Regular visitors to Phuket who bemoaned the closing of the beloved Chedi resort have reason to cheer with the reopening of one of the island’s original hideaways, now called the Surin Phuket (66-76/621-80; thesurinphuket.com; doubles from US$258). A six-month makeover has breathed new life into all 108 hillside and beachside cottages, as well as the resort’s restaurants, spa, and showcase six-sided pool. In a delightful touch, the redesign was overseen by Paris-based Ed Tuttle, the original architect of the 20-year-old property. Tuttle has provided a stylish update, with silver-and-white-flecked black granite floors, big dressing areas, and brighter interiors. Thankfully, some things remain the same, particularly the resort’s exclusive setting on picture-perfect Pansea Beach, which it shares only with the neighboring Amanpuri.—Ron Gluckman

Originally appeared in the February/March 2012 print issue of DestinAsian magazine (“Siam Ease”)