Escape to paradise on a small tropical island near Phuket

The Racha, Thailand’s premier deluxe island hideaway, is set on a pristine beach on Racha Island; only 12 miles south of Phuket and 35 minutes by speed boat from Phuket’s Chalong Bay. The resort features 85 luxurious villas and strives to be recognised as a leader in responsible and environmentally sustainable tourism. The island is known for its natural beauty and is since long known for its excellent corals and marine life.

Indulge mind, body and spirit at The Racha – an eco-luxury beach resort fringed by the powdery sands of Batok Bay. By day you can learn everything from Thai cookery and craft making to diving in the Andaman. While evenings are made for cocktails and stargazing, after dinner in one of the resort’s three signature restaurants. With 85 private retreats dotted across twenty acres of lush grounds, The Racha is the ultimate get-away-from-it-all escape.

Each villa blends minimalist elegance with the ultimate in creature comforts – and celebrates the tropical setting. There are private terraces, open-air rain showers and outdoor daybeds to make the most of the laid-back ambience. Many have their own ozonated infinity-edge or plunge pool – complete with music that’s piped-in to enjoy even when you’re in the water. Indoors, you’ll find a crisp, pure white palette alongside rich wood furniture, and spacious rooms featuring plenty of modern touches. For sheer indulgence, ask for the Lighthouse, a separate five-story pool retreat with panoramic island views and its own private pool.

When it’s time to get out and explore, the best of the island’s treasures are right on your doorstep. You could arrange a tailor-made scuba class and tour, discovering the colourful world beneath the Andaman. Or head off the verdant grounds, to nature – on a hiking, kayaking or mountain-biking trip. For something a little more adrenalin-filled, try an ATV ride across the countryside. Then return to The Racha for an afternoon of pampering at the world-acclaimed Anumba Spa, complete with an ocean-facing gym and OM Studio.

Accommodation

DELUXE VILLAS are laid out in pairs and share a detached pavilion. They are luxuriously appointed with private terraces and spacious bathrooms. They offer indoor and outdoor showers.

GRAND DELUXE VILLAS are individual and larger, with some boasting sea views. They offer a large living area and spacious private terrace.

GRAND TERRACE POOL VILLAS offer a large living area and spacious private terrace. A private swimming or plunge pool are located within the prime areas of the resort.

GRAND POOL SUITES feature private infinity-edge swimming pools overlooking the Andaman Sea, a large sundeck and an open-air relaxation pavilion. All pool suites occupy prime sites within the resort.

LIGHTHOUSE which sleeps six. This superb five-storey villa with private pool, terrace, sundeck and observation lounge offers magnificent 360° degree views of Racha island and the Andaman Sea. It features two magnificent master bedrooms on the lower floors, both with gorgeous bathrooms and jacuzzis, two separate single rooms on the upper floors, one with a convertible daybed and one with a single bed.

JUNIOR POOL SUITES feature the latest in multimedia entertainment and a very private pool with jacuzzi. All villas offer a large bedroom with a king-sized and outdoor terraces to enjoy the sea views. The spacious bathroom comes with a relaxing spa bathtub and offers both indoor and outdoor showers.

2 BEDROOM GRAND POOL SUITES offer spacious bedrooms and luxurious ensuite bathrooms. They have two indoor daybeds, a large infinity edge pool with underwater music and jacuzzi with large pool terrace and outdoor daybed to enjoy the spectacular sunset views over the Andaman Sea. The large master bedroom offers an oversized jacuzzi bathtub for two and has indoor showers as well as an outdoor rain shower.

SPA POOL SUITES feature a large living room and bedroom with a generous ensuite bathroom and boast an intimately designed indoor/outdoor jacuzzi pool. A full glass wall allows views of the pool while relaxing in the state-of-the-art living room either on the luxurious sofa or indoor day bed. The large ensuite bathroom offers a jacuzzi.