This is the most extraordinary hotel in which I have ever stayed. For a start it seems nothing like a hotel just a gracious and luxurious private residence. Doornberg is an authentic Dutch house dating from 1712 but was remodelled recently by the visionary Mary McIntyre (now running a spa in Perth.) It is sister with the Sun House, Taprobane Island etc and owned by entrepreneur Geoffrey Dobbs, one of the main NGO Tsunami relief workers in the area.

Doornberg avoids the clichés and suburban aspirations of the tropical hotel experience, but has all of the drama and mystique. It really is like stepping into a Vermeer painting, but set in the tropics. Daylight is filtered by 30ft high taffeta curtains in a weight of delft-blue silk rarely seen outside Versailles, creating a cool northern light of elegance and discretion. This attention to detail throughout the property is extraordinary; from the aromatic cinnamon shower gel to chic contemporary art. There is a hidden infinity pool but in a jungle setting, with orchid strewn branches dipping into the water. The staff & service are charming but practically invisible creating a feeling of total serenity and privacy. Delicious food is served principally at the Sun House over the road, where I have stayed many times, (see Tropical Houses by Tim-Street Porter). Possibly the perfect hotel?