Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort ★★★★★

We had a stroke of luck on our descent into Thailand: the pilot drew our attention to the views from our small aeroplane window of the marvellous Phang Nga bay below, with its glittering waters and pearl-white sands. A simply magical sight; even before landing I knew I was under the spell of this bewitching location. Jet-lag weariness gave the forty-five minute transfer a surreal, dreamy sensation, as postcard-perfect scenery and National Geographic-worthy cityscapes whizzed past our window. With the Andaman Sea lapping the sugary sands beyond the infinity pool, and verdant palms offering dappled shade to relax out of the direct heat of the sun, the Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort was even better than I had imagined it would be.

It was hot, though, very hot. The air conditioning in the luxurious lobby relieves the heat, though the reception received there was warm and friendly. The attentive, accommodating hospitality of the staff at the Pullman cannot be overstressed. We’d reserved a Pool Villa with a sea view – in contemporary Thai style, the chic Zen interior design of the villas immediately elicits a calming sense of serenity. I breeze into our bright, airy bedroom and collapse indelicately on our vast bed. What feels like moments later, I am roused by a gentle shake, the smell of fresh coffee, and the stunning, scarlet skies of the sunset over the sea. After an invigorating dip in our pool, we make our way to Octo, the hotel bar, for a complimentary cocktail before dinner at Azur, one of the resort’s four restaurants, offering an authentic Thai experience as well as a chance to socialise with other patrons at the community table.

It wouldn’t be fair if you made it all this way to Phuket and didn’t capitalise on the Thalay Spa at the Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach: I surrendered myself to the expert hands of a Thai masseuse who adeptly pummelled my back, knotted from the long flight, in an airy, outdoor massage. The spa is guided by the culture and spirituality of south-east Asia, and takes inspiration from the five Chinese elements to create a calming, rejuvenating ambience.

Whatever you go for, you’re sure not to be disappointed – I think it would be virtually impossible in a resort as stunning as this. Combining outstanding natural beauty with outstanding levels of service, and an excellent range of amenities providing fun for the whole family, returning to real life after our dream holiday at the Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort is certainly going to be difficult.