AYURVEDIC TREATMENT IS ONE OF THE MAIN ATTRACTIONS OF THIS HOTEL

and a quiet purposefulness about the place indicates that it takes this seriously. The ancient garden of a Buddhist temple along one side enhances the spiritual feeling of peaceful seclusion equally conducive to ayurvedic healing or just undisturbed leisure.

You feel the immaculate order of the place the moment you step past the beautifully carved wooden door onto the terracotta tiled front yard. The reception and the lobby with their antique pieces, colourful orchid garden, elegant bamboo and cane furniture, and warm earth-colour cushions on plush settees set the style.

The place is cool and airy even on a hot summer day. You can spend hours sipping herbal tea while gazing at the water-lilies in the beautifully laid out water garden complete with bubbling fountains.

A wooden bridge on the water garden leads to the large circular sparkling blue swimming pool. Beyond that is the garden with its green canopy of shady trees. Viewed from here the white and ebony-latticework façade of this recently built hotel, with its colourful splashes of cascading bougainvillea, is a delight to the eye.

The suites, with large private balconies and sun-loungers, all face the sea. You find bathrobes and slippers ready and have a choice of mattresses, blankets or duvets and pillows - hard, soft or anti-allergic - indicate the level of comfort you may expect! The suites have a second TV and a stereo cassette/CD player in the living room, plus a VCR.

But the life of the hotel is certainly its professional, well-run ayurvedic center, where seven qualified doctors and a small army of trained therapists attend to the guests. You can also join meditation, yoga and tai-chi sessions. The beauty center attended by a German beautician complements the ayurvedic therapies.

Even without going for a treatment you can be sure of a most comfortable and peaceful holiday here.