The Racha
Koh Racha Yai

The Racha is a chic and modern hideaway set on the remote Racha Yai Island with a stunning stretch of beach, just 12 miles south of Phuket and 35 minutes by speed boat from Phuket’s Chalong Bay.

The Racha has been built to blend in harmony with its lush surroundings; the island is known for its coral and marine life and there are plenty of activities for nature lovers. For action lovers there is kayaking, volleyball, boat excursions, fishing, tennis, basketball and Muay Thai (Thai boxing), and food lovers can take a Thai cooking class. Staff are very welcoming and accommodating, and guests are looked after in a personalised way. For example, guests are given the option to select their own scents for their room, bath gel and shampoo; choose from lemongrass, jasmine or lavender.

The hotel comprises of 85 villas, including 21 suites with plunge pools. There is also the Lighthouse, a knock-out 5-storey, 2-bedroom villa with panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand.  All villas are stylish and minimalist – Zen white walls, teak furniture and all the mod cons one could wish for, like a Bose iPod dock. Facilities include a gym, spa, a library, the Anumba Spa, three swimming pools, a dive centre, tennis court and four restaurants; the Sunset Beach Restaurant serves a barbecue buffet on the beach every night and you can end the night enjoying cocktails at the Ice Bar.

I can't think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything.
Bill Bryson