Amanpuri is in Thailand. (to islands lover)

Anjajavy in Madagascar was a dream come true. Please let me know if you need specifics on the place.

We had a pavilion directly above the spa. The walk up the stairs did not bother us at all. (Sure, it is different than Caribbean resorts where you stay ON the beach, but it is was not an issue to us.) The pavilions are BEAUTIFUL and extremely private. You are surrounded by lush trees and beautiful flowers. Your room has fresh orchids, and everything smells like heaven. We had to walk up 2 flights of stairs to reach our room, but it was a nice stroll. The grounds are impeccable, so it is very zen-like to walk around.
It would take you 3 minutes (max) "walking" to reach the beach, so it isn't a hike at all. (I am assuming you do not have any health issues that would prevent you from walking at a normal pace.)

We are foodies and thought the restaurants were perfect. (Please note that we were at the end of a month long journey throughout the Far East, so we weren't interested in leaving the property and trying other restaurants.) Anyhow, we ate at both the Thai and Italian restaurant and thought every last bite was a delight. We also enjoy wine and had no problem selecting our favorites. Breakfast was exceptional and the green tea was perfect. We chartered a yacht out to the Phi Phi Islands through the resort and the food they packed for our lunch was incredible.

We enjoyed several couples treatments at the spa and LOVED it. It was on par with the best ones we have been to. After your treatment, they bring you crisp, Asian pears and rosehip tea as you sit and enjoy the soothing sounds of nature.

Honestly, I could not have asked for a better end to our trip!

My husband and I just stayed at the JW Marriott and the Amanpuri. The beach at Amanpuri was absolutely sublime - perfect setting, white sand, water the most amazing color and so warm too. I can't imagine a lovlier place to enjoy a beach. Part of what makes the beach so beautiful is that there aren't rooms right on it - the backdrop is a coconut plantation with pavillions tucked in among the trees. The pools are great there too! The look and feel of the Amanpuri, and perhaps the service too, is austere and minimalist luxury, which we enjoyed, especially looking back on the stay there as it stands out as unique among places we have stayed - it is serene and peaceful in that way.

JW was great too, but for different reasons. Regarding beach, you can't swim there, and the beach is not great for hanging out on (it's gorgeous, but has a rather steep slant down toward the water). What we liked about it was the property(huge with very fun OTT architecture and infinity pools) and all of the things to do. They had lots of restaurants to choose among including a low-key cafe/grocery, a great gym, mountain bikes to take out, etc. It was almost of a Four Seasons quality for an incredible price. We would definitely return to both resorts.

Please let me know what your impressions of the Amanpuri is. I hpe you are there for 3 or more full days for it tskes at least that to form an informed opinion. If you would compare it to other upper-deluxe resorts/hotels you stayed in Thailand on your trip ad if you would the 2 or 3 loviest resorts you have ever stayed at.
Please compare staff attitude (real attitude), rooms, food, sense od "real" relaxation and convenience of the facility. Having traveled 3-4 times a year for 39 years I learn from folks comparisons to places I have stayed at around the world.
ENJOY.