Ayara Hilltops Hotel,
The scenery in prestigious Surin is stunning; verdant jungle-covered hills provide a strong counterpoint to the azure blue sea, the area's attraction is palpable. From the moment you arrive at the 48-suite Ayara Hilltops you're instantly relaxed, it's that contagious.
The lobby area is an airy space with high ceilings, smart decor and smiling faces as the staff greeting is very warm indeed. Formalities are brief and completed with a gift of an intricate jasmine flower bracelet, refreshing cold towel and a glass of fruit juice.
There's an obvious reason why the resort is called 'Hilltops', however no mountain trekking is actually involved as the resort's tuk-tuks transport you the short distance from the lobby to the suites. Grey granite-stone road and walls contrast with the green foliage of the landscaped hills and tropical plants sprouting from every corner.
VIEW
Ayara Hilltops Hotel, My expectation of the view rises accordingly with the distance up the hill we travel. I'm not disappointed by either the suite or the view - both have a serious quota of wow factor.
The view takes in a little of Surin and Pansea Beaches and all of Bang Tao Bay with green mountains in the distance.
The reefs around the rocks between Surin and Pansea are visible in the clear water and the west-facing vista promises spectacular sunsets.
RESTAURANT & DINING
Ayara Hilltops Hotel, Dinner is served in the smart but relaxed Spice Restaurant where the menu consists of a range of the most popular Thai dishes from around the country. Prices are reasonable, especially the wine. There are twice-weekly themed poolside buffet dinners of 'East meets West' and 'Phuket Seafood BBQ'. Alternatively, any night of the week you can opt for a western or seafood barbeque served in the privacy of your suite, as we did.
The setting up takes a while before a sumptuous feast of snapper, prawns, crabs, rock lobster, Thai-wrapped herb chicken, mildly spicy salads and more traditional salad are prepared to your liking and served by a chef and waiter. Once you begin eating Khun Joe and Khun Ae slip into the background, leaving you to enjoy the unique setting and atmosphere.
Breakfast is quite a surreal experience as there is so much privacy here you can totally forget that you're staying at a 'hotel' so seeing other guests comes as quite a surprise. The buffet is a fine selection of Asian and western selections including eight different cheeses, smoked salmon, varied breads and pastries, the usual bacon, sausages, saut?ed potatoes etc and real fresh juices (not from sweetened concentrate).
FACILITIES
Ayara Hilltops Hotel, The facilities are first class; padded sunloungers and attentive staff members surround the main pool which has Jacuzzi areas and a separate children's pool. The spa, [comfort space], has treatments and products by renowned European spa company comfort zone which regularly wins accolades from international spa magazines. Additionally you'll find more traditional Thai offerings.. Spa facilities include a sauna and steam bath. Needless to say, the treatments on offer here are a fantastic way to revive your senses.
Different kinds of massage are available in addition to beauty treatments and more. Next to the spa is the gym, which is filled with modern equipment so there's no need for your fitness regime to slip. In addition to in-suite wireless internet, computers are available next to the spa and gym for internet access.
The resort has its own water treatment plant which provides taps in the resort with drinking water and to my knowledge this is a first for any resort in Thailand. Additionally, suites also have complimentary bottles of water. It should be noted that tap water in Thailand is not safe to drink
