Massages alfresco at SALA

Every May, Conde Nast Traveler releases its Hot List, a collection of the best new hotels, spas, restaurants, and nightspots. Check the Daily Traveler every day for a new post from this year's list.

At one of Phuket's most stylish small hotels, all of the 79 airy rooms housed in 1960s-inspired one- and two-story buildings offer easy access to the long, soft-sand Mai Khao Beach at the island's northwest edge. The Sino-Portuguese-inspired decor, including black lacquered sliding doors as well as ornate chandeliers above the bath, harks back to the area's earlier inhabitants, while neutral hues keep the look stylishly modern. When the rubber trees grow to maturity, shade will spread across this spacious property, but for now, guests can escape the sun under canvas-covered daybeds scattered on the beachfront lawn with its three large pools, one of which is kid-friendly. A convivial ambiance pervades here, and the resort's all-day dining is overseen by a talented young American chef who grills the local catch on request and proves equally capable with Thai fare. All rooms offer flat-screen TVs, DVD players, powerful air-conditioning, high ceilings, and surprisingly good work desks with Wi-Fi. While standard-room bathrooms are partially open-air, the canvas curtains tend to sway in the wind, so they are not entirely private; a better choice is any of the ground-floor accommodations with plunge pool or one of the higher room categories.

When to go: Days are sunny December through February.
Which room to book: The SALA Pool Villas are private havens worth the additional dollars.

Further reading:
* SALA Phuket Resort & Spa
* Hot List 2008
* Some more beachy spots in Thailand