My suite welcomed me with a personalised spread of local fruits and snacks, my name spelt out among the sweet treats, alongside a custom sun hat and other thoughtful branded goodies. The room itself was a highlight of the trip: an enormous sea-facing suite with an infinity pool that I basically lived in for the next few days, a living space that led into a glass-walled bathroom where a freestanding bathtub sat with private ocean views. The suite was airy and open, yet it still felt like my own little world.

Dining at The Ritz-Carlton is an event in itself. On my first night, I visited Pak Tai, where traditional southern Thai cuisine was served in a private Thai Sala. The menu was a true celebration of Thai flavours – spicy, tangy, creamy, salty, sweet, and sour. I was beyond lucky to have local staff guide my choices, meaning not even my jet lag could prevent me from experiencing a breadth of Thai cuisine in one unforgettable meal.

On another evening, I ate at the Sea Breeze Grill, a fairylight-lit restaurant perched right on the edge of the beach. I was served some of the most delicious, freshly sourced fish, which was grilled to perfection in front of me as I watched the sun set. As night fell, a fire show broke out along the beachfront, the perfect dinner entertainment. The next night, I took a buggy up to The View, a Mediterranean-style restaurant that sat high above the resort with the best views of the sea and the setting sun. Each restaurant offered its own unique atmosphere, from relaxed beachfront vibes to elevated, elegant settings, making every meal feel like an occasion.