The drive south from Phuket City to Ao Makham was cloudy and drizzly like many other days. As I drove up to Sri Panwa resort, I thought the Sai Spa there must be like all the others I've seen. As soon as I arrived, however, my mood changed. I was taken from my parking spot to the spa atop a hill by a tuk-tuk, and all the warm welcomes from the staff, including from Siriporn "Poupee" Kaewsawang, the human resources and spa manager at Sri Panwa, set a perfect tone for a relaxing treatment.

The three-year-old Sai Spa is set for some upgrades in the near future, including space for yoga classes and a fitness center. But the existing space, built into a modified luxury villa, has a private and homey feel. That's all part of the plan, Khun Poupee tells me.

"There's no place like home," she says. "When people are far away from home, they need something that they are used to, like a comfortable atmosphere and friendly people. That's why Sai Spa brings forward the idea of making all of our guests feel like they are doing the spa at their home."

The spa's comforts start with the name. In Thai, sai means "sand", and the atmosphere at Sai Spa feels as warm and smooth as the touch of soft white sand. The panoramic view takes in the clear blue water of the resort's swimming pool, all the way out to the sands of Cape Panwa. A sea breeze blows through the leafy trees that surround the spa at the top of the hill, and as I drink a glass of tea, I'm in paradise. A perfect moment to pick my treatments for the day.

From an extensive nine-page menu, including stress-relieving focus sessions, full body massages, polish and skin glow treatments, body treatments, body wraps facial treatments, water therapy, and a pair of options for couples, I chose 30 minutes of firming coffee, 60 minutes of traditional Thai massage and 30 minutes of the Sabai Facial Treatment.

After settling into the treatment room, the first step is the coffee, a refreshing body cleanser meant both for firming and detoxifying. Amid gentle music and the aroma of coffee beans with a touch of cocoa, I feel like I'm flying through a coffee shop. My busy job is forgotten, and afterward I'm more relaxed when when the therapist begins my traditional Thai-style massage.

For those who have never had one, the traditional Thai massage involves stretching movements and techniques to rejuvenate both the mind and the body. The feeling was wonderful, such a great time. Though I've been there for almost two hours, the time for my last treatment comes quickly. The Sabai Facial Treatment sounded interesting to me because Sai Spa uses herbs that are prepared fresh at the moment a guest arrives instead of instant herb powder like many other places. Suitable for all skin types, it uses grapefruits, oatmeal, honey, yoghurt and milk. As the treatment begins, I can sense the cucumber slices, the oatmeal and the honey-and-yoghurt mask cleansing my face. I can't describe the sensation of relaxation and freshness both from the treatment and from the therapist's gentle bedside manner.

As I travelled back down the hill and drove out through the heavy rain, I found that my mood had changed diametrically. Sai Spa at Sri Panwa wasn't a spa like all the rest. The time spent there was definitely worthwhile, and it left me both relaxed and energised, ready to take on and enjoy the week of work ahead of me.

Sai Spa at Sri Panwa, 88 Moo 8, Sakdidej Road, Wichit. 0-7637-1000. www.sripanwa.com.