Twinpalms Phuket

Rooms

All of the 76 original rooms and suites are modelled on the same basic design. Set in a horseshoe around the pool, they have a contemporary tropical feel with parquet floors, bespoke furnishings in tones of cream, cappuccino and chocolate, and vivid original art - commissioned from local artists – adorns the walls. Big bouncy kingsized beds with fat pillows folded like Pitons have cockpit controls for everything that can be turned on or off electronically (such as the aircon, lights, TV, DVD, CD players and the ceiling fan), and the headboard doubles as a desk for perching your laptop on (free WiFi comes as standard).

In the Deluxe rooms, an opening between twin wardrobes leads to the glass-walled loo and walk-in rain shower, and to the separate dressing room.

Indulgent bathrooms are kitted out with His and Hers sinks, luxurious toiletries in generous jars, and loads of sumptuous towels. Delightful in-room extras include a cafetiere for fresh espresso, beach sandals (which everyone falls back on in the tropical rain), chocolates and fruit.

But best of all are the shady terraces that overlook the sparkling pool. There’s room for two to sprawl and snooze on the sofas, a fan to keep you cool and soft lighting so you can sit out with your Travel Scrabble and a glass of Montrachet long after the moon’s in the sky.

Grand Deluxe rooms are bigger, have shuttered terraces for added privacy and jacuzzi baths as well as rain showers. The Palm and Lagoon Suites are even more luxurious with spacious terraces and smart sitting rooms. The vast Two-Bed varieties have two ensuite bathrooms plus an additional toilet. You also benefit from butler service. All rooms and suites with Lagoon in the title connect directly to the shared saltwater Lagoon pool via their private terrace.

The real luxury, however, is to be found in the celebrity price-tagged one- and two-bedroom Penthouse and Presidential Penthouse. These are set back from the main hotel area, and are, strictly speaking, the kind of place you want to live in. Forever. Designs vary but expect egg-shaped granite baths, double-height sitting rooms, complimentary minibars, iPods and docks, separate dining areas, plasma screen TVs and serious sound systems. Some also have wine cellars, cigar humidors and a courtyard, garden or rooftop plunge pool!

These rooms also give you private access to the Residence Lounge for breakfast and cocktails, and separate car parking. Views from the Residences, however, can be disappointing with some windows facing walls or an unloved patch of ground next door. If looking out matters more than what’s inside, be sure to let Twinpalms know when you book.