Note: Placing this under "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" is sort of a joke. Neither my husband nor I are either rich or famous: But when it comes to travel, we just happen to be very lucky! As I mentioned in an earlier post, this trip to Thailand is being paid for by frequent flyer miles and frequent hotel stay points. In case you think that joining these program isn't worth it, read on.

My husband has elite status with the Starwood preferred Guest Program. Thus, we were getting a free stay at Le Méridien Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort

Upon our arrival, we were told by the management that while elite members are usually upgraded to suites, there were unfortunately, none available.

"But," she said. "We have decided to upgrade you to a private villa, which will include your personal butler, free breakfast in the morning and an outdoor pond complete with two black swans that graced its peaceful waters. As a girl from humble beginnings, all I could say was, "WOW."

That said, even if we had been placed in one of the simpler rooms, I can't say enough good things about Le Meridien Khao Lak. The beach is exquisite and the staff is friendly. When you get bored of beach activities, there is also a zoo on the premises, where you can watch a mama deer nurse her baby.

The regular room rates at Le Meridien are actually pretty affordable. However, there are extremely affordable resorts all along the beach, as well as dirt cheap hotel rooms in the actual town.

Khao Lak is the place that received the worst Tsunami damage. This is perhaps the reason that it is not as affordable as Phuket. However, I found it to be calmer, more beautiful and more affordable than Phuket.

Khao Lak needs the tourist dollar to rebuild their economy. Consider a trip. It will be well worth it!