Indigo Pearl, Phuket, Thailand

This five star hotel delivers convenience for the airport and quirky design, courtesy of Bill Bensley, to enhance a short stay in Phuket.

Decor is fashioned out of restyled artifacts sourced from a local tin factory - a sort of industrial chic - inspired by the tin mining history of Phuket, which is nicely offset by lots of wood. The theme is consitent throughout, including in the bedrooms where bolt-studded toiletry boxes and tin bins and industrial piping in the bathrooms complete the look.

Dining is varied and includes Thai, tapas and grills and also a pool side bar. The food is generally ver good, but the service can be a little slow though.

The hotel's accommodation consists of 227 rooms and villas, pool pavilions and suites which come with balconies.

Facilities include eight food and beverage outlets. three pools, a spa, a spacious state-of-the-art gym, a conference pavilion, kids' club, cookery school, home furnishing shop and even a florist.

The resort overlooks the Nai Yang beach is protected as part of the national parks but on the downside it is not pristine and Phuket has better beaches elsewhere. The resort also offers a Beach Club area but this is a short walk away. Alternatively there is a transfer service.

The hotel is ideal for the aiport but not so for Patong or Phuket town. However there is a hotel shuttle that will get you to Patong for around 500THB return.

Overall, the hotel is a design lover's dream, with ample facilities for a quiet, relaxing stay. Staff are and dining facilities are varied offering fresh, tasty food. The six different styles of room are comfortable and often spacious.

Standard room rate: 7280THB (around £117) per night

For more details and to book this hotel click here

21 July 2008