Within two and a half hour's drive south of the capital Bangkok, this is a hideaway now within reach of those who want to leave their cares behind and head towards the sun. The Guti Kiri Resort is a private villa lakeside retreat at the seaside village of Hua Hin, one of Thailand's most popular destinations for both visitors and discerning Thais themselves.

There are 95 luxury properties within the resort. Villas range from deluxe pool duplexes, priced from 173,530, and with some 170sq m, to two -bed pool villas, priced from 243,769, with 255 sq m of floor space. Furniture packages are available at an extra cost of 20,650 to 24,777.

There is a minimum rental guarantee of 6% net per annum for five years. Completion of the properties is 12 months from contract exchange. Guti Kiri goes on sale on the Irish market next weekend at a special event hosted by agents Colliers Jackson-Stops in the Westbury Hotel, Dublin 2.

All of the villas are dotted around 25 acres of tropical landscape and gardens and include private, and individual, infinity-edge 10 metre swimming pools, kitchenette, garden terraces, private courtyards and roof gardens.

All around are those panoramic views of the countryside all adding to the sense of wellbeing. The feeling of calm and tranquillity could be something to do with the fact that the resort is styled like a monastery retreat and the Zen-influenced contemporary look of the interiors, yet there is nothing spartan or minimal about the attractions which include sight-seeing numerous ancient temples, night markets and nearby islands.

Facilities are what would be expected in a five star hotel resort, with everything from boutiques and delis to housekeeping and villa dining.

Full banqueting and wedding facilities are among the many other attractions specific to the resort, which also provides child care services, concierge services, library with internet access, 24 hour resort manager, and tour and excursion programmes.

The architect design of the one- and two-bed pool villas reflects the demand for this type of property in both the home Asian market as well as with Western holidaymakers.

Undoubtedly, the infinity pools are a very special feature, being surrounded by wooden decks, sun beds and traditional Thai parasols. The health and spa here is another attraction, providing spa treatments, massages and yoga, much of which takes place in open-air treatment salas with outdoor baths and garden shower enclosures.

From a legal perspective, it should be noted that foreign ownership of freehold land is not permitted in Thailand, but foreigners may hold land through leasehold ownership.

Guti Kiri Resort Duplex and Villa provides a 90-year leasehold ownership, inclusive of freehold conversion rights, registered with the Thai government and fully protected by Thai law.

The population of what is mooted as Asia's premier holiday destination is 68m, 95% of whom are Buddhist. Long stretches of white sandy beaches, combined with national parks, calm lakes and majestic mountains all add to the relaxed, image of Thailand.

12m tourists visit annually, but there are still pockets of calm, where, as King Rama found, the visitor can experience a place far from worries.

Guti Kiri Resort, Thailand will launch at the Westbury Hotel next weekend, 20 - 22 January 2006 Agent: Colliers JacksonStops, 01-6333 700 www. akaresorts. com