And of all the five resorts, it is the Sheraton Grande Laguna Beach that is the biggest (70 acres), offers the most recreational outlets (eight bars and restaurants), has Asia's largest swimming pool with 323 metres around the property, and is most aggressive in promoting MICE facilities.

In fact, MICE conveners here have it just perfect. Along with a conducive business atmosphere, they have the added benefits of tourist attractions such as Phang Nga Bay, Phi Phi Island and Similan Island close by, along with the unspoiled, virtually virgin coral reefs of the Andaman Sea, acres of undulating green golf courses, and of course a range of sports such as sea canoeing, deep sea diving, wind surfing, etc. The Sheraton was voted the Best Resort Hotel in Thailand for 1996 by the Conde Nast Traveller Gold List.

So, is it really that good? Ask me, I should know. I've recently returned from a splendiferous, wondrous holiday, and not even the mood swings of two teenagers, a shrieking seven year old and a grumpy husband cajoled into swimming or canoeing when he'd much rather be snoring under the palm trees, could detract from this, my second visit to the Sheraton.

Let me paint you a picture. Imagine, if you will, the airplane hovering cunningly over a deep blue sea, making a sweeping arc over a cluster of islands before cruising down the tarmac to a stop. You are received by a smiling rep of the Sheraton, who whisks you off along a journey of paddy fields and swaying palms, until you reach the resort. You alight at the hotel portico to smiles as they garland you with fresh orchids and what not, smiles as you sip a welcome coconut drink, more smiles as they check you in... Take my word for it, this is one place where the staff make you feel its a genuine pleasure to be of service, and I've been to some places in my time!!

Once at the Sheraton, you are faced with a choice of rooms-facing the pool, beach or lagoon. They also have villas, which are meant for couples only or families with children and I'm telling you, its better to book these at least a year in advance to avoid being disappointed.

Couples have never had it so good. Their villas have an individual jetty, and with the poolside ones, you have a stretch of private pool that you can just dive into from your little sit-out.

The family villas come in two styles-two-bedroom flat and duplex-with mini kitchenette, and a sunken tub in the master bathroom that gives a sweeping view of the lagoon. Fresh croissants with morning coffee... lavish buffet breakfast... fresh fruit while you sunbathe... evening Happy Hour with yummy snacks like satay or tiger prawns... this is the life!!

Which is not to say that guests in the ordinary rooms are left out of being pampered. There is that fabulous swimming pool that we spoke of earlier, with a swim-up bar and delightful, almost hidden whirlpool; sea sports every day, including free scuba diving lessons, canoeing and other activities for children; Thai cooking lessons; the private beach where you can have a massage surrounded by the Andaman Sea and a gentle breeze; where you can get your hair plaited into hundreds of braids `Island style'; where Mama Preeda has her kitchen with its ridiculously cheap prices for crab, prawn, fish, you name it; where my friend, Nooey, tempts you with colourful sarongs and those itsy bitsy must-have bikinis... yessiree!

About half an hour from the international airport, the hotel is surrounded by salt water lagoons and is fronted by the beach on one side. The entire architectural theme is traditional Thai, and so you have wooden pavilions, lotus ponds framed by orchids and frangipani, waterfalls, little bridges, Thai antiques and so on. Travel within the complex is done by noiseless electric carts, or by ferry to the villas.

The accent is on space and open air-all rooms have large french windows with little sit-out balconies and most villas have open air bathrooms. The hotel is strict about energy and water conservation schemes. `Reduce, Reuse and Recycle' is the mantra here.

Aside from the convention facilities and business centres, the Banyan Tree spa, the 18 hole Banyan Tree Golf Club, the Canal Village with its 52 shops that include a bank and mini-mart, residential guests at any of these properties enjoy reciprocal privileges at the bars and restaurants of the other four resorts by just signing it to their room. All five hotels combine to run a complimentary ferry and shuttle service to all points.

Quest Laguna is the latest fad. This seven acre complex is Thailand's first outdoor management training centre, with 20 per cent physical exertion and 80 per cent mental challenge. Again, common to the whole group. Oh yes, and the Sheraton is very much into organising theme party nights should you ask for it.