U Zenmaya Phuket

Situated right on the Andaman Sea, the U Zenmaya has beautiful views from many of the rooms and common areas. The small, four-story hotel doesn't make much of an impression, with its tan-and-brown facade and simple wood-beam awning. But the lobby is a bit more memorable: A mod, circular wicker chair orbited by several wire-legged ottomans give the room a graphic punch -- as does the laser-cut metallic triangles suspended from the roof. But none of it is particularly comfortable, and the more subdued upholstered benches topped with stripped pillows make far better seating. Other common spaces have designer details like exposed brick, ink-black beanbag chairs, and bentwood chairs, but the overall look can feel loud and forced. This small boutique property attracts vacationing couples in search of a romantic retreat. But design-conscious couples should also consider the Foto Hotel in Phuket with a more secluded location and stronger, more stylish decor.

Located right on the Andaman Sea, U Zenmaya Phuket is in an area with a few other hotels and resorts but not a lot else. Phuket Fantasea is a 10-minute drive away, and getting to Patong Beach takes around 12 minutes. The Phuket International Airport is a 45-minute drive away.

A single patterned throw pillow on top of the bed adds the one drop of color to guest rooms, otherwise awash in soft, restful neutrals. Off-white linens, dove-gray cabinets, and warm wood furniture and panelling provide a tasteful atmosphere, though there's little connecting the decor to Thailand. All rooms have balconies, but they vary greatly in size and view, from roadside to beach, and some even have direct pool access. Upscale amenities include minibars, safes, bathrobes, slippers, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Bathrooms are beautifully finished in patterned tile, wooden shelves, and white vessel sinks. Most rooms (all but the Superior, base category) have whirlpools in the rooms or by the balconies. Guests staying in Junior Suites, all of which have direct pool access, get a free one-hour spa treatment for two with their stay. For those staying in one of the three Seaview Suites, the spa treatments are extended to two hours. 

Given its status as a small boutique, the hotel features a good-sized fitness center. Along with treadmills, exercise bikes, and resistance machines, there's a stack of free weights and a few Swiss balls. Guest can also break a sweat outside, using one of the hotel's loaner mountain bikes. 

Arguably the property's best feature, the Zensala Spa offers a wide variety of European, Indian, and Thai treatments and services, including scrubs, wraps, and facials. Located on the ground floor, the spa doesn't get much light, but the decor uses that to its advantage, hanging dramatic lanterns in the hallways to set off the concrete floors. But the pretreatment lounge area with its leather recliners feels a little less chic.

The hotel's stunning outdoor infinity pool has an edge that seems to drop off into the coastal view. It's fronted with a row of shaded loungers, and a few metal loungers are set on a ledge an inch into the water. Unfortunately, given the pool's long narrow space and shallow depth, it's really best for a dip (versus swimming laps). 

There's also a pretty, sunny library encased in blonde wood with picture windows that look out onto the sea. Chairs and beanbags give lots of lounging space to read some of the books and magazines in English. 

The hotel's restaurant, Zenscape, offers Thai, Italian, French, and American items. They put a heavy emphasis on seafood dishes -- including some unusual Thai-Mexican fusion menu items -- although they also have plenty of red meat, poultry, and vegetarian dishes available. There are also two bars: Zeacret, a dark, urban-looking lounge bar complete with a pool table, and Breezes Pool Bar, which, as the name suggests, serves poolside cocktails.