La Veranda

A smart colonial-style beachside resort on Phu Quoc island with white sands, a cool pool and warmly elegant rooms

If you’re looking for a smart beachside hotel with lush gardens, glimmering pool, handsome architecture and attentive staff, you’ll find it here. La Veranda descends through manicured grounds to the Gulf of Thailand, where beach attendants rake the white sands each morning and position sun loungers strategically to effect the perfect tan. It comes in grand colonial style with wide shaded verandas, ceiling fans whirling in the bar, sea views shooting off from an elegant pool and a pretty spa for massage and treatments. Those looking to lie low in the sun will find heaven.

Bedrooms are a treat: airy, uncluttered, elegantly tiled. Villas (really more like suites) are nearer to the sea and have the better views, but all rooms have terraces or balconies and those at the back overlook soaring palms. The odd island diversion will pull you away. Sail south to small islets and snorkel and dive; kayak on the river; check out island markets. Come back for a good dinner - buffets on the beach are held once a week.

Highs

• The position here is intoxicating: green gardens, blue pool, white sands
• Airy bedrooms have an understated chic and open onto terraces or balconies
• Warm colonial-style buildings sit in their landscape gracefully
• Blazing sunsets streak the Gulf of Thailand red

Lows

• Not all the rooms and villas have sea views
• The food is fine, but it’s not the strongest suit and the menu is pretty expensive