Amanpuri, Phuket, Thailand

The famous hotelier Adrian Zecha opened this, the first of his Amanresorts, here on the west coast of Thailand midway between the Malay and Burmese borders in 1988. The fact a real architect was involved (Ed Tuttle) gives you a clue as to what to expect - a designer resort par excellence, regularly voted amongst the top half dozen resorts of the world by Conde Nast Traveler and The Hideaway Report, with its famous and magnificent black slate pool, and its zen-like bedrooms that make you think you want to become a Buddhist. If you like this kind of thing, and can handle a certain self-obsessed breed of luxury traveller (mostly Anglo-Saxon) who call themslves 'Amanjunkies', then this is the place where it all began. Effortlessly luxurious with faultless service, it's only drawback - for those who care - is that this kind of designer elegance can date.

As well as the 40 'pavilions', each 115 square metres, 30 private villas with private pools and cooks means you can fly in and out of here without ever knowing you've been 'abroad' - you've simply bought a (temporary) slice of heaven. Thai massage, beauty treatments, scuba diving, its own boat and flood-lit tennis complete the picture. Perfect for relaxation, inspiring for revolutionaries - barefoot luxury at its most sophisticated.

Ko Phuket, despite its grungy backpacker reputation to match its cousin Ko-Samui on the opposite coast, is still a paradise destination, with plenty to explore - the virgin jungle of Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, Phang Nga Bay where The Man with the Golden Gun was shot, spectacular Buddhist temples and unparalleled snorkling and diving in the surrounding Andaman sea.

To get there go by plane to Phuket, then a half hour ride by road to the resort. Best time: November to March.