Asita Eco Resort is for city folks in search of a tranquil, environmentally-friendly holiday escape

The reception area that defines your sense of arrival at asita.

To escape from the smog and cacophony of Bangkok, one must travel to some far-off upcountry refuge or a lonely island along the Andaman Coast or the Gulf of Thailand, right? Well, not really. Just an hour-and-a half from the capital, hidden among a forest of pine trees and a canal that flows as it was in the old days of Siam, is a resort that is ideal for eco-escapes: Asita Eco Resort.

Described as a “low-key-with-a touch-of luxury resort,” Asita Eco Resort (Tel: 089-866-2168, 089-866-3168; email: booking@asitaresort.com) is for city folks who are in search of tranquil, environmentally-friendly holiday escapes. And it is just 63km southwest of Bangkok, along Highway no.35.

As soon as you arrive in this intimate property of only 20 exclusive villas (and a three-room house), you immediately feel like you are entering a new world of slow-paced serenity. There’s no rush. There’s no hurry. The air is fresh and the energy is laid-back. The surroundings are clean and exhilarating. Almost everything is organic and natural, including the materials used in the villas and in the bespoke furniture, as well as in the general style of the accommodations. Green is more than just a theme here; it’s the very soul of the resort.

A setting from the lone Thai house that gives guests a feeling of the destination.

The villas are attractively rustic with the accent on cool comfort and minimalist sophistication, but there’s nothing rustic about the service. The staff speak English, they are savvy, polished, and well-trained – the reasons of which become clearer when you learn that the place is owned by a hotelier with years of experience in some of Bangkok’s most contemporary-minded hotels.

Thus, while local materials are used in the construction and the lush green environment is given much focus, modern touches appear in every corner. The décor is a fusion of traditional and modern. Details combine homogenous elements with in-vogue touches, even in the generously proportioned bathrooms.

And while the serene environment might tempt you to turn off your iPhones or leave your iPads in your bag, you can plug in and play thanks to the broadband wireless Internet, and cable and battery charging points in case you need to reconnect to the outside world.

A pretty set up by the klong bordering the resort.

Indeed, if you would love to be holed up in your room, sit by the quiet river and free your mind, or stay at the spa for some indulgent pampering, you can. But in case you feel like exploring the areas around Samut Songkhram, activities abound including merit-making by the river in the morning, attending a cooking class, or joining a guided yoga session, among others.

Whatever your means of discovery, the accent is focused on everything authentic. This includes the delicious organic cuisine that uses only locally sourced produce and is cooked by resident chefs, Pung and Ord.

Actually, Asita Eco Resort is perfect for wedding functions or incentive holidays too, especially those that put emphasis on exclusivity, intimacy, peace and quiet, tranquility, and serenity. Sound too good to be true? Visit www.asitaresort.com and book a stay now to find out for yourself!