Phuketindex.com Vol.16

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Leisure

Lifestyle

Divine

Straightening A Path to Healing

Page 30

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Living

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bliss embraces at your stay‌

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Editor’s NOTE NOTE Editor’s

Leisure

Lifestyle

There’s plenty more for you in this issue of Phuketindex.com, the island’s original and leading lifestyle magazine.

If it’s in Phuket it’s in Phuketindex.com!

Copied but never bettered!

Living

Publisher Guide Vision Limited Editor in Chief Jormnapa Utuchkul Phuketindex.com Team Arnat Utuchkul, Nunghatai Cholchawalit, Matthew Pond, Siripong Mukda, Paradorn Promkird, Sirisawan Hemtanon, Piyapat Sawangphol, Sainurdin Che-alee, Asma Abdunmanae Advertising Enquiries sales@guidevision.com Subscription Enquiries subscription@guidevision.com Tel. +66 (0) 76 240 749 Fax. +66 (0) 76 240 750 www.facebook.com/phuketindex

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However, it has now been brought to our attention that Mr Chanuphon Yodsamai is no longer a member of Sukko Spa staff and that the picture is actually the property of Mr Chanuphon Yodsamai and not Sukko Spa, as we believed. We apologise to Mr Chanuphon Yodsamai for any upset we have caused by using this photo.

If you wish to know more about the traditional Thai exercise Rue Sri Dat Ton you may contact Mr Chanuphon Yodsamai on mobile 086 527 1337

www.facebook.com/chanuphon

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You can still do anything in the low season that you can do in the high season, with the additional bonus of less crowds. So there will be more space for you on the beach, less crowds at the main tourist attractions and more breathing space in the most popular restaurants. So make

In this Green Season issue of Phuketindex.com, we give you the low down on the latest fitness craze, which has finally caught up fitness fanatics here on the island, Zumba. We also get together with one of the island’s reiki masters, Michael Paul Stephens and also catch up with Katrina Felton who at present is Phuket’s very own mermaid, Mermaid Kat.

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The green season is when you will see the tropical plants here literally lapping up the rain. To put it simply, with the seasonal wind comes the seasonal rain. But don’t panic, because although it rains more than during the high season, it certainly doesn’t rain all the time.

the most of your time here during the “Green Season”.

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U

nlike most places in the world, Phuket has only two primary seasons: the hot season or high season, and the green or rainy season, or low season.

In the Alternative Health options article in February 2012, volume 15 on page 21 of Phuketindex.com we published a photo for the section relating to Rue Sri Dat Ton which we believed belonged to Sukko Cultural Spa & Wellness. In volume 7 Phuketindex.com, we p u b l i s h e d a n i n t e r v i e w w i t h a Mr Chanuphon Yodsamai, who at the time was employed by Sukko Spa. The uniform he wore in the photo for our interview in 2010 is identical to the uniform to that in the photo in the fore mentioned photo and it was therefore our belief that he was still currently employed by them and therefore we used the photo in the fore mentioned article.

Leisure Lifestyle Living Leisure Lifestyle Living Leisure Lifestyle Living

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Divine Straightening A Path to Healing Romantic

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Work, Live, Play & Eat with

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“Mon” Pachantabutr

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PHUKET

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MAIKHAO BEACH PHUKET

TH หน้า 84 TH หน้า 82

Contents May 2012 – July 2012

On The Cover

30

82

24

66

Alexander Toskar

90

60

Auto & Marine 14

Phuket Car Rental - Must Know Info!

18

Cruise The Andaman in First Class Style

Honeymoon & Weddings 60

Do you want to get married in Phuket?

Arts & Culture

… I do!

20 Thai Gold - It’s History

Hotels & Resorts

Beauty & Wellness

64 Experience ‘The Real Thailand’ at

Pura Vida Villas Phuket

24 Talking Reiki with Michael Paul Stephens 28 How to Have More Energy by

Dr John Demartini

30

Devine straightening - A Path to Healing

by Alexander Toskar

36

Finding Inner Peace by Carolin Toskar

66

Zumba - The latest craze to hit the island

Property & Home Décor

40 How to Shift Stubborn Fat

70

42

Growing Faster Than Ever

Medical Tourism: A Growing Phenomenon

Eat & Drink

Phuket Property 2012:

Shopping

46 Easy Thai Foods Recipes

82

Creating a World of Colours

50

84

“Phuket Pearl” Treasure from

the Andaman Sea

Phuket Lobster - The King of Seafood

Gladness & Joy

12

Play & Show

56

Believe in your child because they

believe in themselves www.phuketindex.com

Visit 90 Top 5 Chinese Temples and Shrines

Auto & Marine Phuket Car Rental

Phuket Car Rental Must Know Info!

O

ne of the best ways to see Phuket is to hire yourself a car and drive around.

There are many scenic routes on the island, especially on the West Coast.

It’s fun, easy and best of all inexpensive.

Phuket Car Rentals offer a great choice of vehicles, small (Vios or Jazz), medium (Altis or Civic), big (Camry or Fortuner). Phuket is very easy to drive around by yourselves, with all signage being in English as well as Thai, and there are many free maps available which you can find in Phuket Airport or at the information desk in your hotel. If you want to rent a car whilst you’re in Phuket, you will need to check our information!

Rental Conditions • Hirer & Driver: Hirer must be 20 years of age or older and hold a major credit card in their name. A valid Thai, Overseas or International driver’s license is also required. The license must be in English characters.

• Documents Needed: On the date of rental, hirer and driver must present their passport, driver’s license and credit card.

• Rental Charges: Daily rates are calculated on a 24 hours rental basis. Minimum rental period is 1 day. Excess hours are calculated at 1/6 of the daily rate.

• Terms of Payment: A minimum payment

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of 2,000 Baht is due on reservation. Then estimated rental charge is payable on taking delivery of the car, and the final adjustment will be made on completion of the rental.

• Delivery & Collection Service: Deliver your vehicle to any hotel free of charge. For other locations, delivery and/or collection charges may apply.

• Protection Package: Comprehensive insurance is included in rental rates (excess 5,000 Baht). Other optional packages (CDW or Excess Reduction) can be purchased at the rental counter at the time of rental.

• Extension of Rental: Should you wish to extend your rental beyond the agreed termination date, it is important the insurance coverage be extended. Failure to do so may mean the hirer is driving the vehicle without insurance.

Late return will be charged at 1/3 daily rate per hour.

• Cancellation Fees: If the reservation is cancelled, an administration fee of 2,000 Baht will be charged. There is no refund for early return of vehicle for any reason whatsoever.

• Travel Restrictions: Vehicles can only be driven on sealed/bitumen roads. Restricted areas of use may apply and gasoline should be the as same as when first hired.

Auto & Marine Phuket Car Rental

Rental Rates Small size 1,500cc (Vios, City, Jazz, Yaris) 1-3 days (Baht/day)

More than 3 days (Baht/day)

1 month

1,200

1,000

23,000

Medium size 1,600cc (Altis, Civic, Freed) 1-3 days (Baht/day)

More than 3 days (Baht/day)

1 month

1,500

1,400

28,000

Large size 2000cc (Camry, CRV, Fortuner) 1-3 days (Baht/day)

More than 3 days (Baht/day)

1 month

2,300

2,100

45,000

Happy Safe Motoring Tips • Thailand adopts the British standard of driving on the left side of the road. Major highways are divided dual-carriage ways.

• Speed limit for cars is 80 kph in town, 90 kph on highways and 120 kph on motorways except when overtaking.

• Highway police can be reached by dialing 1193 and the Tourist police at 1699. ! In case of an accident, follow the instructions given at the time of rental.

Most popular rentals Small Size (City, Vios)

Medium (Civic) Large (Fortuner)

Here are some Phuket car rental companies, all offer full insurance.

Phuket Town : Pure Car Rent +66 (0) 76 211 022 Cherngtalay : Lagoon Car Rent +66 (0) 76 271 772

Andaman Car Rent +66 (0) 76 325 222 Mai Khao : Airport Car Rent +66 (0) 76 327 484 Asian Car Rent +66 (0) 76 327 656-7

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Auto & Marine Phuket Car Rental

Nothing Says More about Glamour than a Stretch Limo Phuket Stretch Limo offers its customers a variety of packages:

Phuket Stretch Limo is Thailand’s and Phuket’s first real limousine company.

Phuket Stretch Limo provides firstclass vehicles, which feature every modern convenience, are in excellent condition and a professional English speaking team o f chauffeurs and hostesses. Customers will b e treated to the finest service during their luxurious transportation. A reliable customer focused service is what they strive to achieve.

Patitta Apichotsaras, Managing Director of Phuket Stretch Limo said “We are the ONLY stretch limo provider in Phuket. Our vehicles are Lincoln limousines, imported from the United States and cost more than 10 million Baht each.” Most of their customers are foreign visitors, European millionaires, and Thai celebrities. She also mentioned the customers use their company’s service because limos are luxurious and meet the lifestyle requirements of the wealthy.

• Airport Service is provided for those who require airport transfers. Customers can travel from or to the airport to any Phuket destination in safety and comfort.

• Shopping Package is for those who want to travel around Phuket, exclusively shop at the best tailors, jewelry, or gold shops, and dine at 5-star restaurants.

• The Romantic Package with Sunset and Dinner is a service providing travel around Phuket, watching the sunset, and romantically dine at a 5-star restaurant.

• The Nightlife Package is provided for those who want to experience the Sin of Patong. This package includes a dinner, a drive to Patong where you can visit bars and night clubs, and a drive back to your hotel at 2 A.M. • The Birthday Package allows you to have an unforgettable birthday night by driving around Phuket, dining at a 5-star restaurant, and either driving back to your hotel or enjoying the nightlife.

• Sightseeing Package offers its customers a tour of Phuket by experienced English speaking chauffeurs and a lunch at one of the finest restaurants.

• Wedding Package provides a pickup or a drop-off from hotel to ceremony. The package also includes a set of photographs with the limo.

Price for Airport Service is 4,500 Baht for 5 people.

Price per hour is 3,995 Baht for up to 8 people.

Price for more than 4 hours renting is 2,995 Baht per hour.

If you are interested in experiencing this luxurious transportation, you can visit www.phuketstretchlimo.com or call 085 311 1211. Email: info@phuketstretchlimo.com

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Book Now!

Baht 9,000 per person Tel. 08 0562 6731

From May to September 2012 we are Running shared trips for

Baht 9,000 per person all inclusive.

For all enquiries : (English) (Thai)

Perry 08 0562 6731 Gennie 08 9429 4880

www.thailuxurycharters.com

222/7 Moo 8 T. Paklok A. Thalang Phuket 83110 Thailand Tel : 076 350 193 Fax : 076 350 194 Email : perry@thailuxurycharters.com

Auto & Marine Marine Focus adventure. Their team will match your itinerary with weather, tides and conditions, giving you an unforgettable holiday experience.

The Yacht The 23.7 meters long Lady Kathryn was built by Sunbird Yachts (China) in late 2008 and was originally designed for the European Market. They purchased the Lady Kathryn in late 2011 done extensive refurbishments, at a cost of $300,000, to satisfy the Thai Luxury Charter market and better suit the hot tropical conditions.

She is now almost a brand new boat with all modern electrics, video, sound systems, internet, toys and a sumptuous interior throughout as would be expected of any modern luxury yacht.

She boasts 4 bedrooms and an extensive sun protected deck;

Cruise The Andaman in First Class Style!

Perry Hoe was born and raised in Australia.

For 15 years, Perry was proprietor of a successful fishing tackle business which designed and manufactured fishing products.

In February 2011 he moved to Phuket and took up the position of Director of Thai Luxury Charters.

Thai Luxury Charters has quickly grown into one of the leading yacht charter companies in Phuket. Their main goal is to provide clients with a complete luxury service combined with a unique blend of relaxation and

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Book and mention

this Editorial & receive additional

5% discount

Auto & Marine Marine Focus she is very spacious for short or extensive journeys and the perfect hotel alternative for that special corporate function or occasion.

The Charters Unlike most charter operations who have set tours, Thai Luxury Charters offer the customer unlimited destinations in 3 set zones. Each zone is defined by how far it is from Ao Po Grand Marina and the time limit available to the customer.

Catering All Charters include free meals, drinks and alcohol. On board you fill find a limited range of snacks, fruit, juices and other refreshments.

When on board, customers can enjoy a selection of 5 standard daily menus including vegetarian dishes. Thai Luxury Charters do their utmost to provide any special catering requirements.

• Thai Cuisine • Vegetarian

• Mediterranean • Quick & Easy

Why choose Thai Luxury Charters Thai Luxury Charters boasts one of the biggest boats on the market. The bigger the boat, the more comfort you can enjoy. Thai Luxury Charters are by far the best value for money. There are a huge range of boats and charters here in Phuket but they have tried to keep it at a very competitive rate.

The Activities The Lady Kathryn has 2 x 2 man Kayaks on board at all times.

Customers are welcome to use these kayaks to explore the beautiful hidden caves amongst the many islands in Phangna Bay or to simply laze around their chosen destination.

They have both Recreational and Game fishing gear on board for customer use at any time.

The Lady Kathryn carries the latest snorkelling gear with multiple sizes available from young children to larger adults to make your swimming an enjoyable experience.

A bonus As an added bonus, if you charter Lady Kathryn you also get the use of a smaller boat, an Alison 595. The Alison 595 can quickly get you to that favourite fishing or snorkelling destination or simply pick you up at the beachfront of your resort. With a top speed of approximately 35 knots and the ability to operate in only inches of water she is the perfect partner to accompany the Lady Kathryn as you go exploring “your” Thailand.

For Charter enquires or more information please contact English Perry Tel: +66 (0) 80 562 6731 E-mail: perry@thailuxurycharters.com Thai Genie Tel: +66 (0) 89 429 4880 E-mail: genie@thailuxurycharters.com www.thailuxurycharters.com

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Art & Culture Thai Gold

Thai gold goes back a long way. In the past there were extensive gold mines in Thailand. Indeed the word Siam, as Thailand was originally called, means ‘gold’ in Sanskrit; the Indians called it Suvannabhumi (Land of Gold), and the Chinese Jin Lin (Peninsula of Gold). The gold trade, which stretches back about 2000 years, was probably the first contact Thailand had with the outside world.

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Gold and Buddhism

Srivichai period

Gold has a religious significance for Thais.

In Buddhist literature, the Buddha is described as having skin of gold. A golden complexion is the eleventh of the 32 characteristics of the Buddha. Many Buddha images in Thailand are made of gold and gold leaf is stuck onto Buddha images as part of religious rituals.

The largest buddha image in the world is the Golden Buddha, now housed in Wat Trimitr.

It is made of pure gold and weighs over 5 tons making it worth around $61 million just for the gold.

During the Srivichai period, goldsmiths knew how to make gold foil for use in Buddhist religious ceremonies, as more and more Buddha statues were gold plated. Of the gold ornaments produced, gold beads were made in the South and Central regions, while in the Lop Buri period, various objects used in religious ceremonies and utensils were gold plated.

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Sukhothai period (1249 - 1438) The engraved slabs at Wat Si Chum in Sukhothai, illustrating the Jataka tales (which relate the previous lives of the historical Buddha), show figures wearing elaborate adornments, including necklaces and crowns.

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The Coffee Club Thailand

Art & Culture Thai Gold Ayutthaya period (1350 - 1767) During the Ayutthaya period, gold played a major role in the construction of Buddha statues, temples and palaces, so much so, it was considered the Golden Age of gold.

Gold foil was used to cover the spires of palaces, pagodas and finials on the roof ridges and Buddha statues.

The Ayutthayan period was the high point of Thai gold jewelry design. Nicholas Gervais, a French Jesuit missionary writing in the late 17th century was of the opinion that “Siamese goldsmiths are scarcely less skilled than ours.

They make thousands of little gold and silver ornaments, which are the most elegant objects in the world.”

Gold Industry Today Today, gold is an important part of Thailand’s jewelry industry, the kingdom’s second largest export. Thailand is the second largest jewelry exporter in the world exporting 100 billion Baht worth of jewelry each year.

The gold mines are now exhausted but a recent discovery was made at Pichit. Owned by Australia’s Kingsgate Consolidated through its Thai subsidiary Akara Mining, the Chatree mine is one of the world’s lowest cost and most profitable operations.

During the Sukhothai period, more gold was beaten into flat, thin sheets to cover Buddha statuettes and goldsmiths knew how to gold plate large Buddha statues. Gold foil was used to plate bronze and other metallic Buddha statues.

Ornaments were however simple, smooth and with minimal designs. Gold caskets and boxes with small replicas of pagodas made of gold to contain relics have been found.

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There are gold shops selling necklaces and rings on nearly every main street in Phuket. The gold on sale is 99.99% pure, which is of a much higher quality than you will find in western countries. Gold is sold by weight and the unit is the Baht, the same name as the currency. One Baht is 15.2 grams. The buying and selling price of gold is quoted in the newspapers on a daily basis and the price in the shops will be very close to this. In addition there will be a small charge for the workmanship, generally only a few hundred Baht, depending on the size and weight of the item.

These shops will display the buy/sell price, and offer a genuine market price. A necklace can be sold for cash, or traded in for an upgrade to a heavier weight at any time.

“follow the lady in the pool” Cool food – Cool drinks - Cool sounds - Cool vibes

14 Moo 5 Rawai, Muang, Phuket 83130 Thailand Tel. +66 (0)76 371 900 E-mail: east88@serenityphuket.com www.serenityphuket.com

2km south of Chalong circle. Just follow the lady in the pool

Beauty & Wellness People

Talking

Reiki with Michael Paul Stephens

B

ritish born Michael Paul Stephens has been on Phuket for the past 4 years and is the author of 2 books, Provolution and Equanimous. Prior to writing Michael worked in Human Resources, working for Chiva-Som International Health Resort in Hua Hin and Six Senses Destination Spa, here in Phuket. In between jobs Michael was a consultant for various businesses, where he used his primary skills of training and designing corporate training programs.

He is still involved in consultancy, but now he incorporates spirituality, self awareness and self consciousness within his specially designed programs.

Michael had previously had an interest in spirituality but never healing. That was until 7 years ago, when he first visited to Phuket.

During this 6 month visit, Michael became aware that Phuket is blessed with a number of very powerful healers and he was around many people who practised reiki. At this time, he did believe something like reiki was possible, but not necessarily something which he could do. People he met who trained reiki told him everyone could learn, so he decided to give it a try. Once he started, and his sensitivities grew he realised reiki really was something anyone could do. Michael studied as a reiki

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Beauty & Wellness People

Reiki is a great healer if someone has a specific injury or sickness, but it’s also great at being diagnostic and helping to tell people how they can move forward with their lives and help them maintain wellness and get a better balance in their lives.

master and began offering private sessions with therapy and counselling.

I n September 2010 Michael and his wife Orr a n u t opened the ‘Provolution Center’, which is now the base for their therapies, card reading, workshops, wellness classes, retreats and corporate training programs.

Phuketindex recently caught up with Michael to find out more about reiki, becoming a reiki master and also about his and his wife’s ‘Provolution Center’.

What’s involved with becoming a reiki master?

Reiki master is the level, but don’t read too much into the term. Basically, there are three levels of reiki and I’m at level three. Having said that, I’ve actually taught people at level one who are far more powerful than I am, so it’s not really about what level you’ve attained. The levels are really about how you focus your reiki. Level one focuses on people who are with you and working on their energy. Level two is about working at a distance and sending a receiving energy. And level three is learning how to do the attunements, which are the ceremony and the process of teaching people.

But for me, teaching reiki is a two day intensive course, comprising of two six hour a day sessions.

People will start by learning how to be self aware and conscious. Meditation is a big part of what I teach and the healing part is possibly half of it.

I believe people can use reiki to create happiness and wellness in their own lives first and foremost. If you’re not happy and well yourself then it’s very difficult to be a healer.

Phuket is blessed with a number of very powerful healers

Can you explain to us about Reiki please?

Reiki is a Japanese word meaning universal energy and is about using energy to promote health. The basic concept of reiki is that you use the energy of your body to accelerate the process of healing in somebody else’s body. One of the side effects or benefits is you can also identify from that person’s body where future illnesses or sickness may come from. Also, you can feel where they are building up emotional blockages and give a reading of their entire life and what they’ve held onto and how they think.

Energetically, your body has a system that remembers everything. This is in fact a far better memory than your mind. So in a way, your past doesn’t go anywhere or end, it’s with you at all times.

Can you tell us about the Provolution Centre?

This is something my wife and I initiated back in September 2010. Our purpose was to set up something that could offer classes and wellness experiences for the local community, at affordable prices. We wanted to get people interested in how to develop wellness, whether it is by yoga or qigong amongst other things. We also wanted to have a place where we could practice what we do, which is the reiki, which we both do, and Orranut also does card reading and intuitive readings too.

We have also set up a free share circle on a Monday evening where people can come and talk about their issues and meditate and every other Tuesday evening we have a free reiki share circle.

So we have tried to create a space for people, which gives something charitable back to the community.

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Beauty & Wellness People

What is the Free Reiki Share Circle?

I have trained quite a few people on the island and the problem for those people who have learned reiki level one is they need to find live people to actually practice on. So we wanted to provide a space where people who have learned reiki one, or simply want to learn about it, can come in and practice. I got together with Roseberry’s in Surin and decided to share the sessions between us and make it available to people who want to practice.

Anyone who wants to share their insights into their week, would like to mediate or simply get together with spiritually minded people are welcome to attend.

All people need to do is come at 6pm on a Tuesday evening and take part it’s as simple as that. All are welcome.

Is there anything you still wish to achieve being a Reiki master?

One of the things I’m really working on now is bringing the concept of energy into the corporate world and teaching the corporate world how important it is to respect the energy of their people. Once they understand that concept, they should carry that on so that it flows in their business.

I believe the old style of corporate development is dying out and this is the way forward and now I’m finding more corporations are starting to realise this.

What would you say to anybody who has never tried Reiki but wants to participate?

What’s the worst that can happen!

Try everything we have to offer until you find something that you feel is going to give you a better life.

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your body has a system that remembers everything

For more information please contact The Provolution Center 3rd Floor 222/3 Moo 8, Palm Place Village, Paklok, Thalang, Phuket 83110 www.provolutioncenter.com

Beauty & Wellness How to Have More Energy

How to

Have More

Energy

Article courtesy of Dr John Demartini - human behavioural specialist, educator and author For more information about Dr Demartini and his Mythologies please visit: www.drdemartini.com email: info@drdemartini.co.za or call +27 83 370 2201 (Johannesburg)

W

hat are the most common causes of feeling flat and lethargic?

Distraction and lack of direction in life- Often people carry around so many tasks in their mind that they think they have to do, should have done, could do etc.

The mental energy expended just thinking about this never ending to do list can leave you feeling drained, lethargic and completely overwhelmed. In today’s fast paced world it is essential we learn how to delegate and not try to take responsibility for everything. I suggest putting this imaginary list on paper, reviewing it and then separate what only you can do from what you know you

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can give to someone else to do.

Once you have done this you will not feel as overwhelmed and immediately more motivated.

To paraphrase David Thoreau, most people are living quiet lives of desperation, not invigorating lives of inspiration- not doing what they love nor loving what they do.

They aren’t grateful so they are putting on the brakes in life and lacking the energy and vitality to live. The body and mind are inseparable in their interactions. We need to be accountable for how our psychology may be affecting our overall health.

Do we lose our energy as we age? If so, why?

Image Copyright Iakov Kalinin, 2012 Used under license from Shutterstock.com

I have come to the conclusion

Beauty & Wellness How to Have More Energy

that the level of energy one has in life is not so much connected to age or race as it is to state of mind. Naturally when someone is coming to the end of their life and may be more susceptible to disease, they may not have the same reservoir of energy and vitality as someone in their middle ages. But I have seen human dynamos at age 94 to 99 still out do people half their age. The difference was their attitude and zest for life. They found what they loved to do and they do it.

Who is most at risk of suffering from a lack of energy?

The people who are in the most risk of ‘suffering’ a lack of energy are those who do not feel like they are living purposefully; they feel lost, overwhelmed and out of focus. They are scattered and trying to live other people’s lives. They are the ones also whose diets and lifestyles are also not all that ideal.

Are there any simple solutions?

1. Know where you are going - Your energy soars when you are clear on your aim and direction in life. When your heart and soul are guiding you energy abounds.

2. Delegate low priority actions to those more suited and inspired to do them.

3. Be Thankful - When you are grateful for all that you have rather than dwelling on all that you are lacking, you will discover a very powerful source of energy. Count your blessings daily (Read my earlier book Count Your Blessings - The Healing Power of Gratitude and Love for more insights on the importance of gratitude).

4. Eat moderately - Many people try to perk themselves up by pigging out but this is definitely not the way to do it. It has actually been shown that if you eat less you have an increase in vitality and overall energy. Biological research also shows people who eat less live longer.

Walk away from the table a little less full and you will have a lot more spark to do the things you want to do.

5. Eat wholesome nutritious foods - become aware of what you eat. Be sure to “eat to live” not “live to eat”.

6. Drink Water - lots.

7. Breathe fully and deeply - Use your diaphragm.

8. Connect your vocation with your vacation - If you aren’t doing what you love and loving what you do you have the brake on all the time.

9. Smile - Smiling can change your physiology and make you look up at life.

Image Copyright vgstudio, 2012 Used under license from Shutterstock.com

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Beauty & Wellness Devine Straightening

Divine

Straightening

A Path to Healing About the Authors

Carolin and Alexander Toskar operate worldwide as spiritual healers and ambassadors for Divine Straightening and the Spiritual Health Foundation. They make Divine Straightening accessible to a wide range of people in their healing centers in Munich and Zurich as well as regular travel. Their Spiritual Health Foundation was founded in 2010. All foundation projects are voluntarily supervised and have the mission to support the development of spiritual health and wellbeing of children and dependent people.

To be able to offer an informative introduction of their work, a DVD is now available for the first time. A fascinating documentary that proves the impact of spirit on matter in an impressive way! With spiritual exercises for daily practice.

Further Information: www.divine-straightening.com, www.spiritual-health-foundation.org Photos: Toskar archive

D

ivine Straightening is a quantum leap into a new dimension of spiritual healing. Humanity is at the point of using the healing powers of the spirit more consciously than in the past. We are now just at the beginning of new spiritual therapies that will have more practitioners and supporters than all previous healing practices combined.

Carolin and Alexander Toskar consider it their mission to bring healing to people, to align their spirit, and to give them access to their souls.

Divine Straightening and the initiation of the healing will form the core of their healing work, which they perform with great joy and dedication. People have been receiving this unique healing treatment for over 21 years. It is a healing aid for any kind of

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Beauty & Wellness Devine Straightening

issue and a stimulus for powerful regenerative and self-healing processes, as thousands of people already know. People come for healing treatment for different reasons. Many suffer from acute or chronic back pain, others are looking for help with allergies, depression, cancer, or high blood pressure. But there are also people who are exhausted and overwhelmed and who find a healing aid that touches and fills their soul in Divine Straightening.

Divine Straightening encompasses the whole human being. It brings balance and spiritual order to physical, mental, and emotional discomfort. The reprogramming happens in seconds without touching the body and it works on all levels simultaneously right down to the cell consciousness. One woman

“ The body is the

expression

soul

of the ”

says, “Divine Straightening is just that in the truest sense of the word. Physical healing is just a consequence.

The essence has infinite depth. It is resurrection into consciousness. Divine Straightening works independently on and on.”

The Complete Human Being Rests on the Spinal Column “What many people don’t realize is that problems with the spinal column affect every part of the body,” explains Carolin on a health program on Thai television. “The spinal column is the central path that energy uses to flow through the body. Energy can only flow freely through all seven chakras when the spinal column is spiritually aligned. And in turn, that ensures that life energy can take perfect care of all of the vital organs and systems.”

The chakras are located in seven places within the body and they were identified as energy centers in ancient India. They also correspond with some Chinese acupuncture points. Many Eastern methods attribute certain spiritual characteristics to any given chakra. When energy flows freely through all of the chakras along the spinal column, the body comes into balance.

After the straightening produces visible results, a person can detect a noticeably different posture after the treatment. But the benefits go far beyond that.

Aside from the physical -spiritual recovery, the person’s lifestyle is improved overall by the increased energy.

So Divine Straightening is open to

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Beauty & Wellness Devine Straightening

The spinal column is not just a body part made of bones, tendons, and muscles that all intertwine. Information that extends to the entire body is stored in the spinal column.

Before

After

everyone whether they are healthy or impaired, right at the start of their spiritual path or already on their way.

The expression “the body is the expression of the soul” c o n f i r m s t h e i n t e r p l a y b e t w e e n m a t t e r a n d s p i r i t . At any moment, we are the sum of our thoughts, emotions, and experiences. People often become weakened or ill due to the thoughts, dogma, or patterns of behavior that are imposed on them. Thoughts can weigh heavily on our shoulders, burden the body, and even distort it while emotions and experiences can linger and settle invisibly in our hearts for years.

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The organs receive information through the spinal nerves that extend from the vertebrae and they send their own messages back through the nerves, through the spinal column and to the brain. If a vertebra is twisted or blocked by muscle tension, for instance, this entire exchange is disturbed. Muscle tension can also come from thoughts. When several vertebrae deviate sideways, stability becomes unbalanced, which is compensated for by counter-movement in other places.

This movement continues up to the top two cervical vertebrae that the head sits on top of so that these can move. A lopsided pelvis can also be caused by this kind of shifting motion, which causes the legs to have different lengths. The body becomes noticeably out of order.

Back pain is considered the most widespread ailment. Everyone has it at some point in their lives. They say that up to 40% of the people in Germany have back pain on a regular basis, 20% chronically, and 70% suffer from it at least once a year.

It is caused by a twisted or crooked spinal column and a pelvic tilt that has existed for years.

So let’s talk about the sacrum. The sacrum is the symbolic unification of the male and female principles: the spinal column

The initiation of the straightening happens in just one single encounter

Beauty & Wellness Devine Straightening

on the energetic level are stagnation of movement through both the male a n d female principles. On the physical level, it results in the body’s equilibrium being misaligned, which can lead to various kinds of discomfort and illness.

The Prenatal Period and Its Imprint

Before

After represents the vertical, male principle, fire, and the pelvis represents the horizontal, female principles, water. Both principles are in motion in a healthy person. When we look at it that way, the sacrum is the motion through both principles. So the spinal column and the pelvis form one of the main gears inside a person.

Everything is connected to the spinal colum n : c o n t r o l c enters, cells, organs, the nervous system, e t c . Thoughts and feelings also correspond to the spinal column. The life force flows through the spinal column and provides the entire organism with information and healing impulses through the connected chakras. A wide range of spiritual-psychological influences and impressions can disturb this life flow. This leads to blockages and disturbances in the spinal column and therefore to disharmony and disorder on every level of one’s being. The effects of these spiritual-psychological influences

At the start of the spiritual-psychological chain of causation is the prenatal period.

Each individual cell is like its own world, an information database. Cells are mostly made of water, which is the storage medium. In a way, the body is a vehicle for the spirit, characterized by a certain genetic program. The experiences and thoughts of the expectant parents and the society are superimposed on this program as an embryo, later through the lived experiences and thoughts of childhood, but also through imposed belief systems. They manifest like microshocks in the spinal column and the consciousness. And so over the course of a lifetime, step by step until adulthood, the essence becomes alienated. These shocks accumulate around the spinal column like an invisible corset. So disorder comes out of the original goodness of the initial information.

Divine Straightening: The Way to Heal the Spirit The heart of Divine Straightening is establishing order in people. Establishing the cosmic order means becoming whole, making something complete, restoring the inner unity of body, mind, and soul as well as unity with the entire living world and with the spirit of life that is the basis for everything. This is because when we open ourselves to Divine Straightening and connect with the divine power current, illness and disharmony and the causes of illness and disharmony resolve themselves.

It is a foundation for the power of God that created us and that spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically nourishes and preserves us.

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Beauty & Wellness Devine Straightening

The healing will is powerfully initiated in people through Divine Straightening. It encompasses the whole human being and brings them into greater harmony with the universe.

The new life program happens simultaneously on many levels from which the overall healing of heart– mind–spirit–body unfolds. The initiation of the straightening happens in just one single encounter, without touching the body, without manipulation, and in seconds. The time continuum that the consciousness and spinal column pass through is unlocked, the spirit is aligned, and the soul is freed from microshocks from the past and the prenatal phase.

For me, the physical turning back was like getting a blank sheet of paper. It was as if everything, all of the old patterns that had characterized me were erased. And it left me able to follow up on a lot of physical activities. I could enjoy yoga or kung fu because it was comfortable. ... That was the most exciting thing for me.” That’s what Dean Hoshizaki from Seattle had to say in his documentary film Divine Straightening.

The interdimensional brain functions can be activated through Divine Straightening in such a way that they transmit information about changes in cellular structure, helping the brain processes and bodily functions to be completely redirected.

“I feel like I’ve been reborn. Lying down, sitting, standing, walking I can sense this amazing flow in my back,” writes one participant after her treatment. The person’s entire awareness becomes spiritualized by the high frequencies of the straightening and streams through every cell and the cell consciousness. The matrix goes through healing changes and reorients the cells’ chronological memory mechanisms.

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The gears of the spinal column and pelvis are freed from stagnation and the male and female energies within them come harmoniously back into motion. The physical spinal column is straightened, the pelvic alignment is corrected, and the chakras are adjusted and their higher aspects activated.

Thoughts and feelings are also filled with the frequencies of Divine Straightening so that a person can activate the information in his or her everyday life in the form of inspiration, motivation, self-awareness, and much more.

“I feel incomparably better since the straightening. I have more physical and mental power and I’m just happier in my core. And I have a lot more power to devote myself in love to my fellow human beings. For that I am grateful from the depths of my soul for the divine power that works through you.”

“As soon as the healing impulse starts, all of a person’s body levels are straightened and the Divine Order is produced within them!” says the initiator Pjotr Elkunoviz.

That, he believed, is essentially what it depends on. It is worth fixing the evolutionary pelvic tilt, also known as the natural tilt of the human being.

Once the foundation is put back in line, other changes will start to develop weeks later. Sara Davenport thought her treatment was extraordinary: “I was standing there with my eyes closed and I could literally feel how the energy was running down my entire spinal column. ... Now two years have gone by and I haven’t been back to the osteopath.

I haven’t had any more pain since then.” Another client reported back that, “incidentally, it seems as if my food allergies, apples and lactose intolerance, just disappeared!”

Beauty & Wellness Devine Straightening

This kind of spiritual healing is compared to a miracle again and again. But it always depends on people’s help. Habits and circumstances occasionally have to be changed so that healing can be complete. In the treatments themselves, it is a matter of how responsibly a person treats him- or herself and the impulse to change.

That is why those seeking help are given their first spiritual exercises at the session and the preservation of their health is symbolically transferred into their own hands. One participant describes it by saying that, “I was able to take a lot of wonderful and illuminating knowledge with me that warmed my heart and expanded and enriched my mind.”

Anyone who would like to deepen these abilities will find clear guidance toward stimulating their own healing powers in the guidebook Health as a Path. It provides a selection of essential spiritual knowledge and communicates it with numerous practical exercises and illustrations.

Because being spiritually healthy means actively shaping your life and being interested in the laws that promote and ensure that health is maintained in everyday life. Health always arises wherever the light is consciously expanded and attentiveness and power are linked to the healthful and the healing.

“The results may seem supernatural, but maybe we just don’t know enough about it,” says Dr. Jakkriss, director at Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health and president of Thailand’s Foundation for Development of Complementary -Alternative Medicine. “Life energy is nothing new for Asians, but the source of that energy has to be verified and proven. This treatment could be an effective option for people who are looking for healing.”

May every human being become what he or she really is - spiritual, complete, and healthy.

Books and Media: All published by DMG Books, Bangkok.

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Beauty & Wellness Inner Peach

Finding

Inner Peace

by Carolin Toskar

Carolin Toskar is the author of the book Gesundheit als Weg zum Selbst [Health as a Path to the Self] and co-founder of the Spiritual Health Foundation. She runs the Centers for Divine Straightening in Munich and Zurich with her husband Alexander Toskar.

Further Information: www.divine-straightening.com, www.spiritual-health-foundation.org

How can we achieve inner peace, one of the most spiritually meaningful states?

Carolin Toskar, co-founder of the Spiritual Health Foundation, gives inspiring impetus to more inner peace in everyday life.

On our way to an orphanage in Thailand, we noticed a monk in the middle of the busy traffic and the activity of the city.

What a contrast: he walked slowly and thoughtfully through the restlessness and the streets in his saffron robe and carrying an alms bowl with a delicate smile on his lips. What is it that seems to make him so fulfilled and open to all outside influences?

Precious Moments My husband Alexander and I do a meditation every morning that ends with a sequence that says: May all beings be happy, may all beings fare well, may all beings be free of physical suffering, may all beings be free of mental suffering, may all beings be free of emotional suffering.

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Beauty & Wellness Inner Peach The goal that we are pursuing here may hold the key to the deep inner peace that each of us longs for.

The fine, liberating state of consciousness that the meditation it directed at can be achieved when the three layers of human existence, body, mind, and soul, are free of suffering and in harmony. Patients who receive meditation training can even find their inner peace in the midst of serious physical pain, as Jon Kabat-Zinn’s years of work on mindfulness has made impressively clear.

It is such a privilege then that I have been able to make contact with my inner peace in my practice without physical limitations. A feeling of calm, warmth, and vastness grows and then a trusting buoyancy and connectedness with everything that simply is; a peaceful happiness in the heart that is connected to a pleasant slowing down of thought processes to the point of fluid, associative thinking; no reflexive reactions to the outside world; mindful, careful words, gestures and actions. Complete calm and presence, harmony in the now.

How can these precious moments be protected? Anchored inner peace that lasts comes through spiritual growth, a spiritual ideal and conscious integration of the universal principles.* At every moment.

Inner peace can start spontaneously at any time, of course, but it needs external planning and help for support. That’s why there is guidance for good nutrition, literature, and information on healthy habits in general. Calm and a relaxing environment can be essential factors and gateways to inner peace; as anyone who has ever sat on a meditation cushion knows, it doesn’t happen automatically. On the contrary, a person with an untrained spirit who achieves peace superficially becomes aware of his scattered spirit and the often agonizing intellectual inner dialogs that can in turn unleash powerful emotions. There is a reason why our Western spirit is known as a restless and continuously judgmental monkey mind, a simian spirit jumping back and forth.

And this is correct. When we examine these thought processes, we quickly realize that they are either steering us into the past through memories, regrets, anger, resentment, remorse, and judgment rising to the surface or leading us into the future as when we are driven by fears, concerns, needs, the desire for recognition and plans. This can lead to a constant wanting that the person allows to revolve around him- or herself, around the ego without ever actually

making any progress.

This usually happens impulsively, unconsciously, and without achieving any real, intellectual logic or solution. And so we don’t even notice that, from one moment to the next, we are irrevocably missing our true, precious life as it is happening.

“It’s Not the Noise that Bothers You ...”

When we consciously perceive and then examine our thought processes, we take an important step toward being able to abandon that automation.

Zen Buddhism provides us with a helpful visualization for that.

Thoughts that arise take the form of a leaf floating on a river.

We can see it, greet it, and let it pass by. Then the next leaf appears. And the next, and the next – and all of them are briefly, mindfully perceived and then released again to drift on the perpetual stream.

Thought-leaves often appear with evaluations of ourselves or the people around us. They like to begin with “I should” or “He has to” or “If she just wouldn’t do this or that.” This mental behavior creates friction between ourselves and reality. We don’t want to accept what simply is. This causes frictional loss and we carry our non-peace over into our environment and the collective consciousness.

Once there was an old monk whose student complained that the noise of a rattling window had disturbed his meditation.

The old monk replied that, “It’s not the noise that disturbed you, but you who disturbed the noise with your thoughts.

Thank it: it is your teacher.”

It can be an important insight to discover that the world was not created only for people’s enjoyment but to offer the essential opportunity to learn and experience. And the best teachers often appear in the form of situations or people that appear difficult for a person.

I just read the book “Loving What Is” by Byron Katie, which starts from the point of the constantly assessing spirit of criticism and judgment. Whenever Katie asks one of her clients the third of the four central questions of The Work, namely “What would you be without these thoughts?” they give her answers like, “I would finally be free,” “I would be full of peace,” or “I would be happy and carefree.” Amazing.

As simple as that? Yes! We have freedom of choice at the moment when we become conscious of our hurtful, often even belligerent thoughts and feelings. Do we really want to

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Beauty & Wellness Inner Peace

of letting go. These days I think about the observation that Sathya Sai Baba made in response to the frequently stated desire “I want peace”: Get rid of the “I” and the “want” and you will have PEACE.” Eternal calm, eternal light and eternal peace are always available deep within us. When we simply direct our external senses inward, when we are calm and free of our intellectual and emotional patterns, we sense that inner life offers this entire wealth, a perpetually available possibility of connecting to a nourishing, powerfully bubbling internal life stream. The more regularly this think these thoughts or don’t we? And how much freedom, clarity, and beauty awaits us if we train the spirit to the point that we find the seeds of judgmental thought as they are germinating and give them loving attention but deny them any more space or feed them.

Like the Little Prince in Saint-Exupéry’s famous novel, who very carefully removes the first baobab tree plantlets from the planet so that their root network won’t some day break up his little asteroid. “Before they grow so big, the baobabs start out by being little.” That is exactly how our inner mental and emotional lives work.

Forgiving and Forgiveness A couple of helpful steps for increasing inner peace are: Let’s not criticize anything or anybody thoughtlessly or before we have examined whether or not our criticism is appropriate and constructively oriented. If we can’t say that we have addressed both of these concerns for certain, let’s accept the opinion of others and not get involved in unnecessary arguments. Let’s take care of our own inner growth and our own business. Let’s orient ourselves to our mental goals and ideals. Let’s not place too much value on recognition of our actions and the opinions of others. Let’s reduce our expectations. Let’s practice forgiving and forgiveness.

Letting Go and Reduction If we look at this small selection of aids, it becomes clear that inner peace obviously does not come from adding but primarily from letting go and reducing, from putting aside everything that isolates us from the eternal inner peace that is always inside of us. Words like calmness, dedication, and relaxation can express the benefits

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Beauty & Wellness Inner Peace

contact is undisguised and therefore possible, the more often we will experience not only inner peace but also moments of spontaneously arising deep joy. Its cause usually can’t be identified and it appears and fills us unconditionally; it comes from ourselves.

How do I encounter my innermost self?

Early morning preparations with your calmness and increasing energy are particularly helpful. Whatever you choose for self-treatment, be it mental energies, yoga, Tai chi, breathing exercises, or meditation, regular mental orientation to the day supports inner peace in everyday life and beyond over the long term. Once we are attuned that way, “being in one’s own center” also radiates further, when we can leave the house and encounter everyday life with careful, peaceful thoughts and actions. And only then do we no longer perceive certain external influences at all. Where influential unpleasantness is concerned, our peaceful mindset is like a neutral rock that seeds fall on but that prevents them from taking root. And with advanced practice, these seeds don’t even show up anymore.

Inner peace

know about inner fullness, peace, and the resulting modesty?

They know that only the strongest appeal can make its way into our overstuffed heads to unleash the desired thoughts and impulses for more consumption and short-term satisfaction. But if we are humble and satisfied with who we are, if this is our strongest internal orientation, then they cannot make us reflexively respond to the consumer appeals that more and more aggressively flow in from outside of us. We don’t have to respond with an “I want it!” nor with aggressive resistance. Instead, we can simply remain largely unaffected by it.

can start

spontaneously at any time

Inner Orientation The challenge and the necessity in the overstimulated world of today is great. Apart from the positive, innovative exchange of information, modern communication technology and the resulting constant, incessant reachability that it creates is one essential cause for the increase in restlessness and irritability. “Just another 148 emails to check ... because it happens so much. I just need to save the world real quick and then I’ll be right back with you,” goes the refrain of the Tim Bendzko song, which fits the prevailing zeitgeist rather well. Protecting our deep inner peace requires a fine capacity to distinguish what exchange of information is sensible and useful and where we may lose ourselves.

What do marketing experts and advertising strategists

I have just that kind of well-formed prospect in my hands.

Interesting. Desire and wanting are within my mind’s reach.

But no. Only a heartbeat, a short pause, and the question “What would I be without these thoughts?” And I move mindfully before my mind’s eye, content side by side with my monk, and a calm smile on my lips through the busy streets of Chiang Mai. The universal principles are based on the seven cosmic functional laws of Hermes Trismegistus. These spiritual principles have an organizing and aligning effect on all sequences in the universe. A person who knows their dynamics and lives more and more in accordance with them will noticeably and presently find this higher spiritual order in the form of increased harmony and inner peace in their life.

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Beauty & Wellness Apex

How to

shift stubborn

fat O

nce in our thirties, fitting into our favourite outfit can become a trauma. We don’t need to be overweight to have fat lumps on parts of the body. Eating a healthy diet and exercising well can delay the process considerably, but age eventually takes its toll on our metabolic rate. And once these fat lumps and cellulite appear, getting rid of them can be really difficult because even exercise doesn’t help much, and we often have to resort to the latest technologies. But with so many options available, which one are we supposed to be getting done? Liposuction, or just injections _ or are there easier ways? And what’s best for our condition? Let’s find out more about the common procedures available, how they work and what results to expect.

Do the technologies that claim to slim you down work?

A good diet and exercise are without doubt vital for losing weight. These technologies can, however,

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assist and speed up the weight-loss process. They work even better when it comes to getting rid of stubborn or localised fats which when accumulated refuse to budge even with a good diet and exercise.

Fat accumulation happens to both men and woman. For women, the fat usually accumulates around the waist, hips and bra strap area, and gets more stubborn with age. By the time you’re in your late twenties or early thirties, everyone has cellulite, it just depends what stage. Due to genetics and lifestyle, some people may have stage 3 or even stage 4 cellulite by the age of 35, while others may be at stage 1 even at the age of 50. Unless you’re really thin, then that’s another story, but normally, no matter how much weight you lose or exercise you do, you just can’t lose the fat lumps. And often, to really get rid of them, you’ll have to resort to treatments.

Beauty & Wellness Apex Phase 1 : Cooling exposure to fat cells Phase

Phase 2 : Fat cells destruction and reduction

What procedures are available to get rid of localised fats?

For non-invasive temporary procedures we use cellulite machines to firm you up, tighten and smoothen the skin. There are a few cellulite machines available using ultrasound technology, radio frequency technology or the latest and most popular machine called the Vella 2.

The Vella 2 became popular very quickly because it combines four energies to give the most effective treatment.

While performing suction and drainage the machine uses low level laser to stimulate blood circulation and target the fat while simultaneously using radio frequency to tighten the tissue. Treatment needs to be done three times taking roughly over half an hour per session. It costs about 6,000 to 8,000 baht per time or if you purchase the package it might cost you approximately 20,000 baht.

More painful and medical treatments are Carboxytherapy (CO2 injection) or mesolipolysis. The two treatments are similar and involve fat loss injections in which we insert certain chemicals into the fat area in order to stimulate blood flow so that there’s skin elasticity improvement, localised fat reduction and collagen production stimulation.

These procedures are a good alternative to liposuction for people who are not willing to go through anaesthesia and surgical operations, but they can be painful as they involve injections. Some people may also be allergic to the chemical solution. The results are also temporary, so you will have to continue doing it.

How about if we need more aggressive procedures?

Non-surgical permanent treatments are ultrasound and Zeltiq. Ultrasound needs to be done multiple times and is more painful. Zeltiq also offers permanent results in terms of inch loss. You can lose about 20% of your fat with Zeltiq.

If you’re looking for dramatic and immediate results, liposuction is usually your best option. When this invasive treatment first came out, it had a long down time and involved quite a bit of bruising and pain. But soon after, for a more comfortable experience for patients, an improved version was introduced which uses laser liposuction and

Phase 3 : Fat layer reduction

VASER Ultrasound technology offering better results and less down time and bruising. The only complaints were that after your fat is removed the excess skin becomes uneven and sags, creating a lumpy irregular appearance. Usually to complete the procedure we would then use another treatment called Thermage, which burns the tissue and tightens the skin. But now thanks to the latest technology for liposuction, Body Tite, we can remove fat and tighten the skin simultaneously.

Could you elaborate on the Body Tite treatment?

I actually love this new technology because it’s quite beneficial for patients who have skin laxity but do not want an additional procedure. Instead of using laser liposuction or ultrasound VASER which just goes and sucks out the fat cells, Body Tite or Radio-Frequency Assisted LipoTightening uses RF technology to go in and burns and melts the fat before removing it. The best feature of this machine is to be able to perform liposuction and tighten your skin at the same time. Unlike all existing laser liposuction and VASER technologies that don’t help tighten the skin at all, Body Tite is designed to tighten even the top layer of the skin often with soft tissue contraction of up to 40%. The price of Body Tite is pretty much the same as laser or ultrasound assisted liposuction. At the maximum, it may cost you approximately 10-20% more, but you’ll save on additional tightening procedures.

Apex Phuket Central Festival Phuket Central Festival Department Store 2nd Fl., Unit 299, Sub District Vichit, Amphur Muang, Phuket Telephone: +66 (0) 76 249 621-3 Fax: + 66 (0) 76 249 623 Jungceylon Phuket 181 2nd Fl. Jungceylon Zone A, Rachutich 200th Rd. Patong, Kratu, Phuket 83150 Telephone: +66 (0) 76 600 182-3 Fax: +66 (0) 76 600 813

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Beauty & Wellness Medical Tourism

Medical Tourism:

A Growing Phenomenon

The present phenomenon ‘Medical Tourism’ was conceptualised thousands of years back when Greek pilgrims traveled to the healing god Asklepios at Epidauria. Over time, Epidauria became a destination for medical tourism. Through the centuries, healthcare has always been a concern for the average human being. The quality of treatment, costs involved and convenience of the system have always been the major determinants of a good healthcare system. Some developed nations fail to satisfy the healthcare needs of their people despite having great medical infrastructure.

Phuketindex.com recently met with Australian Fabio Ricca who, along with his partner, have been travelling to Phuket regularly for dental treatment. Fabio first experienced Thai dental work 20 years ago when he needed a small emergency filling, the results of which he was pleasantly surprised with. However, just over two years ago, when he had first planned to come to Phuket to have dental work carried out, his mother was taken sick and he had to have the work done in Australia. The results of this work, which cost several thousand dollars, was so poor Fabio is now in Phuket to put the work right and he says he will never have dental surgery in Australia again.

I

n the United States, healthcare expenses have gone out of reach of the general public. While those covered under medical insurance do not feel the financial pinch, the ones without suffer the most.

The rising cost of healthcare has made medical tourism a phenomenon today. Countries like Thailand have become the preferred medical tourism destinations. Not only do they provide world-class medical care at affordable rates but also couple the medical tourism package with a brief holiday. As a result, people from all over the world are coming to these countries to seek medical treatment.

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We spoke to Fabio to find out more about how and why he decided to choose Phuket as his medical tourism destination.

Why are you here in Phuket?

On this occasion there are actually three reasons why I’m here. Primarily, to have dental work carried out. This work includes having crowns fitted and some root canal work. Apart from that I’m here to celebrate my 50th birthday and finally, to have a well earned holiday.

Beauty & Wellness Medical Tourism

Image Copyright Vibrant Image Studio, 2012 Used under license from Shutterstock.com

Image Copyright Valua Vitaly, 2012 Used under license from Shutterstock.com

Why did you choose Phuket over other destinations to come for your dental treatment?

Well I guess it serves two points really. I have personally looked and researched into having treatment carried out in Bangkok and I’ve not found any difference in the standard there to here. From reviews I’ve read on the internet, the services provided are no different. For me personally, the advantage of coming to Phuket is you get the additional benefit of a holiday. That’s why Phuket is so much more appealing than Bangkok.

Have you visited Phuket for medical procedure before?

I have visited Phuket regularly for dental work. In the last 6 months alone, this is my third visit. From what I hear from medical practitioners in Australia, medical tourism is growing so fast it’s becoming a very big threat not only to their businesses but also their livelihoods. Medical tourism is not only growing because of the cost; it’s also down to the professionalism of the teams here. In my opinion, the work quality is far more superior to that in Australia.

In my personal case, I’ve had work done in Australia which has cost me 10’s of thousands of dollars, which was not carried out satisfactorily and I’ve come here to get that work put right. In fact, today I’m having work redone that was badly done in Australia. I have lost thousands of dollars in terms of what I spent on dental work there. In the end I got so fed up with trying to sort out the problems I decided it would be easier to come here. Now I will not touch a dentist back home,

Image Copyright Benko Zsolt, 2012 Used under license from Shutterstock.com

not even for something as small as a check up. I’m in a position where I can have the best treatment at home money can buy and that treatment is so poor it’ disgusting.

How did you become aware of coming to Phuket for medical procedures?

Well, this has all come about because of the poor service received in Australia. I started researching on the internet about having dental work carried out abroad and what the option were. Once I had done that background research, I then started reading some actual reports on what treatments and services people had received. It was amazing what I was reading with regards to the amounts people were paying, and more so, at the satisfaction people had at the end results. This is when I decided I would travel here and try it out.

Now I can state it’s actually cheaper for me to come here, have dental treatment and a holiday, than it would be to have the same treatment done at home, and the work it so much superior to work I’ve had back home.

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Beauty & Wellness Medical Tourism

Are you planning any future trips to Phuket for medical procedures?

Certainly, within this holiday I will be booking my accommodation for in about 6 months time, which will coincide with me coming back to have my teeth checked, as well as having another holiday. In my case, I will not be having dental treatment at home anymore; I will come here even if it’s just for a check up.

Image Copyright RCB Shooter, 2012 Used under license from Shutterstock.com

How did you gain your confidence in the specialist who was to carry out your procedure?

To begin with, I did have some concerns. I was a little worried about sterilisation etc, but once you come here and speak to the dentists you will see the processes and they don’t hide anything. I have never seen such a high standard as what I have here. It’s actually quite amazing, when you think of the percentage of people who are afraid of dentists in general, it appears the specialist here can read into that and they know how to calm you and they can relieve you from that fear of dentists.

Also, the management here at the La Flora Resort also knew of the surgery I had looked into, and after speaking to them and getting their reassurance I was 100% happy to go there for treatment.

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Why did you choose to stay at La Flora during your stay?

It’s actually hard for me to put into words what staying at La Flora means to me, I arrive here and everybody is at the entrance waiting for me. I have stayed in many top hotels around the world, and to me there are hotels, and then there’s La Flora. This is 5 stars like anywhere else, but in my eyes it’s 10 stars. At La Flora it’s run more like a family.

Yes you are a guest and a client but they welcome you and treat people like a member of their family. The hospitality they provide, aside from the service is genuine.

I don’t know how I would feel about going to the dentists here without these people. They organise the transport for me and they’re genuinely here for me. There’s a genuine concern and they’re always looking out for me. I can’t speak highly enough about La Flora and their staff.

This is the only place i would choose to stay when I visit Phuket.

STAY RELAXED.

Experience Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Mai Khao Beach, the most recent international resort brand on the pristine Mai Khao beach, less than 15-minute drive from the airport.

The hotel’s unique Thai hospitality caters for all types of travelers, from couples on a peaceful romantic getaway to families seeking for the perfect holiday or for those requiring an executive retreat.

With the resort located directly on the beachfront you are ensured a truly memorable stay.

Visit www.holidayinnresortphuketmaikhaobeach.com www.facebook.com/maikhao email: info@holidayinnmaikhao.com or call +66 76 603 699 to get started.

STAY YOU.™ holidayinnresorts.com

Eat & Drink Recipe

Easy

Thai Foods

Recipes

T

hai food is famous worldwide. Whether chili-hot or comparatively bland, harmony is the principle behind each dish. Thai cuisine is essentially a marriage of centuries-old Eastern and Western influences harmoniously combined into something uniquely Thai.

The characteristics of Thai food depend on who cooks it, who it’s cooked for, for what occasion, and where it is cooked. Originally, Thai cooking reflected the characteristics of a waterborne lifestyle. Aquatic animals, plants and herbs were major ingredients.

Large chunks of meat were eschewed. Subsequent influences introduced the use of sizeable chunks to Thai cooking.

Here are some Thai recipes that are easy to prepare with step by step instructions. These Thai food recipes are perfect for the busy cook, or those who are new to cooking Thai food.

Tom Yam Goong Traditional Thai Hot & Sour Prawn Soup

Ingredients • Prawns • 15 gm Lemongrass • 10 gm Galangal • 3 gm Kaffir lime leaves • 10 gm Shallots • 10 gm Cherry tomato • 20 gm Sliced young coconut flesh • 20 gm Straw mushrooms • 200 ml Chicken stock • 1 1/2 tbsp Lime juice • 1 tbsp Fish sauce • 1 tbsp Roasted chili paste • 1/2 tsp Sugar • 3 gm Coriander

Method Bring the chicken stock to the boil in a soup pot. Add all the ingredients except the fish sauce, lime juice, coriander and prawn. Cook for several minutes, stirring frequently, and then add the prawn and seasoning and simmer. Place in a serving bowl and add the coriander.

The spiciness of this popular dish can be varied according to taste - just add more or less chili.

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Eat & Drink Recipe

Phad Thai Stir-fried Noodles with River Prawns

Ingredients • 76 gm Thai rice noodles • Prawns • 1 Egg • 10 gm Pickled turnip • 15 gm Diced bean curd • 5 gm Sliced shallots • 25 gm Bean sprouts

Method

• 10 gm Chives

While the noodles are soaking, fry the river prawns and set aside, then place the shallots, pickled turnip and bean curd in the work, followed by the egg, and stir.

• 5 gm Dried shrimp

Add the noodles and chicken stock and stir-fry until the noodles are soft. Add all the seasoning, then the ground peanuts, dried shrimp, bean sprouts, chives and prawns. Quick stir until the sprouts are cooked and place on a serving dish.

• 1 tsp Fish sauce

• 5 gm Ground peanuts

Garnish with bean sprouts, chives and lime for one of the most popular dishes among visitors to Thailand.

• 50 ml Chicken stock • 3 tbsp Vegetable oil • 1 tsp Tamarind paste • 1/2 tsp Palm sugar • 1 tsp Sugar • 1 tsp Thai chili sauce (Sriracha)

Pla Nueng Manao Steamed seabass with lime spicy sauce

Ingredients • Seabass fillet 2 pieces • Lemongrass 1 stalk • Kaffir lime leave 2 leaves • Nam Jim Seafood (sauce) This dressing is for salads, steamed fish or dipping sauce for BBQ dishes

Method

• Chili 1 piece more or less

1.Warm the steamer up then smash lemongrass and put it on the hot plate together with kaffir lime leaves.

• Garlic 1 clove • Coriander root or stem 1 piece Finely chop these 3 ingredients together then mix with • Fish Sauce 1 tablespoon • Lime Juice 1 tablespoon • Palm sugar 1/4 tablespoon

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2.Add fish and steam for about 6-8 minutes (depends on how thick the fish is).

3.When the fish is cooked, pour the spicy sauce over.

4.Garnish with thinly sliced kaffir lime leaf.

Freshness GUARANTEE

Thai, Chinese, Continental Cuisine Prepared By Highly Experienced Chefs Patong Beach

McDonald

Soi Bangla

Thaweewong Rd. Siam City Bank

Safari Hotel Raat-U-Thit Rd.

136 Thaweewong Rd., Patong Beach, Phuket 83150, Thailand Tel. +66 (0) 76 341 171-4 Fax. +66 (0) 76 340 231 www.safaribeachhotel.com savoey@safaribeachhotel.com

Eat & Drink Phuket Lobster

Phuket

Lobster The King of Seafood L

obster 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.

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9.00-24.00

Eat & Drink Phuket Lobster

Popular breeds of lobster found in restaurants Brown Lobster 40%

60% 7 Colored Lobster 7 colored lobsters cost 1800 baht/ Kg. and brown lobsters cost 1200 – 1300 baht/ Kg.

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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 that weighs more, 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. Now you have an idea of how tasty Phuket Lobster is, don’t miss your chance to try The King of Seafood!

Eat & Drink Phuket Lobster

Baan Kalim

Phuket Lobster is served in many restaurants around the island but these restaurants and dishes are some we would highly recommend!

Recommended Dish Thermidor (Stir-fried lobster meat with mushrooms and onion, served in a creamy sauce with melted cheese, served in its shell) Baht 3,000 per kilogram Contact - Patong beach, Kathu, Phuket T : +66 (0) 76 618 125 E : baankalimrestaurant@hotmail.com

Kan Eang @pier Recommended Dish Live Phuket Lobster Sashimi Baht 3,500 per kilogram Contact - The pier of Chalong Bay, Muang, Phuket T : +66 (0) 76 381 212 E : sales@kaneang-pier.com

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Savoey Recommended Dish Baked Phuket Lobster with Garlic & Butter Sauce Baht 3,000 per kilogram Contact - Taweewong Rd., Patong, Kathu, Phuket T : +66 (0) 76 341 171 E : info@savoeyseafood.com

Italian Cuisine 324/15 Prabaramee Road, Kalim Bay, Patong Phuket 83100, Thailand Tel. 076 618127 Mob. 0872705929 Fax. 076 618130 reservation@acquarestaurantsphuket.com www.acquarestaurantphuket.com

Gladness & Joy Young Imagination

Believe in your child because they believe in

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Gladness & Joy Young Imagination

happier being in water

As parents, we have more control over whether our children achieve their dreams than we might think. For kids, parents are inspiration, motivation, and leadership.

Katrin Felton

U

nlike adults, children’s dreams have no ceiling. Children start dreaming at an early age. They think about their future career, their wealth, their education, and so on. And their dreams can be huge.

As far as careers go, some will choose the typical police officer, fire fighter, or doctor. Others will choose Astronaut, Olympian, or President.

You might think that your child’s dreams are unrealistic. That’s the negative adult inside you. You should believe in your child because they believe in themselves; and you’re probably the only other support they have.

Phuket’s very own mermaid

26 year old, German born Katrin Felton, also known as Mermaid Kat, watched a video when she was 5 years old; the video was titled “The little Mermaid”. From the day she first watched the video her dream was to be a mermaid.

She wanted a mermaid costume to swim in and kept on at her father to buy her one. “You cannot swim with your legs together, it’s impossible, you will drown” was his reply.

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Gladness & Joy Young Imagination

Whenever she sat at the side of a pool she would cross her legs, look down at them and dream they would turn into a mermaid’s tail. Even when she reached teenage years, Kat and her friends would go swimming and swim in the style of a dolphin, allowing her to have the feeling she was swimming as a mermaid.

After leaving school, Kat was signed up by a leading model agency and was crowned Miss Germany International in 2006. During her time modelling, which also gave her a chance to travel, Kat also became interested in scuba diving and also freediving (a form of underwater diving without the use of scuba gear).

a camera. Therefore, she decided to become a scuba diving instructor, which she felt would bring her closer to achieving her lifelong dream of becoming a real mermaid. She knew by doing this she would be able to model and be in the water at the same time.

It was after becoming a diving instructor and freediver she thought, OK, now there must be a way I can become a mermaid.

So she purchased a professional mono fin and made herself her first mermaid tail. It was at this time, about one year ago, that Kat’s dream came true and Mermaid Kat came to life.

I think I give a lot of inspiration to people

About three years ago, although being successful as a model, Kat decided she was happier being in water rather than standing posing in front of

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Most people see a mermaid as something which is half human and half fish.

But in Kat’s opinion, it’s more of a sea member similar to a dolphin or whale. She tells us “A mermaid comes up to breathe as it doesn’t have gills like a fish. Mermaids are shy and

Gladness & Joy Young Imagination

don’t want to be seen so much. They just want to be at peace in the ocean, with the oceans beautiful creatures.”

When Kat meets new people, she is not embarrassed to tell them she is a real life mermaid and people are really impressed when she does. People show a great amount of interest in what she does. When she goes out on the boat with divers, she tells them she freedives as a mermaid and they want to know so much about it.

They want to know how long she can hold my breath for (which is around 2 minutes) and how deep she can go. It actual amazes them she can do this without any diving equipment.

Many of the girls ask her about the tails, which she makes herself, and ask if she can make them one too. Kat says “I think I give a lot of inspiration to people I meet and talk to about being a mermaid, especially young children who may have had a dream similar to mine.”

I think it’s really important to allow children to have their dreams

Being a mermaid affects Kat’s everyday life in quite a big way. If she watches diving videos from great diving locations, she not only thinks about being there diving, but also how she would love to swim there as a mermaid. And when she’s diving she always sees things that inspire her with the designs for her tails.

Kat believes children should hold onto their dreams and fight for them to come true. She believes if you only have one dream, that dream may not come true.

But if you have a hundred dreams, maybe 10% of those dreams will come true. She always dreamt of leaving Germany, becoming a scuba diver and being a mermaid, amongst other things, and all those dreams have come true. “People may say you’re crazy and you will not do it, but try and you will prove them wrong and do it if it makes you happy” she says. “I think it’s really important to allow children to have their dreams and parents should not step in the way of them. Support them with whatever they want to do and help them make it” she added.

When she’s out instructing divers, Kat feeds information to others that use the ocean and is one of the few instructors who really try to make sure the students she teaches learn something from her. She tries to put the environmental point across to them in a major way.

She will not allow them to touch anything and always takes the new divers to an area where she knows they will be able to relax and won’t damage anything that is alive in the water.

There are a few mermaids around like Kat, but she feels they’re all doing the same things, nice pictures, nice videos and environmental things.

Kat wants to try to do something different. She would like to think she can be the Lady Gaga of the mermaid business. You may see a darker side to Mermaid Kat, who will show humans how we have damaged her environment and the consequences of that damage.

Unfortunately, Kat’s father passed away when she was 16 years old so he did not get the chance to see what she’s doing now. He was the one who really said it was impossible to do what she wanted to do as she would drown and she is sad he can’t see her swimming in her ocean the way she does.

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Honeymoon & Weddings Wedding Destination

Do you want to

get married in Phuket? …

I do!

Your wedding is a once in a life time event, which you want to remember forever.

Planning a wedding can be fun, but it can turn into a nightmare in the blink of an eye. To make your life time event memorable, you need to think about your chosen destination and all the finer details. If you are thinking of where to have your wedding, why not choose Phuket?

W

ith its amazing beaches, colourful islands, and charming culture, Phuket never ceases to fulfill everyone’s wedding fantasy. From a five-star luxury hotel reception to a sunset wedding by the beach, there are infinite possibilities for your memorable day. Having that perfect wedding in Phuket is a dream that’s definitely never too far away.

Phuket has several picturesque shorelines serving as perfect settings for tying the knot. Or maybe you may want to say “I Do” on a private island. Or you may choose to celebrate with a grand reception at one of Phuket’s luxury villas or hotels.

Phuket with its surrounding islands provide you with the perfect backdrop for a truly unforgettable wedding.

Phuket also provides an instant location for honeymoons, with loads of exciting activities in store for newlyweds and their guests, as well as a variety of hotels and villas to suit every budget and preference.

Image Copyright The Wedding Bliss

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In the following pages, we give you more information on options for your wedding and reception.

Honeymoon & Weddings Wedding Destination

Top 5 Wedding Packages Beach Weddings Villa Weddings

Boat Weddings Garden Weddings

50%

20%

15% 10%

Buddhist Ceremonies

5%

Traditional Thai

Image Copyright artjazz, 2012 Used under license from Shutterstock.com

is the most requested in Phuket Mr Narinthorn Thongsaikleng, Managing Director of Modern Wedding Studio tells us about the most popular wedding style for foreign couples choosing to have their wedding here in Phuket: The Most Wanted: Traditional Thai Wedding Mr Narinthorn says “One of the most characteristic items of a Thai wedding is the “Kan-Mak” procession.

This is a ceremonial visit where the groom, accompanied by friends and family, visits the bride and her parents and asks for their daughter’s hand in marriage. They will carry offerings of the “Kan-Mak” (trays of gifts from the groom to the bride’s family).

The major “Kan-Mak” tray traditionally consists of gold jewelry, a diamond engagement ring and cash as the dowry. In addition there are betel nuts, sesame seeds and areca. The “Kan Mak” will be covered in silk.

Image Copyright The Wedding Bliss

Friends and relatives of the bride stand in the aisle and receive the groom. The groom has to answer questions from them and give them money before he sees the bride.

At the engagement ceremony, the groom and bride exchange rings and pay respect to each other.

The sprinkling of holy water is also a characteristic of a Thai wedding. Monks will sprinkle holy water on the hands of both the groom and bride.

After the ceremony, the groom and bride have a wedding reception which will play host to between 100 to 300 guests, made up of family and friends. These days this may take many different forms, depending on the couple’s preference - a buffet with Thai or Chinese food, a cocktail-style party or a sit-down dinner, usually with speeches and entertainment.”

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Honeymoon & Weddings Wedding Destination

Many venues in Phuket are perfect for a wedding,

but the beach always wins Ms. Nanya Tanthapaiboon, proprietor of The Wedding Bliss, a professional wedding planner in Phuket, informs us about popular locations where couples from all over the world have chosen to hold their weddings.

The Best Venue: The Beach Ms. Nanya said “Although Phuket is South East Asia’s premier tourist destination and the beaches of Patong, Kata, Karon, Nai Harn and others are crowded with families soaking up the sun and entertainment, Phuket still has many beaches which are quiet and secluded and are perfect for a sunset ceremony.

A late afternoon blessing and certificate signing, under a decorated ceremonial arch, followed by a celebratory glass

Image Copyright The Wedding Bliss

of champagne and photographs as the sun sets over the Andaman sea is a popular and fitting way to say ‘I do’.

If you want a wedding ceremony in a quiet place, with family and close friends, how about a beach wedding. We can arrange a Christian or Protestant wedding ceremony on a quiet private beach with the blue Ocean, blue sky, or sunset fairy-tale scenery, spread in front of you.”

Kata beach: One of the most famous beaches in Phuket. It features a white sandy beach, crystal indigo blue water, and beautiful corals and makes the perfect tropical location for an excellent wedding ceremony and dinner.

Kamala beach: Kamala Beach is an excellent location for a romantic beach wedding, just imagine the setting you can enjoy for this special day with memories that will last a lifetime.

Surin beach: Lies between Bangtao and Kamala beaches, and is an interesting location. A wonderful sandy beach with crystal clear water makes this the perfect beach wedding location.

Paradise beach: Paradise is a nice small beach with white soft sand set against a backdrop of lush green forest and palm trees. An interesting wedding venue.

Image Copyright The Wedding Bliss

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Hotels & Resorts Zenith Holiday

Experience

‘The Real Thailand’ at Pura Vida Villas Phuket

W

hen people imagine a holiday in ‘The Real Thailand’, most people will automatically think of long sandy beaches and accommodation with sea views. However, a growing number of visitors to Phuket are now looking for an alternative to beach locations such as Kata, Karon, Patong etc.

The recently completed Pura Vida Villas Phuket have seen a niche in the market here in Phuket, and now offer three contemporary homes, in an alternative peaceful tropical paradise, or in what is their and my opinion ‘The Real Thailand’.

Pura Vida’s three spacious 400 sq meter boutique pool villas are set on plots of land ranging from 1,200 and 1,500 sqm and are nestled in the peaceful natural surroundings of Nai Yang, an untouched, unspoilt area in the north west of the island, where your view will be of a beautiful natural green landscape and the only noises you will hear are those of nature. And this is ‘The Real Thailand’.

Each of Pura Vida’s pool villas feature pavilion style architecture, use vibrant red and grey throughout and their design draws on Zen minimalism making inspirational and effectual interiors. The main house, yes the villas are split between 2 buildings, boasts spacious living and dining

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Hotels & Resorts Zenith Holiday

Outside of the 2 buildings, you will find a full length infinity pool, outdoor shower, magnificent gardens and separate sala, perfect for an evening entertaining.

Pura Vida Villas are within easy reach of Phuket International Airport, Naithon & Nai Yang beaches, Blue Canyon & Mission Hills golf courses and many of the island’s finest leisure and dining activities.

Available for short or long stay rental. areas, oversized master suite, bathroom which features a double Jacuzzi, private open air shower and large dressing room, large fully fitted kitchen complete with American style refrigerator and separate laundry room. Digital media is installed in each room and air conditioning is throughout.

The separate guest pavilion features two double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, along with the additional luxury of a private steam room, which can sit up to 6 with ease.

Facilities: • Free private luxury airport transfers • Private BBQ • On-site management • In-villa breakfast • 24hr security • Security box in each bedroom • On-site concierge • Satellite TV

• • • • • • • •

Free Wi-Fi internet iPod docking station Daily maid service Mini bar with wine list Food ordering service Ironing facilities Organic bathroom amenities 24hr emergency call

For reservations or enquiries please contact: Tel: +66 (0) 76 510 160 Fax: +66 (0) 76 510 163 Email: info@puravidaphuket.com www.puravidaphuket.com

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Play & Show People

The latest

craze to hit the island

W

hat is zumba you may be asking yourself?

Are you honestly telling me you don’t know about the wacky fitness dance craze taking over the world as I write this article? Well if you don’t know already, it’s certainly time to get to know about it, and maybe after reading this article you may gain enough interest to get those workout shoes on and show us some of your moves!

Firstly, let’s give you a brief history lesson to settle you in for the ride - Zumba originated in the early 1990`s from Colombia, and it was a dance trainer there named Beto Perez, who came up with this wicked concept. It was only by chance he invented this style of dance workout, as the rumour is, one day when he got to his usual class to teach aerobics he had forgotten the tapes he used for his class. Luckily, Beto had some old salsa and merengue music tapes that he loved to listen to in his car.

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Beto was the sort of guy who, as well as being able to dance on his feet could think on his feet too, so he improvised using his upbeat Latin music tapes together with cardiovascular exercise, the class went wild and Zumba was born.

Today, there are more than 25,000 official Zumba fitness instructors who conduct classes all over the world and Zumba fitness has been featured in newspapers, magazines, TV shows, and many more media outlets.

Zumba has been built on a foundation of latin music and dance. The dance moves are based on a variety of latin styles including meringue, pop, reggaeton, cumbia, mambo, slasa, salsaton, flamenco, rumba, and calypso. Both slow and fast rhythms are involved so Zumba enthusiasts receive a variety to beat the boredom and increase agility and muscular involvement.

The dance fitness program uses the principles of resistance training and fitness interval training to increase caloric output and all-body toning.

The idea behind combining easy dance steps in a fitness program is to help those who have a negative association with exercise and fitness re-framing their attitude about fitness and exercise.

Most that have started on the Zumba fitness path are addicted to the program.

Play & Show People

Adriana Jonsson

Zumbatomic with Zumba Phuket

The Zumba Phuket Fitness team, made up of some very highly talented and creative individuals, has now brought this phenomenon to the island and it’s not only the adults who can take part. Designed exclusively for kids aged 4 - 12 years, Zumbatomic classes are rockin’, high-energy fitness-parties packed with specially choreographed, kid-friendly routines and all the music kids love, like hip-hop, reggaeton, cumbia and more.

Smiley, energetic, Mexican born Adriana Jonsson is one of the founders of Zumba Phuket and is also a licensed Zumbatomic instructor she told us “It’s not an easy job trying to get your kids to be interested in doing something physical such as playing outside or sports if they aren’t into it. Parents know that things have definitely changed since they were children.

There weren’t nearly as many things to do inside the house as there are today. Modern day kids have access to an extensive line of video games with multiple gaming systems, more TV shows and cartoons tailored to them, the internet and many other things that they can do inside.”

“Parents love Zumbatomic because of the effects it has on kids, increasing their focus and selfconfidence, boosting metabolism and enhancing coordination” she added.

Maybe your kid isn’t into the competitive nature of sports, or maybe your kid’s friends live in different neighborhoods and they stay inside more than you’d like. Zumbatomic is a great option to help them get out and experience something active.

For more information: Tel: 0848 393922 Email: info@zumbaphuket.com

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Play & Show Showtime List

Showtime List It’s not only natural attractions that Phuket has to offer its visitors. Phuket also has a range of well-designed shows, to help fill your evenings with entertainment, and are attractive for visitors of all ages. Some popular ones are as follows:

Aphrodite Cabaret Show

Aphrodite Cabaret Show is the new “Pearl of the Andaman Sea”. The cabaret theatre is built to accommodate 950 and offers the utmost comfort with a cool elegant atmosphere. Among everything else they serve their own in house brewed cold beer.

Location: 99/100 M.1, Chalermprakiat Rd., Kathu, Phuket, Thailand.

Show Days: Everyday Show Times: 3 shows a night 6.00pm, 7.45pm and 9.30pm

Siam Niramit Phuket

Siam Niramit is a world-class performance of Thailand’s arts and cultural heritage. This must-see spectacular show features over 100 performers, lavish costumes and stunning set designs. Enhanced special effects and the world’s most advanced technology are used to produce a very realistic, stimulating and inspiring experience.

Location: 55/81 M.5, Chalermprakiat Rd., Rassada, Phuket Town, Thailand Show Days: Daily, except Tuesday.

Show Time: The show starts at 8.30pm and runs for 70 minutes

Phuket Fantasea

Phuket Simon Cabaret

Location: 99 M.3 Kamala Beach, Kathu, Phuket, Thailand Show Days: Daily, except Thursday.

Show Time: Start from 5.30pm till 10.00pm

Location: 8 Sirirach Rd., Patong beach, Kathu, Phuket, Thailand.

Show Days: Everyday Show Times: 3 shows a night 6.00pm, 7.45pm and 9.30pm

Phuket Fantasea is a cultural entertainment theme park on Kamala Beach. The park features numerous attractions and adventures into Thailand’s ancient culture and realm of myths. Charming and beautiful classical dances from Thailand’s various regions play a prominent part in the variety of shows presented.

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Phuket Simon Cabaret has established itself as a market leader in professional entertainment venues.

For sheer entertainment, their set designs are outstanding, costumes extravagant and the performers glamorous!

All within an exclusive, luxurious and intimate theatre, boasting hi-tech sound and lighting equipment.

Fly safely with

Flying Hanuman equipment and take care of you during your zipline experience. Safety equipment such as harnesses, pulleys, and helmets are an absolute must for every guest at Flying Hanuman. Of course, that means Guide Leaders at Flying Hanuman have great knowledge about and are experts on the required equipment. Moreover, they are the ones who lead you through the maze of ziplines, something they have done on numerous occasions. Being a Guide Leader is not easy and requires a lot of qualifications. Every Guide Leader at Flying Hanuman is physically healthy. Not only do they take care of your safety, they will also entertain you during your journey, making the whole experience more exciting. Great decision-making skills are another requirement of Guide Leaders at Flying Hanuman. As mentioned earlier, you might think ziplining is risky; but these Guide Leaders are there to make decisions, reducing any risk that may arise.

Why Flying Hanuman? Because safety is important!

Slings at Flying Hanuman are checked and maintained every morning, and changed every 6-8 months. Equipment is of the highest standard and imported from France.

In addition, Flying Hunuman holds an insurance policy which covers each and every one of its guest. Each participant is required to read and sign a safety document prior to commencing their journey.

Z

iplining is an exciting sport! Of course, some of you may have concerns, but there really is no need to worry! At Flying Hanuman, your experience will be overseen by a team of experienced Guide Leaders, and for the whole journey you will be secure in the knowledge that you are wearing the best safety equipment that money can buy. At Flying Hanuman, safety is just as important as having fun.

Guide Leaders are knowledgeable staff trained by experts from France, they teach you how to use the

If you’re fit, over the age of 4, and weigh less than 120 kilograms, you can enjoy flying through ziplines with Flying Hanuman. However, if you’re pregnant or have mental or physical illnesses, you are not allowed to take part in the Flying Hanuman experience.

Guide Leaders at Flying Hanuman would like to invite you to fly with them and enjoy everything Flying Hanuman has to offer. They’re at your service and ready to make your experience a lasting memory of your time here in Phuket.

Are you ready to fly through forests and experience Phuket’s wilderness? If you are, fly with Flying Hanuman!

Property & Home DÊcor Phuket’s Property Future

Phuket Property

2012 Growing

Faster

Than Ever

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33/7-9 Vichitsongkram Rd., Talad Nua, Muang, Phuket 83000 Tel: +66 (0) 81 892 2807, +66 (0) 86 662 7766, +66 (0) 76 219 406 Email: info@numsang-hifi.com Website: www.numsang-hifi.com

Numsang Hi-Fi

Music, video & home automation - anywhere life takes you

Property & Home DÊcor Phuket’s Property Future

A

ccording to Agency for Real Estate Affairs (AREA)’s survey into the situation for new properties in the resort areas of Phuket, as of November 2011, 114 new projects had emerged consisting of 6,216 units, with a total selling price of 91,417 million Baht. With regards to sales, 3,773 of those units were sold at an average of 14.707 million baht per unit. With the world economy expected to improve in 2012 these figures are likely to increase significantly.

Information gained from the southern branch of Bank of Thailand, states the total number of real estate bank credits used in Phuket in 2011 was valued at 14,060 million Baht. It expects this figure

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to increase in 2012. Properties which cost less than 5 million Baht are affordable for real estate consumers in Phuket. However, those properties selling for 10 million Baht and over still need to see some balance.

The busiest area for property investment in Phuket is affordable housing estates, small hotels, and modern condominiums.

Phuketindex.com has spoken to a variety of people involved in the property market to ask their opinion on the current and future situation of property development on the island.

Property & Home Décor Phuket’s Property Future

Mr Tanan Tanphaibul Head of the Phuket Real Estate Association said about the current situation regarding property investment, “The feedback on this year’s property market tends to be positive as tourism in Phuket is continuously good. I personally believe this is also due to the fact there are more Russians visiting. Moreover, these tourists are buying houses and investing in Phuket. The low end and middle property markets are growing because of tourists. Having said that, the high end property market is running slightly slower than usual due to the fact there are a smaller number of European investors putting their money into the more expensive properties. At present, there are so many developments in the high end market such as Sanrisi and Pruksa Village.

It’s possible the capital raised from Phuket’s real estate market this year could reach 20,000 -30,000 million Baht, a large increase on last year (10,000 million Baht).

There is a great deal of competition in the low end property market, with small houses and condominiums costing 8-9 hundred thousand Baht being in great demand.”

Mr Tanan Tanphaibul also added, “The low end property market has become very popular and is growing so fast. The island is in need of more 28-30 square metre condominiums with prices around 8-9 hundred thousand Baht. The reason this market is so popular is these properties are ideal for consumers looking to make a good investment and a profit.”

Currently, there is hardly any difference between a monthly mortgage payment and monthly rental payment. Therefore, those people coming to work in Phuket now prefer buying a property rather than renting. It has been found that Kathu is the most popular area for investors choosing to construct, while the north of the island is where foreigners are choosing to invest.

Land in Phuket is now very expensive, starting from 15-20 million Baht per rai.

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Property & Home Décor Phuket’s Property Future

because they want to live happily in houses which can be of great use to them. From that, our houses are modernly designed and as we are inspired by Phuket’s history and its civilisation, we integrated Sino-Portuguese with modern designs.”

“We are proud to present Habitia to our customers in Phuket. Habitia is a project whose houses are designed with new and great ideas. Besides its modern design, Habitia gives its customers a real feeling of a living place. Moreover, Habitia is located in Tambol Koh Kaew which is a great location because it is convenient to travel to town, the airport, Patong, business areas, and tourist attractions. We hope Habitia will meet the needs of and satisfy those looking for houses in Phuket” Mr Suriya added.

Mr Suriya Wannabuit Sansiri’s Executive Vice President

Central Capital

awakens Phuket House Markets

Mr Suriya Wannabuit, Sansiri’s Executive Vice President for Project Management and Marketing revealed, “Our Company has surveyed the markets in Phuket and found the demands of it are very high because workers and businessmen based here are in need of houses. Properties with great designs, located in great areas are suitable and match their lifestyles. This is why we decided to introduce our Habitia project - a project of 244, 2 storey semi-detached houses. We sold around 50% after one week, proving that those choosing to live in Phuket have a high demand for these types of houses. It also proved they have confidence in the Sansiri product and its quality.

Within Phuket’s property market, there are many houses with unique selling points. Some focus on price and cheap installments, some focus on location and design. However, Sansiri focuses on reality of living. That is to say people settle down in great environments and nice societies

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Property & Home Décor Phuket’s Property Future

Condo Investment for more profit Another interesting aspect of property investment is a Condotel. A Condotel is a building used as both a condominium and a hotel. These hotels have condominium units which allow someone to own a full-service vacation home. When they are not using this home, they can leverage the marketing and management done by the Management Company to rent and manage the condo unit as it would a hotel room..

“The Beach Condotel” is an innovative condominium aimed at meeting its buyers and sales agents’ needs. Mr Karn Prachumpan, Excutive Managing Director of The Beach Development Ltd. owner of this creative project revealed, “Condotel investment is a transaction of property which gives buyers money back. The profit will be returned every 6 months and it guarantees buyers will still get profit in the future. More importantly, buyers gain ownership of the units without having to pay installments and still gain profit. For many years, community malls, small hotels, and shophouses have been structured into a small community in locations such as Kata, Karon and around other projects.

“The Beach Condotel” is located in the center of everything. It’s comprised of 352 fully furnished units close to the swimming pool. Each floor is

Mr Karn Prachumpan Excutive Managing Director of The Beach Development Ltd.

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Property & Home Décor Phuket’s Property Future

uniquely designed using the 4 regions of Thailand as their theme. This idea might suit foreign investors’ who want to own part of a small private hotel. I see Condotels as a great investment, buyers are certain to benefit since prices for land and rooms in Phuket are increasing year by year.”

Mr Karn has also given some comments about condominiums in Phuket. “To begin, Phuket is not as badly affected by economic problems like other provinces. Phuket’s capital comes straight to Phuket and is gained not only from Thailand, but from other countries. There are many different groups of customers

here, causing the condominium market in Phuket to vary. Due to their different target markets, investors tend to use different brands.

More importantly, leading property development companies are going to control most of the market share this year and prices of condominium projects are going to be more specific since they aim for their target groups of customers.

Condominium units which cost around 3-8 million Baht are aimed at Asian customers, while ones which cost about 20 million Baht are aimed at European, Australian, and Scandinavian customers.”

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Property & Home Décor Phuket’s Property Future

Phuket Luxurious Villas Collections of the Rich Mr Nattha Kahapana, Director of Knight Frank Phuket discussed property businesses in Phuket. “There are lots of people buying weekend houses in Phuket, especially tourists. Compared to past years where buyers were only workers from Hong Kong and Singapore, nowadays those buyers come from all over the world. Most are Europeans with the needs of luxury, modernity, and world-class facilities.”

He also added that buyers are mostly Europeans working in Asia. Moreover, there are those from China and India, and those from Eastern Europe, such as

Russians, that buy weekend houses in Phuket. There are now as many Russian buyers in Phuket as Europeans. One factor that triggers more Russians to buy houses in Phuket is the cold weather in Eastern Europe. So, they move to Phuket for a warmer, more comfortable place. It’s especially cold between October and April, meaning Phuket is packed with Russians during this time.

In addition, it is now so much easier to travel to Phuket as there are more direct flights from both big and small cities in Russia. In the past, Russians ran from the cold wave to Turkey or Egypt, but since the political issues have started in those countries and living expenses have increased, Phuket has become another alternative for them. Phuket has become a destination of choice for those weekend house buyers in the middle to high classes.

Mr Nattha briefly mentioned that property markets in Phuket have not provided premium products yet. However, a project of Super Ultra Villas with price tags of 300 million Baht each will be available this year. The project will be located

Mr Nattha Kahapana Director of Knight Frank Phuket

in the north of the island in the area of a quiet and private beach. Since it’s a niche market, high-end foreign customers are their target group.

Interview Courtesy of Knight Frank Phuket Co.,Ltd 1 Plaza Del Mar Building Room no.119-111, 201-202 Pasak-koktanod Road T.Cherngtalay A.Thalang 83110 Tel: +66 (0) 76 318 151 Fax: +66 (0) 76 318 159

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Property & Home Décor Phuket’s Property Future

Property Report

By Real Estate Information Center of Government Housing Bank ( January 2011 - March 2012 )

There are 23,340 units for sale in Phuket 9,940 Housing Estate units for sale • 65 projects with a total value of 36,700 million Baht • 6,790 units sold for 2,200 million Baht • 5,890 units in Amphur Muang, 730 in Amphur Kathu, and 3,320 in Amphur Thalang

6,970 Condominium units for sale • 49 projects with a total value of 32,800 million Baht • 4,100 units sold for 18,100 million Baht • 4,380 units in Amphur Muang, 1,720 in Amphur Kathu, and 870 in Amphur Thalang

1,280 Weekend House (Villa) units for sale • 40 projects • 730 units sold • 600 units in Amphur Muang, 150 in Amphur Kathu, and 530 in Amphur Thalang

720 Baan Eua-Arthorn (low-cost housing project) units for sale • 2 vertical projects in Amphur Thalang • 680 units sold

4,430 Bann Eua-Arthorn (low-cost condominium project) units for sale • 4 projects on sale • 3,170 units sold • 1 project in Amphur Muang and 3 projects in Amphur Thalang

4.7%

4.3%

Total property sales in Phuket ( from Jan 2011 - Mar 2012 )

20.4% 43.8%

26.5%

House Condo Villa Baan Eua-Arthorn (House) Baan Eua-Arthorn (Condo)

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Property & Home DĂŠcor DĂŠcor Items

SOFA BED Whether used as a sofa in the lounge or an extra bed in the den or bedroom, the unusual design of this sofa bed makes it a striking piece of furniture.

Made from banana leaf but getting its inner strength from a stainless steel frame, it provides comfort for either function. Popping in for coffee, or unexpectedly staying overnight, your guests will appreciate your taste.

Wooden Tripod Lamp The lamp bears the classic look of an old wooden tripod for a turn-of-the-century camera crafted in solid wood and accentuated with solid cast aluminum. This well appointed floor lamp features a machine-turned gear mechanism, a telescopic tripod base with adjustment so that it can stand on a table or the floor. Comes with a black lamp shade.

ems Recommended It

y r u x u L l a c Tropi

Vase This large contemporary ceramic vase was made and created by a Thai designer who uses a special technique to achieve this fantastic and unusual textured finish.

A great piece that would look stunning in any room of any home.

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Happy Man This modern metal sculpture, finished in black, has been named the happy man by its Thai designer.

This large sculpture would make a stunning focal point in a modern home.

Property & Home Décor Décor Items

Cozy Company

1/1 Lagoon Rd., Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket Thailand 83110 Tel: +66 (0) 76 270 847 Fax: +66 (0) 76 270 633 Mobile: +66 (0) 81 970 8272 Email: cozy_company@yahoo.com

Resin Lady Figurine This lady figurine with a meaningful gesture has been crafted using a relatively lightweight resin mix with a wonderfully authentic bronze and gold finish. This piece will make a stunning focal point in any home.

Ceramic Stools These colourful contemporary ceramic stools would look wonderful either indoors or outdoors. The paint work is in a Batik style using the original Batik technique.

Whale Bone Sculpture A fossilised whale bone figurative sculpture set on a metal stand. What a centre piece this would make in the home. It would certainly draw a lot of attention and make a great topic of conversation. Hade made by a Thai designer.

DAY BED Again, for the den perhaps, or if used as a functional but somewhat decadent sofa in the lounge, this piece is perfect to give a good night’s sleep to those guests who call in unexpectedly and maybe have a little too much to drink to drive home. Can be split into two separate beds.

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Shopping People

B

orn in Sweden, 44 year old former model Mika Liias has achieved something he only began dreaming of 16 years ago.

He has created his very own world of colours. Mika Liias proud owner and founder of one of the world’s most successful independent cosmetic outlets and one of the fastest growing companies of Scandinavia, Make Up Store.

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Shopping People

Creating a World of Colours

During his time modeling, Mika became aware there was a serious shortage in the number of professional make up courses available to people in Sweden.

Therefore, in 1990 he founded The International Make Up Centre in Sweden, which has grown to see a further 2 schools open in Sweden, along with others in Finland Estonia, Norway, Thailand and most recently London.

These schools employ some of the world’s best makeup artists to teach the students all the skills needed to work as a makeup artist anywhere in the world.

Soon after opening the first school, Mika realised students who were being taught there were unable to find good quality cosmetic products at prices they were able to afford. In fact he realised there was a gap in the market in Sweden for high quality make up.

Asked why he thought his products have become so popular Mika said “Firstly, it’s because of our front-line staff. They remain committed to this dynamic concept of Make Up Store, provide consistent and excellent service with a genuine smile. Intensive development of new products is the result of meeting customer demand for new and better products of different varieties, which keeps the Make Up Store team advancing to greater heights.”

“We have become famous for our best selling “Cover All Mix” a concealer with excellent coverage and our “Microshadows” eye shadows that “go on like cream but stay on like powder” he added.

Make Up Stores products are unique in that each product is manufactured in a different factory. “Getting the best ingredients for our products is the most important factor when choosing where to have them made, not how cheap it is to manufacture them. The end results may not be the cheapest on the market, but are some of the best.” Mika commented.

“We do not claim to have the best products on the market and would not say to anyone, you must buy Make Up Stores products. People should try a range of the brands that are out there on offer to them and find the brand that best suits you as an individual” Mika advised.

In order to help his students, Mika first started importing better make up. This actually led to him finding manufacturers, who were not only interested in but able to carry out his unique makeup ideas of creating his own complete range of cosmetic products. It was Mika’s dream to create a makeup store with great service and beautifully packaged top quality products and more importantly to create his very own world of colours.

In 1996, a basement in Stockholm became the home of the first Make Up Store. The store products were initially sold to the students at the International Make Up Centre, as well as their families and friends. Shortly after, Mika moved to his first shop, where he really stated to see his business take off. Today, there are more than 200 Make Up Stores in 23 different countries.

Make Up Store is now not only a store which offers cosmetics, there are now also a growing number of skincare, haircare and spa products along with accessories and fragrances available from each outlet.

Asked what the future holds for Make Up Store Mika told Phuketindex “We always have and always will be a cutting edge brand. We are constantly having new and exciting ideas which we always aim to put into practice. We will continue to update our products and expand our company as quickly as is possible.”

Central Festival Phuket 1st Floor Cosmetic Zone Jungceylon Shopping Destination 1st Floor http://www.makeupstore.se

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Shopping Phuket Pearl

“Phuket Pearl” Treasure from the Andaman Sea

P

earls “A pearl is a hard object produced within the soft tissue (specifically the mantle) of a living shelled mollusk. Just like the shell of a mollusk, a pearl is made up of calcium carbonate in minute crystalline form, which has been deposited in concentric layers. The ideal pearl is perfectly round and smooth, but many other shapes of pearls (baroque pearls) occur. The finest quality natural pearls have been highly valued as gemstones and objects of beauty for many centuries, and because of this, the word pearl has become a metaphor for something very rare, fine, admirable,

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and valuable. Pearls have been harvested and cultivated primarily for use in jewelry, but in the past they were also stitched onto lavish clothing.

Phuket, Pearl of the Andaman. Situated in the South of Thailand, Phuket is an island embraced by sandy beaches, clear waters and cool breezes. Its beauty is recognised internationally and has led Phuket to be known as “The Pearl of the Andaman” The combination of pearls - one of the sea’s most carefully guarded wonders - and the skills of local craftsman producing jewelry is a pride to own.

Shopping Phuket Pearl

Type of Pearls Artificial Pearls ‘Artificial Pearls’ are pearls created by synthetic substances, including beads of crystal, glass or other materials that attempt to recreate the brilliance of natural pearls.

Guniune Pearls 1. ‘Natural Pearls’ grow when the irritant that stimulates nacre production enters the seashell by natural processes. The shell-secreting cells of the mollusk are located in the mantle of its body. When a foreign particle penetrates the mantle, the cells attach to the particle and build up concentric layers of nacre around it. Irregularly shaped pearls, called baroque pearls, are those that have grown in muscular tissue; pearls that grow adjacent to the shell are often flat on one side and are called blister pearls. The chief component of the nacre that constitutes the pearl is aragonite (CaCO3). Nacre also contains a small amount of conchiolin, a hornlike organic substance (albuminoid) that is the main constituent of the mollusk’s outer shell.

Natural pearls are extremely rare. Even harder to find are those that form into highly-prized spherical forms. As a result, there are almost no new natural pearls commercially available in the world today.

2. ‘Cultured pearls’ are produced on farms and are similar to natural pearls in every way - except that nature is given a ‘jump start’ when technicians surgically implant a nucleus into the oyster. This nucleus consists of a small bead and piece of mantle tissue, around which the oyster secretes layers of the crystalline substance, nacre that forms the pearl.

Simulating the natural processes that create blister shells, cultured pearls can be grown into hemispherical, or ‘half-pearl’, forms. These are often combined to form a single, spherical pearl.

Cultured pearls closely approximate natural pearls and differ only in that the pearl’s initial growth is initiated by man.

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Shopping Phuket Pearl

Pearl Processing Pearl

Hemispherical form attaches to shell

Shell

Grading and Polish

The Body forms

Souvenir

Wholesalers produce souvenirs Sold as raw product

Mankind has known about and treasured pearls throughout history and has always valued its natural beauty for self-adornment.

Value Added

Body Design

Silvered body

Over time more scientific explanations for the genesis of pearls began to emerge, based on observations that Quality control pearls shared colour and textural similarities with the oyster shells in which they form. Eventually, it was learned that pearls formed Body moulds as concretions of the same substance that makes up the molluscs and inner cell lining, known as the ‘nacre’ or ‘mother of pearl’.

The products are displayed in showrooms

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Shopping Phuket Pearl

Pearl Factory Phuket Pearl Factory is the true F2C (Farm to Customer) pearl company. Offering a wide selection of cultured pearl jewelry, from necklaces and earrings to pendants and full sets, expertly hand-crafted using only the finest Akoya, Mabe and South Sea pearls, at reasonable prices. They invite interested buyers to come and view the entire production process, ensuring the pearls and pearl jewelry capture the finest beauty nature has to offer.

Mr Jitti Intorncharoen, Managing Director of the Phuket Pearl Factory said “Our Company was the country’s first pearl producer using a fully integrated process. It runs two pearl farms and a factory which sorts the pearls and designs and produces the jewelry. The company plays large a part in pulling in tourist money for Phuket and serves as a learning centre for those interested in seeking knowledge about the production of pearls.”

There are a wide variety of pearls available on the market today and at Phuket Pearl Pearl Factory their pearl education will assist in guiding you in the right direction with which pearls to choose. In this article you will find exclusive information provided

by Phuket Pearl Factory to give you a better idea of what’s available, and to help you better educate yourself on your pearl purchases.

Pearls are not only just beautiful accessories; they also define those who wear them. Pearls are counted as the only valuable world gem created by living organisms – they are Pearl Oysters.

Mr Jitti said “A pearl is cultured inside the shell of an oyster. A perfectly round pearl can fetch a very high price. In 1993, the company successfully cultured and harvested its first perfectly round pearl - the rarest shape for a cultured pearl - after working with several universities to carry out research on pearl cultivation.

Mr Jitti Intorncharoen Managing Director of the Phuket Pearl Factory

production process, ranging from breeding and farming pearl oysters, to producing and designing pearl jewelry and setting up shops to sell the products.

In 2003, the company succeeded in producing a Rather Round Pearl and applied for a patent for the method used to produce the pearl. The RRP is a cross between the distinctive South Sea Pearl and the Mabe Pearl, and it has a gold-rainbow colour. In 2004 and right up until now, our company has received several awards in recognition of its business management but it is its product innovation and craftsmanship that have made the pearl industry in Phuket shine. It shows that the skills of Thai people are second to none.”

Phuket Pearl Factory 58/2, Kohkaew, Muang, Phuket 83200 Tel. +66 (0) 76 238 002, Fax. +66 (0) 76 238 337 Website. www.phuketpearlfactory.com

A year later, the company changed from a family business to a manufacturer with a fully integrated www.phuketindex.com

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Shopping Phuket Pearl

Miss Benjamas also added, “Even though we have a variety of accessories and jewelry, pearls on their own are always the best seller. As for now, Phuket and pearls go together. Many tourists, from all over the world, come to this beautiful island to buy pearls.

European and Japanese customers are in favour of Phuket Pearls because of their unique and beautiful designs and their luxuriousness.

Those who buy pearl accessories from Wang Talang will receive a warranty certificate in order to guarantee the quality of our products. After-sales services are provided to our customers so that we meet their expectations and they will persuade their friends to visit Phuket in the future.”

Wang Talang Wang Talang is a renowned pearl center. Each of their pearls, cultured, nature or fresh water are carefully selected and collected in order to uphold the fine name of Wang Talang. They supply various kinds of jewelry, souvenirs and gifts including exclusive collections of men’s and ladies’ rings, pendants, earrings, bangles, bracelets, necklaces and brooches.

Miss Benjamas Koysiripong, Managing Director of Wang Talang International Lapidary said “Our pearls can be used in jewelry and also crushed in cosmetics or paint formulations. They are valued as a gemstone and cultivated or harvested for jewelry.

At Wang Talang, we only look for good quality raw pearls such as South Sea and Akoya. These pearls need to be cultivated for about 5 years before turning into their amazing pink, white, black, or gold colour.

To add more value to them, our staff will transform these pearl into beautiful accessories to meet the needs of our customers.”

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Miss Benjamas Koysiripong Managing Director of Wang Talang International Lapidary

Wang Talang International Lipidary Co.,Ltd. 34/2 M. 3, West Chaofa Rd., T.Vichit, A.Muang, Phuket Thailand 83000 Tel.+66 (0) 76 521 600 , +66 (0) 76 521 605 Fax : +66 (0) 76 521 599 E-mail : wttalang@phuket.ksc.co.th

Shopping Phuket Pearl

How to tell the differences

between Fake Pearls and Real Pearls

by Phuket Pearl Factory

• Check the weight of the pearl.

A real pearl has some heft to it and is, of course, heavier than a plastic imitation.

• Feel the surface of the pearl.

If you gently rub two pearls together and feel a slight grittiness, the pearls are real. If the sensation is smooth, it’s likely the “pearls” are made of plastic.

• Check for natural flaws.

All real pearls have flaws because this is a natural product; the likelihood of a real pearl having a perfect shape is next to nothing. On the other hand, a good pearl should not have too many flaws.

• Sea pearls take time to produce.

Some pearl shops may try to fool buyers into paying over the odds by selling them river pearls, which take a much shorter time to produce. Also, a river pearl oyster can produce 50 pearls or more, whereas its marine cousin can produce only one at a time.

• The most difficult scam to detect is pearls made from the dust left over after real pearls are made into jewelry.

Using modern technology, this dust can be molded into a “pearl” that is so like the real thing, with the right weight, luster and even colour, that it takes a professional to tell the difference.

Best selling pearl accessories Earrings

25%

Necklaces

50%

Rings

25%

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Visit Top 5 Phuket Shrine

Top Chinese

5

Temples & Shrines

Phuket has a large percentage of Chinese residents who have descended from those who emigrated from southern China a few centuries ago, to work in the tin mine business as coolies.

These people brought with them their rich culture and traditions, and these influences are evident in the number of Chinese shrines found around the island.

Jui Tui Chinese Temple – Tao Bo Keng – 100 years old

The Jui Tui Temple was moved to its current location after a fire destroyed the original many years ago. The temple is one of the most important in Phuket and plays a pivotal part in the famous annual Phuket vegetarian festival. The meaning of Jui Tui is that Jui refers to water and Tui refers to mortar.

Tao Boo Keng – Bang Niew Shrine – 107 years old

The Bang Niew Shrine or Tao Boo Keng was built in 1904. At that time the Goddess Pra Tien Hoo Nguan Soy (Lao Len) was brought there to make merit by the Kang Chai Hee Chinese opera. Bang Niew villagers now hold the vegetarian festival every year in remembrance.

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Visit Top 5 Phuket Shrine

Cherng Talay Shrine – 110 years old

Ban Chern Talay, also known as Tin Le, has a large Chinese community. There were many discussions about bringing Buddha images to Cherng Talay, from China, so that the community had some where to go to pay their respects to Buddha. A local community member named Pae Joo Jew Tee donated land on which to build the shrine and the shrine was established.

Kathu Shrine – 186 years old

After a Chinese opera come to perform at Baan Kathu, several performers had a serious illness.

The performers had forgotten to make their vegetarian ritual, which they performed continually every year. They agreed if they wanted to get well from the epidemic they should hold the vegetarian ritual at Baan Kathu. After performing the ritual the epidemic disappeared.

Put Jaw Chinese Temple – Over 200 years old

The Put Jaw Chinese Taoist Temple was built over 200 years ago and is the oldest of its kind in Phuket.

It is dedicated to Phra Mae Koan-Im (Kuan Yin), the Goddess of Mercy. Many locals come here to seek help when they are suffering health issues and many parents with Chinese heritage come to get names for their newborn babies.

http://tv.phuketindex.com/the-oldest-chinese-shrines-in-phuket-525.html

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Directory / Restaurant

Catch Beach Club

Baan Kalim

Come and join their delicious daily beach buffet during lunch or dinner. They offer the finest selection of salads, pizzas, pasta, shawarma, Thai food dishes, rotisserie selections, a sushi and sashimi counter and much more.

A mouthwatering and taste-bud tingling range of dining choices from Seafood, Chinese, Royal Thai cuisine, Western classic dishes to suit all tastes.

Come and experience this restaurant in Phuket, rated the best Italian food in Asia

by Condé Nast Traveler, offered in an upbeat setting with authentic Italian fare.

A memorable dining experience, from traditional Italian cuisine, sophisticated international favourites, to Thai dishes with exotic tastes, textures, and style. Open for lunch and dinner.

Area: Cherng Talay Cuisine: International, Seafood and Thai Pricing (THB) Starters: 350 - 490 Mains: 500 - 1,200 Deserts: 120 - 310 Wines: 1,310 - 15,500 Hours: 09:00 - 01:00 hrs daily

Area: Kalim - Patong Cuisine: Seafood, Thai, Chinese and Western Pricing (THB) Starters: 200 Mains: 150 Deserts: 200 Wines: 800 Hours: 11:00 - 24:00 hrs daily

Area: Mai Khao Cuisine: Italian Pricing (THB) Starters: 240 - 480 Mains: 400 - 1,400 Deserts: 240 - 280 Wines: 1,650 - 28,500 Hours: 18:00 - 24:00 hrs daily

Area: Mai Khao Cuisine: Italian - Thai Pricing (THB) Starters: 190 - 395 Mains: 220 - 1,900 Deserts: 195 - 395 Hours: 09:00 - 23:00 hrs daily

Contact Twinpalms Phuket T: +66 (0) 76 316 567 E: book@catchbeachclub.com www.catchbeachclub.com

Contact Patong beach, Kathu, Phuket T: +66 (0) 76 618 125 E: baankalimrestaurant @hotmail.com www.baankalim.com

The Surface

Savoey

East 88 Beach Lounge

Firefly Bar

“A true ocean view the gem of Patong” Enjoy the real beauty of Patong beach from the Surface a rooftop open air restaurant & bar.

For over 20 years Savoey Seafood has been one of Phuket’s most popular seafood restaurants. Savoey is located in Patong, the most active beach in Phuket.

The East 88 Beach Lounge boasts a selection of contemporary international cuisine with some of the best club sandwiches and burgers you can find anywhere.

Unwind with a collection of cocktails and snacks and panoramic views of the Andaman Sea. For hookah lovers, a collection of premium tobacco will complement a wonderful evening.

Area: Patong Cuisine: Thai Pricing (THB) Starters: 200 - 350 Mains: 390 - 790 Deserts: 200 - 220 Wines: 1,100 - 7,800 Hours: 17:00 - 24:00 hrs daily

Area: Patong Cuisine: Seafood, Thai and Chinese Pricing (THB) Starters: 100 - 300 Mains: 300 - 1,600 Deserts: 50 - 200 Wines: 1,100 - 2,900 Hours: 10:30 - 24:00 hrs daily

Area: Rawai Cuisine: International Pricing (THB) Starters: 200 Mains: 300 Deserts: 200 Wines: 1200 Hours: 06:00 - 24:00 hrs daily

Area: Natai Pricing (THB) Foods: 200 - 330 Beverages: 150 - 295 Hours: 16:00 - 01.00 hrs daily

Contact La Flora Resort Patong 39 Thaweewong Road., Patong Beach, Kathu, Phuket 83150 T: +66 (0) 76 344 241 E: info@laflorapatong.com www.laflorapatong.com

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Contact 136 Taweewong Rd., Patong, Kathu, Phuket 83150 T: +66 (0) 76 341 171 E: info@savoeyseafood.com www.savoeyseafood.com

La Cucina

Contact JW Marriott Phuket 231 Moo 3, Mai Khao, Talang, Phuket 83110 T: +66 (0) 76 348 300 www.jwmarriottphuketdining.com

Contact Serenity Resort & residences 14 Moo 5, Muang, Phuket 83130 T: +66 (0) 76 371 900 E: east88@serenityphuket.com www.serenityphuket.com

Pesto

Contact Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Mai Khao Beach Mai Khao, Talang, Phuket 83110 T: +66 (0) 76 603 699 E: info@holidayinnmaikhao.com www.holidayinnresort phuketmaikhaobeach.com

Contact Maikhao Dream Resort & Spa, Natai 5 Moo 6, Kok Kloi, Takuathung, Phang Nga, 82140 T: +66 (0) 76 401 301 E: fbmnatai@maikhaodream.com www.maikhaodream.com

Directory / Hotels & Resorts

Boathouse

Mom Tri’s Villa Royale

Holiday Inn Resort Mai Khao Beach

Pura Vida Villas Phuket, a boutique development of three-bedroom pool villas designed for the epitome of chick tropical living. With bold, original design, luxury features including private pool and steam room, Pura Vida offers iconic luxury holiday homes just minutes from stunning beaches, golf course and the Airport.

An exceptional blend of its original elegance and traditions with a distinctly contemporary style. Renowned French designer Fredo Taffin successfully fused classic architectural symmetry with modern chic to create the ultimate in luxurious beachfront relaxation.

A boutique hotel situated on a headland overlooking the Andaman Sea and the white sand beach of Kata Noi. There are 12 types of suites to choose from, including a private pool suite or suites in the new and secluded Ocean Wing.

The most recent international hotel brand to the tranquil northwest coast of Phuket, embracing the pristine and scenic Mai Khao Beach. The hotel’s unique Thai hospitality caters for all types of travelers.

Area: Nai Yang - Nai Thon Rates Low Season THB 13,000 High Season THB 15,000 Peak Season THB 18,000

Area: Kata Rates Low Season THB 4,750++ High Season THB 9,600++ Peak Season THB 11,600++

Area: Kata Noi Rates Low Season THB 7,900++ High Season THB 12,900++ Peak Season THB 14,900++

Area: Mai Khao Rates Low Season THB 2,720++ High Season THB 3,995++ Peak Season THB 5,992++

Contact T: +66 (0) 76 510 160 F: +66 (0) 76 510 163 E: rsvn@puravidaphuket.com www.puravidaphuket.com

Contact T: +66 (0) 76 330 015-7 F: +66 (0) 76 330 561 E: info@boathousephuket.com www.boathousephuket.com

Contact T: +66 (0) 76 333 568 F: +66 (0) 76 333 001 E: info@villaroyalephuket.com www.villaroyalephuket.com

Contact T: +66 (0) 76 603 699 F: +66 (0) 76 603 555 E: info@holidayinnmaikhao.com www.holidayinnresort phuketmaikhaobeach.com

Maikhao Dream Villa Resort & Spa, Phuket

Holiday Inn Resort, Patong

La Flora Resort Patong

Maikhao Dream Resort & Spa, Natai

22 exquisite pool villas in a romantic tropical setting on popular Phuket Island.

Nestled on the northwest coast of the Island, it blends in perfectly with Phuket’s natural beauty.

An oasis in the middle of Patong and is within walking distance to shopping, restaurants and night life and just steps away from the beach.

A modern unique style. It is only the boutique resort in the central Patong Beach area that offers pool villas.

This trendy resort showcases a high-end lifestyle,complete with two sparkling swimming pools,stylishly

An intimate 56-room Resort featuring deluxe pool or sea view rooms, and spacious 2-storey duplexes. Elegantly designed to reflect traditional Thai architecture and décor.

Area: Mai Khao Rates Low Season THB 36,000++ High Season THB 40,500++ Peak Season THB 58,500++

Area: Patong Rates Low Season THB 5,200++ High Season THB 6,900++ Peak Season THB 7,700++

Area: Patong Rates Low Season THB 6,600++ High Season THB 9,700++ Peak Season THB 12,000++

Area: Natai Rates Low Season THB 8,280++ High Season THB 11,160++ Peak Season THB 13,320++

Contact T: +66 (0) 76 371 371 F: +66 (0) 76 371 372 E: maikhaorsvn @maikhaodream.com www.maikhaodream.com

Contact T: +66 (0) 76 370 200, +66 (0) 76 349 991-2 F: +66 (0) 76 349 999 E: holiday@phuket.ksc.co.th www.phuket.holiday-inn.com

Contact T: +66 (0) 76 344 241 F: +66 (0) 76 344 251 E: info@laflorapatong.com www.laflorapatong.com

Contact T: +66 (0) 76 401 301, +66 (0) 76 401 301 F: +66 (0) 76 401 305 E: natairsvn@maikhaodream.com www.maikhaodream.com

Pura Vida Villas Phuket

www.phuketindex.com

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NATAI BEACH PHANG NGA

aikhao Dream

MAIKHAO DREAM RESORT & SPA, NATAI, PHANG NGA 55 Moo 6, Kok Kloi, Takuathung, Phang Nga, Thailand 82140 Tel: +66 (0)76 401-301 Fax: +66 (0)76 401-305 Email: natairsvn@maikhaodream.com | www.facebook.com/maikhaodreamhotels.com www.maikhaodream.com