Phuketindex.com Magazine Vol.37

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Phuket

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Traditional Baba costumes

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People Focus

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City Focus

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Chef Talk

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GM Talk

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EDITOR’S NOTE Phuket

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In this issue we’re proud to focus on Phuket’s culture and to talk about the Baba (Thai-Chinese) dress code with Suchada Chanchuvanichkul, one of the best Baba-style dressed Phuketians. We also focus on the world-famous Phuket lobster or ‘painted spiny lobster’ with Wirachai Pranveerapaibool and recommend succulent lobster dishes by four ladies.

Traditional Baba costumes

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People Focus

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City Focus

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Chef Talk

Dear readers,

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Learn about Phuket’s trendy property through our article about Utopia, Phuket’s fastest upcoming property business with Anchana Chulaksanadecha (Gif). And the special pick in this issue is ‘Pizzas around Phuket’ with Muse – Kantara and her brother.

GM Talk

See you next time!!!

Phuketindex.com’s Team

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

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Contents August 2017 - October 2017

People

Lifestyle & Travel

People Focus

Charity

12 - Suchada Chanchuvanichkul

34 - Get to know Skal Phuket An interview

Her passion for traditional Baba costumes

with President Doeke Bonga

City Focus

Property Guide

16 - Phuket Lobster Festival

42 - Utopia Naiharn 43 - Utopia Kata

Property Talk 38 - Anchana Chulaksanadecha (Gif) Company Director and Project Consultant Utopia Development

Restaurant Guide 48 - Acqua Restaurant 50 - Sway With Me Garden Restaurant & Bar

Chef Talk

52 - Savoey Seafood

44 - A Talk with Chef Phatsakorn

Signature Dish

Tatiyaphak (Toto) Executive Chef at Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach

54 - Hong Kong Suckling Pig

Pizza Around Phuket 56 - Phuket’s Pizzas!,

GM Talk

Styles of Pizzas around Phuket

64 - An interview with Daniel Meury General Manager of Andara Resort & Villas

Zenith Holidays 62 - Crest Resort & Pool Villas

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44

64

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Social 24 - Event Photo Albums

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Lifestyle - People Focus

Suchada Chanchuvanichkul Her passion for traditional Baba costumes

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Lifestyle - People Focus

Suchada Chanchuvanichkul or ‘Khun Su’ is renowned as one of the best Baba cultural-style dressed Phuketians.

She receives a lot of compliments for her charming and tasteful style of dressing. Here, she talks about her enthusiasm for traditional Baba dress code and her role in continuing this tradition through to future generations.

How did you become interested in local Baba attire?

It all started when I was young, when I saw my auntie dressed in batik sarongs and lace blouses. In my mind it was very beautiful and I wanted to look like her. And again when I grew up one of my friend’s moms really impressed me with her Baba-style clothes so I made my mind to dress the same way when the time came, so to speak. So in about 2001, I decided to open our motorcycle outlet ‘Namsang’ here in the Phuket Old Town and I used to dress in this way on some occasions but not every day. My neighbours got so used to my traditional look that when I didn’t, they’d ask why I wasn’t wearing Baba clothes! I then got the feeling that the Baba traditional style might suit me best

and that wearing this combination became the reason that I loved to shop around batik shops in Phuket Town and to dress in Baba style from then on.

The special of Baba costume

The charm of the high collared gathered-in shirts is the result of blending between three cultures.

Its high collar or mandarin collar is from the Chinese culture, while the gathered cuffs is an influence from India, while batik sarongs are from Malaysia so the combination looks dignified and polite. Nowadays, this Baba style high-collar cuffed gathered-in shirts interests both Thais and foreigners.

It’s a good opportunity for visitors to experience dressing up in Baba style to enjoy photo shots in the Old Town of Phuket.

About Baba Dress

Traditional Baba style dress can be categorized into three to four styles. The first is to wear a high collared gathered-in shirt with a batik sarong. The next is to wear a Nyonya-style kebaya with a batik sarong. Nyonya’s kebayas can also be subdivided into three types; some of them are embellished lace, some of them are adorned with special cutworks and some of them show the beauty of their flower embroidery or of auspicious animals. During World War II, some 70 years ago, imported fabrics were difficult to find. Kebaya’s popular subsequently dropped and lace fabric started to replace them. Local Babas therefore turned to customized lace blouses with necklines tailored to wearer‘s favourites whether they be V-necks, round-necks or square-necks.

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Lifestyle - People Focus Baba Accessories

Apart from beautiful dresses, traditional Baba accessories are also important. Baba ladies in Phuket or nearby Takuapa in adjacent Phang Nga Province wear accessories from head to toe. Ladies from wealthy families put their hair up with ornate hairpins when they go out and brides wear a special flowered crown called a hwa kuan along with necklaces which locals call lan te pai. Baba ladies also wear earrings and diamond-shape rings called bayeh. For special or important events, ladies put rings on eight fingers

or even more. Some also wear anklets.

Kim toon are buttons made from foreign coins fashioned into pendants in phoenix or dragon shapes over the traditional highcollared shirt. There is also a coffee-bean like necklace which was quite popular for Baba ladies for a while. Pin tang takes a round shape with the rays of the sun used as a kebaya broach or pendant.

How do you help promote Baba style dressing?

Whenever I wear them, everyone who meets me loves it! I also encourage my friends to wear this style too. I give them advice about which and what colours match; how to choose the colour of the shirts or kebayas according to the batik sarongs and how to make the most of the combinations. If I happen to meet tourists or anyone interested in our traditional costumes, I explain it all to them and tell them where to buy the best products along with as much advice as I can.

How do you expect to see Baba costumes in the future?

I hope to see more Baba locals or those who residing in Phuket start wearing Baba costumes… either the shirt or kebaya with a batik sarong. The traditional costume is actually easy to wear and it’s beautiful. If we wear them more, it can help attract tourists and stimulate the local economy.

For those interested in dressing in traditional costumes, where can they buy them?

If anyone is interested in traditional costumes, whether they be shirts, kebayas or lace blouses I’d definitely recommend a visit to Thalang Road in Phuket Old Town. There are many shops that sell ready-to-wear dresses, blouses and sarongs. You can also order tailormade clothes there. Different shops have their own specialties and sell different styles of batik sarongs.

Some shops import batik from Indonesia and Malaysia which both have their own unique styles. Please make sure you buy batiks made from 100% cotton which cost around 300 baht or more. Those at lower prices usually mix cotton with polyester that are sometimes difficult to wear and not as beautiful as they claim to be.

*** Thank you VR.Phuket and Torakan, two of the best fabric shops in Phuket for beautiful shot.

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Suchada Chanchuvanichkul is currently the Managing Director of Phuket Namsang Co., Ltd, with seven branches of Honda bike shops in Phuket. She is also a subcommittee member of Pracharath Rak Samakkee Phuket (Social Enterprise) Co., Ltd. and a former president of the Old Phuket Foundation.

‘Baba’ is a term to designate males born with Chinese and Malayan mixed blood in Malaysia and Indonesia together with ‘Nyonya’ – half-Chinese Malaysian females. However, for Phuket locals we usually call half Chinese – both males and females – ‘Baba’ or ‘Peranakan’.

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Lifestyle - City Focus Phuket Lobster Festival

Can you please tell us about Pracharath Rak Samakkee Phuket?

Pracharath Rak Samakkee Phuket is a social enterprise company working as a consultant for local SMEs (small to medium businesses) in Phuket. We aim to help the local community increase its income without taking any profit and our success rate will be evaluated by the increase in value or income of the target group.

What projects are you working on now?

Phuket

LobsFestival ter

Our main focus is on helping and developing companies in Phuket.

Actually each province will establish their own social enterprise companies under the name ‘Pracharath Rak Samakkee.’ The local grassroots economy actually covers all local economic foundations but we picked three groups to work on to begin with which are batik, Phuket lobsters and Phuket pineapples.

Why these three groups?

They’re Phuket’s identity. We looked at what represented our province and Phuket’s pineapples are renowned for a long time, known by many and are the root for many other species grown in Thailand. We found that the three groups were starting to fade in image since nothing has been done to promote them for some time as locals have tended to move away from these occupations. We realize that if we are able to bring them back, it will be a good opportunity to preserve these local jobs and leave them as a legacy for the following generations.

Why Phuket Lobsters? How are they special?

Phuketindex bring you to the talk about Phuket Lobster Festival initiated by Pracharath Rak Samakkee Phuket (Social Enterprise) Co., Ltd. This year was the festival’s second.

Mr. Wirachai Pranveerapaibool, Managing Director of Provincial Social Enterprise Company talks about its origin, purpose, current projects, and plans for the future.

In fact, Phuket lobsters can be found around Southeast Asia, in Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia, and Malaysia. ‘Panulirus versicolor’ or ‘painted spiny lobster’ is a species that represents Phuket the most. Its taste is sweet and it has a unique texture.

What have you done?

We looked at the result of research and found that there are about 24 groups of Phuket lobster culturists in Phuket. The challenge is how we can bring back the Phuket lobster trend and increase its demand. We did the field research and realized that demand for Phuket lobsters actually exists but it has its season and the selling and buying is not that direct. The ‘Phuket Lobster Festival’ was launched last year in 2016 and we aim to create a whole new group of lobster consumers and attract other groups of consumers. In the past, there were only a few hotels and beach restaurants that sold Phuket lobsters. But now we ask outlets that have never sold lobsters before to join us in the festival. At the same time, the festival will allow sellers and buyers to meet.

Last year, we had 36 restaurants joining us but for 2017 we’re happy to say we have 200 restaurants.

What are your plans for the future of Phuket lobsters?

We learned last year that it’s difficult to bring together 36 restaurants and more than 20 local culturist groups.

It’s hard work. In 2017, we have even more. About 200 restaurants are on the list. But we fortunately have DIPA to help with the new platform

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Lifestyle - City Focus Phuket Lobster Festival which is called ‘Smart City’. A new application has just been completed to help ease the ‘matching’ process between sellers and buyers of Phuket lobsters. Restaurants were listed by area and sellers’ profiles were registered and uploaded into the system. Thanks to the DIPA and their support the festival works in a smarter way. We were the first to use it.

If any restaurant would like to join the festival, what can they do?

We are working with our main focus

helping and developing on

those who are in

Phuket.

Anyone interested in joining us just has to let us know by sending a message through our Facebook fanpage (@socialenterprisephuket).

Our page admin will contact you for more information. This is the easiest way to do or you may contact the DIPA to create your own profile in the system and then you will automatically appear on the application.

Can we expect a Phuket Lobster Festival every August?

We’ve had quite good feedback after two years.

Now the problem is to meet the supply to follow the rising demand. Compared with August last year, entrepreneurs report a 50-100% rise in price. So our work is to increase the lobster supply to respond to consumption for the following years. Recently, in a meeting with the governor, we were asked to make this an annual festival for Phuket. The TAT (Tourist Authority of Thailand) will also give us support to make it happen. For next year, we hope that when we are able to increase the supply, the prices will be back to normal. The Department of Fisheries has been asked to help with the research and to increase efficiency as well.

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Lifestyle - City Focus Phuket Lobster Festival

As for Thailand, Phuket Lobster is probably the most popular kind of lobster. Phuket Lobster is served in m any restaurants around the island,let’s see recommended dishes from us...

PENPRAPA CHOOKLIN Associate Director, Marketing Communications Amari Phuket Recommended Dish

Risotto all’ Astice This lobster risotto has a light and creamy taste. This dish uses half a Maine lobster cooked in risotto mixed with white wine and ingredients imported from Italy. Some of the meat sticks to the lobster’s shell, so diners will enjoy two different tastes and textures.

Add parsley on top for a colourful and tasty relish.

(750 THB++ special promotion at La Gritta restaurant in September 2017)

Amari Phuket

Patong, Phuket Tel: +66 (0) 76 340 106-14

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Lifestyle - City Focus Phuket Lobster Festival

PANEENART PENGRAKSA Marketing Manager, Food and Beverage Angsana Laguna Phuket

Recommended Dish

Koong-Mang-Korn Phad (Stir Fried Giant Lobster with Salted Egg, Roasted Chili Paste, Onion, Bell Pepper and Spring Onion.)

Freshly cooked premium selected Lobsters from the Andaman Sea. Stirred well with salted eggs and enhanced with our chef’s special Thai roasted chili paste. Baan Talay serves quality fresh seafood from the Andaman Sea and you can customize your dishes by selecting the cooking method such as steamed lobster, barbecued lobster or deep-fried lobster. Experience the touch and taste of traditional Thai dishes with fresh lobsters every day at Baan Talay, Thai restaurant at Angsana Laguna Phuket.

Angsana Laguna Phuket Cherngtalay, Phuket Tel: +66 (0) 76 358 500

www.phuketindex.com

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Lifestyle - City Focus Phuket Lobster Festival

CHADAPORN MAKCHUMNUM Marketing & Communications Manager The Nai Harn Phuket

Recommended Dish

Lobster Ceviche menu Lobsters at the Nai Harn are unparalleled for quality, freshness, and sheer avour, cooked with selected healthy ingredients and you can enjoy the tropical taste that makes lobster ceviche a perfect appetizer for an al-fresco supper.

The Nai Harn

Rawai, Phuket Tel: +66 (0) 76 380 200

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Lifestyle - City Focus Phuket Lobster Festival

PANCHAN

NOIMEECHAROEN Marketing Communications & PR Manager Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach

Recommended Dish

Grilled Phuket Lobster We use only the freshest lobster so that when cook it, it keeps its original flavour.

Grilled lobster has a distinct aroma of charcoal smoke and for sure the smell of grilled shrimp will stimulate your appetite.

One more specialty of this dish is our seafood dipping sauce, made by blending olive oil with Thai herbs and we’d also like to recommend our famous focaccia bread – its taste is like tom yam (Thai hot and spicy soup). It’s perfect with grilled lobster!

Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa Nai Yang Beach, Phuket Tel: +66 (0) 76 625 555

www.phuketindex.com

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Lifestyle - City Focus Phuket Lobster Festival

KANCHANA SRISIRIKUL Marketing Communications Manager Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket

Recommended Dish

Egg Tagliolini, Phuket Lobster and Burrata Our Italian-born chef Andrea Rossi uses this homemade recipe he learned from his grandma. He puts all his talent and experience into creating this special lobster dish at La Trattoria. “This sauce and burrata go incredibly well with the freshest lobster meat,� says Chef Andrea. He also enhances the presentation of the dish by serving it with the whole body from head to tail to improve the dining experience.

Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket Cherngtalay, Phuket Tel: +66 (0) 76 362 999

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Lifestyle - City Focus Phuket Lobster Festival

Lobster Lobster is the ultimate in crustaceans. No matter how lobsters are served, you can be guaranteed they will always taste delicious.

As for Thailand, PHUKET LOBSTER is probably the most popular kind of lobster. When served, Phuket Lobster is very delicate. Not only is it exquisitely decorated, it is even tastier than other seafood. It’s a must for tourists visiting Phuket to have a taste of Phuket Lobster. Therefore, Phuket Lobster surely is The King of Seafood.

If choosing to eat lobster, the lobster you choose should weigh about 700-800 grams.

However, it’s actually better if you can choose a lobster weighs more than that, as the heavier lobster, the tastier it is. What makes Phuket Lobster unique and outstanding compared to other lobster species is its thin shell, which gives the Phuket specie more meat. The meat is very rich and sweet, but not mushy. Lobster meat can be cooked in a number of ways, for example, steaming, roasting, grilling, and frying. But no matter how the lobster is cooked, you can be guaranteed it will be delicious no matter how you choose for it to be cooked. Now you have an idea of how tasty Phuket Lobster is, don’t miss your chance to try The King of Seafood!

Popular

breeds of

Lobster

found in restaurants

Brown Lobster

40%

60%

7 Colored Lobster

Phuket lobsters cost about 3,000 - 4,500 THB/kg depending on the resteraunt and the season.

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Lifestyle - Event Photo Albums

Thailand’s No.1 Rock Star Toon Bodyslam and Laguna Phuket @Phuket Panyanukul School On Monday 5th June Laguna Phuket visited the Panyanukul School for children with disabilities and presented a donation raised from the Laguna Phuket presents Big Body + Charity Concert 2016. Money left from purchased tickets refunds for a cancelled concert was donated – the total amount was 510,800 baht and will be managed by a fund specially set up for long-term charitable partnership between Laguna and the school. The donation of beds and bedding marks the official start of the long-term support plan.

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Lifestyle - Event Photo Albums

Emerald Group – Celebrating Seven Great Years On Friday 9th June the Emerald Group held a press conference named ‘Celebrating Seven Great Years’ at Jungceylon in Patong. Khun Sawit Ketroj (Mai) – CEO of Emerald Group announced “This event is to celebrate the seventh anniversary of the Emerald Group and to present our new design logo and also to present our new project The Emerald Oceanfront Residence. We are glad to announce the great news that the Emerald Group has joined with Technics Oil & Gas Ltd. from Singapore.”

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Lifestyle - Event Photo Albums

The SIS Kata Resort – Stay in Style On Saturday 17th June the SIS Kata Resort held their grand opening ‘Poolside Beach Party’. The resort is named after three sisters – Khun Kanokkorn (Som), Khun Anchisa (Fon) and Khun Phanwara (Zea), who cooperated in the design and concepts of the resort.

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Lifestyle - Event Photo Albums

Family Festival & Pie-Eating Contest @XANA Beach Club On Sunday 2nd July Phuket’s most epic 4th of July-themed celebrations were held at XANA Beach Club. A summer beach buffet featuring Thai and American cuisine – including roast chicken, barbecued ribs specials, pies, pastries, cotton candy, and ice cream. The highlight of the event was Phuket’s second pie-eating contest. The winner was awarded a Sunday Brunch for two people at XANA Beach Club worth 5,700 baht.

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Lifestyle - Event Photo Albums

Wedding Showcase @Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang On Friday 14th July 2017 – Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang held an event called ‘Beach Wedding Showcase’, the first PR event to promote the wedding venues of the hotel. At the event guests enjoyed slices of wedding cake and canape selections.

The guests also enjoyed a botanical-style arrangement workshop

by Khun Francois and Khun Ning. The highlight of event was a beachfront dinner at the Big Fish Bar.

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Lifestyle - Event Photo Albums

Thavorn Sponsor Night for Miss Universe New Zealand 2017 On Monday 17th July Thavorn Beach Village Resort & Spa held an event entitled Thavorn Sponsor Night for Miss Universe New Zealand 2017. The last 20 finalists of Miss Universe New Zealand 2017 visited Phuket from 13th – 19th July.

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Lifestyle - Event Photo Albums

Mother’s Day Activity @Laguna Phuket Kindergarten On 10 August Laguna Phuket Kindergarten held a Mother’s Day Activity event at the school. There were many acts such as students’ classical ‘Khon’ dance (from the Ramayana Epic), a Pikachu dance from K1, Singing of the Kha-Nam-Nom song from K2, Thai dance (Ram Auayporn) from K3, a Moms & Kids Fashion Show (10 themes to make our world a better place) and a Mother’s Day thanks ceremony planting of marigold flowers.

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Lifestyle - Event Photo Albums

The 25th Anniversary of Laguna Phuket Kindergarten On Thursday 24th August the 25th Anniversary of Laguna Phuket Kindergarten was held at Laguna and was celebrated with a kids’ show. They also had a World Worm Room Opening Ceremony and a Book Donation.

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Lifestyle - Event Photo Albums

Miss Supranational Thailand Competition 2017 at Siam Niramit Phuket On Saturday 2nd September Miss Supranational Thailand Competition was held at Siam Niramit Phuket. The competition was supported by Phuket government and business organizations - Nakhon Phuket Municipality, Rawai Municipality, Andara Resort & Villas, and The SIS. Miss Supranation Yasothon ‘Gift’ was the winner.

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Lifestyle - Charity

It’s a lot of nice people who have big hearts and generous spirits

Could you please introduce yourself?

Get to know Skal Phuket An interview with President

Doeke Bonga

My name is Doeke Bonga, General Manager of Impiana Resort Patong and Impiana Private Villas and I’m lucky enough to be president of Skal Phuket. Skal has many active members throughout the hospitality sector, many managers in hospitality, hotels, resorts, travel agencies, wine companies, and more. Anyone who works in the hotel business or hospitality sector is welcome to join us at Skal.

Image Copyright Skal Phuket

Please tell us about Skal

Skal is an organization of hospitality managers with different chapters throughout the world; in Phuket, in Bangkok, in Samui, and in many countries around the globe with various members contributing to local causes, local charities, and networking among friends.

It’s really a networking club, to connect people within the business joining hands in doing good works for their local communities.

How long have you been supporting Skal?

I’ve been a member of Skal for nearly 10 years in both Phuket and Koh Samui and I was elected President of Skal Phuket in March of this year.

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Lifestyle - Charity How would you describe the working culture here?

Skal Phuket is very easy going. It’s a lot of nice people who have big hearts and generous spirits.

We get together once every month to dine, to catch up, and to network in different locations around the island. The get-togethers tend to be at members’ places but sometimes not... The highlight of the year is the main charity event which in this case will be held at the Hilton in November whereby we raise funds for various charities on the island with the aim to support them in the good works they do for our local area.

What are the greatest challenges that Skal Phuket is facing?

The greatest challenge for us is to improve our diversity. We’d like to have more Thais. We’d like to have more women as members to avoid us being an all-boys club. Because we are very young at heart, we’re also eager to get more young people on board something that is called ‘Young Skal’ which is for people who are younger than 30.

But the key for us will really be to maintain more diverse membership. We’re looking to have more Thais and ladies on board because it brings us different angles and different insights. We’re open to everyone especially because we want to ensure that we have input from all; all sides and all angles on what to do for the charities and how we can network among ourselves and among friends in Phuket region.

Image Copyright Skal Phuket

Image Copyright Skal Phuket

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Lifestyle - Charity

Image Copyright Skal Phuket

The greatest challenge for us is to improve our diversity What upcoming charity events do you have on your agenda?

As mentioned, the highlight of this year will be the event on 25th November at the Hilton where we will raise money for three or four different charities. Last year the funds we raised contributed to the ‘Pimali Foundation’, which does really good work for bringing underprivileged people into the world of hospitality by training and guiding them, as well as other charities here on the island. We’re looking to raise significant funds to give back to the local community and really do our part as members of Phuket society.

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For anyone interesting in joining a new network of friends whether they’ve already been on the island for a long time or are looking for new friends and a new network, we invite you to join us at one of our monthly dinners. You’ll find information on our website skalphuket.org where you can check out upcoming events. We’re always happy to have people join us whether as a guest or as a member. So please feel free to check us out and come and join our event just to see what it is like. If there’s something that interests you, we’re looking forward to welcome you as one of our new members.

Lifestyle - Property Talk

Anchana

Chulaksanadecha (Gif) Company Director and Project Consultant Utopia Development

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Lifestyle - Property Talk

“Do it real, do it fast, and do it honestly” says Anchana Chulaksanadecha (Gif) of Phuket’s fastest upcoming property business – Utopia.

Phuketindex chats with her...

Image Copyright Utopia

Tell us about yourself

I’ve been working in the Phuket real estate industry for 15 years now. I started as a sales agent, then sales manager up to GM for a Hong Kong-Phuket company, meeting up with clients. I learned a lot about many projects in Phuket. Then when I had the opportunity to start up a project like Utopia I could bring all the knowledge I learned (good and bad) to build it up and to make it better.

What is Utopia?

Image Copyright Utopia

Utopia is a development company, a branch of International Property Advisory (IPA) who are partners with House & Home – Housecare and Hat Yai Nanthakorn that develops projects on the island which buyers can feel safe with as we are aiming to be Phuket’s top developer.

We’ve just been selected by Dot Property as the best villa development (Resort) in Phuket.

We started it last November and it’s due for completion in October this year

Who do you target?

We target everyone but thanks to Mr. Hachi Yin who looks after IPA we have very strong marketing connections with the Australian and Asian markets.

How did you first come up with the idea for Utopia?

From 2010 to 2013, there was a boom in international tourism, and because of this many visitors decided to remain. IPA initially only provided a channel for its clients to purchase property on the island, but being recognised as a powerful force behind the property boom in Phuket, we connected with local partners and businesses within the industry to give us support

Image Copyright Utopia

After you came up with the idea, how did you get started?

On June 12, 2014, IPA incorporated in Phuket, after two years of market research, land research, planning research, capital allocation and other aspects of the careful preparation, and at the beginning of 2016 IPA’s Phuket real estate development company was created - UTOPIA

www.phuketindex.com

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Lifestyle - Property Talk

Image Copyright Utopia

Image Copyright Utopia

Image Copyright Utopia

Image Copyright Utopia

What would you say are the biggest drivers of your success today?

Do it real, do it fast, and do it honestly.

What about interior style?

We do tropical modern because we are right into the middle of the ‘jungle’ so we want everything – interior and exterior – to be nature friendly yet also comfortable.

What about Utopia’s present projects?

All our projects are either almost finished or ready to start. The most important thing about Utopia is that we purchase all our land before we launch the project. In this way we can give our clients peace of mind that we will complete the project on time.

“We are aiming to be Phuket’s top developer” Image Copyright Utopia

Image Copyright Utopia

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Image Copyright Utopia

Lifestyle - Property Guide Our Property Guide recommends the best and trendy property available in Phuket at the moment. We have two properties from one of Phuket’s top developers to share with you; Utopia Naiharn and Utopia Kata.

Utopia Naiharn A ‘hidden’ development in the cent�e o� Naiharn

U

topia Naiharn is a ‘hidden’ development in the centre of Naiharn, Rawai and Ya Nui beach.

It is comprised of 110 condominium units all at a spacious size of 42sqm, fully furnished.

This development is not only a condominium project but it’s also combined with nine individual modern designed pool villas, resulting in a beautiful modern resort set in the midst of a jungle surrounding, away from all the hustle and bustle yet within walking distance to local amenities Besides the low entry price for these units we also offer rental guarantees of up to 10% per year based on the amount of years you wish to join and of course during the course of the rental period there are no maintenance or utilities to be paid, and you can enjoy 40 nights of free stay per year

Image Copyright Utopia Naiharn

About the Developer:

Location:

Phuket’s Top Developer 普吉顶级の开发商

Soi Suanwat Rawai Phuket

Featu�es: The resort has five-star facilities including a 24-hour lobby, full security, laundry service and in-room dining service from our rooftop restaurant. There is also a spa and fitness centre as well as two swimming pools, one on the rooftop and the other on the ground floor for children

Details - Rooms or Villas: 110 condominium units and nine private pool villas - Land Plot Area: 4 Rai - Nearby Amenities: Utopia Naiharn is a 10-minute walk to Naiharn Lake, beach and Rawai Beach. Naiharn Beach has been voted Phuket’s top beach destination by many reviews and Tripadvisor. Rawai Beach is famous for its fresh seafood market by the pier where seafood is sold daily at local market prices. You can also rent a long-tail boat or speedboat here to explore the nearby islands Contact Information: Tel +66 (0) 80 886 9660 / +66 (0) 98 064 4408 Email: Utopia@ipa.black https://www.facebook.com/utopiaphuket http://www.ipa.black/utn.html

Image Copyright Utopia Naiharn

Image Copyright Utopia Naiharn

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Image Copyright Utopia Naiharn

Lifestyle

- Property Guide

Utopia Kata Rental guarantees o� up to 10% per year

U

topia Kata is comprised of 20 condominium units and fi ve private pool villas, all fully furnished

Besides the low entry price for these units we also offer rental guarantees of up to 10% per year based on the amount of years you wish to join and of course during the course of the rental period there are no maintenance or utilities to be paid, and you can enjoy 40 nights of free stay per year

Details - Rooms or Villas: 20 room serviced apartments - Land Plot Area: 2 Rai - Nearby Amenities: Utopia Kata is just a five-minute stroll from popular Kata Beach

Image Copyright Utopia Kata

About the Developer: Phuket’s Top Developer 普吉顶级の开发商

Location: Soi Khoktanod Kata Beach Phuket

Image Copyright Utopia Kata

Facilities: This development has a round-theclock lobby, 24-hour security, in-house laundry and in-room dining service

Image Copyright Utopia Kata

Contact information: Tel +66 (0) 80 886 9660, +66 (0) 98 064 4408 Email: Utopia@ipa.black https://www.facebook.com/utopiaphuket http://www.ipa.black/utk.html

Image Copyright Utopia Kata

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Travel - Chef Talk

A Talk with

Chef Phatsakorn Tatiyaphak (Toto) Executive Chef at Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach

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Travel - Chef Talk

Executive Chef behind this entire Marriott’s dining standards Image Copyright Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach

Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach is a resort perfect for those who are seeking for a real family getaway. Besides its great location, the serene atmosphere and full facilities the resort offers, its restaurants and cuisine are also a strong attraction. Phuketindex.com invites you to get to know Marriott’s Executive Chef who is behind the resorts high dining standards.

Phuketindex: Please introduce yourself

Chef Phatsakorn: Phatsakorn Tatiyaphak, I’m now an Executive Chef at Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach. I’m responsible for the quality of all food we serve here including at events and functions.

Phuketindex: Could you please share with us on how you became a chef?

Chef Phatsakorn: At first, I didn’t imagine myself as a chef before but after my internship in a hotel in Bangkok I started to realize that cooking is helped

me improve myself, and taught me how to be leader, to know how to planning and to make food better.

I feel that it’s good to be here and I’m happy to continue on this path.

Phuketindex: What’s the special menu for today?

Chef Phatsakorn: The dish I’d like to present today is called ‘Andaman prawn and mango salad’ in which we use prawns from Phuket, combined with yellow mango, seasoned with a special sauce to make the dish more flavourful.

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Travel - Chef Talk Phuketindex: Please tell us about your restaurants

Chef Phatsakorn: There are altogether four main restaurants in Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach. The first is named Merchant and it’s an all-day dining restaurant set by the pool, serving international dishes including European, Thai as well as Southern Thai cuisine.

The second is Thai Pantry which focuses on authentic southern cuisine. It’s our wish to preserve the quality of this tradition and culture. Experience it yourself, you will not be disappointed.

Image Copyright Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach

Cooking helped me to

improve myself, to be a leader and to

plan ahead Image Copyright Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach

Another restaurant is an Italian restaurant called D.O.C.G. serving pizzas, pastas and other Italian authentic dishes.

Last but not least is our Beach Grill. We serve authentic seafood and grills here and the seafood we use is mainly from the Andaman Sea or Phuket with the additional meat choices to create diversity for our guests.

Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach is located on Tritrang Beach, only 10 minutes away from famous Patong Beach. You are all invited to check it out and experience Chef Phatsakorn’s foods seven days a week. For more information please contact +66 (0) 76 335 300 or visit www.marriott.com.

Image Copyright Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach

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9.00-24.00

Travel - Restaurant Guide

Alessandro Frau

Acqua Restaurant

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

Korn Chumthong Director of operation

Sway With Me Garden Restaurant & Bar

Caesar salmon salad with parmesan cheese

Sway With Me Garden Restaurant & Bar is a wonderful place for a culinary evening out in Patong. The restaurant serves contemporary western and classic Thai dishes along with modern drinks.

Tuna salad with pomelo

It’s a great venue for seafood buet theme nights every Wednesday and Saturday, at only 699 baht per person.

Lobster bisque soup

Guide Cuisine: Seafood & Modern Drink Reservation: Recommended Dress Code: Smart-casual Open: 18.30 - 22.30 Mobile phones allowed: Yes Car parking: Yes Credit cards: Accepted Tel: +66 (0) 76 363 333 E-mail : info@sleepwithmehotel.com GPS/DD: 7.891068, 98.297887

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Recommended Dishes

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Steamed vegetables with prawns and butter

Vegetable lasagna

Seafood BBQ

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

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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 - Signature Dish

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Travel - Pizza Around Phuket

Phuket’s Pizzas!

Styles of Pizzas around Phuket

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Pizza is an easily prepared dish, normally served with flatbread topped with tomato sauce and cheese and baked in an oven.

It is also commonly topped with a selection of meats, vegetables and condiments. This Italian dish is a favourite with many people, so let’s discover the best places in Phuket where you can find a yummy pizza!

Travel - Pizza Around Phuket

PIZZA @PATONG

Pizza Tropicale

by Chef Phatsakorn Tatiyaphak Executive Chef, Beach Grill Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach

“We use Phuket pineapple as a main ingredient, that is what makes it special.�

Ingredients:

Contact information:

Pizza dough Phuket pineapple Smoked ham Tomatoes Sauce Mozzarella cheese Oregano Olive oil

Beach Grill Address: 99 Muen-Ngoen Road, Tri-Trang Beach, Patong, Phuket 83150 Tel: +66 (0) 76 335 300 Website: http://www.marriott.com/ hotels/hotel-information/restaurant/ hktmb-phuket-marriott-resort-andspa-merlin-beach

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Travel - Pizza Around Phuket PIZZA @PANWA

Diavola Pizza

by Chef Groyjai Borbthong Head Chef, Baba Poolclub Sri panwa, Phuket

“We add chili to the pizza so it will have a spicy taste and decrease the greasy taste of cheese and Italian sausage.�

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Ingredients:

Contact information:

Flattened dough topped with pizza sauce Mozzarella cheese Homemade Italian sausage Salami Thinly sliced chili

Baba Poolclub Address: 88 Moo 8, Sakdidej Road, Vichit, Muang, Phuket 83000 Tel: +66 (0) 76 371 000 Website: http://www.sripanwa.com

Travel - Pizza Around Phuket PIZZA @KATA

Pizza Pollo e Funghi

by Chef Anucha Ketsaro Executive Chef, Seasoning Restaurant Kata Sea Breeze Resort

“For this menu is we use very fresh straw mushrooms.”

Ingredients:

Contact information:

Tomato sauce Chicken Straw mushrooms Mozzarella cheese

Seasoning Restaurant Address: 72 Kata Road, Karon District, Phuket 83100 Tel: +66 (0) 76 284 300-4, +66 (0) 86 475 9221 Website: http://www.kataseabreeze.com

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Travel - Pizza Around Phuket PIZZA @MAI KHAO

Pizza Margherita

by Chef Andrea Genio Chef de Cuisine, Cucina Restaurant JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa

“This is a Pizza Margherita, the original pizza.

Mozzarella cheese, tomato and basil.�

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Ingredients:

Contact information:

Tomato Basil

Cucina Address: 231 Moo 3, Mai Khao, Thalang, Phuket 83110 Tel: +66 (0) 76 338 000 Website: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/ travel/hktjw-jw-marriott-phuket-resort-and-spa

Mozzarella cheese

Travel - Pizza Around Phuket PIZZA @KHAO PHRA THAEO

Raw Oat Pizza

by Chef Jirawat Wajasat Executive Sous Chef, DiVine Thanyapura Phuket

“The special thing about this is that we use various kinds of bean to make a pizza dough. It is a healthy pizza; the pizza sauce is cashew nut sauce and we use fruit and vegetables for topping such as beetroot, cucumber, carrots, pumpkin, mango and avocado.”

Ingredients: Zucchini Carrot Pumpkin

Contact information: Beet root Buck Wheat Millet Wheat

DiVine Address: 120/1 Moo 7, Thepkasattri Road, Thepkasattri, Thalang, Phuket 83110 Tel: +66 (0) 76 336 000 Website: http://www.thanyapura.com

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Travel - Zenith Holidays

Image Copyright Crest Resort & Pool Villas

CREST RESORT & POOL VILLAS Luxury set in Nature

C

rest Resort & Pool Villas enjoys one of the best spots on the west coast of Phuket.

It’s a luxury resort designed for romantic getaways or family retreats. Located on a verdant hillside overlooking Tri Trang Beach, it’s just a few minutes away from Phuket’s shopping and nightlife hub Patong Beach.

Image Copyright Crest Resort & Pool Villas

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Crest Resort & Pool Villas provides total of 144 guestrooms including pool access rooms and private pool villas. All are equipped with high-standard facilities and amenities. Its architecture focuses on bringing the best out of the surrounding nature to heal the soul. Guests will be able to enjoy breathtaking views of Patong Bay and the tropical surrounding rainforest.

Travel - Zenith Holidays

Where “Nature

Heals

” Image Copyright Crest Resort & Pool Villas

H2O has a wide range of refreshing health drinks, smoothies, mocktails and homemade ice-creams – all served by the pool. Lastly, DIVA Sky on the rooftop serves choices of sea and meat BBQs with live entertainment. DIVA Sky is also an ideal venue for celebrating ceremonies such as weddings and other special occasions.

Crest Resort and Pool Villas also welcomes MICE functions including meetings and team building exercises. The resort has a spacious pre-function venue

that comfortably accommodates up to 200 guests for cocktail set ups, together with one ballroom and a boardroom for small meetings.

For spa addicts and holistic enthusiasts, you will be able to pursue your dream lifestyle here at PRIMA and Holistic Wellness Village. The spa village is inspired by nature. It offers five treatment rooms, a separate foot massage and Thai massage room, separate bathing areas and showers with a comprehensive list of treatments and spa packages designed for all.

Image Copyright Crest Resort & Pool Villas

Image Copyright Crest Resort & Pool Villas

Besides its well-appointed rooms, Crest Resort & Pool Villas also offers fine dining featuring healthy dishes. There are four food outlets located around the resort; ATMOS is the signature restaurant, serving East-meets-West flavours at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Pano is a relaxing lounge where you can indulge in drinks and delicacies while enjoying panoramic views of the Andaman Sea.

Crest Resort and Pool Villas is located on Muen-Ngern Road, Tri Trang Beach within easy access to the island’s attractions, and 45 minutes from Phuket International Airport. Its pool villas offer options from one, and two bedrooms to suite the size of your group.

For more information please contact

+66 (0) 76 310 088 info@crestphuket.com, www.crestphuket.com

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Travel - GM Talk

An interview with

Daniel Meury

Image Copyright Andara Resort & Villas

General Manager of Andara Resort & Villas

S

wiss-born Daniel Meury has been GM of Kamala’s Andara Resort & Villas for five years now. Phuketindex.com got the chance to learn more about him, his personal life and his working aspects.

Daniel, who has called Asia his second home for over 25 years, told us why he is here.

“I grew up in Switzerland on a farm and later went to Swiss hotel management school where I studied for four years. I then worked in some hotels in Switzerland before I decided to go out and see something of the world. I started in Malaysia and from then on I went to Indonesia, Burma, and China and now I’m here in Thailand.”

Please tell us about your career path

In Switzerland the hotel industry is a very important sector and we have a lot of beautiful hotels in beautiful locations, so as a young boy growing up I always dreamed of visiting these hotels or of course working in them.

I was very happy that my grandmother had a small restaurant so I often went there on the weekends to help out with the guests. So it was a good hands-on experience while growing up.

For me, it was the natural path to go into hotel management.

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Image Copyright Andara Resort & Villas

I was a hotel trainee first. The training required me to work in the kitchen, in services, at reception and then I went to hotel management school. I learned about all the different departments from the starting point and I think it’s very important that we also know about the problems that happen down on the floor before we go into management.

How come you joined Andara?

I saw Andara being built. I knew Alan Zeman who started Andara development from the Chedi Phuket when I was GM there. When he asked me to join him here, I was very happy to come and lead the team.

How about your responsibilities here?

My responsibility here is leading the team in all aspects. Andara has two different sides. One side is the resort where we have 37 beautiful suites which range from one to four bedrooms and then we have the villas. In our first phase we had 26 villas and we are just completing our second state with the Andara Signature where we’ve built another eight villas. So we look after all aspects of the villa management, be it from the building, to the maintenance and of course afterwards also selling them and looking after the owners’ interests. At the same time I have to look after the hotel operation, sales and marketing, our guests, and most importantly the staff as well.

Travel - GM Talk

“

We try to make sure the guests are as happy as possible so that they want to come back and if they can’t, they’ll tell their friends and their family to come visit us.

”

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Travel - GM Talk What are the obstacles to your job and how do you overcome them?

I think in every job or every day, there are little obstacles and sometimes of course there are bigger ones. I think first we have to find the reason how these obstacles came about and find out through our team and through our guests how we can overcome them and how we can make it better in the future.

Could you please tell us a bit about Andara?

Andara is very fortunate in having a beautiful position overlooking Kamala Bay. All of our suites and villas off er views over the Andaman Sea and we of course offer a lot of space. On top of space, comes the design that blends in with the accent of Thailand.

Image Copyright Andara Resort & Villas

It’s something that was designed nine or ten years ago but even now it still looks relatively new. Andara will still look very beautiful in 20 or 30 years’ time. The essence of Andara is the hospitality we offer here; we always try to make our service diff erent. We want to recognize each individual guest as who he or she is and treat them in such a way that everybody who leaves us, leaves with a wonderful memory and a great experience.

Image Copyright Andara Resort & Villas

How does your hotel different from those hotels in Kamala Beach area?

Kamala Beach has seen big changes in last five or ten years. There were hardly any hotels here over ten years ago but now we have more and more hotels on the hillside along ‘Millionaire’s Mile’. There are many good hotels in Kamala but I think we offer a bit more space to the guests.

Our rooms are more luxuriously fitted out and because of the higher number of staff we have we can also provide a much more personalized service than many other hotels.

Please tell us about the goals you set for Andara

We are here every day to try harder to make the guests’ experience

I think we never totally g�ow up even though you �each a ce�tain age. You a�e always out the�e to learn and to open up to new things.

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better and at the same time to attract more new and returning guests because I think that is one of the biggest challenges in today’s sales and marketing. Because not only Phuket has many nice hotels, there are beautiful hotels in many other areas of Thailand coming up too. So we have to make sure that we stay ahead and I think this is the hardest challenge.

We try to make sure the guests are as happy as possible so that they want to come back. And if they can’t, they’ll tell their friends and their family to come visit us. The result of that will of course help us greatly in sales and marketing effort and providing a better return for our owners and of course a better future for all of our team members.

How about your lifestyle?

I think I do live a very much a hotel lifestyle. I’ve worked in the business for over 30 years and I really enjoy it.

When I have days off, I love to go to experience a new hotel, see different places, and make a lot of friends along the way. Working in Asia for over 25 years, I have friends everywhere and know people in other places and that enriches my experience in Asia, my second home.

I also love to go back to Switzerland every year and in Europe you always get to see new things and that’s the wonderful thing about the travelling experience. It enriches you while you grow. I think we never totally grow up even though you reach a certain age.

You are always out there to learn and to open up to new things. That’s what I love about my job and meeting a lot of guests along the way.