CAPE KUDU HOTEL

Total Thai tranquillity at this chic beach retreat on tiny Koh Yao Noi Island. Cape Kudu Hotel makes its home on eastern Koh Yao Noi- one of a pair of isles in picture-perfect Phang Nga Bay. That means camera-ready Andaman views- aquamarine waters and a beach to lose your heart to. But Cape Kudu makes its own mark on Thai island escapes. Infused with a fresh- contemporary coastal look- the interior design could be straight out of the Hamptons. In the luxury bedrooms and villas- whitewashed wood- modern lanterns and wicker furnishings are the hallmarks. Private balconies let you appreciate the seascape from dawn to dusk. Bag the Robinson Crusoe suite to have a 21st-century castaway experience. Or choose a Pool Villa for a swim just to yourself. Cape Kudu also has an infinity pool with the ocean one side and Long Island Bar the other. You can cool off here or over lunch at Cafe Kantary. Then take a break in the Reading Room and pick up magazines- books or a pool cue-along with complimentary refreshments. To make the best of the beach- the hotel can help with snorkels and kayaks- sailing boats and yacht rental. Hire bikes- a vintage motorcar or Vespa to see Koh Yao Noi by land- passing local villages- rice paddies and batik makers. Try Thai Boxing and cooking - and even catching seafood yourself. Or stay closer to home with a BBQ and moonlit movie on the beach beside Cape Kudu Hotel. Dinner tends to be at the Hornbill Restaurant- which looks rustic but serves up refined modern menus. Pick the right table and you could have local Hornbills- as well as starlight- watching over you as you eat. Cape Kudu is a Small Luxury Hotels of the World property. NEAR CAPE KUDU HOTEL Phang Nga Bay- Khao Pier- Koh Yao Noi night market- Manoh Pier and Pa Sai Beach.