Valerie Ng stays at the Avista Hideaway Spa and Resort in the fabled Thai getaway, tasting the life of a princess.

While planning my trip to Phuket in Thailand, I decided not to do any run-of-the-mill touristy stuff since I'd been there before.

The plan was to just chill out and breathe in some fresh air.

A boat ride to revisit Phi Phi Islands for some sea breeze and nature also sounded good.

After a dramatic flight, my host Avista Hideaway Spa and Resort suggested that I take a good rest after having something to eat on arrival at about noon local time.

Dear (name of a customer service officer) received me at the airport and asked me what I wanted for lunch - food could be sent to my room the minute I enter my sanctuary.

The ride from the airport to Avista took an hour. I chose padthai, fried flat noodles Thai style while still in transit.

But the breathtaking view from the lobby upon arrival - blue skies, sea and mountains - beckoned me out of the opulent pool suite after a quick shower and my noodles, the best I have tasted since I went to Bangkok about a year ago.

The 150-room Avista Hideaway is not just another resort. The warm-hearted service is so complete there is even personal butler service.

But I told myself I would enjoy the room later. Its expansive 145 square meters has a warm, stylish contemporary Thai design with indoor-outdoor living. It is called the pool suite because it has a Jacuzzi pool on the patio.

This is how magnificent it is - guests can choose to shower with a roof over their head or under the open sky.

After a brief walk around, I headed to Aqua, the spa center. Alvin James, the in-house Ayurvedic doctor, welcomed me.

He took my pulse and blood pressure and asked me some lifestyle questions. He then explained what Ayurveda is about and his preliminary diagnosis of my body type.

He then suggested the type of food I should have and what I shouldn't. He passed the list to Executive Chef Tim Westaway, who prepared a tailored menu based on my body structure. I immediately built up an appetite for dinner.

James also proposed that I go for Sukko treatment, a combination of Thai and aromatherapy massage.

From a tray with seven types of essential oils, I chose one called Sports Solution. A mixture of lemon grass and various citrus fruits, it is supposed to rejuvenate a tired body, which is exactly what I needed.

The massage prepared me for a cocktail on the rooftop terrace bar with the best sunset view.

As I shared the spectacular sight with some other guests and General Manager Mohnish Chandwaskar, we witnessed the sky turn from hues of blue to orange, pinkish and then dark blue as the sun abruptly dropped over the horizon, all within about 30 minutes. Captivating.

With the sunset, the temperature cooled and the best venue for dinner was on the rooftop overlooking Karon Bay on one side and Patong Bay on the other. Marvelous.

Dinner was prepared onsite by Chef Westaway and his assistants. James joined us, elaborating on why each ingredient was recommended to bring equilibrium to my body.

I was warned before the meal that some of the ingredients were chosen to suit my body and no enhancers were used, so the food might not taste good. But I polished off every bowl and plate because Chef Westaway creatively mixed the fresh ingredients so well that no artificial flavoring was needed.

As I walked back to the room after dinner in the cool evening, I was mesmerized by the night view of the resort transformed by dim blue and warm yellow lights.

Looking up at the sky, I realized I hadn't seen so many stars in a while - the neon lights in Beijing are too bright.

Spread out more than 1.6 hectares of hilltop land, the resort feels spacious and private.

Another surprise awaited me in the room. The housekeeping staff had cooled the room, switching on the air conditioning and dimming the lights. They also delivered strawberry macaroons, a bottle of water, an eye mask and a small bottle of lavender oil to help me sleep better.

I felt like a princess in paradise.

The resort is aptly called Avista Hideaway, the perfect sanctuary for singles, honeymooners, couples or families. I can also envision it as a haven for tropical weddings. And for those who want to experience the vibrancy of town, it is only a 5 to 10 minute to the Patong area and Jung Ceylon, Phuket's largest mall. Shuttle or private limousine, your choice.

Contact the writer at valerie@chinadaily.com.cn.

(China Daily 05/01/2013 page10)