Mangosteen Ayurveda & Wellness Resort

The Mangosteen Resort and Ayurveda Spa is a quiet -- mostly adult -- property with five tropical acres and gorgeous views of Chalong Bay from its hillside location. Since opening its doors in 2003, the family-owned resort has catered mostly to couples and solo travelers. Time-shares are also sold on-site, but there's not a pushy sales push. Interior designs -- by Australian designer John Underwood -- bring the outdoors inside, and combine Western furnishings with Thai decor. The hexagon wooden front desk has aquariums on its base. The open-air lobby, with rattan furniture, overlooks the lush gardens.

The saltwater, heated pool is open 24 hours a day. It's like an outdoor lagoon with blue tiles, bridges, islands, an infinity drop-off with sea views, and fountains. The Ayurveda Spa features lovely pitched ceilings, wooden furnishings, treatment rooms with natural light, a hot tub room, a steam room, and detox programs. There’s also a 24-hour fitness center that has large windows, which let in lots of natural light, weights, and cardio equipment.

The resort is reachable via a slightly bumpy, weathered road. The Rawai location, in Phuket’s southeastern coast, is perfect for a quiet vacation. The airport is a 44-minute drive. Guests recommend the Stoned Crab Pub, a 10-minute walk. There are more restaurants, shops, and bars within walking distance. The resort’s free shuttle goes to the Nai Harn Beach in 10 minutes. Kata Noi Beach is 13 minutes away by car. Driving to the Big Buddha statue takes 22 minutes. It’s an 11-minute drive to the Wat Chalong Temple. The Promthep Cape is a seven-minute drive. Phuket town is 18 minutes away by car.

There are Superior (garden and hot tub), Deluxe, Royal (garden and balcony whirlpool) and Family whirlpool suites. Villas and suites have terra-cotta floors, pitched ceilings, colorful glass doors, and wooden floors. Open-air bathrooms have rainfall showerheads, pebble floors, tiki ceilings, hand-crafted sinks and whirlpool tubs. Standard features include welcome drinks, spa vouchers, minibars, beach towels, fresh fruit, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, coffee/tea makers, safes, air-conditioning, light dimmers, slippers, bathrobes,  and free daily bottled water. Terraces or balconies offer hammocks and garden or sea views. Two-floor family suites with whirlpools have spiral staircases, iPod docks, two bedrooms, two living areas, two bathrooms, terraces, balconies with hot tubs, and kitchens with microwaves, toasters, espresso machines, and dining tables.

The hotel fosters a social environment with weekly wine tastings at the Wine Cellar, a romantic underground room with arched bricked walls and ceilings, barbecue dinners, and theme nights -- including Thai Food Lovers Night and Five Gems of Asia.

The Mangosteen Restaurant serves Mediterranean and Asian cuisine in an open-air setting with terrace seating, overlooking the pool. The swim-up pool bar offers happy hour.

Free Thai cooking, batik painting, and animal towel folding classes are offered. There are also local market tours, pool diving lessons, and yoga classes.