Where? On Lanta Yai Island in Krabi province, Thailand.
Simple shack or hip hideaway? Definitely the latter. Located at the secluded end of Klong Dao beach, this sleek new holiday resort has 22 open-box-style bungalows, which combine Le Corbusier modernity with the tranquility of a religious retreat.
Tell us more: As pared down as a Jil Sander handbag, the bungalows are detached, spacious and identical, except the beach/garden views. Fusing functionality with fashion, they come with private terraces, big futon mattresses, streamlined wooden furniture and large windows that let in shafts of healing light. Groovy touches, such as single leaf stems in earthenware jars, look smartly sculptural rather than self-conscious.
So, no to clutter, but yes to deep comfort? Indeed. The beds are made with lashings of white linen, the semi-open-air bathrooms have gratifyingly splashy 'big rain' showers, and your essential mod cons - telephones, mini-bars and air-con - are all in situ.
Who goes there? Anyone who wants to get back to nature in real style. With a beachside pool, massages and a restaurant serving Thai food, this four-star hotel is surprisingly affordable.
Aside from chilling out, what else is there to do? Deep-sea fishing, kayaking through mangrove swamps, elephant trekking and diving at a variety of world-class sites. Staff at Costa Lanta are happy to organise trips to neighbouring islands, as well as a nearby sea gypsy village.