The Chava Resort is small and intimate, and secluded and private in the best way; its grounds are filled with and surrounded by a jungle of palm trees, tropical flowers, and foliage that add to the luxurious island feel. The decor amplifies the natural jungle vibe, with lots of natural wood, rough stone, and water features throughout. Furniture and art are all done in clean, elegantly simple lines that -- coupled with the Buddhas placed around the property -- add to the resort's zen-inflected serenity. The Chava's large, picturesque pool is the hotel's heart, and is lined with classic white and wood sun beds, umbrellas, and shaded cabanas. Families with children are treated well here, and the pool is certainly a popular spot, although it never feels too crowded or loud. The Chava is also an idyllic spot for weddings and honeymoons.

The Chava Resort is located on the west coast of Phuket, surrounded by multimillion-dollar properties, high-end resorts, shopping, restaurants, bars, and beautiful beaches, although it still manages to maintain a secluded and exclusive feeling. Famed Surin Beach, dotted with restaurants and cafes to suit all budgets, is less than a five-minute walk from the hotel, and other beautiful beaches are also within walking distance. There are several golf courses nearby, as well as opportunities for ecotourism, elephant treks, birdwatching, and tiger spotting. The Phuket airport is a 30-minute drive from the resort. The hotel can arrange airport transfers and both car and motor scooter rentals. The hotel offers free parking.

Rooms at the Chava Resort are fully decked-out luxury apartments, ranging in size from two to five bedrooms, with picture windows and private balconies. Some also have private plunge pools. The apartments are large and spotless, with full-size open kitchens that include microwaves, ample utensils, cook- and serving-ware, and dishwashers. The style in simple and understatedly luxurious, with hardwood and tile floors, clean-lined furniture in grays and creams, granite countertops, and just a pop of colorful fabric in bedrooms. Bathrooms are equally impressive, with deep soaking tubs and separate walk-in rainfall showers. Patios -- furnished with teak tables and chairs, and even, in some cases, sofas -- feel like additional rooms. All apartments have 42-inch flat-screen TVs with surround sound, DVD players, and iPod docks, as well as large straw beach bags and plush beach towels to borrow.

Set next to the cabana- and lounger-lined tropical pool, the Chava Resort’s breezy restaurant serves excellent Thai and Western dishes, as well as a special children’s menu. Room service is available during limited hours. Guests can call ahead and have food or groceries waiting in their apartment upon arrival. Cooking lessons and private chefs can be arranged, as well as cultural experiences like muay thai and kickboxing lessons. In-room and poolside massages can be booked, and passes can be arranged so that guests may use a neighboring fitness center. For a fee, families can use the Doubletree Resort’s kids' club and water park. Babysitting services can also be arranged. Breakfast and Wi-Fi are free.