Crowne Plaza have just opened their first resort in Asia, the Crowne Plaza Phuket Panwa Beach Resort (8/88 Moo 7, Sakdidech, 076-302-900, www.ichotelsgroup.com/crowneplaza). It has a 200-meter stretch of private beach on which to unwind during the day and is only 10 minutes from Phuket Town if you want to venture out to Dibuk Rd. in the evening. There are 224 rooms but if it’s privacy you’re after, pick one of the two-story Andaman Loft Pool Suites, which have a semi-private pool, Jacuzzi and their own living and dining areas. Rates start from B3,560 per night.