Boxing clever by the sea

Stylish resort with good-value beachholiday

Set in a garden close to the sea, the boutique Foresta Resort has a strong and simple selling point: relaxing beach holidays in Pran Buri that won't break your wallet.

The concrete cubes clustered in Pak Nam Pran, just 30 kilometres south of Hua Hin, are more comfortable than they look. On arrival, guests need to climb upstairs to check in at reception. From there you get a view down on the whole property as well as the sea across the road. The identical white-cube buildings scattered around appear impersonal from the outside, but stepping through one of their guestroom doors I was faced with a lovely airy interior accentuated by a huge sliding glass door that opens onto the lush tropical garden.

Venturing further I discovered a modern-style compact space with bare floors and mellow colours. In fact, the interior decor of each room is unique - some have pink interiors, others pale or olive-green walls. Standard in every one, though, is the kingsize bed equipped with thick white mattress, soft white sheets and colourful cushions. These ingredients have been blended to create a cosy yet contemporary style.

After making yourself at home, you can explore the facilities: satellite television, DVD player, coffee/tea-making, hairdryer, fridge and mini bar as well as free 8Mb wireless Internet.

The small bathroom of stylish bare grey concrete houses a wet shower which produces puddles that dry slowly. Don't expect to keep your feet dry if you pay a visit in the middle of the night. The other slight annoyance is the water heater, which has been installed outside the bathroom.

The good choice of accommodation ranges from Superior and Studio rooms at the smaller end to the slightly more spacious Deluxe and Poolside rooms. However, if privacy is what you want, think twice about a Poolside - these rooms are tight up against the main swimming pool (5x10 metres) with outdoor terrace and sun loungers.

The Foresta also offers a Family room with two bedrooms, and a Honeymoon Sweet (not suite) with a long and narrow pool attached. Guests have to walk past the pool to enter the room, which means they can plunge straight in when they step outside.

All the guestrooms are set away from the road and the sea, so don't expect to hear the sound of waves - or even get a glimpse. But a stroll along the beach is only two minutes away on the other side of the blacktop. To get around, guests also have the option of using one of the bicycles provided free of charge by the resort. Point your wheels towards nearby Khao Kalok for a fun trip.

Facing the sea and the road is Foresta's Ley Cafe, where breakfast is served from 6 until 10. The choice is between the ubiquitous Americanstyle plate of sausage, eggs, toast, salad and ham, or a Thai breakfast of the day. The cafe  also does Illy Coffee, Ete ice cream, cookies and cakes, and serves Thai food until 10pm. Guests staying two nights receive a complimentary Thai dinner.

Room rates are attractive enough, starting at Bt2,600 a night for a Superior room on weekends, or Bt2,300 during the week. The Honeymoon Sweet drops from Bt4,400 at the weekend to Bt3,900 on weekdays. If you plan to stay for two nights or more, check the website as it has a host of special deals and packages.

AT A GLANCE

High Point: Stylish resort with good-value beachholiday packages. A wide range of room types, for families, couples or single travellers.

Low Point: Not set right on the beach.

Pay for it: Room rates start at Bt2,300 for a Superior during the week, or Bt4,190 for a twonight/threeday package.

Find it: 69/5 Moo 3 Paknanpran, Pran Buri district, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77220

Phone it:  (032) 630 678

Browse it: www.ForestaResort.com