Detailed Location Map - Putahracsa Resort, Hua Hin

On arrival, I found Putahracsa Resort to be a place of peace and tranquility. A blend of modernity and tradition, it has been sensitively designed by Khun Vibon Techakalayatum, the interior designer husband of the Putahracsa's owner, Velvadi Sritrairatana.

I stayed in one of eight SanSky Villas with its own private swimming pool. The decor mixes minimalist concepts with the personal style of Vibon, a collector of antique Asian furniture. Each room has at least one piece from his own personal collection endowing it with individual charm and, where possible, all the wooden features are made from reclaimed and recycled materials.

As you would expect of a five-star resort, all rooms and villas have a choice of king size or twin beds, international direct phone connections and a mini-bar. The 27-inch flat screen television rotates 360 degrees and, throughout the resort, free wireless internet access is available. No detail has been overlooked, with the natural-slate 'do not disturb' notice fixed to a nail by a hemp cord enhancing the contemporary rustic feel.

Wall length sliding windows allow natural light to permeate the space and provide a view of the swimming pool, lawns and some of the many mature frangipani trees and palms that adorn the resort. The windows give access to a private terrace, outdoor daybeds and a roof-top 'lounge', where you can sip a long drink and watch the setting sun cast lengthening shadows over the resort.

The resorts' modern look is a reverential nod in the direction of the architectural oeuvre of Le Corbusier with its clean lines and lack of unnecessary ornamentation.

Low-rise accommodation forms a horseshoe around a large swimming pool that is filled by a cascading waterfall, while the villas' private pools are shielded from view by the use of plants and natural material screens - providing an ideal position to keep an eye on the kids.

Over at the bamboo-roofed day spa, there is a range of comprehensive treatments available, including jetlag treatments. For me, there was nothing better after a long drive from Bangkok than to submit to the tender touch of an expert masseuse and an oil massage so calming that I had to be gently woken at the end of the session.

Another treat was the stand-alone Nahb Talay restaurant, which is epicure heaven. The menu is extensive but will not strain the credit card. The most expensive main course is grilled rib-eye steak with gratin potatoes and grilled herbed tomatoes at 690 baht (£10). The traditional Thai dish of raw prawns with spicy sauce was a treat of delicate spices gracing the firmly textured prawns. I can truly say that I have never tasted this dish that good.

Just three hours away from hot and muggy Bangkok, Putahracsa offers a perfect get away from the stress of work and strains of everyday life. If you have hankered for the combination of rustic charm with the convenience of modern living and the calmness of a tropical island, you won't do better than the Putahracsa Resort.