacks to go with the view.

While it's a real sanctuary for lowkey vacationers, those looking for a party atmosphere and an action-packed stay might go stir-crazy at the Anantara Sikao: the location is secluded and a long way from town. But there's still plenty to do for both for youngsters and adults - either for free or at minimal cost. The resort offers classes in yoga, tai chi, different kinds of sports, fruit carving, batik painting and cooking - you can even try your hand at flower arrangement.

One word of advice: don't waste the convenient access to the world-famous islets that lie offshore. The pristine Koh Kradan is just 20 minutes away by speedboat, while Koh Libong is the place to head for if you want to see rare dugongs frolicking in their natural environment. Divers have the diverse and lush undersea worlds around the pinnacles or off Koh Lanta to explore.

Krabi's airport and other attractions are just an hour away by road, while Phuket is a twohour drive.

AT A GLANCE

High point: Great view of the sea and sunset, peaceful and private, close to lots of islands and dive sites

Low point: The beach is grainy and small; the resort is quiet and a long way from town 

Find it: 198199 Moo 5, Haad Pak MengChalang Road, Amphur Sikao, Trang, 92150

Pay for it: from Bt5,500 a night with breakfast

Book it: (075) 205 888; sikao@anantara.com

Browse it: www.Anantara.com