The Racha Resort, Ko Racha Yai, Phuket, Thailand - Explore & Book

"Just 40 minutes by speedboat from Phuket lies a coral-fringed island called Ko Racha Yai. It has a small local population, buffalo in the fields, soldier lines of coconut trees and a sprinkling of beachside bars and shops. And, in a small cove backed by a white sand beach, it also has The Racha, a sparkling resort. This smart hotel is neatly laid out over a hillside, upon which 84 white cube-shaped villas (plus a quirky 2-bedroom lighthouse) are interspersed between sky-high coconut trees, scented frangipani and tropical greenery. This is a dreamy honeymoon - or even wedding - destination, with sunset-lit arbours and cream satin chairs making an almost twice monthly appearance on the beach. It has a beautifully secluded feel, and its 2 gorgeous pools, 2 bar areas, roomy library, veritable temple of a spa and 3 very different restaurants keep guests nicely spread out. If you're not here because it's (officially) one of the most romantic hotels in the world, then you're probably here for the snorkelling and diving. It's said to be fabulous, and there's a PADI Dive Centre on site. Highs Stylish, white Zen-like rooms (some with private pools) overlooking a stunning bay For honeymooners, the Pool Suites, with beds extravagantly decorated with roses and petals, offer an extra level of romance Early morning swims in the crystal clear turquoise bay with not another soul between you and the horizon Barefoot evenings enjoying seafood barbecues and moonlit walks on the beach Sunset Happy Hour: exotic cocktails, complimentary nibbles and ultra-romantic daybeds Lows Hard to get to: we'd recommend a stay on Phuket or in Bangkok first to break up the journey The beach gets busy from 10am-4pm with boats offloading daytrippers from Phuket The speedboat ride to and from Phuket can be bumpy, plus the rates aren't included for stays of less than five days Evenings are quiet without much nightlife" - Viv Monahan