THE FACTS ABOUT ZEAVOLA

Thailand

Zeavola is on Laem Tong Bay on the quiet north-eastern tip of Thailand's Phi Phi Don island, just an hour's hop from Krabi and Phuket. You can barely see it as you approach by speedboat, so effective is the camouflage of surrounding palm trees and vegetation; in fact this fantastic new hideaway hotel is only metres from the powder-fine beach. Up close, it's easy to see why Zeavola has been on the tip of travellers' tongues since it opened in June last year. The dreamchild of 39-year-old entrepreneur Quanchai Panitpichetvong, it is a wonderful combination of rural Thai charm and five-star comfort, with 52 suites made almost entirely of wood and glass, furnished with a very successful combination of traditional and contemporary pieces. The 'living area' is open on three sides with motor-driven, floor-to-ceiling bamboo blinds replacing the walls; a shower, lavishly stocked with all- natural (and all-Thai) Thann products stands discreetly outside. The hotel's vast spa complex is ultra-modern and luxurious, with a plethora of pampering treatments on offer. Throw in a swimming pool finished in tiny yellow tiles (reflecting an admirable attention to detail), two restaurants serving sumptuous and plentiful Italian and Thai cuisine, and staff so welcoming that even in the Land of Smiles they shine, and it's no wonder tongues are wagging. WHEN TO GO NovemberFebruary ROOMS TO BOOK All suites are roomy but for beachfront views book 50 or 51. CONTACT 11 Moo 8 Laem Tong, Koh Phi Phi, Ao Nang, Muang, Krabi, Thailand (00 66 075 627000; www.zeavola.com). COST Suites from £160