Aleenta Phuket Resort & Spa

The Aleenta’s design is unmistakably modern, minimalist, and Zen-like, and finished to a high standard, starting with the understated low-rise white-cubed exterior that looks almost Mediterranean. Inside, the charming lobby has high, dark-wood ceilings that are offset by floor-to-ceiling windows and open areas on all sides, which add to the overall bright and airy ambience. Splashes of color from the large centerpiece display of fresh flowers complement plush, neutral-colored cushioned seating and a mix of black-tile and gray-granite flooring. The overall look is one of streamlined elegance, and it continues throughout the property's grounds, with sloping decorative ponds and waterfalls running alongside walkways, and luxurious sunbeds suspended above the water of the infinity pool. A simple but attractive swim-up pool bar offers both submerged stools and an interior cushioned seating area, with a gray-and-orange color scheme and a mix of chunky wooden sofas, modish woven chairs, and a smattering of circular mirrors. The Natai restaurant’s contemporary look combines white ceilings and massive windows with a mix of tiled and dark-wood-paneled flooring; tanned-wood tables and chairs are spruced up with chic cushions and vases of fresh flowers. On the beach itself, sofa-style seating, bean bags, and parasols provide posh spots to sunbathe.

Situated on Natai beach in a peaceful area of Khok Kloi, the Aleenta Phuket Resort & Spa is relatively isolated. The quiet road outside has little to offer except a small convenience store; the resort is perfect for relaxing, but it's far from the raucous Phuket nightlife. A 30-minute drive north of Phuket Airport, the Aleenta is more than an hour from both Phuket town and the beach resort of Patong. Ao Phang Nga National Park is about a 40-minute drive away.

Of the 40 rooms, Beachfront Suites, with plush beds on raised wooden platforms, are airy and spacious. Dressed in chic brown and white linens, beds are set against dark-green accent walls and below a chiffon canopy. Low bedside tables have iPod docks illuminated by bedside lantern-style lights. An additional single bed sits by the floor-to-ceiling windows that cover two sides of the room, while the heavy curtains can block out the light if required, which means the rooms offer little privacy other than in darkness. Along with flat-screen TVs and DVD players, bar counters have free fresh fruit, coffee- and tea-making facilities, ice buckets and kettles, minibars with both spirits and beers, and safes. Bright bathrooms, with stone flooring and mosaic detailing, have both large jetted bathtubs and walk-in rainfall showers. A skylight trimmed with greenery brings in the outdoors. There are also generous storage and dressing spaces in the bathrooms as well as dual vessel sinks and large mirrors. A fair-size, well-maintained pool shared with the neighboring villa fringes the pleasantly shaded wood-decked patios, which have large tables and chairs.

The Aleenta’s duplex Ocean View Lofts are likewise bright, with white walls and blond-wood used to beautiful effect in the suspended stairs; beds are on raised wooden platforms backed by windowed room dividers overlooking work desks with phones and iPod docks. Downstairs, floor-to-ceiling windows front large, marble-floored open living areas with sofas, side tables, and built-in flat-screen TV units with bookshelves, minibars, and safes. The wood-ceilinged, stone-walled bathrooms, which incorporate a generous dressing space, have a spa-like feel. A raised jetted bathtub sits in one corner, along with a walk-in rainfall shower, standalone vessel sink, large mirror, and suspended soft lighting. Touches like ladder-style towel rails add more elegance. The decked patio area has sea views and direct step access to a large shared pool, but it's unfurnished.

The two-bedroom Pool Residence Rooms have spacious living rooms with  large dining tables and daybed-style sofas with low tables, plus  well-equipped kitchenettes with stoves, kettles, toasters, ovens, microwaves, and full-size refrigerators. The master bedrooms have their large beds on raised platforms against tanned-wood blinds that open onto the bathrooms, and flat-screen TVs. Floor-to-ceiling windows open onto balconies, while separate, second balconies have views of the grounds, and smaller second bedrooms come with twin beds and impressive views of the private pool. The spa-style bathrooms are similar to those in the Ocean Lofts, though larger, with a built-in, wood-mounted jetted bathtub and walk-in rainfall shower. Heavy wooden doors add extra elegance, while blinds back the wide sinks and tall mirrors.

While lacking ocean views, the Pool Residence rooms are more secluded than other options, and offer more privacy than the exposed Beachfront Suites in particular. Note that there are reports of noisy air-conditioning units in some rooms, and that some of the more expensive villas, which come with chef, chauffeur, and butler service, are located a fair way from the resort’s main facilities.

In addition to the number of smaller pools that are either private or shared by guests in a number of rooms, the Aleenta’s long, pebble-fringed main infinity pool runs alongside the resort’s restaurants and offers sea views. But the prime spot to take a swim is the beach itself, a well-maintained stretch of white sand elegantly outfitted with couches, bean-bag sunbeds, loungers, and parasols. There are two restaurants on-site, Edge for modern Asian fusion, and Natai for more traditional Thai cuisine -- which are generally popular, but some guests have complained that food and service are inconsistent, especially at Edge. Both restaurants have indoor and alfresco seating. There are also a swim-up pool bar and rooftop bar. The resort offers cooking classes, a supervised children’s playroom, and babysitting services. The Ayurah Wellness Center spa offers designer skincare products and therapies, and the resort offers free bicycle rental. Wi-Fi is free and reliable throughout the property.