PHUKET: GREATER Phuket tourism is celebrating the Asia Pacific Hotel Awards of five-star winner of Best Resort Hotel for Thailand 2011 to Le Meridien Khao Lak.

The award was announced at a presentation gala at Longemont Hotel in Shanghai late last month.

''It is our great honour indeed to attain this prestigious award,'' said General Manager Torsten Richter in a news release. ''The award recognition has truly reflected the luxury and the excellent service of our hotel and the idyllic splendor of this region.''

Le Meridien, rebuilt after the 2004 tsunami, is 85 kilometres north of Phuket International Airport in the neighboring province of Phang Nga, near Khao Lak.

Unlike Phuket, jet-skis, beach vendors and other annoying fixtures of holidays on Phuket are banned from beaches in Phang Nga. The region has an enviable array of waterfalls and national parks close at hand.

A news release says Khao Lak resorts are ''geared toward eco-friendly tours and non-motorised water and land sports. The destination is ideal for those seeking a luxury getaway in an exotic and polished organic landscape.''

''Located on a 13 kilometre stretch of secluded beach, the resort faces the Andaman Sea,'' the release continues. ''It is also just a short boat ride to the renowned Similan Islands, voted in the Top 10 World's Best Dive Sites.

''Other noteworthy facilities include the upscale spa, home to 29 private villas, six creative restaurants and expansive sport and recreation facilities.''

Other award-winning resorts are nearby. One resort just north of Phuket, Aleenta Phuket-Phang Nga, picked up the Asia Pacific Hotel Awards 2011 for Best Small Hotel and Best Sustainable Hotel in the Thailand and the Asia Pacific categories.

Special deals are available at several Phang Nga resorts in low season for Thai residents and Phuket expats who live and work on the island.

The Asia Pacific Hotel Awards event is part of the International Property Awards, which have been established for 17 years.

Its award winners' logo is recognised as a symbol of excellence throughout the global industry.

The voting of the award was based on a careful assessment and evaluation by a panel of judge chaired by Anthony Murkett, managing director of The Sloane Club in London and consists of 20 professionals whose collective knowledge of the hospitality industry is second to none.

This year's judges include James Bacon, UK account manager of Google; Peter Crome, managing director of Skibo Castle in Scotland; Mike McNamara of the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS); David Dalby of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and Rebecca Johnson of Bloomberg TV (Hotel Section)