“Paresa” is a Sanskrit word meaning “heaven of all heavens,” and while this may seem an extravagant claim to make, this award-winning resort nestled into the hills of Phuket does instill a feeling of peace and contentment in its guests. Paresa offers an idyllic location (on a steep hillside with private infinity pools that seem to merge with the Andaman Sea beyond) and stylish luxury (spacious brick villas with wood floors and solid wood furnishings). The resort sprawls over such a wide area that a fleet of golf carts and SUVs are needed to transport guests to and from their villas, which come in five categories of ascending magnificence. Facilities are all top class, including Diavolo restaurant, and the luxurious spa. Bring a notebook to jot down techniques at the state-of-the-art, on-site cooking school.