From an infinity pool aglow with fibre-optic lights to ancient banyan trees and hand-crafted bathtubs, Paresa promises nothing but the best

Perched high on the sculptured cliff tops of Kamala is an infinity pool with a difference. During the day, it looks pretty much like any other infinity pool at a five-star resort. After dark, however, it comes into its own as thousands of fibre-optic lights twinkle under the water, mimicking the night sky above. Seated on 'private islands' positioned within the pool itself, guests are immersed in what the new Paresa resort in Phuket calls 'the Infinity Experience'.

Overlooking the Andaman Sea and surrounded by tropical forests and gardens, Paresa is an oasis of tranquillity and luxury. Designed by Bangkok-based UKD Architects and built around carefully preserved banyan trees, Paresa's structural design elements include soaring pavilion-style ceilings and rich timber finishes, produced from locally-hewn and sustainable forests.

With unadorned, off-white walls and outdoor terraces framing uninterrupted views across the Andaman, the architecture also merges with the natural surroundings of lush tropical vegetation. Poompong Patpongpanit, owner of Paresa, points to the resort's setting as its greatest asset. 'All structures were built with respect to the natural surroundings and designed to be unobtrusive,' he says.

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