Thailand

Topical Island Sailing Adventures aboard the Suwan Macha from Phuket

Imagine this! A sun-drenched shimmering sea of emerald green studded abundantly with exotic islands streaked with powder-white sandy beaches and harboring unseen lagoons and secret coves. Sounds like a fantasy land, a scene from Peter Pan but this is the sailing ground for a 4 day sailing adventure on board the Suwan Macha in Thailand; paradise it is, fantasy it is not.

This short sailing holiday takes places on board the Suwan Macha, an Asian rigged traditional junk with characteristic burnt sienna sails that today navigates a route from Phuket Thailand to Phang Nga Bay, Krabi and the Phi Phi Islands before reversing her cruise to go back to Phuket with a new set of fortunate sailors over another 4 day heavenly family boat trip among the off-lying tropical islands of Phuket.

The Suwan Macha
With 5 cabins, the Suwan Macha can host up to 10 guests and sails with a experienced skipper and crew. Things are personal, slightly intimate but relaxed on-board this traditional junk which blends Asian world charm with Western creature comforts.

The Suwan Macha just emphasizes the fairy tale backdrop and watching the boat is almost dream-like as this imposing Oriental yacht sails majestically atop the green sea displaying an entirely ageless profile of lines and contrasting colours. Thousands of travellers to Thailand flock to Phuket annually and a few take to the seas to visit the plethora of off-lying islands by day or on live-aboard diving boats but very few get the chance to experience this exotic island cruise free from the crowds and in complete harmony with the surroundings.

While salvagers have scowered the seas for hidden treasure, the Suwan Macha is bounty in itself and a junk sailing cruise that takes you to explore and discover natural treasures like hidden lagoons, secret sandy coves, mangrove forests and a small community of Sea Gypsies that still exist segregated and independent from the general population of Thailand.

Suwan Macha Adventure Sailing
This tropical island sailing cruise can be done from Phuket to Phang Nga Bay and onto Krabi and the Phi Phi Islands or in reverse; the former departs on Saturdays and the latter on Tuesdays but either way the cruise begins from the front door of your Phuket hotel. If you take the reverse cruise we collect you from your hotel and transfer you to the ferry which whisks you from Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands where you will board the Suwan Macha.

Cast off, Castaway and James Bond (Day 1)
But let’s set out from your Phuket hotel and join the Suwan Macha after a short drive to the Phuket Yacht Haven where she is moored. Departure time is 2pm and you will be onboard with plenty of time to spare. Mooring lines are cast-off and the Suwan Macha plots a route for Phang Nga Bay weaving her way through towering limestone karsts and edging ever closer to the ever popular James Bond island that was put firmly on the chart in The Man with the Golden Gun (1974). Otherwise known as Koh Tapu the island is part of the Ao Phang Nga National Park and after taking time to explore the island the day trippers flee for home leaving the Suwan Macha in tranquil harmony. Drop anchor, kick back and prepare for a picture postcard sunset before enjoying a feast of Thai food for dinner taken on the teak decks.

Sea Gypsy’s, Hidden Lagoons and Powder White Beaches (Day 2)
There is nothing quite like waking up on a sailing yacht (or junk!), coming up on deck to experience Nature in all her glory and in amongst the rock karsts of Ao Phang Nga National Park, the visual impact is awe-inspiring. Breakfast is served on-deck before guests are invited to explore a unique Sea Gypsy Village and experience a boat ride through the mangroves in search of hidden lagoons.

After visiting the Sea Gypsy’s, sail onwards and southwards to the clear azure waters of Krabi. This is time to stretch out on the sun-soaked decks whilst enjoying icy cold cocktails and the panoramic splendour of the tropical seascape. Today also hammers home the real advantage of yacht sailing as the Suwan Macha discovers deserted powder-white beaches for swimming, snorkeling and some private sun-bathing.

As the afternoon draws to an end guests are treated to their second Andaman Sea Sunset followed by a table laden with Thai Food to enjoy beneath the stars on-deck.

Yacht Sailing from Krabi to the Phi Phi Islands (Day 3)
Another morning, one more anchorage, one more feast for the senses topped-up with breakfast on-deck! The theme today is Tropical Island hopping. The final destination is Koh Phi Phi but between there and the anchorage in Krabi are scattered many smaller islands and a chance to snorkel, swim and sunbathe occur in series.

Once at Koh Phi Phi, guests have a chance to go on shore to explore before returning to yacht in time to catch their final Andaman sunset aboard the Suwan Macha followed by the now ubiquitous smorgasbord of Thai food served up on-deck.

The Beach, the Bay and Return (Day 4)
As Koh Tapu became a lure for tourism after being featured in The Man with the Golden Gun, Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Ley captivated viewers movie-goers by its awesome, hypnotic and mesmerizing beauty when it became the backdrop in the 2000 drama film “The Beach” starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Maya Bay is the final destination for the Suwan Macha 4 day cruise.

Regrettably Maya Bay now magnetizes boatload after boatload of tourists on a daily basis who descend on “The Beach” for a glimpse of paradise. Having anchored in close proximity, the Suwan Macha has the upper-hand though and by making an early morning visit guests are spared the lifejacket-clad hordes.

After visiting Maya Bay and exploring the cave guests of the Suwan Macha take lunch on Koh Phi Phi before returning to Phuket by ferry.

Sailing Adventures from Phuket
Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, is bathed by the Andaman Sea. Most holiday-makers know Phuket for its entertainment value and it resounds with opportunities for adventure sports, eco adventures and recreational activities, embracing both water sports and outdoor adventures on land. Phuket is also famous for its nightlife, in places somewhat decadent, but that scene is contained and easily avoided if neon lights and gyrating bodies are not your scene and Phuket has a positively epicurean side.

Inaugurated in 1987, the annual Kings Cup Regatta thrust Phuket into becoming the headquarters of Yacht Sailing in Asia and it continues to be the biggest and most popular regatta in the region today. And in the wake of the Kings Cup Regatta leisure sailing has boomed with private yacht ownership, flotilla sailing holidays, corporate sailing and sailing schools all now offered all-year-round, although November through to April is the official Phuket Yacht Sailing season.

Needless to say, the cruising grounds in close proximity to Phuket are extraordinarily beautiful. Don’t expect Fastnet or Sydney to Hobart conditions but if you are looking for gentle sailing holidays that offer island hopping and adventure sailing in profusion then Phuket Sailing Vacations make for a very inspired alternative to the more conventional Phuket holiday formula. Sailing vacations in this area are also perfect for Families with kids and provide end-to-end entertainment with swimming, snorkeling and island adventures each and every day.

The Suwan Macha is but one option where Phuket sailing holidays are concerned and this authentically shaped, Asian rigged traditional junk, oozing oriental world charm but with enough Western creature comforts, is a perfect platform for family cruises in and around the islands and she can also be chartered outright.

About the Author

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Ferry From Phuket To Koh Phi Phi

Phuket Hotels $40 Phuket Hotels

BC Ferries $81.25 BC Ferries. MV Queen of the North, Fast Ferry Scandal, British Columbia, British Columbia Social Credit Party, Sidney, British Columbia, Coastal class ferry, MV Northern Expedition, List of retired BC Ferries ships Author: Miller, Frederic P./ Vandome, Agnes F./ McBrewster, John Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 78 Publication Date: 2009/10/27 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.01 x 0.18 inches

Hotel Twinpalms Phuket, Phuket $131 This exciting and stylish contemporary resort offers brilliant modern tropical interiors, fabulous restaurants, thoughtful unpretentious service, 100% pure and natural products, cutting edge technology, an original art collection, a well equipped library, a great location next to Millionaires Cove, and an outstanding stretch of magnificent beachfront on the island of Phuket. The hotel comprises a total of 97 guest rooms and features a lobby with 24-hour reception and check-in/check-out service, currency exchange facilities, as well as a café and bar. Conference facilities and complimentary high-speed Internet access is available for the hotel guests. The hotel also offers a newspaper delivery and 24-hour room service (fees apply). A laundry service is also provided for a fee, whilst guests arriving by car can leave their vehicles in the hotel’s own private car park.

Hotel The Surin Phuket, Phuket $200 Thailand’s tropical holiday haven of Phuket is set in the aquamarine waters of the Andaman Sea and nestled in peaceful seclusion on the island’s finest shores. Situated adjacent to the exclusive Amanpuri, this luxury beach resort is an easy blend of timeless simplicity and modern sophistication. A total of 108 thatched cottages nestle in the shelter of coconut palms on landscaped slopes that gently descend to meet the white sand beach. Offering an extensive array of water sports, the hotel is the perfect choice for a relaxing beach vacation. Facilities on the air-conditioned complex include a reception desk with a safe and conference facilities with technical equipment such as Internet access, a TV, microphones and a sound system. It is possible to dine in the Lomtalay Restaurant, the Beach Restaurant, the Sunset Café with bar or the Beach Bar. Younger guests may participate in the kids club activities.

Hotel Ibis Phuket Patong, Phuket $45 Fully air-conditioned, this 260-room hotel is a tranquil oasis in the heart of Phuket and is decorated in a simple but modern style. The friendly and casual ambience means guests can enjoy a hassle-free and fun-filled stay. Facilities include a lobby with 24-hour reception and check-out service, currency exchange facilities, a hotel safe and lift access. There is a bar, restaurant and TV lounge for relaxing in. Conference facilities and Internet access are available, as well as a laundry service and car parking for guests. Bicycles can be rented at reception.

Hotel Amora Resort Phuket, Phuket $59 Set against the backdrop of a beautiful white sands and blue sea of Bang Tao Beach, this resort is a unique tropical paradise. It offers numerous leisure options and places to visit, all on the island of Phuket and the Andaman Sea. The resort comprises a total of 255 rooms and also provides a reception with a currency exchange facility, a bar and a restaurant. In addition to this guests can take advantage of the hotel’s room service.

Ferries of the World By Takmakli, Fatih $82.82 Author: Takmakli, Fatih Subtitle: (World Ship Collection Ii) Publication Date: 2008/10/30 Number of Pages: 99 Binding Type: Paperback Language: English Depth: 0.25 Width: 8.50 Height: 8.25

Hotel Burasari Phuket, Phuket $71 Established in the year 2003, the hotel has a total of 119 rooms, of which 29 are suites, spread between a 3-storey annexe and a 4-storey main building. As well as an open-air lobby with lifts, a 24-hour reception, a currency exchange desk, the hotel also offers its guests public Internet access (wireless) and a restaurant with Thai and French specialities. Guests without their own bike may hire one from the hotel. Room and laundry services are also available.

Hotel Racha Phuket, Phuket $209 The recently-designed resort opened its doors in 2004 and is home to 75 luxurious villas. Complete indulgence is made possible by the resort’s food and beverage outlets, leisure facilities and Sanctuary Garden Spa. Guests are welcomed into the hotel foyer by a 24-hour check-in service, and here they may also make use of the hotel safe, currency exchange facility or bicycle hire service.

Hotel Woraburi Phuket, Phuket $40 Established in 2004, this hotel comprises a total of 207 rooms spread over five floors, of which nine are suites.

Jc Wings 1-400 JC4BAF166 British Air Ferries ATL98 1-400 $34.65 Highly detailed JC Wings British Air Ferries ATL98Diecast model in 1:400 scale. Aircraft: ALT-98. Airline: British Airways.

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Hotel Cape Sienna Phuket, Phuket $98 This air-conditioned resort brings sophisticated city living to the tropical beauty of Phuket Island. Designed as a retreat for the urban cosmopolitan, the sleek ultra modern hotel and villa accommodation, as well as the restaurants, bars and amenities are all positioned to command stunning sea views from a dramatic west coast headland. Here guests will find four marinas and a growing list of elegant nightspots, restaurants and bars. The resort has a total of 146 rooms, of which 98 are studio rooms, 44 are deluxe rooms, 2 are suites and 2 are penthouses. Guests are welcomed to the resort in the lobby with 24-hour reception and check-out service, as well as a hotel safe, currency exchange facilities, lift access and a newspaper stand. The hotel also features a TV lounge, café, bar, pub and restaurant, as well as ample conference facilities, WLAN Internet access and a car park. Guests may take advantage of both room and laundry services and those wishing to explore the stunning natural surroundings under their own steam may hire bikes from the hotel for an extra fee.

Ko Phi Phi to Phuket Sailing $910 Set sail from Ko Phi Phi to Phuket, Soak up hilltop views on Ko Racha, Be lulled to sleep by soft waves, Swim, snorkel and dive in clear blue waters, Explore stunning Ko Khai Nai before winding up in Phuket

Hotel Sala Phuket Resort and Spa, Phuket $183 This stunning new deluxe pool villa resort opened in 2006. It combines rare historical Sino-Portuguese architecture and design (indigenous to Phuket, Thailand) with modern facilities and resort amenities. It has a lobby with 24-hour reception, hotel safe and currency exchange facility. A hairdresser’s salon features as do room and laundry services, a world-class international beachfront restaurant and bar, lobby bar and gift shop. Parking facilities are available to guests arriving by car. There is a library located in the lobby; this serene area is ideal for reading, relaxing or simply resting. Complimentary laptops with wireless internet connections are provided in the guest lounge.

Thai Sailing Adventure – Phuket to Phuket $1499 Go island hopping in Thailand and experience some of the best snorkelling and diving in the world. Enjoy a week aboard our sailing catamaran and discover what makes Thailand special. With an experienced captain navigating the southern islands, youll drop anchor at highlights and secret spots perfect for a swim. Work up an appetite snorkelling, dine on Thai cuisine and sleep moored under the stars. This trip is perfect on its own or as an add-on with our other Thai adventures.

Hotel Phuket Heritage Hotel, Phuket $25 Just a short walk from the rolling waves and the golden sands of the Andaman Sea a little part of Chinese culture has been preserved and designed to offer all travellers an opportunity to enjoy the comforts of a top quality resort at affordable, budget prices. The hotel, whose slogan is ‘Paradise is available for all to enjoy’, comprises a total of 55 guest rooms spread over 4 storeys and was renovated in 2008. Fully air-conditioned, it welcomes its guests into a lobby with 24-hour reception and check-out service and a hotel safe. On-site facilities include a bar, a restaurant, Internet access and room and laundry services. Guests arriving by car can leave their vehicles in the nearby car park.

Hotel Serene Resort Phuket, Phuket $31 This beach hotel is very spacious and offers a beautiful view over Kata beach and the Andaman Sea. The resort’s lush garden provides an especially relaxing atmosphere. The hotel has a total of 117 rooms, a lobby with a 24-hour reception desk, a restaurant and public Internet access. Room and laundry services are also available. Guests may also take advantage of the hotel parking facilities.

Hotel Anantara Phuket Villas, Phuket $300 Built in 2008, this club resort offers accommodation just a few paces from the Andaman Sea, nestled within gardens of coconut palms, jasmine, orchids and birds of paradise on one side and a meandering lagoon inspired by a traditional southern Thai village on the other. In this retreat of idyllic intimacy, the resort presents a collection of 83 villas allowing guests absolute comfort, space and privacy. Facilities on offer to guests at this air-conditioned establishment include a lobby area with a 24-hour reception and check-out service, a hotel safe, a currency exchange facility, a restaurant and conference facilities. There is the Turtle Club kids’ club for children, a library, The Gallery boutique and executive meeting and board rooms. Guests may also take advantage of the WLAN Internet access (charges apply) and the room and laundry services (both for an additional fee). There is a car park for those arriving by car and guests wishing to explore the surrounding area on bicycle will find a cycle hire station on the premises.

Hotel Novotel Phuket Resort, Phuket $78 This club resort comprises a total of 215 rooms. Facilities on offer include an entrance hall, a bar, a restaurant, conference facilities and the additional option of room service.

Hotel Mei Zhou Phuket, Phuket $37 The lobby of this air-conditioned hotel is grand in design and beautifully decorated in modern Thai and Chinese style with state-of-the-art facilities and full amenities. The tropically landscaped garden is designed to offer relaxation where guests can do refreshing exercise or simply laze in the sun. The hotel provides a 24-hour reception and check-out service, as well as lift access and guests can relax in the TV lounge. Breakfast is served in the breakfast room and WLAN Internet access is available to all guests. There are both room and laundry services and a car park for those arriving by car.

Hotel Sawasdee Village, Phuket $76 This is a boutique resort with a unique design and setting in Phuket. The establishment aims to introduce its guests to the celebration of Thai culture with the charming traditional building set around lush gardens and beautiful ponds. Comprising a total of 40 guest rooms, the establishment welcomes its guests into a lobby with a 24-hour reception, a hotel safe and currency exchange facilities. Additional on-site facilities include a newspaper stand, a café, a restaurant and WLAN Internet access (fees apply). Room and laundry services are available for an additional charge and guests arriving by car can leave their vehicles in the nearby car park (fees apply).

Hotel Andakira, Phuket $43 Built in 2009, the hotel offers contemporary modern style along with full facilities. The hotel is the natural alternative for a perfect holiday if guests desire great accommodation with personalised service and easy access to everything throughout the Patong Beach area and Phuket Island itself. In addition to the 104 guest rooms, the hotel offers currency exchange facilities, lift access, a bar, restaurant, conference facilities, swimming pool, tour desk, both room and laundry services and a car park. There is complimentary wireless Internet access available 24 hours a day, also 5 times a day shuttle bus to shopping area and Patong Beach.

Phuket to Ko Phi Phi Sailing $910 Explore the perennial island favourite, Phuket, Pay a visit to ‘James Bond Island’, Spot vibrant marine life on a snorkelling adventure, Kick back at night listening to the sound of the waves, Explore mysterious caves on Ko Hong, Drop the anchor in paradise on Phi Phi Don

Hotel Indigo Pearl, Phuket $192 On offers to guests are 6 possible venues. Like mother-of-pearl shifting in the light, each location offers another shimmering encounter with the resort, each one unique with its own colours, but sharing the same polished beauty. A selection of rooms, villas, pool pavilions and suites are available, all embodying the experiential essence of the resort. Surreal design is underscored by deluxe comfort, with each accommodation type harbouring its own welcome surprises. The resort opened for business in 2006, and offers 277 rooms in total. Its architecture is inspired by Phuket’s tin mining past, while the décor evokes a Thai factory of a century ago. It has a lobby with 24-hour reception, a hotel safe, currency exchange facility and cloakroom. A café, bar and restaurant also feature. Additional facilities and services include a hairdressing salon and a games room. Conference facilities are also on offer. Internet/WLAN access is provided, with the latter subject to fees. Guests can also make use of the room and laundry services. Parking facilities are available to guests arriving by car. Younger guests may like to take advantage of the playground and the kids club, which comes with large screen televisions and computers.

IBIS PHUKET PATONG $1170 The Ibis Phuket Patong  is a tranquil oasis in the heart of Phuket, just 500m from Patong Beach. This modern, fun and friendly  hotel offers 260 comfortable rooms. Enjoy the shopping and vibrant nightlife nearby then relax in our restaurant serving Thai style  tapas indoors or out in the open air. We offer guests the best value for money with the convenience of 24 hour reception, 24 hour  drink and snack service and WiFi internet in all rooms. 45 min from Phuket International Airport.

IBIS PHUKET KATA $1980 Looking for top value Phuket accommodation? Choose Ibis Phuket Kata. Bright, light filled and modern. Trendy, fresh and fun. The hotel sits ten minutes from the clear waters of Kata Beach. Ibis Phuket Kata is ideal for families and couples alike with shopping, dining and nightlife just moments away. 258 rooms, 24 hour service, snacks and drinks. Surf, swim or soak up the sun in this friendly oasis - the perfect hideaway when relaxation is at the top of your list.

Hotel Mövenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach Phuket, Phuket $105 This spa resort showcases 177 elegant villas, 175 deluxe rooms and 30 ocean-front residences, all surrounded by manicured tropical gardens. There are 9 dining outlets and bars. Additional facilities include air conditioning, 24-hour check-in and check-out service, currency exchange, a hotel safe, lifts, conference facilities, Internet access/WLAN and a car-park. The resort is also home to the largest kids’ club in Phuket, called the Play Zone. Room and laundry services are always on offer.

NOVOTEL PHUKET RESORT $2880 The Novotel Phuket Resort is a 4 star hotel tucked into a hillside above the pristine waters of Kalim Bay, within easy reach of the exciting nightlife and shopping of nearby Patong. Novotel Phuket Resort offers a unique holiday and boasts beautiful traditional Thai architecture, surrounded by 8 acres of lush tropical gardens. The hotel features 215 contemporary rooms, plus a three-tiered swimming pool, a Thai massage centre, a Kids Club, two bars and three great restaurants for you to enjoy.

Dk Eyewitness Top 10 Phuket (Paperback) $23.05 DK Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guide Phuket will lead you straight to the very best that Thailand`s largest island and its surroundings have to offer. Whether you`re looking for a beautiful beach, to experience Phuket`s vibrant nightlife, or to explore the exotic mangrove forests and jungles, this guide is your perfect pocket-sized companion. Rely on dozens of Top 10 lists ? from the Top 10 beaches and Top 10 areas of natural beauty, to the Top 10 temples and shrines and the Top 10 island day trips from Phuket. The guide is divided by area, covering all of Phuket`s highlights and packed with reviews for restaurants, bars, and hotels. DK Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guide Phuket also includes a full-color pull-out map and guide with sixty great ideas for how to spend your day.

Hotel Radisson Blu Plaza Resort Phuket Panwa, Phuket $131 Built in 2009, this resort offers stunning beachfront accommodation in Phuket. It comprises a total of 211 rooms, including room types ranging from deluxe to spacious pool villas, making it the ideal destination for single travellers as well as families. It provides all the pleasures of a premium beachfront resort expertly blended with traditional Thai hospitality, allowing guests to spend their Thailand holiday in style amidst lush natural surroundings. Facilities on offer to guests include a lobby area with a 24-hour reception and check-out service, a hotel safe, a currency exchange facility, lift access and a hairdressing salon. It has a bar and a restaurant and business travellers will appreciate the conference facilities and WLAN Internet access. Guests can also take advantage of the room and laundry services and there is parking available for those arriving by car.

Hotel Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort, Phuket $152 This fully air-conditioned top-rate hotel was extensively renovated in 2001 and comprises 6 floors with a total of 470 rooms of which 32 are junior suites and 18 are suites. It is located in a large park area and is surrounded by charming greenery. As well as a lobby with a 24-hour reception, the hotel also offers its guests a variety of shops, a kiosk, a hairdressing salon and a games room. Further facilities include a café, a bar and a restaurant with highchairs for infants. A children’s playground and a kids’ club are also available. A bicycle hire service, a conference room and public Internet access also feaure. Parking spaces are available for those arriving by car. Room and laundry services, as well as medical assistance, round up the offerings.

Hotel The Royal Phuket Yacht Club, Phuket $101 Renovated in 2002, this hotel comprises 9 floors with a total of 110 rooms of which 54 are single rooms, 30 are double rooms and 26 are suites. Facilities within the hotel include a foyer with a 24-hour reception desk, a safe, a currency exchange facility, a cloakroom and a lift. Guests may pay a visit to the café and it is possible to buy items at the newspaper stall and in the shops. A hairdresser’s salon features within the hotel as does a BBQ area, a lounge, bars, snack bars and 3 open-air restaurants as well as 1 air-conditioned restaurant offering Thai, Italian, fish, buffet and à la carte dining. Business guests may make use of the conference room (capacity of up to 100 persons) and the public Internet terminal. Those arriving by car may make use of the hotel car park and garage facilities whilst bicycles may be stored in the secure facility. Room, laundry and medical services round off the offerings.

Hotel Millennium Resort Patong Phuket, Phuket $124 This 421-room new hotel is located at the shopping complex of Jungceylon. There are 2 buildings comprising of the Lakeside Wing and Beachside Wing. Lakeside offers a soothing, richly ambient décor, while Beachside offers guest rooms in a more contemporary style. In addition to a lobby with 24-hour check-in and check-out services, amenities at this air-conditioned establishment include currency exchange facilities, a cloakroom and lift access, as well as a café, newspaper stand, hairdressing salon and a bar. There is a restaurant and conference facilities, and room and laundry services are provided for a fee. Guests arriving by car may use the hotel’s parking facilities.

Hotel Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa, Phuket $135 This enchanting luxury hotel is surrounded by lush gardens filled with tropical plants. Renovated in 2003, this hotel has a total of 685 rooms over 7 floors, of which 15 are elegant suites. Amongst the facilities count an impressive, air-conditioned foyer with 24-hour reception desk, safes, a currency exchange desk, a cloakroom and lift. Furthermore, the hotel includes a hairdressing salon, a kiosk, a games room, shops, a bicycle hire service and a bicycle storage room. Culinary options in the hotel include a cosy bar and a restaurant with a non-smoking area. Younger guests may enjoy letting off steam in the playground and there are highchairs provided in the restaurant. Business guests may make use of the conference room and the Internet access (WLAN). 24-hour room service and laundry service are at guests’ disposal and there is a doctor on call. Car parking spaces and a garage are also situated outside of the hotel.

Hotel Patong Pearl Resortel Phuket, Phuket $27 The resort provides a combination of cool contemporary design and a warm welcome. It comes equipped with all the amenities necessary to ensure a comfortable and relaxing stay. It offers a total of 39 rooms, between the main building and the bungalows divided up as follows; 16 standard rooms, 16 superior rooms and 7 bungalows. The resort was renovated in 2007. It has a lobby with 24-hour reception, hotel safe, cloak room and lift access. A bar and restaurant also feature. Internet and WLAN access are available. Room service is offered. Parking facilities are available to guests arriving by car.

Hotel Dusit Thani Laguna, Phuket, Phuket $241 This prestigious hotel is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World group. Offering gracious Thai hospitality and affording a reputation for excellent service, facilities and accommodation, the hotel treats guests to a first-class experience, which combines the quality of international standards with grace and warm hospitality. This is complemented by the beauty of the natural surroundings and the charming air of complete ease and relaxation. It’s not surprising that many of hotel’s guests are repeat visitors. This is not just any destination but the perfect base for a very special holiday. The hotel comprises a total of 226 rooms of which 107 rooms have 2 single beds and 106 rooms come with double beds, whilst there are also 3 suites with single beds and 9 with double beds. Moreover, there is a Princess Suite on offer. Facilities include a currency exchange desk, a café, a bar and a nightclub in addition to conference facilities and a restaurant. There is a kids’ club for younger guests.

Hotel Impiana Resort Patong Phuket, Phuket $211 Surrounded by gardens, this completely renovated hotel comprises over 68 rooms. Guests may make use of the foyer with 24-hour reception desk, safe, currency exchange desk, cloakroom, a small supermarket, various shops, a hairdresser’s salon, conference rooms, a children’s play area and a car park. Dining options include a café and an air-conditioned à la carte restaurant (highchairs for infants are provided). Guests may also use the in-house laundry, room and medical services as well as the public Internet terminal.