Since its opening in 1988, the Thai beach resort of Amanpuri has established an enviable reputation for personal service, fine cuisine and watersports activities, all of which complement the natural beauty of its tropical island surroundings.

Located on the west coast of Phuket, Thailand's largest island, Amanpuri is surrounded by the Andaman Sea. The resort's 40, Thai-style pavilions and 30 private villa homes are interspersed throughout a mature coconut plantation.

Amanpuri, a Sanskrit word meaning "place of peace," reflects its name in more ways than one. The entrance sala, surrounded by lotus ponds, overlooks the resort's main swimming pool, the restaurants and bar.

Phuket island is located 890 kilometers south of Bangkok. Frequent, hour-long flights from Bangkok land at Phuket airport each day. Amanpuri is a 20-minute, 17-kilometer scenic drive from the airport. Complimentary private car transfers to and from Phuket Airport are available. Travel by car from Bangkok takes about 12 hours.

The resort's guest accommodations of 40 pavilions are interspersed within a coconut plantation connected by elevated walkways with colonnades. Also available for rental and adjoining the resort to the north, are 30 thai villa homes managed by Amanpuri.

The resort's pavilions are 115 square metres each, including the private outdoor terrace. Pavilion rates are determined according to view and location. Pavilions 103 and 105 enjoy the best views of the Andaman Sea. Two Deluxe Ocean Pavilions come with sea views,while 5 Superior Ocean Pavilions have partial sea views. The 27 Superior Garden Pavilions are interspersed among the coconut palms, while the remaining four pavilions are located close to the resort's central buildings.

All pavilions feature an outdoor sala (sundeck and dining terrace),a king size bed, separate bath and shower, refrigerator with fully stocked mini-bar, electronic safe, stereo CD cassette system, IDD service and air-conditioning.

Villas - Adjacent to the resort, hidden away among the coconut palms, are 30 privately owned Amanpuri villas, most of them with ocean-front settings.

Each villa consists of 2 to 6 separate (Amanpuri-styled) bedrooms finished with Thai furnishings, art and antiques. Villas also enjoy a private pool plus living and dining Thai salas. A live-in maid and cook attend to all guests' needs, including the preparation of Thai cuisine in the private kitchen. The villas are also ideal for business meetings.

• The Terrace restaurant offers casual, all-day dining in an al fresco setting and features Thai and European specialities.
• The Restaurant serves Italian cuisine. Both restaurants are located beside the swimming pool.
• The Bar offers poolside drinks and snacks. At last light, half a dozen tables and chairs are set out along the terrace between the pool and the steps leading to the beach. The view is to the sun setting on the Andaman Sea.

• Same day laundry/dry cleaning
• Complimentary newspapers
• Taxi, Car and Jeep rental
• Foreign exchange
• Fax & Telex services
• Tour guides
• Medical services