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Published on November 10, 2007

Koh Chang - Elephant Island - is Thailand's second largest island after Phuket. Its 429 square kilometres are blessed with virgin rainforest, tropical jungles and breathtaking waterfalls. Combined with its spectacular coastlines, white sandy beaches and dramatic clear blue waters, it's not surprising the island is a choice destination for beach buffs and nature lovers alike.

Koh Chang's most gorgeous beaches can be found on the western side of the island. Among them is Klong Phrao Beach, where the new Dewa Koh Chang is located.

Designed in a rustic tropical style, the four-star resort has been built using all-natural materials, from its thatched roofs to the naked cement and its tastefully decorated interiors in warm earth tones.

The resort exudes tranquillity and harmony with nature, which makes you feel relaxed the minute you step into the breezy reception area.

The Dewa Koh Chang boasts 19 spacious, private beach villas, which include two grand villas with personal Jacuzzis and 40 swimming-pool-view deluxe rooms, each with its own private terrace or balcony. There are breathtaking views of the sea, the stunning 600-square-metre "black" swimming pool and the scenic mountain range on the horizon.

The villa has a rounded shape and features an open-style bathroom, bathtub with separate shower stall, mini-bar, electronic safe, tea-and-coffee facilities, a DVD player, satellite TV, writing desk and a generous set of toiletries.

Overlooking the swimming pool, the resort's signature restaurant offers Thai and European delicacies a la carte for all-day dining, and this is the place where guests can enjoy their buffet breakfast.

For those wishing just a light snack or a cup of coffee, there's a cafe where guests can also find books, magazines, DVDs and Internet access. The resort offers two bars, one by the beach that serves all kinds of refreshments and cocktails, and the other in the pool where there are also light snacks.

Guests can also pamper themselves at the resort's spa, which offers a full range of Thai, aromatherapy and beauty-care treatments.

Koh Chang is famed for its rich marine wildlife, and one of the highlights of a visit is exploring the underwater world. The resort can arrange diving, snorkelling and fishing trips.

There are plenty of activities to choose from. You can try kayaking, canoeing and a walk along the beach to Chaiyachet Cape - an ideal vantage point from which to enjoy the sunset - or down to the fishermen's village of Bang Bao to enjoy the panoramic view and fresh seafood.

The Dewa Koh Chang is offering three days and two nights in a Dewa Deluxe room with daily breakfast, a grilled-seafood set dinner at The Beach or The Restaurant, and a choice of 60-minute body scrub treatment at The Spa or a full-day island hopping and snorkelling trip. The package costs Bt6,700 and is on tap until April 30, though not during peak season

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The Dewa Koh Chang at a glance

High point: The resort is right next to a beautiful beach on the crystal-clear, calm waters of the Gulf of Thailand. It's a perfect place for enjoying the sunshine, sand and sea, as well as kayaking to the small island nearby.

Low point: Though the staff members are friendly, they need more training in order to provide the high standard of service expected for so nice a hotel.

Pay for it: A Deluxe room costs Bt7,000; Villa costs Bt12,000; and Grand Villa (two rooms) costs Bt20,000 per room).

Find it: 24/1/1 Moo 4, Koh Chang, Trat 23170

Koh Chang is 320 kilometres from Bangkok and 23 kilometres from Trat airport (a 40-minute flight from Bangkok). Take a ferry, which runs every 40 minutes from Thammachat Bay Pier.

Phone it: (02) 261 6364 or (039) 557339

Browse it: TheDewaKohChang.com

Supida Kaewsuksombat

The Nation