HOW TO SELL PHUKET
PHUKET World-Class
BY PAUL OSWELL The tsunami of Boxing Day 2004
wreaked destruction on an unprecedented scale on the west coast of Thailand, the damage concentrated on the six southern provinces facing the Andaman Sea. Although Phuket was badly hit, its position as a huge tourist destination meant that recovery and rebuilding took place at an impressive pace, and within six months the first journalists were taken to the resort and witness its return to relative normality. The government and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) seized the opportunity to redevelop and almost rebrand the destination. Plans were to rebuild with an aim of redeveloping Phuket as a world-class destination, including plans for cycle lanes, parks and a new image of cultural promotion. Beyond the terrible human tragedy,
there were some strangely beneficial side effects; water quality improved tremendously, many beaches cleared of the mess and debris that existed before, and cleaner sands emerged. The beautiful shallow-water corals so
beloved of snorkellers and divers only saw around 10% destruction, a much lower figure than initially feared. In many areas, the corals – especially in deeper waters – remained essentially untouched. These were incidental but important facts for the Andaman coast, and at least gave Phuket a foundation to rebuild on. Phuket is still a lively, tourist-led destination. Some parts are still young,
PHUKET What's New...
lurid and brash but there’s a more mature side, with excellent, sophisticated accommodation options and attractions. There are several world-class hotels in
Phuket. Katathani Phuket Beach Resort (
www.katahani.com) – recently joined by the neighbouring five- star The Shore at Katathani – has repeatedly been rewarded for excellence at the Thai Tourism Awards, and newer resorts such as the Vijitt (www.
vijittresort.com) with its 92 standalone luxury villas are helping to raise the standards across the town. The Vijitt also offers guests a 40-metre infinity pool, children's club, Thai restaurant and the V spa. These hotels
join established names such as Holiday Inn Phuket, Amari Coral Beach Resort, Anantara Phuket Villas, JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa and Radisson Plaza Resort Phuket Panwa Beach. Many of these resorts lead directly onto the beaches. Beaches are, of course, second only to
the nightlife in terms of attracting visitors to Phuket. There are dozens of beaches here, with different stretches to appeal to different visitors. Patong Beach is lively with shopping and bars; Karon is more arty with smaller guesthouses; Kata is a great family beach and Kamala is quieter, ideal for couples. With a view to broadening the resort’s appeal, family
• One of the newest resorts is La Flora (
laflorapatong.com) at Patong Beach. The only boutique resort on Patong with pool villas, it has 67 rooms and a range of dining options
• Also opened in 2010 is the sister property to Katahani Phuket, The Shore at Katathani (
theshore.katathani.com), a luxury, beachfront pool villa resort on Kata Noi Beach
• There are a host of new, free activities for guests staying at Vijitt Resort, including a Coral Island day trip, rubber tapping, and marine and botanical walks
OPENING NOVEMBER Rawai Palm
Beach Resort PHUKET Rawai Palm Beach Resort, a new four-star ultra-stylish and romantic resort situated at Rawai Beach, is due to open this winter. A perfect choice for weddings and great holidays, Rawai Palm Beach Resort is just 200 metres from the beach. Set in a secluded environment among tranquil tropical gardens, Rawai Palm Beach Resort is perfect families, honeymooners and anyone else looking to relax in the most natural of environments. Rawai Palm Beach Resort features 198 rooms, three beautifully landscaped free-form swimming pools, three restaurants and full facilities. Guests also benefi t from free internet access and a free shuttle boat to Bon Island.
Rawai Palm Beach Resort - A: 66/2 Viset Rd, T.Rawai, Muang, Phuket 83130 T: (66-76) 384 650 - 660 F: (66 76) 384 661 M: 081 719 0382, 088 765 2635 6 E:
info@rawaipalmbeachresort.com,
sales@rawaipalmbeachresort.com W:
www.rawaipalmbeachresort.com
50 May 2011 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
TAT
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