Sip on a sweet drink of rosella, pandan leaf and honey as you prepare to immerse yourself in the pleasures of Sofitel So Spa. 12 treatment rooms surround an elegant water feature where Thai teak furniture, flowers and calming herbs create a serene atmosphere.

Sofitel So Spa with L’Occitane claims the title of Krabi’s best spa, offering massage, aromatic body wraps, facials, couples massage and more. Signature treatments include the one-hour So Exhilarating body massage and So Rejuvenating facial.

So Spa is located in a purpose-built traditional Thai-style pavilion in the grounds of the five-star Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, overlooking Thailand’s largest free-form swimming pool (at 7,000 square metres) and the lush tropical gardens that surround it.

A low-rise complex on Klong Muang Beach near Ao Nang overlooking the Andaman Sea, the colonial-style architecture of the resort is complemented by its modern facilities, which include a nine-hole golf course, tennis and volleyball courts, a jogging track and fitness activities including Thai boxing, yoga, tai chi and pilates.

The 276-room hotel is popular with couples and families (the spa offers pregnancy and children’s massage) and as a wedding venue. All rooms have a balcony or terrace, with views of the jungle, ocean or limestone cliffs.

It is 15 minutes to Hong Island, and the hotel will arrange private tours of Krabi or speedboat trips to nearby islands and beaches.