THE FACTS ABOUT THAILAND

Amanresorts are truly exclusive. Most people yearn to stay in one, but few can afford to do so. Now, in the wake of the tsunami, hoteliers on the west coast of Thailand are having to entice visitors back to the area, even though the beaches are pristine once more. So for the first time the Amanpuri at Phuket - the original Amanresort, opened in 1988 - is offering a discount of 50 per cent on normal room rates. The resort's pavilions and villas are set in a lush coconut plantation that sweeps down a headland overlooking the Andaman Sea to the renowned black swimming pool. And yes, the bathrooms in the pavilions are as big as the bedrooms. CONTACT Amanpuri (00 66 76 324 333; www.amanresorts.com). During the 50 percent discount period (until 30 October 2005), a superior garden pavilion costs US$460 per night.