ESTLED in a sleepy former fishing village, the Alila Cha-Am is a sleek and hip offering from the Alila Hotel group that opens February 2008. A contemporary hotel with zing, it plans to add considerable allure as one of the best Thailand boutique resorts, to the growing popularity of Cha-Am, an idyllic escape from the bustle of Bangkok, a leisurely two-hour drive away. The added advantage of Cha-Am is that it is a stone’s throw from Hua Hin, long favoured by Thai monarchs and the local cognoscenti.

The Alila Cha-Am uses geometric, straight lines, angles and minimalist cubes that contrast with, yet blend perfectly into, Cha-Am’s picture-postcard setting. Expect modern amenities and in-room pampering with all the Thai grace and welcome that the country is renowned for. Privacy is paramount at this hideaway and the 48 deluxe rooms, 24 deluxe terrace rooms and seven pool villas, exude an air of quiet luxury. Unobtrusive yet easy-to-find pathways connect the lodgings, living areas, and public spaces.

Whiling away the hours within the Alila Cha-Am compound is easy no matter what your pleasure. Try tai chi, yoga, beach jogs, or other aerobic pursuits at the state-of-the-art fitness centre. Take in holistic treatments at the Spa Alila and enjoy healthy bites and even healthier cocktails at the candlelit Red Bar. For dinner, head up to the roof to find the Clouds Loft, a restaurant “floating” in the middle of a reflective pool.

Cha-Am has served faithfully as a weekend getaway and it’s easy to see why. Pick from a swathe of seafood eateries along the beach before taking a short drive to the Phra Ratchawang Maruk Khatayawan, a grand summer palace. You can also visit some atmospheric Buddhist temples before making your way to Hua Hin's fabled outdoor stalls and bustling Night Market.

A minimalist zen getaway, the Alila Cha-Am promises to be one of the best Thailand boutique hotels and certainly a top Cha-Am resort for work or play.