"The Pavilions, Phuket is a seriously indulgent hotel for honeymooners or young couples more used to sleek, chic European hotels than traditional Thai accommodation. Its successful combination of stylish surroundings and friendly service means guests are defecting here from the nearby Banyan Tree and Amanpuri hotels. Perched upon a hill, the open-air reception, roof-top bar and suites have stunning views over the pine-fringed bays of Bang Tao and Layan to the Andaman Ocean. These are two of Phuket's loveliest beaches, with soft sands, exotic birds, fine coral, a lagoon and few tourists. The villas are enormous, all cool grey concrete, glass and splashes of colour, and are staggered up the hillside. You can enjoy a sunset massage in total seclusion, or take a moonlit skinny-dip in your large private infinity pool right outside your bedroom door. Highs The quiet, sandy coastline is away from Phuket's throngsIt's extremely romantic, with in-villa spa treatments, a private pool for most villas, and private dining under the starsThe staff are friendly but never obsequiousThe rooftop bar is named 360 for its spectacular viewsYou'll find elegant bespoke furniture throughout the hotel Lows You're not on the beach, but a short shuttle bus-ride awayThere is building work going on in the valley, and some undeveloped scrubland nearby, but the hotel advises it is no longer causing any disturbanceIt's not a place to socialise: few common areas, mostly couples, very peacefulIt would be easy to spend days here without seeing any of PhuketYou would soon exhaust the menu if you eat in every day" - Charlotte Sinclair