The 'rustic chic' theme of a new Phuket resort offers a lesson in energising colours and relaxing ambience

Rustic chic is the main design concept at Centara Villas Phuket, which is celebrated for its liberal splashes of colour and a gorgeous tropical garden. The villas exude a quality of freshness.

General manager Alexandre Glauser points out that there are also tropical-style rooms with long windows that provide wonderful views of the mountains and Karon Bay.

The interior design features dramatic colours - blue, red and purple - on the walls and elsewhere. There are 49 deluxe villas, 11 deluxe sea-view villas, five spa villas, and seven pool villas.

Glauser says guests check out having experienced both great service and a sensation that they've been left to their own devices, with minimal intrusion by hotel employees.

Each villa has a main bedroom as well as a large bathroom that's exposed to the outdoors for when nature calls. 

The dramatic colour schemes of the other rooms contrast with the white walls of the bathrooms and the effect is to make the bathrooms look bigger than they actually are.

Bamboo blinds and wood detailing add charming touches here, too.

"If you're thinking of making changes at home, get some tips from the rustic chic idea," advises Glauser. "It should give you more energy and help you relax at the same time."