Nestling among tall trees and surrounded by exotic tropical gardens, rice paddies and plantations, stands Green Gecko- a holiday villa in the Thai style. With high roofs finished in terracotta tiles, a raised wooden deck, an access staircase made of reclaimed hardwood house pillars and antique entrance doors, this villa procalims its Thainess from the outset.

The villa hugs the central deck, where the private swimming pool drops over an infinity edge to the trees beyond. Through this deck rises a highly fragarnt champaca tree, its elongated white flowers perfuming the night air.

Honeymooners, couples and romantics will enjoy the privacy afforded by the villa; families its spaciousness and numerous things to do; foodies its emphasis on delightful Thai food and Isan dishes prepared from the freshest of ingredients - and the chance to learn Thai cooking for themselves.

Beyond the villa lie many places appealing to those who seek more than total relaxation at the pool: rice farms, typical rural villages, silk-weaving commuinities, pottery-makers, forest temples, the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Ban Chiang, the local lotus lake and its traditional fishermen in long wooden boats, and the photo opportiunities provided by the local landscapes and characters alike.

Green Gecko sleeps two to four in its two air-conditioned bedrooms, each with a four poster bed and en-suite bathroom. A large living and dining room seats everyone, and a TV snug offers a place to relax ona futon with satellite TV or an internet connection. The fully equipped kitchen has eveything required, and the outdoor sala is perfect for dining al fresco in shade.

Green Gecko is located in Udon Thani province, from where it offers free transfers.