Amanpuri s crescent beach (top left) lies at the foot of a cascading sweep of stone steps which lead to the resort s midnight-blue swimming pool

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2 Since its opening in 1988, the Thai beach resort of Amanpuri has established a reputation for personal service, fine cuisine and cruising, all of which complement the natural beauty of its tropical island surroundings. Amanpuri, a Sanskrit word meaning place of peace, reflects its name in more ways than one. The entrance sala (left), restaurants and bar overlook the resort s main swimming pool

3 Amanpuri s crescent beach (top left) lies at the foot of a cascading sweep of stone steps which lead to the resort s midnight-blue swimming pool (right) and on to the entrance sala (below left). Drinks and light snacks are served beach- and pool-side throughout the day

4 Located on the west coast of Phuket, Thailand s largest island, Amanpuri looks out over the turquoise expanse of the Andaman Sea. The resort s 40 Thaistyled pavilions and 32 private villas are interspersed throughout a mature coconut plantation

5 Each pavilion has an outdoor sala and sun deck. Elevated walkways connect the pavilions to the resort s facilities. Pavilion rates are determined according to view and location, with Ocean Pavilions 105 and 103 enjoying the most spectacular views of the Andaman Sea. Three pavilions feature their own private pools and all are surrounded by lush tropical vegetation which provides shade and privacy

6 Each pavilion includes a large bedroom with a writing desk

7 The elegant pavilion bedrooms lead to a spacious dressing area with twin vanities, then on to a sunken bath and separate shower. Most pavilions feature outdoor areas with day beds

8 Amanpuri s villas enjoy both ocean and garden settings. Ranging from two to six bedrooms, they are available for short- or long-term rental

9 Every villa is different in layout, but all consist of a number of separate pavilions located on varying levels around a private swimming pool. The gracious design aesthetic draws inspiration from Thailand s ancient kingdom of Ayutthaya

10 Each villa features separate dining, bedroom and living pavilions, a fully-equipped kitchen, a cook and a housekeeping service. The villas enjoy spacious surrounds and are furnished with Thai textiles, art and antiques

11 At dusk the resort s central swimming pool becomes a tranquil stage, reflecting the sky as the sun sets into the Andaman Sea. The restaurant (left) and bar (centre right) provide the ideal settings for watching this nightly show

12 Facing the swimming pool, the Terrace specialises in Thai cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Restaurant (below) serves Italian cuisine and is open every evening. The Bar (above) enjoys beautiful views of the Andaman Sea

13 The Beach Terrace (right) offers al fresco dining over lunch. Overlooking Pansea Beach, Amanpuri s intimate Beach Club features a 20m lap pool and a Thai sala with a cocktail bar and lounge seating. Just steps from the beach, Naoki serves Kaiseki, fare which combines the best of French techniques with a Japanese sense of artistry. The dining bar surrounds a sunken central kitchen where food is prepared in front of diners

14 The Library (opposite top) houses over 1,000 books from novels to works on Thai history and culture. Its lounge (above) is a relaxing place for conversation and refreshments. For meetings, the Boardroom (above right) is equipped with audio equipment and an LCD projector. Thai silk products and other handicrafts are available for purchase in the Gallery (above left)

15 Set in a secluded coconut grove, Aman Spa, Amanresorts first full-service spa, is a holistic sanctuary that nurtures both body and mind

16 Using exclusively-prepared products made only from the purest ingredients, Aman Spa offers an extensive selection of treatments. Complimentary yoga and meditation sessions are also offered in the open-sided salas set high on the hillside

17 The state-of-the-art Gym features floorto-ceiling windows with open views to the Andaman Sea, a Pilates studio and a juice bar

18 Amanpuri provides Hobie Cats and equipment for windsurfing, snorkelling and kayaking on Pansea Beach. PADI-accredited dive programmes are available year-round. Six tennis courts are lit for night play and five international-standard golf courses are located within a 40-minute drive of Amanpuri

19 Amanpuri s own Amancruises fleet numbers more than 20 cruisers and sailing craft, one of the largest resort-owned fleets in Southeast Asia. Sailing, deep-sea fishing, diving and overnight charters, with full crew, are all available. Ideal for cruising the islands and bays of Phang Nga and Krabi, Maha Bhetra (below right), is a 90ft luxury cruiser with three airconditioned cabins and a huge Thai-style living sala on the top deck