Room service: Thailand

In my hand is a glass of Taittinger. I am lying in an oversized bath in a small, private, walled garden looking up at the freckled night sky. The tub is in the middle of a flower-filled lotus pond. Opposite is a plunge pool with two wooden loungers, and next to that is a day bed with a tiny roof. To my right are two showers, also open to the fluttering night breeze. A glass door leads to my room, one of 40 pool villas, the
pièce de résistance of Evason Hua Hin resort and spa, which opened last November.

In my hand is a glass of Taittinger. I am lying in an oversized bath in a small, private, walled garden looking up at the freckled night sky. The tub is in the middle of a flower-filled lotus pond. Opposite is a plunge pool with two wooden loungers, and next to that is a day bed with a tiny roof. To my right are two showers, also open to the fluttering night breeze. A glass door leads to my room, one of 40 pool villas, the pièce de résistance of Evason Hua Hin resort and spa, which opened last November.

Overlooking the Gulf of Siam and set among 20 acres of tropical gardens, this stylish haven has an immediate calming effect on the soul. Stone walkways run alongside terraced lotus ponds where leaves float like green frilly knickers, and white and lilac petals open towards the sun.

The spa has five outdoor thatched treatment salas, open to the elements on all sides (bamboo blinds prevent peeking). They too are surrounded by water which flows hypnotically down low walls. The only problem with the massages is that you immediately fall asleep and miss your journey to heaven. Relax further at the infinity pool overlooking the beach.

Location, location, location

Evason Hua Hin resort and spa is at 9 Moo 3 Paknampran Beach, Pranburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77220 Thailand (00 66 32 632 111 www.six-senses.com). It is 30km south of Hua Hin town.

Time from international airport: about three hours by car from Bangkok, or 30 minutes from Hua Hin airport. The resort charges 5,000 baht (£80.50) for a pick-up from Bangkok, and 400 baht (£6.50) from Hua Hin.

Are you lying confortably?

All rooms have over-sized king or twin beds, a large day-bed and private wooden balconies. The studios have large wooden terraces with a canopy and a mosquito net. Soft earth colours with chunky wooden white-washed furniture and plain white walls create a feeling of stylish serenity.

Freebies: a bowl of fruit, a small bar of soap and pleasant bath salts. Uninspired liquid soap, body lotion and an ineffectual shampoo/ conditioner come in anonymous dispensers which give the impression of a second-rate gym. Nor is cotton wool provided. Disappointing for a spa.

Keeping in touch: direct-dial telephone, satellite TV, DVD stereo/movie player.

The bottom line

Single rooms start from 4,500 baht (£72) and doubles from 5,000 (£80.50). Cresta Worldwide (0870 161 0930) offers packages with a minimum five-night stay from £670 per person until 9 July, and from £695 per person between 1 September and 27 October, based on two people sharing.

I'm not paying that: the Jed Pee Nong (00 66 32512381) in Hua Hin costs from 600 baht (£9.50) a night.