HOTSPOT: PHUKET
Phuket I
A BEACH FAVOURITE
As Thailand’s biggest island (attached to the mainland by a causeway), Phuket has a variety of accommodation. The
southerly beaches are perfect for being in the swim of things, the northwest coast more low key and handy for the airport. The east is relatively new to development with some high-end secluded resorts. Shoppers will also fi nd some large malls, great for electronics, fashions and homeware.
KHAO LAK
Khao Lak, just north of Phuket, off ers some accommodation gems and is the base of choice for divers – being a departure point for the Surin and Similan islands. Khao Sok National Park, which includes an elephant camp, is also close.
Phuket’s position in
Phang Nga Bay makes it a fantastic access point for
RECENT
ADDITIONS BANDARA VILLAS
Bandara Villas Phuket has opened on the resort’s southeast
coast with 35 one- and two-storey villas
ranged down a hillside to the sea and rooftop dining. It’s exclusive to Kuoni in the UK.
bandaragroup.com
KATA ROCKS
In-room comforts are iPad controlled at this contemporary 34-villa resort. Each villa has a terrace with infi nity
pool. The high-tech spa includes treatments in a coloured
chromotherapy chamber.
katarocks.com
HYATT REGENCY PHUKET
200 rooms with fl oor-to-ceiling windows, hardwood fl oors and iPod docks perch over Kamala beach. Some have terrace whirlpool tubs while club rooms come with additional perks. Romance and spa
PHUKET
f you know just one Thai resort it will likely be Phuket. The most popular of Thailand’s beach destinations has a wide appeal for just about every client, whether couples, families, golfers and divers. Pick Phuket as their base and they could be checking out the nightlife in the numerous clubs, or the sealife around world-class dive and snorkel sites.
other small islands. These can be combined on twin-centres or explored on day trips by longtail boat or kayak. Thomson Airways' charter fl ies direct into Phuket from Gatwick and Singapore Airlines fl ies from Heathrow. Emirates and Etihad Airways both off er links from across the UK via the UAE and Qatar Airways fl ies from Manchester and Heathrow to the island.
ISLANDS BEYOND THAILAND
Islands with quality accommodation within easy reach of Phuket include Koh Lanta, Phi Phi Don, Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai. Visitors can also learn about Muslim fi shing culture with a boat trip to Koh Panyi village or a homestay on Koh Yao Noi. The gay scene is centred on Patong. Phuket Pride, billed as ‘the best gay party in Thailand', takes
place in early 2016.
Phuket saw a lot of hotel development in 2014, with more openings planned for 2015. Look out for discounted introductory hotel rates to encourage booking.
packages are off ered.
phuket.regency.
hyatt.com
LE CORAL HIDEAWAY Beyond Phuket This Natai beach newbie has 58 rooms and suites with ocean views and balconies. Some also boast private pools and butler service. A fast-track immigration and limo transfer is complimentary.
coralhideaway.com
U ZENMAYA PHUKET The deluxe premium
rooms and suites have balcony Jacuzzis at this 50-room four-star on Kalim Beach. Two boardrooms, a rooftop lounge, library and spa also feature.
uhotelsresorts.com
NIKKI BEACH HOTEL AND SPA PHUKET Nikki’s trendy beach bar concept has hit Layan Beach. Guests and day visitors can enjoy a choice of beachfront bars, a special Sunday brunch and themed events.
nikkibeach.com/phuket
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