Phuketindex.com Magazine Vol.32

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Phuket

index.com

TM

The Emerald Man

Sawit Ketroj Managing Director of Emerald Development Group Page 12

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People Focus

P.30

Property Talk

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Chef Talk

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GM Talk

Design and produce custom made of decorative art and furniture

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EDITOR’S NOTE Phuket

Dear readers, index.com

TM

In this issue we’re very pleased to introduce you to ‘The Emerald Man’ – Sawit Ketroj – Managing Director of the Emerald Development Group. Learn about his plans for this year and his keys to success.

The Emerald Man

Sawit Ketroj Managing Director of Emerald Development Group Page 12

P.12

People Focus

P.30

Property Talk

Welcome to Phuket’s Green Season once again! The rain is finally falling and everything is gradually turning green once again. This is our second issue of 2016, and we hope that it brightens you up as much as the coming of the much-needed rain.

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Chef Talk

P.64

GM Talk

We also feature many other interesting articles such as our regular ‘GM Talk’ – this month with Doeke Bonga, General Manager of Impiana Hotel Group who tells us all about the ins-and-outs of hotel management. Take your time and enjoy the company of Alessandro Martinelli, Head Chef at Hyatt Regency, who’s had more than 15 years of culinary experience, from Europe to Asia: And check out Penprapa Chooklin Marcom’s chic and cool style at Amari Phuket Resort.

There’s more… with rooftop and ultra-modern dining experiences at three cool restaurant locations in Phuket and follow us to find the best adventures in the Travel Destination section. Finally, don’t miss our favourite section, the Social and Events Photos, to check out what’s been happening in Phuket in the last three months.

Bloom on and enjoy Phuket’s Green Season!

Phuketindex.com’s Team

Publisher Guide Vision Limited Editor in Chief Jormnapa Utuchkul Phuketindex.com Team Arnat Utuchkul, Nunghatai Cholchawalit, Pimnattha Angsiyanont, Sirisawan Hemtanon, Paradorn Promkird Advertising Enquiries dos@guidevision.com Subscription Enquiries subscription@guidevision.com Tel. +66 (0) 76 240 749, +66 (0) 99 391 4056, +66 (0) 61 749 9392 Fax. +66 (0) 76 240 750

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CONTENTS MAY 2016 - JUL 2016

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Front Page 12 - The Emerald Man - Sawit Ketroj (Mai), Managing Director of Emerald Development Group

People

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People Focus

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12 - The Emerald Man - Sawit Ketroj (Mai) Managing Director of Emerald Development Group

Life Talk 18 - Patsada Satthacharoen - Managing Director of G Hospitality Consultants

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10

64

38

Style

Chef Talk

28 - Penprapa Chooklin - Marcom Manager of Amari Phuket

38 - Alessandro Martinelli - Head Chef

Property Talk

GM Talk

30 - Matteo Capellino - Sales Director of Blue Horizon Developments Thailand

64 - Doeke Bonga - General Manager at Impiana

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of Hyatt Regency Phuket

Resort Patong and Impiana Private Villas

Lifestyle & Travel

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Property Guide 34 35 36 37

- The Jade Villa @ Emerald Nirvana - The Emerald Ao Nang condominium @ Krabi - The Signature Villas - MONO Villa Phuket

Restaurant Guide

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42 - Acqua Restaurant 44 - Baan Kalim Restaurant 46 - Savoey Seafood 48 - KEE Sky Lounge

Signature Dish

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50 - Sustainable Prawn Salad

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Dining Experiences 52 - Hot Box 54 - KEE Sky Lounge

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56 - Meka Sky Lounge in Naka

Travel Destination 58 - Sky Walk at Hanuman World Phuket 60 - Banana Beach Koh Hey (Coral Island)

Social

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20 - Event Photo Albums 62 - Phuket News Update

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Lifestyle - People Focus

The Emerald Man

Sawit Ketroj (Mai) Managing Director of Emerald Development Group

K

hun Sawit Ketroj is originally from Nakorn Si Thamarat Province but he has spent most of his life away from his birthplace in his thirst for challenge. After graduating, he began his career with a real estate company in Haad Yai and later pursued a Master’s degree in Nakorn Si Thamarat, eventually arriving in Phuket in 2004.

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Lifestyle - People Focus

Khun Sawit (or Mai) moved to Bangkok after he got his Master’s degree. Working with a public company he progressed to management level and gained great knowledge as well as cultivated extensive managing skills and subsequently his confidence in the business world grew. He then spent six months abroad before heading back home for new challenges.

A friend invited Khun Sawit to come on down to Phuket to start a business and this is where the journey of the Emerald Group began.

“The first challenge was to revive a condominium project. We worked to get it back from crisis level and managed to make it into a successful project,” Khun Sawit recalls, “Then Emerald Terrace in Patong and Emerald Central followed.”

It was a critical time, those early years of starting up and growth.

“

“We only had th�ee to four people at the beginning yet nowadays we’ve got about 70 people driving the Emerald G�oup and we’�e still g�owing with many mo�e development p�ojects to come.”

”

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Lifestyle - People Focus Emerald G�oup - The Beginning After the first few successful projects, it was time to start to think about building up the brand.

“Emerald was the first brand word we thought up and from then on we concentrated in being unique in our philosophy and attitude so that people could have a clear idea as to who we are and what we stand for.”

Altogether, Emerald Group has developed seven projects so far.

Image Copyright Emerald Development Group

Image Copyright Emerald Development Group

P�ojects of Emerald G�oup “Most of our developments are condominiums”, says Khun Sawit. “Emerald Terrace has just been completed, Emerald Central is expected to be finished at the end of the year and we’re working on a further development which is Emerald Nirvana. The new project is quite large, it is on 30 rai of land and will see, thanks to a successful management contract with Starwood, the return of Sheraton in Phuket as well as a condominium project with various phases. Emerald City Life Patong was introduced early this year is now ongoing and many more projects are on the books thanks to the support and success that has allowed us to grow,” he states.

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Image Copyright Emerald Development Group

Lifestyle - People Focus Newest Condo in the Hea�t of Patong, Phuket, Thailand

Image Copyright Emerald Development Group Image Copyright Emerald Development Group

Image Copyright Emerald Development Group

Emerald’s St�ong Points The major factor is location. Near Emerald Central there will soon be two big shopping attractions. “The location for Emerald Central is absolutely prime. Its construction will be completed about the same time. Our other projects are also developed in locations suitable for condo living, easy to access, convenient and in demand,” he says.

Image Copyright Emerald Development Group

Other than the locations, the Emerald Group other strength is its team. “We have our own construction team, sales team and after sales team, they are good at what they do, we take care of our projects from start to Finish and even beyond, our involvement depends on our clients as we can also manage their investments if they so wish, insuring that their assets increases in value.”

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Lifestyle - People Focus

“The first challenge was to �evive a condominium p�oject.

We wo�ked to get it back ��om crisis level and managed to make it into a success�ul p�oject.”

SAWIT KETROJ The Success of Emerald Over the past few years, the Emerald Group has become known as the ‘remarkable rookie’ in the real estate business in Phuket. “We’ ve grown a lot in a few years, and developed quite a number of projects.” You could say that all the hard work has been repaid. “We tried to make a difference and we did it through quality and great design.” Emerald Group won the Thailand Property Award’s Best Condo Development Phuket 2015 and was fi rst runner up for Best Boutique Developer 2015. “We are very proud of it. We worked really hard and finally we did it,” states Khun Sawit who promises to continue keeping up the good work and improving his projects’ quality. He says that the awards reassured them that they were on the right track.

company structure. “Emerald will spend more time building a strong organization, developing from the inside to improve our system. I will be CEO and the management team will be built up and strengthened.” Khun Sawit says that the organization will also put a focus on their people.

Some other noteworthy news is that Emerald is planning to enter the stock market. “We are preparing for this and I’m pleased to tell you at PhuketIndex that we’ve been invited by the Singapore Stock Market to register there,” revealed Khun Sawit. “Maybe at the end of this year we will be ready for that.

That will make us the first Phuket Company to be there. And, if possible, in the next year to come we will be in Thailand’s Stock Market.

Futu�e P�ojects The Emerald Group is going to have a hotel soon. “We are looking at balancing things out. You’ll see us working more on rentals and in the hotel business,” he says.

Image Copyright Emerald Development Group

Looking to the �utu�e Besides continuing to work delivering and improving Emerald is now looking to develop and improve its

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In addition to a variety of developments the Emerald Group has plenty of plans to work on. Paying back into the community is also an area of concern. “We are in contact with a Swiss Hotel Management School. If the talks are successful, we will see big improvements in hotel management studies in Phuket. People will have a chance to learn hotel management from an accepted school well known at international levels.”

“We might be perceived as being a developer for the foreign market but that’s not quite true for the future.” Khun Sawit says that the Emerald Group now also is aiming at the local market.

“There’s a lot for us to do in that area, too.”

9.00-24.00

Lifestyle - Life Talk

Patsada Satthacharoen Managing Di�ector of G Hospitality Consultants

G

�owing up in hospitality -orientated family

My grandmother owned a small hotel up in the north of Thailand when I was a little girl and my uncle and aunties own and run restaurants so you could say that I grew up in a hospitality-orientated family. As for myself, I graduated with a hotel management degree at Griffith University on Australia’s Gold Coast and have been working in the hotel industry for more than 10 years with various international five-star hotel chains.

In addition to the hotel and tourism experience I gained through working as a department head with award-winning hotels such as Conrad Australia, Accor (Novotel and Sofitel brands), Millennium Hotels and Resorts, Marriott, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, Compass Hospitality, Virgin Active (part of Virgin Group own by Sir Richard Branson) and recently Dream Phuket Hotel & Spa and Dream Beach Club, my Thai-Australian background helps me to work

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“We have a team dedicated to our clients’ needs because we believe in quality not quantity.” well in Eastern and Western-style environments as well as those which blend both. I lived and worked in Australia for five years.

How come G Hospitality Consultants?

It’s always been my dream to have my own business in the hospitality industry or even to have my own hotel in the future when I retire, just like my grandmother did. That’s one of the reasons why I studied hotel management.

I basically know what I want and have never wasted my time to get to know who I want to become.

Lifestyle

After working with several international hotel chains for more than 10 years, involved in five pre-opening projects, and rebranding projects for 10 hotels and working for two operational stage hotels, I’ve come to know and recognise every style of business; from city to urban, hotels, restaurants, beach clubs, night clubs, health clubs and real estate, from big to small or even family-sized businesses.

My best friend, Mr. Phuchayoung Kongcharoun, who is also my business partner, has been in the hospitality industry for over 10 years as well. We decided that it was time to make our own empire. Many of my friends and colleagues said: “Why don’t you start your own business as you have capability to do it?” so that’s why I decided it was time to start my own company; after all, I’d been planning it for a few years.

I’d like to say a big “Thank you” to all my bosses in the past who taught me so well. I have a lot of respect for them and I love them all. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to do this today.

About G Hospitality Consultants Co.,Ltd. With all the background mentioned in my brief Bio it made me understand what clients really need to achieve for big, small, or even family-sized businesses.

We act as consultants to professionals as well as people who don’t know where to start, for example, some people who have property that they’d like to convert into a hotel.

- Life Talk

What a�e the obstacles in your job and how have you ove�come them?

Each task has its own unique obstacles from delays in construction, suppliers not delivering on time, cash-fl ow problems, business owners who want to see their business grow faster but don’t know what to do, personality clashes between business owners and their management teams, etc.

Put yourself into their shoes. Explain the reasons why you should do it this way. Just imagine it’s your own money.

It’s all about trust and at the end of the day each business owner needs to trust their own management team because basically they hire them to come in to run their business.

Without trust it’s all over.

Goals in 2016 for G Hospitality Consultants Co.,Ltd. I’m also in the process of expanding more of my pipeline businesses.

G Luxury Travel Thailand (high-end luxury tailor-made concept travel planner for both inbound and outbound) G Wedding Planner G MICE services G Marketing & public relations agency/consultant G Design & branding concept consultant

We can tailor made our advice individually for each business, depending on their budget. We will not push business owners into something they don’t want to do.

Rather we listen to their goals and achieve their targets for them. It’s stressful for outsiders or business owners who want to do something but don’t know where to start and who they can really trust. You could say that I’ve been through it already.

Our company offers ‘one-stop service’. We have a team dedicated to our clients’ needs because we believe in quality not quantity. We do this out of passion, not for money and we’re looking for perfection, not just to finish the project and then move on to the next. We see each project as our own baby and we’re proud to help them grow.

We’ve got professional hospitality teams who have been working in the hotel and restaurant industry for decades and who can give advice, planning in all areas such as operations; food & beverage, sales & marketing, public relations, revenue management, design concept details, branding and more.

We have three offices in Bangkok, Phuket and Nong Khai in order to deal with clients in those particular regions.

How about your life style?

I love to read about future trends and business news updates.

I also love to travel and see different places or hotels and how they do it at each destination. And of course I love to spend time with my Great Dane ‘Baby’ and take her out as much as I can.

Contact information: E-mail: patsada@ghospitalityconsultants.com Tel: +66 (0) 90 602 0368

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Lifestyle - Event Photo Albums

Grand Opening of Dream Phuket Hotel & Spa and Dream Beach

On Friday 26th February Castlewood Group celebrated the grand opening of their flagship luxury hotel development in Asia, Dream Phuket Hotel & Spa and Dream Beach in true New York cosmopolitan style with their signature world-class hospitality, delectable Michelin-inspired food and beverage complemented by seductive grooves from jazz-funk meisters, Jan Kincaid from The Brand New Heavies and Caron Wheeler from Soul ll Soul.

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Lifestyle - Event Photo Albums

XANA Beach Club 4th Anniversary Pink Party starring DJ Soda

On Friday 11th March XANA Beach Club celebrated its 4th anniversary of smashing success in Phuket at Bangtao Bay. The celebration hosted a sensational Pink Party, featuring a much-anticipated, one-time-only performance by superstar DJ Soda.

As headliners for the event, DJ Soda and DJ Roxy June brought a rush of sonic energy to rock the crowd long throughout the night.

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Lifestyle - Event Photo Albums

Earth Hour 2016 at Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa On Saturday 19th March, Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa celebrated Earth Hour between 8.30-9.30 p.m. at the property’s Ocean Beach Club.

Earth Hour is a worldwide movement organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

The event is annual and encourages people to turn off their non-essential lights for one hour.

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Lifestyle - Event Photo Albums

Supersports 10-Mile Run 2016 powered

by Thanyapura Phuket On Sunday 13th March Phuket held the Supersports 10-Mile Run 2016 powered

by Thanyapura Phuket. This is the 2nd year that this unique race will start and finish in the impressive sports stadium at Thanyapura in Phuket. The running route is specially designed around the world-class sports facilities and beautiful scenery of the Khao Phra Taew National Park and the surrounding rubber plantations.

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Lifestyle - Event Photo Albums

Sri panwa launches new baby - The Habita: Baba Chino & Baba Hot Box

On Wednesday 23rd March Sri panwa invited VIP guests to visit The Habita.

Their latest addition to this oasis of calm and luxury is an enclave of 20 new Pool Suites and 10 Pool Penthouses. Guests were invited to dinner at the new Chinese restaurant Baba Chino.

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Lifestyle - Event Photo Albums

Shibori DIY workshop by Mono Phuket The Mono project held a Shibori DIY workshop on Saturday 2nd April at their sales office – Japanese Loft Home. Guests were able to experience indigo dyeing.

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Lifestyle - Event Photo Albums

Hanuman World Phuket Celebration ‘A New World of Adventure’

On Friday 8th April Mr. Chanintat Pachantabutr (Mon), Managing Director and team of Hanuman World Phuket invited participants with a warm welcome to celebrate at their new ‘Kingdom’ and served specially selected food and drinks together with exciting the Hanuman World show at Wanon Restaurant Phuket.

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Lifestyle - Style

Penprapa Chooklin Marcom Manager of Amari Phuket

For this issue we have a very chic and cool girl, Penprapa Chooklin, Marcom Manager of Amari Phuket. In order to fulďŹ ll her many responsibilities in internal communications and public relations for domestic and international markets, being ready for anything is essential. But what makes her so active and energetic day after day? This is what we learned from talking with her.

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Lifestyle - Style

Lightens my day up: This Joe Malone perfume makes me feel fresh, active, confident and ready for hard work all day long. Another useful accessory is my red Lancome lipstick. With different shades, it can be suitable for any occasion.

Accessories: I always wear this watch. I love the design, it can complement any situation. And this clutch bag from Coach; it looks small but I can keep all my stuff in it.

I’d die without: My Samsung Note 5, with a very useful built-in pen that helps me to work efficiently, especially in rushed situations.

Most imp�essive pictu�e: This image was when we opened the new phase for the Ocean Wing’s Clubhouse. I was taking care of VIP guests and helped make the successful event run smoothly.

A�ter wo�k:

My style:

I have exercise machines at home and spend at least

Of course my Jump Suit makes me look chic

30 minutes on them after work. Taking care of eight

and smart in it. And it can be for both formal

Persian cats is my favourite thing of mine, too. I also love

and casual situations, depending on what you

traveling; just driving around the island and chilling with

match it with.

nice food in new restaurants always make me happy.

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Lifestyle - Property Talk

Matteo Capellino Sales Director of Blue Horizon Developments Thailand

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Lifestyle - Property Talk

THE MOST

LUXURIOUS

VIP-ONLY AREA About Himalai and how it will sta�t.

“Himalai is located along Millionaires Mile in one of the most luxurious areas in Phuket – the same location as many of the island’s top luxury developments, hotels and multimillion dollar villas. We are right next door to Andara Resort. This area is by far the most expensive in Phuket and is where many VIP’s have their own villas,” Mr Matteo remarked, guaranteeing

Himalai the ultimate �utu�e investment.

T

he west coast of Phuket is always the best place to look for good opportunities. Blue Horizon Developments, a professional real - estate development with over 15 years of history, recently introduced its new project; Himalai, located on Millionaires mile in Kamala. Sales director of Blue Horizon Developments Thailand – Mr Matteo Capellino discusses this new upscale development.

the exclusivity of the location. Himalai is located 50 metres from the sea and is 300 metres to the beach so it enjoys fantastic marine views.

“The best points of this project are firstly the location which is surely the first thing to look at in property investment. Secondly is the management.” He goes on to explain that Hamalai will be under the management of Best Western, a company with more than 4,400 hotels all over the world. www.phuketindex.com

*Terms and conditions apply

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Lifestyle - Property Talk

Himalai will feature 5 swimming pools, a gym and a stylish club house.

“Three swimming pools are located in the main club house along with the main restaurant. One more is attached to the Wellness Center Spa in the central part of the development and one on top of the hill with a fantastic view over the ocean and Kamala Beach, this particular pool is the most luxurious offered within the project being connected also to one more exclusive restaurant.”

Other than its prime location, the second strongest point is the well know management service provided

by Best Western also mentioned by Matteo.

Most of the units a�e with sea views and have pool access “We offer a very professional management service. Best Western has different levels of hotel standards, starting from 3 stars and ending with 5 stars. Our project will be branded as Best Western Premier which is a five-star category,” explained Mr Matteo.

Himalai Style “Our project incorporates décor that blends within a 5 star hotel category. The décor is of a simple and modern style. ” This project is situated on 15 rai of land and located in Kamala, very close to the beach.

Kamala is currently developing very fast over the last few years and introduced high level – high end standards by means of adding more 5 star hotels. Within the next few years a new Intercontinental hotel will be opening as well as high-end beach clubs (relocating from Surin Beach), this will in turn be responsible for a lot more development in the area as informed

by Mr Matteo.

Himalai will be comprised of 23 buildings, with 403 units. More than 85% also offer sea views.

A large portion of the sea view units also offer direct pool access. The remaining non sea view units offer garden views at more affordable prices. The project is affordable for all buyers one could say.

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“This is important for three reasons; the first reason is for the return of investment. With Best Western managing Himalai we can guarantee a great return of investment. The second point is the proper professional maintenance that will guarantee that Himalai always looks fantastic over the years. And last but not least, based on the fact that Himalai is situated in a high-end area, the price and the capital appreciation will rise over the years. Himalai will give a fantastic return on the investment, also in capital appreciation,” concluded Mr Matteo.

Blue Horizon P�evious Success�ul P�ojects With almost two decades of construction history, Blue Horizon Developments Thailand has experienced success in developing several projects in Phuket. To name a few projects, The Beachfront condominiums in Rawai, Skylight Villas in Kamala and many more.

Check for more information about Himalai at www.himalaiphuket.com

Lifestyle - Property Guide

The Jade Villa @ Emerald Nirvana Unique Private Pool Villa with Panoramic Ocean��ont View

Image Copyright The Jade Villa @ Emerald Nirvana

Image Copyright The Jade Villa @ Emerald Nirvana

T

hese are unique and exclusive sea-view pool villas nestled on a slope with breathtaking views over the Andaman Sea and perfectly in tune with the nature that surrounds them. Each villa is spacious and ingeniously designed to provide an individual and stylish character.

Image Copyright The Jade Villa @ Emerald Nirvana

Featu�es: Total Villa: 18 Pool Villas Land Plot Area: From 107 – 180sqm Villa Area: From 245- 350sqm Nearby Amenities: • Kalim Beach • Phuket’s famous nightlife, dining, and shopping

You’ll enjoy spectacular sunsets without even having to leave your own private infinity pool villa. The villas are on the ground floor of a luxury apartment development, villas, and a five-star hotel with an array of amenities as well as an exclusive Beach Club.

With their existing rental guarantee & vacation home program, you’re assured at least a 10% return on your investment per year taking into consideration your individual financial requirements.

About the Developer: The Emerald Development Group is a real estate development company specialising in the leisure and tourism industry. It focuses primarily on the high-end tourism and residential market, offering innovative opportunities for buyers and investors according to current and future market conditions.

The degree of involvement from the development right through the day-today operation by our team of experienced villa management professionals and rental providers means that no-one knows their products as well as Emerald.

Location:

Image Copyright The Jade Villa @ Emerald Nirvana

Emerald is located a few kilometres from Patong, allowing easy and speedu access to the seaside town’s legendary entertainment, shopping venues, restaurants, and its electrifying nightlife.

Contact Information: Tel: +66 (0) 96 474 6645, +66 (0) 98 787 9935 E-mail: info@emeraldgroup.co.th Website: www.thejadevilla.com

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Lifestyle - Property Guide

The Emerald Ao Nang condominium @ Krabi The Most Luxu�� Condominium @ Ao Nang, Krabi

T

he fully-furnished Emerald Ao Nang condominium is designed in a modern contemporary style that one would associate with a five-star luxury resort. It is suitable for both residential and vacation living with its wide selection of sizes and styles. Whether you decide to live in it, use it as a vacation base, or take advantage of our exclusive rental program, you can be sure that you’ll have made a good and sound choice of investment.

Image Copyright The Emerald Ao Nang condominium @ Krabi

Construction period: 18 months Total area: 4 Rai with 5 Buildings with 5 Floors Total: 205 Units Phase 1: 59 Units 1-Bedroom - 54 Units 2-Bedroom - 3 Units Penthouse - 2 Units Phase 2: 67 Units 1-Bedroom - 29 Units Studio - 38 Units

Image Copyright The Emerald Ao Nang condominium @ Krabi

About the Developer:

Location:

The Emerald Ao Nang is a new luxury condominium located in the heart of Ao Nang, Krabi. It’s presented by Emerald Phuket Development, an experienced and well-known developer with a team of professionals.

Emerald is conveniently situated centrally just 150 metres from Ao Nang Beach with an array of first-class facilities, including shops, from local to fi ne dining, and many sporting opportunities.

The Emerald Development Group is a real estate development company specialising in the leisure and tourism industry. It focuses primarily on the high-end tourism and residential market, off ering innovative opportunities for buyers and investors according to current and future market conditions.

Ao Nang, Krabi, has a central location on the Andaman Sea and with its fabulous topography. It’s fast becoming the best all-round beach destination in the area and is suitable for individuals or families attracted by its beauty and charm. Colourful and fascinating day trips to the various islands off the coast, fishing, kayaking, and the exotic diving on offer make it a unique destination.

Phase 3: 79 Units 1-Bedroom - 24 Units 2-Bedroom - 3 Units Studio - 52 Units

Facilities: Indoor parking 2 Elevators 2 First-class fitness centres 5 Swimming pools (including kids’ pool & overflow pool) Rooftop garden 24-hour security Smart card access and CCTV Internet and cable TV Restaurant Reception Contact information: Tel: +66 (0) 96 474 6645, +66 (0) 98 787 9935 E-mail: info@emeraldgroup.co.th www.emeraldaonangkrabicondo.com

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Lifestyle - Property Guide

The Signature Villas The Signatu�e Villas - Pool Villa Nai Harn

T

he Signature Villas are set in a secluded spot with breathtaking mountain views, yet they’re just three minutes from Nai Harn Beach, one of the most pristine beaches of Phuket Island. These stylish and beautifully appointed one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas are the ultimate in luxurious tropical island accommodation.

The villas are designed to complement their natural environment. All villas come with private infi nity swimming pools and waterfall features. Outdoor showers and garden areas have been carefully designed to complement outdoor living to the fullest.

Image Copyright The Signature Villas

Image Copyright The Signature Villas

Image Copyright The Signature Villas

Rental Management Se��ice Signature Villas offers professional rental management services for owners through Phuket Holiday Homes Co., Ltd. whose specialty is villa rental and management. The company has been in the business for over 20 years in Phuket.

Featu�es One, Two and Three bedroom luxury villas Night and day sky views from the comfort of the living room Fully equipped European-style kitchen Sundecks with outdoor gardens and BBQ area Luxurious bathrooms with built-in wardrobes Large pool terrace and spacious decking in tropical gardens Ample space and cover for private parking Waterfall features and outdoor garden showers Luxury furniture packages designed by No7 Interiors

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About the Developer Blue Horizon Construction’s success was built on proactive communication and trusted relationships and has the experience, knowledge and commitment to provide products and services that are unique to each project.

Location: The Signature Villas are ideally located within walking distance of Nai Harn Village, on Nai Harn Beach Road. This takes you directly to the spectacularly white sandy beach, and within just 800 metres of the freshwater Nai Harn Lake. Promthep Cape View Point is also only five minutes away where you can enjoy daily sunsets.

Contact Information: Tel: +66 (0) 94 515 4661, +66 (0) 95 080 9993 Fax: +66 (0) 76 341 046 www.signaturevillasphuket.com

Lifestyle - Property Guide

MONO Villa Phuket Japanese Lo�t Home - Simplicity is Beauty

M

ONO – ‘Happiness is homemade’.

They blend the charm of a country house, learning from the wisdom of native Asian home design to suit a modern, up-to-date style of living.

The MONO concept has its roots in a simple Japanese style; respect for nature and other people.

Image Copyright MONO Villa Phuket Image Copyright MONO Villa Phuket

The MONO – Japanese Loft Home was designed with the Japanese concept; less is more, space planning with functional design details, a sense of nature, inside out - outside in, kohji & shohji – grid & line, wabi sabi… here you can tangibly feel the Japanese influences.

Cataegories: Semi-detached house – 2 storey Detached house - 2 storey

About the Developer:

Image Copyright MONO Villa Phuket

Established in 1999 by a new generation of Phuket property professionals with a passion for creative business and who set a real value for today’s contemporary lifestyles, The Attitude Club Co., Ltd operates under the banner, ‘Next lifestyle living’. The Attitude Club began life as a small firm specializing in bespoke architecture, design and real estate management with a collective vision to improve the quality of all aspects of construction management in Phuket to put the province on par with Bangkok standards.

The company later expanded into real estate, focusing on managing pool villa rentals and furniture distribution. More recently, The Attitude Club has diversified into a property agency and has become established in the hospitality and hotel business, currently operating seven brands under the Attitude Club umbrella.

Featu�es 3 bedrooms 3 bathrooms 3 metre-high ceiling Two-car parking *** With a free space behind the house that can be adapted as you desire into a garden, a swimming pool, or a functions room.

Koh Kaew

Palai

Location: • Palai • Koh Kaew

Contact Information Tel: +66 (0) 98 326 3265 E-mail: sales1@theattitudeclub.com www.monovillaphuket.com www.phuketindex.com

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Travel - Chef Talk

Alessandro Martinelli Head Chef of Hyatt Regency Phuket

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Travel - Chef Talk

“I love to cook” “15 years of culina�� experience, ��om Eu�ope to Asia ”

T

o follow his dream, Chef Alessandro Martinelli, executive sous chef of Hyatt Regency Phuket has had a long journey from Italy to Thailand to combine his talents and passion and to prepare some of the best dishes we’ve ever tasted.

After work experience in Italy, Switzerland, Spain, and London, Chef Alessandro moved to Asia and the Hyatt Regency Baku Azerbaijan was his first port of call. Three years in China helped to make him skilled in traditional Asian dishes. And now Hyatt Regency in Phuket proudly welcomes him as their executive sous chef.

He was originally inspired by home cooking: “I love to cook. Since I was young I was always interesting in cooking, being in the kitchen with my mother and grandmother - stealing secrets from them on how to cook, how to make traditional dishes. Finally I decided that this would be my job, so I started to focus on this.”

The main menu here is original Thai cuisine but Italian dishes are available. Of course authentic-tasting pizza from a genuine wood-fired oven is one of the most recommended of these.

“We focus on the quality of ingredients, freshness and the correct procedures in how to cook, these three things are the most important,” says Chef Alessandro.

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Travel - Chef Talk

About Restaurants Hyatt Regency Phuket welcomes you with two main restaurants.

Pool House, serves traditional Thai food, Italian and international cuisine. Next to it is the Pool Bar, an outdoor bar next to the main pool with an attractive ambience, especially in the evening. A buffet BBQ is also available twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays

The Sunset Grill, an al fresco restaurant

from 6:30 – 9:30.

on top of the resort. Here you can enjoy stunning sunset views.

Special Dish Today Chef Alessandro prepares for us

Yam Nuae Yaang Beef Sirloin Tagliata – a simple dish but with a really powerful combination of ingredients. Made with sliced and grilled sirloin beef mixed with parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar, this combination is a winning one.

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Travel - Restaurant Guide

Acqua Restaurant Alessand�o Frau

Following a black-and-white theme that gifts the restaurant clean lines and a good sense of proportion, Acqua’s design fully complements an all-round satisfying dining experience. The restaurant has imaginative lighting, nowhere more so than at the bar. Trendy without being gratuitously chic, cutting edge without going over the top and spacious without being cavernous, Acqua’s décor balance practicality and aesthetics in a fine dining environment in Phuket.

Chef and Owner

Acqua Restaurant is the first of a series of restaurants designed by Alessandro Frau, as Alessandro dedication for culinary doesn’t stop to cooking but also to project and design restaurants and concepts. Chef Alessandro Frau was the Winner of Iron Chef Thailand on November 2013. Find more about Alessandro by visit www.fraualessandro.com In 2013 Acqua Restaurant was appointed as one of the Best Italian Restaurant in Phuket and Thailand from Ospitalita’ Italiana in the World.

Guide Cuisine: Italian Reservation: Recommended Dress Code: Smart-casual Open: every day from 16:00 – 23:00 Mobile phones allowed: Yes Car parking: Yes Credit cards: Accepted Tel: +66 (0) 76 618 127 E-mail : reservations@acquarestaurant.com GPS/DD: 7.916537, 98.290996

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Recommended Dishes 45-minute slow cooked egg on a Parmesan cheese fondue, fresh black truffle and crispy pancetta powder

Sous-vide cooked octopus salad, marinated in extra virgin olive oil, lemon and vinegar, fennel leaves, celery and taggiasche olives DOP

Pan-fried USA scallops with duck liver, chili jam and truffle pumpkin sauce

Trenette pasta with Alaskan king crab in its own jus with sliced Sardinian tuna bottarga

Wood-fired roasted suckling pig, saffron and violette potatoes, broad beans in its own sauce

Â

Where Italian dining experience meet art and passion

324/15 Prabaramee Road – Kalim Bay - Patong - Phuket Tel 076 618127 email: reservations@acquarestaurantphuket.com www.acquarestaurantphuket.com

Travel - Restaurant Guide

Baan Kalim Restaurant Wanlop Phothong

Baan Kalim Restaurant and Seafood offers a mouthwatering and taste bud tingling array of Executive Chef dining choices ranging from seafood, to Chinese dishes, Royal Thai cuisine, and western classic dishes to suit all tastes, all under the guidance of a highly experienced Chef and professional seafood restaurant team.

Great emphasis is placed on Thai hospitality service with a lot of interaction between the service staff and diners. The restaurant has an array of fresh seafood, ranging from live lobsters, tiger prawns and crab, along with a rich variety of local fish prepared in many manners to suit diners’ taste.

The restaurant has stunning views overlooking the beautiful Andaman Sea and a panoramic view of Patong Bay. The sunsets at Baan Kalim have to be seen to be believed – with stunning, breathtaking views.

Guide Experience: Seafood, Royal Thai cuisine, Phuket traditional and international dishes Reservation: Recommended Dress Code: Smart-casual Open: 11:00 – 24:00 Mobile phones allowed: Yes Credit card: Accepted Tel: +66 (0) 76 618 125 E-mail: baankalimrestaurant@hotmail.com GPS/DD: 7.906419, 98.297476

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Recommended Dishes Boiled fish balls with garlic sauce Deep-fried Phuket style sausage ‘My grandma’s fish’ and ginger soup with a dash of sesame oil Num-prik-khung-sod Crab curry served with mee hoon noodles Fried crab with garlic and pepper Stir-fried lobster with garlic, butter and white wine sauce Baked mixed seafood Steamed mussels with Thai herbs Deep-fried fish with sweet and sour sauce

Travel - Restaurant Guide

Savoey Seafood Supit Jararith Asst. Manager

Open since 1980, Savoey Seafood is considered one of the landmarks of Patong Beach. This popular and bustling restaurant not only has a wide array of fresh seafood but also offers competitive prices.

Baked lobster with butter and garlic sauce

Savoey Seafood is a large, open-plan restaurant with a seating capacity of 400 plus, but you would never know. Despite its size, with 50 staff members the service is excellent, polite and considerate.

Tom yum koong

Savoey Seafood is very popular and getting there early is recommended.

It would be a real shame if you missed the opportunity to dine at this first-class seafood restaurant during your stay on Phuket.

Stir-fried crab with spring onions, ginger and garlic

Guide Experience: Seafood and Thai cuisine Reservation: Recommended Dress Code: Smart-casual Open: 10:30 – 24:30 Mobile phones allowed: Yes Car parking: Yes Credit card: Accepted Tel: +66 (0) 76 341 171 – 4 E-mail: info@savoeyseafood.com GPS/DD: 7.894471, 98.295719

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Recommended Dishes

www.phuketindex.com

Stir-fried crab with curry powder

Steamed fish with lime juice and chili sauce Deep-fried fish with sweet chili sauce Stir-fried mussels or clams with roasted chili paste sauce Oven-barbecued fish Stir-fried mixed vegetables in oyster sauce

Travel - Restaurant Guide

KEE Sky Lounge Chef Adul Rattanasuwan Executive Chef Choose from air-conditioned and open-air spaces to sip sundowners and enjoy stunning views – all accompanied by sensational food, live music and wines from around the world. These trendy rooftop venues offer something for every mood.

Have a romantic dinner with wine or party the night away while discovering the Kee Sky Lounge’s signature cocktails.

Recommended Dishes Sea scallops with black pepper sauce Peking duck in fresh spring rolls with Hoisin sauce Canadian lobster & vegetables with caviar dressing

Guide Experience: Sensational sunsets & live entertainment Cuisine: East-meets-West tapas and trendy fusion food Reservation: Recommended Dress Code: Smart-casual Open: 17:30 – midnight Mobile phones allowed: Yes Credit card: Accepted Tel: +66 (0) 76 335 888 Ext 8241 E-mail: fb@thekeeresort.com GPS/DD: 7.895185, 98.296634

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Surf & turf platter with char-grilled beef tenderloin, tiger prawns, sea bass fillet, spinach and wedge potatoes Roasted rack of lamb with Sichuan pepper, grilled asparagus, mashed potatoes and jus Warmed chocolate volcano cake served with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream

Travel - Signature Dish

Sustainable

Prawn Salad JW Marriott Phuket Reso�t and Spa Andaman Grill – Steak and Seafood Restaurant Ing�edients for 4 Persons:

P�eparation:

24 pcs

1. Peel the raw prawns, cut the prawns back with a sharp knife and clean them. Put the meat back into your refrigerator. Place the heads and shells in a pot, just covered with water and bring to boil, then keep simmering on small flame.

Sustainable Tiger Prawns from the Sarasin Bridge, Phuket

2 small Thai Shallots 3 pcs

Coriander with Root

2 pcs

Thai Spring Onion

¼

Pomelo

12 pcs

Cherry Tomatoes

1 pc

Avocado

1 pc

Lime

50 ml

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Black Pepper Sea Salt

2. Peel the shallots and dice them as fine as possible. Add any end cuts to the prawn shell broth.

3. Wash the spring onions and coriander well.

Pick some coriander leafs for decoration. Chop all remaining coriander and spring onion greens finely. Add the spring onion ends to the broth.

Crush the coriander roots with the side of a knife, add two to the broth, chop the remaining very fine.

4. Clean the pomelo and break it into smaller segments.

5. Cut the cherry tomatoes in halfes.

6. Cut the avocado in halfes, remove the seed and dice the flesh. Place it in a bowl and sprinkle with juice from the lime. Add the chopped shallots and herbs, cherry tomatoes, pomelo segments and olive oil. Season sea salt and fresh black pepper.

Toss gently and keep at room temperature.

7. Strain the shells out of the broth and add the prawn meat. Turn off the stove immediately and leave the prawns in the broth for 4 minutes.

8. Add the prawns to the avocado mixture, toss carefully and keep chilled for 30 minutes.

9. Taste and adjust the seasoning with lime, salt and pepper one more time, arrange all on plates and decorate with coriander leaf.

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Travel - Dining Experiences

Hot Box

Innovative Design and Cuisine Image Copyright Sri panwa

Enjoy your day by fo�est waterfall pool & monumental t�ees sur�ounding

H

ot Box is an ultra-modern restaurant set in the lush and verdant grounds of five-star resort Sri panwa on a towering bluff above Ao Makham on Phuket’s east coast. This is a comparatively underdeveloped part of the island and is a poignant reminder for many of how Phuket looked some 20 years ago before major development took over.

made to order barbecued meat dishes and ultra-fresh side dishes along with an array of spicy and tasty sauces to complement the culinary creations, Baba Hot Box is a real treat for the senses. With its cutting-edge design and clever lighting, music, serving arrangements and even crockery, you can tell that this place has had a lot of thought put into it.

‘Stylish’, ‘tasty’, ‘innovative’, and ‘trend setting’ are some of the words that describe this unusual dining venue. Serving

The barbecue and grill section of the menu is the major appeal in Hot Box. Here you’ll find a great selection of dishes on the a-la-carte menu and diners can simply choose from the mouthwatering list of meats and seafood then mix and mash with side dishes and sauces – especially recommended is the marinade grilled premium meat. All grilled and barbecued dishes are prepared in the Spanish-made ‘Josper’ combination of a grill and oven, lending a unique aspect and flavour to the tastes and textures of the food prepared here.

As with all culinary outlets at Sri panwa you can rest assured in the knowledge that an excellent wine list is available with a selection of old and new world wines sure to complement the great menu.

Image Copyright Sri panwa

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Adjacent to a refreshing forest waterfall pool and surrounded by verdant splendour, you’re sure to wonder at the setting here at Hot Box – perhaps it’s the most unique dining location on the island and it’s certainly one that you won’t forget in a hurry.

Travel - Dining Experiences

Image Copyright Sri panwa

Sri panwa has been setting the pace for luxury holiday accommodation for over 10 years now and is a veritable treasure trove of pool villas, fantastically designed rooms and condos along with penthouses and barely imaginable dream holiday and residential accommodation with out-of-this-world facilities and amenities. There are several dining options at Sri panwa and it offers perhaps the most striking rooftop bar in the entire region – Baba Nest – from where you have 360-degree views of the south of the island and out to the Andaman Sea as well as southern Phang Nga Bay.

Open : 12.00 - 18.00 Location : the Habita, Sri panwa Sri panwa, Phuket 88 moo 8, Sakdidej Road, Vichit, Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand Tel: +66 (0) 76 371 000, +66 (0) 76 371 008 E-mail: chill@sripanwa.com Website: www.sripanwa.com

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Travel - Dining Experiences

KEE Sky Lounge Fusion Heaven

Image Copyright The KEE Resort & Spa

Sensational Sunsets & Live Ente�tainment

I

f you’re looking for quality rooftop dining, colourful cocktails, up-to-date sounds and entertainment, look no further than the KEE Sky Lounge, the largest and highest rooftop bar/restaurant in Phuket, located in the KEE Resort in the heart of Patong a mere two minutes from the beach itself. With an international ‘East-meets-West’ Eurasian menu of mains and tapas jam-packed full of eclectic and original culinary creations all set in an ideal location, KEE Sky Lounge delivers the goodies in style. KEE is especially vibrant on clear nights when the stars form a perfect canopy over

Image Copyright The KEE Resort & Spa

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diners’ tables and of course it’s a well-known sunsetwatching venue. So head along past six o’clock in the evening, grab a happy hour drink (5:30 – 7:30 and 10:30 – 11:30) and take in the magnificent sights. Diners will be regaled with up-to-the-minute sounds from a tuned-in DJ and there is also live music. It’s all happening at KEE Sky Lounge.

But what about the food? Well, the many dishes on the varied menu include delicious appetizers such as honey sesame chicken skewers, spicy crispy calamari, a ‘tuna medley’ of sesame crusted tuna, tuna rolls and tuna tartar. You’ll have a choice of six salads here, including a full-on Caesar salad with egg, crispy Parma ham, and parmesan cheese. More substantial dishes served at KEE Sky Lounge include a great fall-from-the-bone braised lamb shank but before trying that why not choose a soup such as the delicious French onion soup with cheese crouton? The two mains subdivisions feature succulent choices in the ‘From the Land’ section such as classic roasted Australian grain fed tenderloin with red wine jus and for the real carnivores, a tomahawk prime rib steak – a real filler that you will most likely end up sharing with your dining partner; be warned. As for the ‘From the Sea’ part of the menu, why not try Cajun swordfish with spanking-fresh tomato and lime salsa and guacamole? Or even pan-fried salmon with caramel fish sauce, linguine aglio and asparagus? Of course when it’s time for dessert

Travel - Dining Experiences

Image Copyright The KEE Resort & Spa

KEE doesn’t slacken up any in this department as you can order up a voluptuous warm chocolate volcano cake or even a strawberry mille feuille.

So, for one of southern Thailand’s premier rooftop dining experiences, head along to KEE Sky Lounge and find out just why everyone is talking about this place.

Image Copyright The KEE Resort & Spa

Open : 17.30 - Midnight Location : 6th and 7th Floor (Roof Top) of The KEE Reso�t & Spa The KEE Resort & Spa 152/1 Thaveewong Rd., Patong Beach, Kathu, Phuket 83150 Thailand Tel : +66 (0) 76 335 888 Ext 8241 Email : info@theKEEresort.com Website : www.theKEEresort.com Image Copyright The KEE Resort & Spa

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Travel - Dining Experiences

Meka Sky Lounge in Naka The ‘Wow’ Factor

Image Copyright The NAKA Phuket

Roof top �estaurant and bar with Phuket west coast scene��

L

ocated between party town Patong beach and more laid-back Kamala Beach, Meka Sky Lounge at the Naka resort is the last word in rooftop dining and cocktail sipping for visitors to the west coast of this alluring island in the Andaman Sea. Phuket can be a bustling and busy place but Meka Sky lounge is the perfect haven away from the rush to enjoy great food, expertly mixed cocktails, fine wines, spirits, and much more. As with most west-coast locations, Meka also has the advantage of unadulterated sunset views – a perfect complement to

Image Copyright The NAKA Phuket

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your end-of-the-day relaxing experience in a resort dedicated to just that… your relaxation.

The resort is predominantly constructed in concrete and timber – lending a post-modern feel to it throughout; villas are cantilevered off the rising valley floor, tastefully separated by substantial concrete walls thus ensuring total privacy. Pool villas are complete with a luxurious lounge, a fully equipped kitchenette, an al fresco bathing area and pool. Room amenities include a very welcome iPod dock and free mini bar. It’s really hard to imagine a better-equipped place for the perfect definition of a romantic, even sexy, west-coast Phuket holiday.

There are free-flow drinks from 18.00 – 19.00 daily on offer here when you can languidly enjoy the sight of the golden orb sinking slowly into the Andaman Sea and watch the brightly lit fishing boats heading out for the night’s catch while sipping some of the best cocktails the island has to offer. Who could ask for more?

The emphasis is on healthy dining at Meka Sky Lounge with a fabulous hot and sour salmon soup as a perfect introduction to the evening. Try some more dishes such as the pepper-crusted Wagyu beef tenderloin and white truffle risotto and organic veggies and you’ll be sated. This level of culinary

Travel - Dining Experiences

achievement is hard to find, in addition to the views from this resort built into the sloping environment leading down a cliff top to the sea – it all equates to the perfect dining experience.

Image Copyright The NAKA Phuket

The restaurant sits astride a towering structure atop the resort that oversees the entire resort. And yes, there’s a comprehensive and well-thought-out wine and cocktail list served up with ultra-friendly and capable staff members to add to the five-star feeling of this alluring and well-designed resort and rooftop restaurant. Tip-top, in more ways than one.

Open : 16.00 - 23.00 Location : The NA�A Phuket The NAKA Phuket 1/18, 1/20 Moo 6 Kamala, Kathu, Phuket 83150 Thailand Tel: +66 (0) 76 337 999 Email: info@thenakaphuket.com Website: www.thenakaphuket.com

Image Copyright The NAKA Phuket

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Travel - Travel Destination

S�Y WALK AT HANUMAN WORLD PHUKET

SKY WALK

Image Copyright Hanuman World

SKY WALK WITH LONGEST TREE-TO-TREE SKY BRIDGE IN THAILAND Image Copyright Hanuman World

ROLLER ZIPLINE

HIGHEST SPEED ROLLER ZIPLINE IN THAILAND!

SKY WALK WALKING THROUGH THE TREETOP

Image Copyright Hanuman World

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Travel - Travel Destination

A journey th�ough histo�� and myth

TROPICAL FRUIT ON SKY WALK

Image Copyright Hanuman World

H

anuman World is your opportunity to explore the playground of the Gods. Hanuman World shows you how the monkey god has no limits, fears nothing, and would do anything to reach his goals.

Become one of Hanuman’s playful warriors. You’ll soar over the hillsides, skimming above the ground and spiraling around trees, gliding through the branches and becoming one with Hanuman’s treetop home.

Hanuman World offers you a sample of the time when this monkey god showed that he had no limits, feared nothing, and would do anything and everything to reach his goal. Just like a dedicated adventurer should.

Image Copyright Hanuman World

S�Y WALK : PHUKET S�Y BRIDGE Up on the sky bridges, you’ll move about the treetops as Hanuman does, living high above the ground, overlooking his world. You can eat and drink as Hanuman does, and understand why he loves his beautiful forest so much. This is a journey through history and myth. It’s as much an education as an adventure!

You can explore this adventure every day from 8:00 until 17:00 at Hanuman World on Chaofa West Road, Phuket.

Image Copyright Hanuman World

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Travel - Travel Destination

Banana Beach Koh Hey (Coral Island) Welcome to your Island in the Sun

Image Copyright Banana Beach Koh Hey

This is a classic

Phuket day-trip

that’s perfect for you.

Image Copyright Banana Beach Koh Hey

C

oral Island: It’s just a step away to Paradise.

You’ll be there within minutes from Chalong Pier with warm white sand between your toes, the gentle turquoise sea washing up on the shore, with verdant and lush jungle rising up behind you.

There’s so much to discover here and the beauty of it all is that it’s only a quick boat ride away.

Banana Beach is at Koh Hey (Coral Island). It’s one of the most beautiful and popular attractions near to Phuket and holds so many fantastic and adventurous activities

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Image Copyright Banana Beach Koh Hey

that you’ll be simply amazed. In fact, the scenic speedboat ride from Chalong Pier to the island and back is an adventure in itself. Don’t forget your camera!

This is a classic Phuket day-trip that’s perfect for you. Relax, and eat a great lunch in our natureinspired buildings surrounded by tropical greenery.

Try some thrilling Phuket water activities such as banana boating, parasailing, snorkeling or even scuba diving. All beginners are welcome!

Check out our tasteful and spectacular ‘Sunday Glitz’ brunch. Delicious International cuisines featuring fresh seafood, rock lobster, oysters, sashimi selections and a variety of desserts.

Every Sunday from 12.00pm - 3.00pm

A live acoustic band will entertain you throughout your Sunday Glitz while little ones are kept happily entertained with fun games by Kidz Paradise.

THB1,400 ++ per guest Includes free flow of soft drinks and selected beverages THB 700 ++ per child 6-12 years Includes free flow of soft drinks All the above prices include complimentary day pass access to the resort’s swimming pools as well as free towel rental.

For information and reservation, 076 396 433-41 or e-mail hkthi.fb@hilton.com Follow us: HiltonPhuket

Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa | 333 Patak Road, Karon Beach, Muang, Phuket 83100

Travel - Social News

PHUKET NEWS UPDATE Amari Phuket g�ows g�een at Patong Libra�� May 2016, Phuket – Amari Phuket recently off ered a hand to support the local community’s Earth Day activity. Led by Pierre-Andre Pelletier, Vice President and Area General Manager, South Thailand (second from left), Amari Phuket volunteers arrived to plant a tree and decorate the garden at Patong Library. Waraporn Kamkeaw, librarian (third from left) and a representative of Patong Library, gave a special speech, thanking the team for the garden’s beautiful new look, which is now ready to welcome visitors into its green atmosphere.

Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra achieves Thailand MICE venue standa�d Febuary 2016, Krabi – General Thanasak Patimapragorn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, recently presented the “Thailand MICE Venue Standard Award” to Ms. Khaewalee Chuaynukul, Senior Sales Manager for MICE & Corporate at Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort. The resort’s three meeting rooms, Phokeethra 1- 2 and Phokeethra Grand Ballroom, have achieved compliance with the Thailand MICE Venue Standard. The event was organized by Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) at Royal Paragon Hall on 29 January, 2016.

The development of Thai MICE operators is one of the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau’s main missions. The bureau realises the importance of having an effective tool to measure service excellence and quality, especially for MICE venues, in order to elevate MICE services and standards for operators in Thailand and the ASEAN region. The standardisation will serve as a guideline for investments, operations and management, and marketing support. The standard will also help create a good image for organisations and build customer confidence in Thailand’s MICE standard.

The Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau made a bright start to 2016 as it declared that the nine ASEAN member countries officially agreed to abide by the Thailand MICE Venue Standard as the model for the improvement of venues across ASEAN. Additionally, 100 Thai MICE entrepreneurs were approved by Thailand MICE Venue Standard in the fiscal year 2016.

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Lives Changed and Futu�e Brightened for Phuket Local Young Adults April 2016, Phuket - Laguna Phuket hosted a Graduation Ceremony to celebrate the success of Seedlings Phuket’s first group of interns, Class of 2016, who started their journey in October 2014 and just completed their 18-month job skills training and career mentorship programme.

Aimed at providing professional training and job opportunities for marginalised local young adults, the Seedlings Phuket initiative comprises a two-phase paid internship programme. It starts with a 9-month food and beverage skills training at Banyan Tree Phuket and Angsana Laguna Phuket, followed by another 9-month working experience in actual Seedlings Phuket – the resort’s very first social enterprise restaurant, located at Laguna Holiday Club Phuket Resort in the heart of Laguna Phuket.

Thanyapura Supe�Kidz Triathlon held for fou�th year straight April 2016, Phuket – Over 70 children of all ages and nationalities attended the Thanyapura SuperKidz Triathlon.

Held at Thanyapura Phuket, a world-class sports resort in southern Thailand, the event featured a swim in Thanyapura’s Olympic standard 50-meter pool, followed by a bicycle ride through the surrounding Khao Phra Thaew National Park and rubber plantations, and a run culminating at Thanyapura’s cushioned athletics track and grandstand.

With age-appropriate distances ranging from Tri-Tots (4 to 6 years old), Junior (7-10 years old), Intermediate (11-14 years old), and Senior (15-18 years old) and the option to compete as an individual or as a team, the SuperKidz Triathlon has over the years paved the way for young people to begin engaging in multisport.

Triathlon training for children led by Coach Ricki and team are available all year round at Thanyapura. The next Thanyapura SUPERKIDZ event will be held on November 26, 2016.

Travel - GM Talk

“

It’s my job to make the operation �un smoothly and to imp�ove the hotel

”

Doeke Bonga General Manager at Impiana Reso�t Patong and Impiana Private Villas

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Travel - GM Talk

IMPIANA RESORT PATONG PHUKET Image Copyright Impiana

IMPIANA PRIVATE VILLAS KATA NOI

I

n January 2016, Doeke Bonga took the opportunity to challenge himself by taking on the post of General Manager at Impiana Resort Patong and Impiana Private Villas in Kata Noi. It’s his first time with the Malaysian Hotel Group, Impiana, and he’s brought with him extensive experience in hotel management, having worked with several hotel chains and groups around Phuket and elsewhere.

General Manager Doeke, originally from the Netherlands, has a degree in hotel management from his home country. After his internships back in 1989 and 2002, he decided to come back to Phuket in 2003 where he gained his hotel industry experience and since then has never left Thailand.

Image Copyright Impiana

Focusing on his career path, GM Doeke had his initial internship at the Banyan Tree Phuket and then worked at the Banyan Tree Seychelles as well as the Marriott Hotel in Amsterdam.

“I decided to come to Thailand in 2003 as the Assistant Front Office Manager for Kata Beach Resort and, aged 27, I quickly got the opportunity to grow as I accepted the post as Hotel Manager at Karon Beach Resort which is now Beyond Karon.”

GM Doeke also had other experiences with many hotels in and around

Phuket such as the Ramada Khao Lak, The Pavilions, Bel Air Panwa and several other hotels, mostly in the south of Thailand. “In between, I was even an IT manager for a property management company for a year,” he says.

GM Doeke revealed that around October last year he was looking for a new challenge after he had helped open the Sheraton Samui and that Impiana Hotel was looking for someone to manage their property.

“I came here in January and am very happy at Impiana,” he says.

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Travel - GM Talk

Image Copyright Impiana

IMPIANA PRIVATE VILLAS KATA NOI Image Copyright Impiana

Talking about his role here, “I share my time between both properties, Impiana Patong and the Private Villas in Kata Noi managing sales and marketing, the daily operations, and ensuring that the guests are happy when staying with us. “It’s my job to make the operation run smoothly and to improve the hotel.”

“For me the objective here is to try to increase our team spirit.” He is now trying to improve people’s capabilities, to teach employees to be good at multiple tasks rather than just specialise in one. Cross training and cross exposure therefore is the best strategy to achieve this goal.

“I encourage people to do more so we can get more things done with the same amount of people. So

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year so far so we’re continuing to build on that and to make the staff happier.

I came he�e in Janua�� and am ve�� happy at Impiana

basically we’re looking to invest more in the team. We develop, we train, so that staff members can do a better job and serve our guests better.”

As for 2016, GM Doeke is looking to help the business grow and to make it even better. “We’re looking at a very good

In the past couple of months, the hotel has performed great on TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site providing reviews of travel-related content.

“We rose quite significantly from 54th to 24th placing in their ratings so we plan to continue to push on and to constantly improve,” revealed the GM about his target.

GM Doeke is originally from the Netherlands now he’s building a home with his family in Phuket. He has a Thai wife and two young kids with whom he spends most of his time after work.

“When they are not on their computer I prefer to take them out and do things together, go to nice restaurants and chill out. I do some sports every now and then, hang out with friends sometimes. “It is a relaxing local island lifestyle basically,” he says.