Guest blogger Julie Miller discovers a luxury resort that blends harmoniously into the natural surroundings of Thailand's first national park.

The area around Khao Yai National Park is bustling with activity. Just a three-hour drive from Bangkok, this once sleepy mountain paradise is enjoying increasing popularity as a weekend getaway for affluent city dwellers. New condominiums, a shopping mall, and even a state-of-the-art water park are about to open.

Yes, Bangkok's residents love their comfort, and even those who are passionate about wildlife viewing, birdwatching, or swimming in waterfalls crave a touch of luxury. The new Botanica Khao Yai resort fulfills these desires without neglecting the connection to the surrounding nature. Gardens and pools offer sweeping mountain views, and against a backdrop of towering cliffs, the sounds of the jungle are ever-present.

The clean, modern lines of the five-story Botanica building are a risky choice for a so-called "nature" resort. The extensive use of concrete could easily have made it an eyesore, clashing with the lush surroundings.

And yet it works: The main building reflects the steep rock face behind it, while the winding paths and terraces create an organic ambiance. The harmonious landscaping (including several barbecue areas) helps the resort blend into its surroundings, and the two pools – especially the upstairs infinity pool – are a real highlight: dreamy spots to relax and enjoy the view.

Luxury is also paramount in the 114 guest rooms, suites, and apartments. My room, the second-category Botanica Suite, was simply enormous: a spacious living room, a kitchenette, a separate bedroom, an en-suite bathroom, and a huge balcony with an outdoor bathtub. Amenities included free Wi-Fi, an iPod docking station, a king-size bed, and a rain shower… and even a complimentary minibar! “You can take everything,” we were told. “Just not the refrigerator, please!”

Seventeen rooms in the complex also have their own plunge pools, although during my visit I had the lovely communal pools all to myself anyway.

Overlooking the lower pool is the resort bar, an open-air "treehouse" perfect for a refreshing Chang beer in the afternoon or cocktails in the evening. Nearby, the Tempo restaurant serves an exceptional breakfast with a selection of Asian and Western dishes.

Since the national park is only 1.5 kilometers away, Botanica is a place with a special flair and an ideal starting point for a weekend surrounded by nature.

Further information can be found at www.botanicakhaoyai.com