There are 12 Equatorial Duplex Suites located in the main building overlooking the pool area and 59 villas dotted around the 23 acres of tropical garden bordering Mae Nam beach, which has an area reserved for the hotel's guests. Each Villa is designed like an authentic Thai house with locally made wooden parquet floors, Siamese furniture, spacious bathrooms and private terraces from where you can see either the beach or the garden.

The Rim Talay Beach Bar and Restaurant has wonderful views of Mae Nam Bay and serves a wide selection of pastas, pizzas, fresh fish and meat dishes, plus regular beach barbeques and Thai food buffets.

This is a wonderful hotel for those who like activities, as there are so many on offer at the resort; it has its own private beach, golf course, massive swimming pool, two tennis courts, football pitch, squash court, traditional Muay Thai boxing, windsurfing and sailing.

However, our favourite activity by far is lounging on the beach and being served by the private beach butler who brings round complimentary ice cream, fresh fruit and water… TOTAL BLISS. Alternatively, guests can enjoy further relaxation in the Santiburi Spa, which offers treatments using healing Thai herbs and includes massages, manicures, pedicures and aromatic bath rituals.