After a gruelling year my other half and I were on a mission: to reduce stress and sooth our souls before Christmas . But could Thailand work its magic? As soon as we arrived at the Westin resort on Siray Bay, we knew we had made the right decision. Our cab pulled up and we entered a vast open-air reception area, scented with white tea aromatherapy candles, as high wooden ceiling fans stirred the lazy air overhead.

After being led to sofas overlooking a private moonlit bay, we were handed moist refresher towels and fresh tropical juice. This hospitality, coupled with the tranquil atmosphere and warm evening breeze was a welcome relief after the 12-hour flight from Heathrow.

We soon discovered that the Westin Siray Bay is all about wellness - each of the 261 sensory-rich rooms boasts their signature Heavenly Beds and Heavenly Pillows for a tip-top sleep, while the Heavenly Bath and a rainforest shower are located behind floor-to ceiling glass - with optional remote-control blind - so you can soak away while watching the sunset. Plus selected suites (ours included!) feature a private plunge pool.

This was followed by a head, neck and shoulder massage, which sent me into such a trance that I got the shock of my life when the fire alarm went off thanks to the overexcited steam room next door. But it didn't take me long at all to settle down again. Afterwards, I had to leave the oil on my hair for at least one hour, so I went and paddled around in our plunge pool until dinner.

From sweet Ghekkos and chirping crickets to the scuttling hermit crabs patterning the fine white sand, it's hard to avoid getting close to nature in Thailand. Add to this the simple healthy food, hot days and balmy nights and a spa treat or therapy to be found on every corner, and you have the perfect mind, body, spirit rejuvenation combination.