Atmosphere: A lush garden oasis tucked away in the west of Krabi Province, facing the Andaman Sea, The Tubkaak, which means “home for visitors” in the local language, is the perfect hideaway for nature-loving travellers looking to avoid the soullessness of massive chain resorts.

The resort’s owner is a feng shui master, so many elements of the masterplan follow feng shui principals that promote harmony and wellbeing. The intimate, humancentric scale of the architecture together with verdant greenery and a natural stream flowing through the property makes one feel settled and at ease almost immediately upon checking in.

Incredibly romantic, with fewer than 60 rooms, The Tubkaak is an ideal choice for wedding celebrations. Brides, grooms and lovebirds can swoon not only at each other, but also at the elegantly designed villas, calm, soft-sand beach, tropical garden landscape and breathtaking sunsets. The beach, restaurant and garden paths are great spots of memorable wedding or honeymoon photographs.

Rooms: The resort has 59 rooms – 16 Superior Rooms, 16 Deluxe Rooms four Garden Rooms, four Seaview Rooms, 12 Premier Pool Villas, four Beach Pool Villas, the Laurel Suite, Haven Suite and the two-bedroom Tubkaak Suite.

The exterior of the buildings follow the Southern Thai vernacular with curved roofs adorned with horn shaped details that mimic the stern of Royal Thai barges. Most rooms have high vaulted wooden ceilings, and all are illuminated with soft warm lighting, which can be adjusted with a dimmer function.

Decorated in contemporary Thai style with clean, simple lines and plenty of natural materials such as teak and stone, the rooms and villas are all equipped with an outdoor sunken bathtub, indoor or outdoor shower, refrigerator, Nespresso machine, tea making facilities, mini-bar, Satellite TV, a DVD player, free Wi-Fi, sandals and a beach bag.

The Superior Rooms on the ground level have small terraces with easy access to the pool, while the Deluxe Rooms on the upper levels have comfy balconies with a plush lounging seat with cushions.

Sheltered by tall, mature trees and vegetation, the villas are suites are all uniquely designed, and each comes with Bose sound system and a private plunge pool (some big enough for laps), sun loungers and spacious outdoor decks where couples can swim and relax in complete privacy or enjoy in-room dining under the stars.

Facilities: There is a free-form pool with a shaded Jacuzzi in the middle, and a drinks cart nearby for afternoon fruit juices, ice-cream and cocktails, an air-conditioned gym with garden views, and sea kayaks that guests can use for free.

The L’escape Spa has cocooned, treatment rooms, which feel a little like an Native American tepee imbued with an almost mystical quality of light. Designed to accommodate couples, the Spa is a great place to enjoy an hour or two of pampering.

Dining: Fringed by a picturesque pond, the charming and breezy sea-facing Arundina is an all-day restaurant where a delicious buffet breakfast is served every morning.

In the evenings, an a la carte menu as well as various Thai set dinner menus with exotic items such as fresh banana flower with roasted coconut are available. At the opposite end of the beach to Arudina is Di Mare Italian restaurant, which serves fresh seafood and scrumptious pastas and pizzas.

Location: The Tubkaak is about a fourty-minute drive from the main town of Krabi, just off a peaceful side road with a handful of high-end hotels. Located between the Hang Nak Mountain and Tubkaak beach, while standing near the shore, you’ll can see vistas of the 13 islands that rise out for the Andaman Sea. The twin islands of Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi across from Tubkaak beach provide shelter from storms, so waters here are often calm and great for long, leisurely swims.

Service: Expect warm Thai hospitality with plenty of smiles.

Things to do while here: Swim in the ocean, the main pool or your own private pool. Enjoy a massage or body treatment at the L’escape Spa. Rent a mountain bike and explore the Tab Kak Hang Nak Hill Nature Trail, rent a sea kayak, visit the nearby islands, or canoe through mangrove forests. Sign up for a Thai cooking class. Take a day trip Hong Island or the Phi Phi Islands, or just relax on the beach and soak up some sun.

Room rate at time of Review: THB 8,500 (US$238) to THB 34,000 (US$955) per night. Price upon application for Laurel Suite and Haven Suite

Address: The Tubkaak Boutique Resort Krabi. 123 Moo 3, Tumbol Nongtalay, Amphur Muang, Krabi 81180, Thailand. Tel: +(66) 7562-8456, rsvn@tubkaakresort.com