Koh Lanta Hotels in

As the luxury cruiser sailed away from the floating jetty, I gazed back across the aquamarine sea. Pimalai - "Virgin Place" - grew increasingly difficult to discern against the tropical hillside vista. It was hard to believe that this 5-star boutique resort could blend so perfectly, like a wonderful secret, into the forest. I felt … Well, I can't say "like a virgin", but most definitely like a superstar.

Pimalai Resort and Spa prides itself on being eco-friendly. A haven of seclusion and privacy, the resort was created in 2001 by a team of experts including architects Habita, who designed the resort; Chakorn Niyomsuk, who was responsible for the "oasis of serenity" that is the Pimalai Spa; and Inside Out, who did the landscaping. The result? "A perfect blend of nature and luxury" as the brochure promises.

With its designer collection of exquisitely decorated rooms, suites and villas with private courtyard gardens; three superb restaurants; an art gallery; fitness room; library; and even a board room, this world-class resort offers dream packages for families, corporates or that romantic getaway.

Good news travels fast. Already the resort is full nearly to capacity most of the time - which is quite incredible, since you're only aware of other people at breakfast. So where are all these elusive guests the rest of the time? If they're not elephant trekking, mountain biking, canoeing, snorkelling, diving or sailing; and they're not lazing around the infinity-edge swimming pool or enjoying the beach, then they might just be in the Spa because this is, without a doubt, the star attraction.

With a menu of detoxifying body wraps and various massages, this is the ultimate in luxury. Indulge yourself, as we did, in Asian Aroma massages. Choose from a selection of oils inspiring meditation, patience, clarity, intention or respect and lie with your partner on the twin beds marvelling at Chakorn's ceiling, reminiscent of a bamboo bird cage. Meditative music fills the room, a towel is placed gently over your eyes and you inhale the intoxicating aroma of your chosen oil. The deeply relaxing, long slow movements of the massage are designed to bring harmony to body and spirit, the pleasure heightened by knowing that your partner is sharing a similar experience just beside you.

All this relaxation is bound to give you an appetite. Just a short walk along the beach, conveniently enough, awaits delicious Thai food served under a fairy-lit beachside cabana with the gentle wash of the surf. We fancied something Western this evening, however, so we made our way to the upstairs restaurant and enjoyed New Zealand tenderloin steak with a fine Chianti Fonterutoli 1998. Dessert, for me, was a melt-in-the-mouth chocolate brownie, a specialty of the house. My other half chose to enjoy some cognac with a Monte Cristo No. 4 Havana cigar.

Backstage, general manager Franck de Lestapis choreographs proceedings, expertly contributing to the superb service and atmosphere. (Incidentally, for any other people named de Lestapis planning to pass through Pimalai, Franck has a book tracing the family history back as far as the 14th century.) In keeping with Pimalai's ecological ideals, most of the 206 employees are hired from local villages. The service is naturally friendly and welcoming.

The beach at Pimalai is a jewel in this resort's crown. To ensure that this haven remains virginal, staff keep the beach immaculately groomed. This is definitely superstar heaven, and I wouldn't have been surprised to find Madonna or Sting practicing yoga on the beach. Not that I had time for celebrity spotting. I was too busy relaxing.