One of the key attributes of a well-designed golf course is that it provides a stimulating experience for golfers of all levels - and Aquella Golf & Country Club, the newest addition to greater Phuket's golf course inventory, passes that test with flying colours.

I was privileged to play the par-72, 7008-yard layout in late June during the second leg the Aquella Social Stableford Series, and was grouped for nine holes with Brandon Han, one of Singapore's leading amateurs, and Thai professional /TV personality Arintapol Nuchasatiara aka Kun Teh.

While our scores differed immensely, we trudged off the 18th green with a common verdict - Aquella is one of the best golfing experiences in Thailand, even by the Kingdom's lofty standards.

Hole 6, Par 4

Turfed tee-to-gree with salt-tolerant Platinum Paspalum, the golf course scores close to a perfect 10 condition-wise as no expense was spared in ensuring that it was properly built bottom-up.

Course architects Paul Reeves and Phil Ryan of Pacific Coast Design have gone to great lengths to ensure that having the ability to play the game well is not a prerequisite to enjoying a round at Aquella.

I shot 90-plus and had a blast chasing pars while Brandon and Kun Teh were busy hunting birdies and eagles. Off the whites, the course is extremely playable for those who hit driver between 200 to 220 yards, but from the tips it is a solid test even for low-handicappers ... especially if the wind kicks in.

There is a fair amount of water on the course, mainly in the form of a khlong (canal) that winds its way through the layout. But there are no forced long carries and, more often than not, you'll find ample space to stay dry off the tees.

The flowing undulations on the fairways could result in a sloping lie, but not of such severity that a simple stance adjustment would not fix.

The bunkers are huge and look intimidating, but only punish extreme misdirection and - for the most part - are not that difficult to get out of.

It was on the subtly-contoured greens that I struggled the most, mainly with speed control as the lines given by my caddie were spot-on and the putting surfaces as true as they come.

Aquella sits partly on the site of the now defunct Thai Muang course, but bears little resemblence to the old Andy Dye layout - except in the timber-lined bunker faces. The Thai Muang layout was routed parallel to the beach, while the Aquella 18 - and this is probably the only gripe one could have - is mostly played inland.

The beach does comes into spectcular view at Aquella's signature hole, the par-three 11th which plays towards the Andaman Sea. Majestic casuarinas separate the beach from the green, but strong winds still break through and can significantly affect direction and clubbing.

Although the air was still when we reached the postcard-pretty hole, I still somehow contrived to block a five-iron into a flowerbed and wound up with a fat five!

Other standout holes at Aquella include the long par-four 12th, which plays a hefty 490 yards off the tips and features water on the right and trees on the left, and the picturesue par-four 16th lined by a khlong along its left side with sculptured mounds and bunkers on the right.

Condition aside, Aquella also excels in the quality of service from its friendly staff ... even by Thailand's legendary high standards. The golf club is managed by Absolute Golf Services, who have placed the hugely experienced and extremely likeable Scot Simon Mees as general manager.

"We’re very focused on delivering service beyond people’s expectations, a golf course that really excels from a condition and playability perspective," said Mees.

"While we’re a little outside from central Phuket, I guess we bring another variety of golf course. Hopefully it elevates the conditioning that people can find and hopefully that will help make the other courses perhaps look at their presentation, look at the service that they’re offering, and elevate the whole market for Phuket," he added.

The high level of service spans from the moment you drop off your golf bag to the time you check out using the 'passport' system common in China but only recently finding its way to Southeast Asia.

The elegant two-storey clubhouse has everything golfers would need, including lip-smacking local and international fare at the restaurant. If you're up for a pre- or post-game workout, the gymnasium on the top floor is absoulutely first-class ... and offers stunning views of the golf course as well.

And should any on-course bets remain unresolved, the miniature 18-hole putting course next to the driving range is just the place to settle things.

Part of a 177-hectare residential and resort development by Hong Kong-based Pacific Century Premium Developments, Aquella recently became the third Thai golf club to join the Asian Tour Destinations network.

We were put up at the stunning pool villas of the Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa, located along Mai Khao Beach in the northern part of the island. The sprawling resort is an attraction in itself, with everything you would expect of a five-star property along with jogging/biking trails and no less than five restaurants. And we had our own private pools!

It takes only about half an hour to reach Aquella from the resort, with a similar travel time from Phuket International AIrport, crossing the Sarasin Bridge along a four-lane highway. The only slow stretch is towards the end when you pass through Thai Muang town.

Long story short, Aquella has earned its place as a new must-play on any golfing trip to Phuket!