The Seven Seas Resort

Tropical island resort near Trang, with an atmosphere of utter relaxation and a setting of natural perfection

A beautiful, remote Thai island and peaceful, exclusive eco-resort, providing escapism at its best. Days here are slow and lazy, and the concerns of ordinary life seem a million miles away. The resort blends natural materials and modern design in a small collection of 32 bungalows, each with its own private seating - or more accurately, reclining - area. A chic black marble infinity pool provides a focal point for the resort; next to it, Barnacles bar is simple and chilled-out, while the open dining area provides a breezy refuge from the sun.

The resort’s main attraction, of course, is the glittering sea, with its shallow crystal-clear water, and the undeveloped tree-lined beach. If you can overcome the tremendous temptation to do nothing at all during your stay, explore Koh Kradan. It’s a natural wonderland, just 4km long, and its waters are teeming with brightly coloured fish and coral. Back at the hotel, let cool jazz sounds drift over you as you enjoy happy hour cocktails at the bar, before tasting local Thai specialities - or European classics - at the atmospheric restaurant.

Highs

• Unspoilt Koh Kradan is in the protected Hat Chao Mai national park. The beauty of the surrounding forest, the clarity of the sea, and quality of the marine life make for superb exploration
• Better still, this is the only resort on the island, and further development is prohibited
• Wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. Kingsized beds, mattresses on your verandah, sunloungers on soft sand... horizontal living is irresistible
• The restaurant has an excellent menu; Thai specialities are rendered perfectly
• A genuine commitment to limiting the resort's impact on its natural surroundings

Lows

• Service was patchy when we visited (early 2009) but it was still new and feedback suggests things have improved
• Room décor is bland - more could be made of the hotel's Thai heritage
• The idea of an outdoor bathroom is appealing but the reality can be uncomfortable. A high fence and low eaves protect privacy, but sound can carry
• The beach is a bit rocky when the tide is out
• Bit of a hassle to get to, but that's half the point