My husband and I had just spent two weeks traveling through the giant shopping mall that is Hong Kong, Bangkok (hot, congested, polluted and confusing) and Chiang Mai in the north. Now it's not that we didn't love every moment of our travels and didn't stay in some lovely places, but we were ready for a change of pace.

Aleenta was a little piece of paradise. It's run by two Canadians who were born to do this. They are personally related to the staff and every guest and it shows.

We were greeted with a fruit juice cocktail and brought to our beautiful room that opened onto a white sand beach. The room was immaculate, carefully designed and perfectly appointed with every amenity you could imagine: pajamas, robes, slippers, wireless access, books to read, programmed iPod, beach bag, t-shirt, etc., etc. The shower opened to the sky. Someone was thinking.

The location is secluded, romantic, beautiful. The staff is pleasant, laid back and willing to do whatever it takes to meet your needs, including breakfast on the veranda, cooking lessons with the executive chef, full spa services, bicycles or jet skis or motorbikes or whatever brought to you upon request, rides into Hua Hin or all the way to Bangkok.

We only wished we had allotted more time for this leg of our journey.

Now, if you are someone like a previous poster who wants to be on the go all this time, this is not the place for you. This was more like -- breakfast on the veranda; inhale, settle down to look at the Bay of Thailand; walk on the beach; lunch; look at the Bay of Thailand, exhale, get massages, drinks, dinner, watch the moonrise.

We are already thinking about where we want to visit next in Asia. We hope to take at least three weeks next year so we can end our trip with a full week at Aleenta.

What can I say about our stay at the Aleenta Resort? From the moment we arrived until the (Sad) moment we left, the resort, the setting and the staff contributed to one of the best holiday experiences we have ever had. Everything about this hotel has chill out and relaxation written all over it, if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, then head to this resort, I promise you will not be disappointed. Then again if you’re looking for a lively resort then pass the Aleenta by as the emphasis is definitely on relaxation. We were in one of the lovely Palm Pool Suites and when you have the sea literally 10 meters from your bed it makes for a special setting indeed. The room itself has everything you would expect from a top class resort and the private plunge pools provide a great way to cool down if the sun gets too much for you. The Spa is amazing and offers every treatment you can imagine with the spa staff taking an honest interest in your well being and health. Not to be outdone, the rest of the resort staff are first class and give you the space you seek while still catering for your every need. With an excellent restaurant offering a wide choice of local and international cusine (With special menu’s on a daily basis), there is enough variety there to keep everyone happy. Myself and my girlfriend were truly saddened to leave Aleenta behind, but one thing is for sure, we will be returning.

Our second visit and simply the best small boutique hotel we have experienced. Don't expect to be doing much...this is the perfect place to relax and do nothing. The final touches, staff and food are something else....a no television policy, Ipod's and Bose docking system in rooms, canapes to your door at 6pm, a turn down service with fragrant oils burning upon your return in the evening , 15 rooms only, no children in main hotel ( seperate wing for families), a deserted beach and the friendliest locals. A wonderful fusion menu or tell chef Rose what you would like cooked ....with vegetables and herbs fresh from the Hotel's own organic garden . Staff with big cheesy smiles and time to talk and teach you Thai. A free internet service,, IF that's what you really want or take your own lap top and have free wi-fi available (Sad if you spend your time doing this..but hey that's your choice)....simply cannot be faulted.

We booked for 5 days for a special birthday and it was absolutely ideal, no TV, no stress and the day the phone rang, I nearly jumped out of my skin.

We stayed in the Cumin room (Room 1) which was great - the beach villas are, of course, top prize, but we thought our room was ideal. The rooms are simply, but stylishly decorated with comfy beds and Bose sound docks (iPod supplied, but you can connect your own).

We had a slight problem with the plumbing on the first day and the reason I mention it is for the great way in which it was dealt with by Rob the manager. This was a potential negative and the way it was handled scored a big plus in the margin.

Pranburi is delightfully deserted and if you are looking for raucous nightlife, cross this area off your list. Because of the location and peaceful area, you are a little limited if you want to spread your wings and try some alternative restaurants, but with a scooter, there are a couple of great places, particularly the shack at the fishing harbor about a mile south of Aleenta (past the rocky headland and the slightly forlorn elephant). There are a couple of stores for minor purchases, but bear in mind that Pranburi is also quite spread out and you will need transport of some description. Aleenta also has a family friendly wing where you can use large pool even if you are staying in the main hotel (the main hotel pool is tiny, but stunning) and both locations are right on the beach. This is important as the resorts in northern Pranburi are generally not on the beach (just close to it, on the other side of the road in fact!), many of them fail to mention this on their websites and in the photo galleries.

In conclusion, for romantic breaks and to escape Bangkok (and even Hua Hin), this place is perfect. The rooms are great, the food excellent (breakfasts are awesome) and the staff from manager to garden staff go out of their way to make you feel welcome. Transport arranged by the hotel is expensive, but you do have a choice: you can hire scooters across the road (on the beach side...) from the Evason and opposite the tailor's shop and there is a reliable taxi service opposite Sing's beach bar (also just up from the Evason).

Go to Pranburi now before it gets ruined by development!