Flanking the golden sands of Khao Lak in southern Thailand, Casa de la Flora (66-76/428-999; casadelaflora.com; villas from US$370) catches the eye with ranks of cube-shaped, glass-and-concrete villas. Though tempered with natural materials like teakwood, the sharp-angled exteriors give a nod to the severe geometries of Brutalist architecture. Inside, though, there’s nothing harsh about the 36 sunny villas, lined with honey-toned hardwood and replete with creature comforts like chemical-free plunge pools, private pocket gardens and terraces, rain showers, soaking tubs, and 24-hour butler service. A four-room spa and a dedicated “Dream Butler”–whose sole responsibility is to turn guests’ whims into reality–should take off any remaining rough edges. —Isabel Esterman

Originally appeared in the June/July 2011 print issue of DestinAsian magazine (“Outside the Box”)