Tucked away amidst the verdure of Sirinath National Park, overlooking the serene Bang Tao Bay, the Anantara Phuket Layan resort is a perfect place to relax and recharge at the end of a busy Thai holiday or during a weekend getaway. Accommodations consist of luxurious rooms and pool villas scattered across the hillside or close to the beach.
Our deluxe pool villa with private sun deck is well equipped with all the usual features including excellent free wifi and Apple TV but also less common treats like its own wine cooler – it seemed only right to while away part of an evening sipping nicely chilled grape in the huge outdoor bathtub built for two.
The scent of jasmine and orange blossom delights the nostrils as you wander around the lush grounds exchanging ‘sawasdees’ with the staff working tirelessly keep the gardens pristine. Drag yourself away from the privacy of your private pool and you’ll find the beautiful beachside infinity pool. Relax here or take advantage of the free water sports, and the shallow calm waters of the bay, and try your hand at kayaking or sailing a hobbie cat.
In the evening you can choose from three on-site restaurants or opt for a romantic private dinner on the beach. For short stays there’s little reason to leave the resort but for those staying longer the shops and restaurants of Laguana town are a ten minute taxi ride away or you can visit some of the neighbouring resorts.
From Muay Thai (kick boxing) to cookery classes to private sessions with expert wellness coaches, and the children’s Chang Club, Anantara Phuket Layan has something for everyone, all delivered in a tranquil and beautiful corner of Thailand’s biggest island.
From US$270 for a deluxe pool villa with breakfast
– The resort asks guests not to use their mobiles outside of their room meaning that all-important tranquility is maintained;
– Outdoor Muay Thai ring for guests’ use;
– The shallow, calm sea is ideal for youngsters or those not very confident in the water
– There’s nothing much within walking distance
+66 76 317 200 
phuketlayan@anantara.com
Steve and Candice
Review Team
Lake Titicaca is a beautiful lake, and Taypikala Lago is a hotel which sits right on its shores, perfect for lapping up the views.
This Peruvian-owned hotel is 15 minutes outside the hustle and bustle (and steep streets) of Puno. Quiet flower- and bird-filled gardens separate the hotel from the bright blue waters of the lake.
The hotel is large — 77 rooms, including nine triples, four suites and three junior suites. The hallways are decorated with lovely handmade fabrics and crafts. The on-site shop sells similar items at excellent prices and will inspire your gift-giving.
Taypikala is able to host large groups, and has two conference rooms. Groups looking for a spiritual experience favour the hotel, with its labyrinth maze in the garden, places to meditate, and proximity to Inca Uyo, the temple of fertility, in the village of Chucuito.
If you’re travelling with children, Taypikala is a good choice: there’s space for them to run around, often sheep grazing nearby, table tennis and foozball tables, as well as a small indoor pool, 6-person jacuzzi, sauna, and yoga room (you’ll need to advise staff in advance to use the sauna (4 hours) and jacuzzi (24 hours)). Everyone will appreciate the extensive buffet breakfast with its delicious fresh juices and wide selection, as well as the large portions at dinner.
At 3,830 meters (12, 566 feet) above sea level, Lake Titicaca and its shores are chilly at night (approaching freezing temperatures, though space heaters are in each room) and in the daytime the sun shines fiercely. Bring warm clothes and lots of sunscreen.
From US$90
– A Peruvian-owned hotel … rare in Peru
– Gorgeous views of Lake Titicaca
– Some rooms can be somewhat basic; choose a suite featuring a fireplace and a whirlpool bath
– Bottled water is not provided — buy water in town (at a fraction of the hotel’s prices) and ensure you stay well-hydrated to avoid altitude sickness
– Noise from the hallways can leak into the rooms
Johanna Read
Contributing Editor
The perfect romantic weekend! The soft king bed with stunning views out to a balcony hanging over the rocks, and below that, the sparkling sea. The bathtub (a thermo masseur bain ultra ayoura) built for two; with the same views, natch! A boardwalk through the trees, leading to my tent….
A tent? Yes, technically. But the tents at Rockwater Secret Cove Resort are right up my alley.
These luxury “tenthouse suites” are perched above the rocks and greenery on a hill sloping down to the sea at Halfmoon Bay. They have high ceilings and a fan to push the warm air down in winter, and to cool you in summer. There’s a toasty fireplace and even toastier heated floors if the nights are cool. There’s a dual rain/wand shower (with a view too), and don’t forget the giant bathtub. Each tent also has a fridge, coffee station, and music player (no tv), and several seating and lounging choices to admire the spectacular views from the sunny balcony. If you’re shy, note that the WC is separated from the rest of your tent just by a fabric-covered sliding door.
Up at the main lodge (where there are also rooms, as well as not-quite-as-glam cabins), there’s a wonderful restaurant which focuses on local, organic, seasonal products. During the light-filled evenings of summer, the dinner-time view over the swimming pool and out to the Pacific must be incredible. If you want to escape your tenthouse suite (though why would you?!), Rockwater has a sauna and spa (an ayurvedic massage in one of the tented suites, yes please!), you can rent bikes and kayaks, play beach volleyball and horseshoes, admire the gardens and see what the tide brings in.
Continuing on the romance note, Rockwater would be an ideal place to host a wedding. The 13 tenthouse suites, 11 ocean-side cabins, 9 ocean-view rooms, and 5 lodge suites can accommodate 109 overnight guests. There’s a perfect spot for the ceremony looking out over the sea, and the resort provides a wedding coordinator to ensure everything is just how you want it. There’s even a bride’s dressing room near the pool so no one will see your dress!
If you need a break from romance, Rockwater would also be a perfect solo retreat to relax and recharge.
Rockwater Secret Cove Resort won’t be a secret for much longer — you’d best book in advance to enjoy its charms on weekends and in summer.
Tenthouse suites $400 US in summer; lower in other seasons
– Tenthouse suites are sensational
– Heated floors, a cozy fireplace and a massage tub built for two: all in your “tent”
– I could look at the views forever
– Know that it’s a 45 minute ferry ride from Vancouver (but perfect for transitioning from real life to holiday mode, and maybe you’ll see whales or dolphins on the way); or arrive by float-plane or boat at the resort’s dock
Johanna Read
Contributing Editor
Encantada is a cozy boutique hotel on the slopes of San Blas, the artisan district of Cusco. The views from the communal top-floor terrace are spectacular — you can see all the way down to the Plaza de Armas, and all the way up the opposite slope. Two of the 15 rooms in the main building have a balcony, and the three in the garden area have patios. All have views either down to the Plaza de Armas, or up toward the white Jesus statue which towers above the city. The views, and the lovely garden area, are what make this hotel stand out. The Swiss-Peruvian owners are big flower fans, so there are fresh blooms throughout the lobby and exteriors.
The rooms are simply decorated and well-equipped. Important for chilly Cusco nights is a space heater, but I needed mine only one night of my three-night stay. I did, however, very much appreciate the evening “cat” delivery — the hot water bottles wrapped in a furry cover. Perfect for keeping your feet toasty!
The hotel prides itself on its friendliness and service. Should you want a romantic dinner, they’ll set you up on the terrace looking out over the twinkling lights of Cusco.
The hotel houses a small spa (a bigger spa facility is in the works, as is a new building adding another 12 rooms). There’s also a small restaurant on-site; the breakfast is included in the rates.
For larger groups or families, consider renting their nearby 4-bedroom house with fireplace ($250/night).
From US$110, $130 with balcony
– Evening “cat” (fuzzy hot water bottle) delivery to ensure your bed is warm and welcoming
– Personalized friendly service
– Gigantic hot tub in the spa room (at extra cost)
– About a 10-minute walk to town … uphill on the way back (work off your churros!)
Johanna Read
Contributing Editor