The Racha

Hidden on idyllic Racha Island, The Racha hotel in Phuket, Thailand, is a beachfront paradise situated 12 miles from downtown Phuket. Colorful coral gardens decorate the exceptionally clear water surrounding the island, and guests can explore the marine life at the nearby dive center.

Travelers can relax with a massage or beauty treatment at the on-site full- service spa. The Racha hotel also contains a pool with a bar. The hotel houses several dining options as well, including the Earth Café, which serves International cuisine; and the Fire Grill, which offers Mediterranean dining. Guests can enjoy cocktails at Ice Bar, which has live entertainment six nights a week.

The 70 guestrooms at The Racha hotel are outfitted with traditional Thai-wood furnishings and include private balconies with garden or sea views. All include high- speed Internet access, coffeemakers, microwave ovens, minibars, trouser presses, televisions, in-room safes, direct-dial telephones and complimentary newspapers, toiletries and bottled water.

PADI Dive Center is managed by Racha Seamaster divers and is part of the hotel facilities. Racha Island is one of the most popular dive spots in Thailand and comparable to the Similan Islands in quality of diving.

Name: Deluxe VIlla Description: One king bed or two single beds. 43 square meters (463 square feet). Contemporary Thai décor. Air conditioning. Private balcony. Satellite TV. CD and DVD players. Coffeemaker and minibar. Safe. High-speed wired Internet access. Indoor and outdoor showers.

Grand Deluxe Description: One king bed. 54 square meters (581 square feet). Contemporary Thai décor. Air conditioning. Private balcony with sea views. Satellite TV. CD and DVD players. Coffeemaker and minibar. Safe. High-speed wired Internet access. Indoor and outdoor showers. Large living area.

Junior Pool Suite Description: One king bed. Terrace with sea view and private pool. Located on ground floor. 86 square metres (925 square feet). Contemporary décor. Air conditioning. 50-inch cable/satellite plasma TV with DVD player and Bose sound system. International direct-dial phone with voicemail. Complimentary high-speed Internet access. Minibar, Jura espresso coffee machine, and complimentary bottled water. Bathroom with separate bathtub and shower, bathrobes, complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, and outdoor shower area. In-room safe.