AsiaLIFE

Although Bangkok is a vibrant and exciting city, it’s not for everybody. Sometimes all you want to do is get away from it all. Thailand is renowned for its pristine beaches and glorious islands but this often involves a flight or long bus trip from the capital. But, there is another way. Words by Mark Bibby Jackson.

Just 160km south of Bangkok, Cha-Am is only a two-and-a-half taxi ride from Suvarnabhumi Airport (2,000 baht). You don’t even have to stop off in the capital, that is unless you need a fix of air-con shopping malls or stylish night-clubs. Upon arriving in Cha-Am you feel as though you have stepped back in time. Unlike neighbouring Hua Hin, which has been over-run by large resort in the last decade, Cha-Am retains the charm of the small fishing village that it still is. Cha-Am has only one resort, but in this case you really are spoilt for lack of choice. With 72 deluxe rooms and seven pool villas, this beachside resort is the ultimate place to escape to.

After checking in at the glorious al fresco reception area with views stretching off across the hotel’s lake towards the sea, stroll down to the beach and then reflect. Something is missing. It’s not the beautiful white sand or inviting blue sea. It’s people. Apart from your fellow guests and the hotel staff, there’s not another soul to be seen. Apparently the hotel does get more crowded during weekends when discerning Bangkok residents make the short trip from the capital, but during the week even your fellow guests are spread pretty thinly.

The rooms themselves are typical of five-star beach resorts, but with a few added touches. The WiFi is swift and efficient, the beds inviting to the point of indulgence and there is a large flat-screen TV with Apple TV so you can watch ‘Pretty Woman’ for the upteenth time as you drop off to sleep. However, it is the bathroom where the real treat awaits. There are rainfall showerheads and then there are rainfall showerheads. This one is the latter. Falling from a height of three metres, the shower creates the perfect back-to-nature experience. If you don’t emerge from it feeling totally refreshed, then you really are in an advanced catatonic state. With two restaurants, one bar and a great spa, Alila Cha-Am has all the ingredients necessary to make your stay in Cha-Am unforgettable.

Alila Cha-Am, Thailand, +66 32 709 555, www.alilahotels.com