East Bliss by Regent Media

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NEED TO KNOW

Phuket experiences warm tropical weather throughout the year. It’s hottest in April-May and September-October. September is also when it’s wettest due to the southwest monsoon. The driest and coolest time to visit is from December to March but this means a higher influx of tourists during this time. Consider visiting from June to August instead to avoid crowds. As Phuket is a top tourist destination, expect to experience touting everywhere you turn, especially from locals at the beach and from taxi drivers.

Most will offer massage services, tours around the island, seafood restaurants and questionable entertainment at a discount. But be warned that these touters often charge exorbitant prices in order to take home a bigger cut.

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Opt to book services from licensed companies or through the resort to avoid disappointments.

GETTING AROUND

Ideally, arrange for a car and driver to pick you up at your resort before the start of your trip.

Prices and destinations can be negotiated and usually cost a lot less than what resorts will offer. If not exploring much outside of the resort, hailing taxis or tuk tuks will be a cheaper option but will require reasonable bargaining skills for a good rate. In recent years, the smartphone app, GrabTaxi, has gained popularity

with foreigners for its ease of use in getting a taxi from a reputable company. Prices are fixed for limousine cars and are comparable to that of hiring a metered taxi. The more adventurous can try taking the Songtaew (local bus service) to visit places across town.

Destinations are written in English and fares rarely go above US$1.50 per trip, making it one of the more viable options for travellers to Phuket.

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PHUKET AT THE ‘PEARL OF THE ANDAMAN SEA’, opulence isn’t a word to be thrown about casually. Crystal waters surround a gem of an island that is home to a number of luxurious resorts boasting fashion forward stays at these five-star oases of relaxation – think clean lines, and a modern aesthetic, as well as swanky spas with extensive lists of head-to-toe body sessions at the island’s top resorts. After hours of pampering, jet setters will be able to find cosmopolitan dining at world-class restaurants serving worldwide cuisines, before sipping down crafted cocktails at bars frequented by the rich and famous. The rest of the day will most likely to punctuated by rounds of cheap shopping or spending time engaging in a plethora of activities suited to every lifestyle.

Beyond the enclosed walls of the resorts, Phuket hails as one of the top party spots in Asia. Patong Beach is where all the action is at – raves, discos and go-go dancers are daily affairs for travellers looking to let loose in a foreign land. But Phuket isn’t just for partygoers.

The island is still very much familyfriendly and there is tons to do in the artsy and culturally rich island.

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In Sanskrit, Trisara means “The Third Garden in Heaven” and this resort in Phuket embodies that.

Wrapped in a tropical forest and exotic gardens, Trisara Phuket is situated on a gentle slope that allows all villas to embrace wide ocean views, sunsets and cooling breezes to flow throughout the property.

The resort comprises 48 hotel pool rooms, pool suites and pool villas, and 20 magnificent privately owned two- to six-bedroom residential villas that are available for rent with private staff and kitchens. Feel right at home at all accommodations that feature large living spaces and are furnished in modern luxury, and also includes its own infinity pool attached to an outdoor teak sundeck for that perfect day of lounging around in the sun in absolute privacy.

Luxury doesn’t end at just villas at Trisara Phuket. The accommodating resort has so much to offer both in and out of villa. Within the resort itself, set your mind on positivity with yoga classes at the seafront yoga sala or spend time rejuvenating at the Trisara Spa where a host of massage therapies, such as the signature Royal Trisara 6 Hand Massage. Don’t let rainy days dampen your spirit during your vacation. Learn the joy of Thai cuisine as you work alongside the kitchen team before digging into a scrumptious meal at the end of the cooking lesson. The resort also has a library loaded with a wide range of music, books, magazines, DVDs and games to borrow during your down time.

Discover lots more to do outside the resort. The

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sandy white beach is fringed by a coral reef and at low tide, forms a stunning rock pool to be explored by curious minds.

Trisara Phuket offers complimentary rental of all non-motorised water sports equipment. Those who rather prefer to stay dry can also try out Muay Thai (Thai boxing) in-house with experienced staff for a total body workout.

After a long day of activities, kick back and enjoy a smorgasbord of cuisines at the many dining options available. An excellent choice would be Trisara Seafood, an inspired restaurant that serves the freshest catch from the Andaman and Mediterranean seas. On weekends, enjoy an indulgent Sunday Jazz Brunch at the beachfront bar as you snack on tapas and desserts, sip on champagne or wine and relax as a jazz band provides cool beats. For a unique experience, try the Ancestral Thai Dinner, where a personalised menu will be prepared using secret recipes and rare, fresh seasonal ingredients taken from all over the island for a meal to be remembered forever.

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There’s probably no better way to experience the wonders of nature Phuket has to offer than with a private or joined helicopter flight over Phang Nga Bay. The UNESCO World Heritage Site and filming location of the James Bond film, The Man with the Golden Gun, is spectacular when viewed from up high.

Capture these moments and more with the Picture-Perfect Stay Package. Enjoy complimentary use of GoPro action cameras as you film your own moments around the resort or the island. The talented team from Trisara Phuket then transform footage into an engaging two-minute holiday video just for you.

Trisara Phuket has teamed up with H2O Sportz, a PADI dive company to introduce guests to the world of scuba diving.

Introductory and full PADI certification courses are available for all swimmers, as well as daily charters to the best dive locations in the area.

Avid golfers can also spend more time on the green at the exclusive “Blue Canyon Country Club” located just 20 minutes away. Two 18-hole championship courses set against the Andaman Sea are available for play.

60/1 Moo 6, Srisaanthorn Road, Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket 83110, Thailand Tel: +66 76 310 100 trisara.comdiamondsresorts.com

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The search for the idyllic and refreshing is over, thanks to Paresa Phuket, a haven where the outside world fades away and time stands still.

This luxurious resort is perched on seaside slopes that overlook the azure blue waters of the picturesque Andaman Sea and is surrounded by lush, tropical forests.

The oasis of tranquility features a variety of accommodations, comprising 48 elegantly appointed suites, villas and resides, each offering uninterrupted 270˚ views of the Andaman Sea, private infinity pool, large balcony and sun loungers. The residences reflect Paresa’s respect for the environment and nature with its modern open plan design spaces and natural finishes and furnishings. Extra luxe is also available at the Spa Pool Suites that features a private steam room and island bathroom surrounded by the infinity pool, as well as the Grand Residence Pool Villas that fully embraces the resort’s idea of “Outdoor Living In”. It is possible to open up all four sides of the living and dining pavilion walls for greater access to the outdoor living space. Other highlights include the outdoor rainfall shower and bathroom, private dining pavilion for up to 12 guests, spacious verandah and fully equipped kitchen.

When hunger hits, indulge in Paresa’s dining experiences in the restaurants or in the privacy of your own villa. Wine and dine on sophisticated traditional Mediterranean flavours at Diavolo that also has its own award-winning wine cellar offering an extensive range of old and new world wines. For a taste of what Thailand has to offer, Talung Thai is where guests can experience authentic Thai cuisine featuring the most popular dishes from Thailand, as well as hard-to-find traditional southern Thai family recipes passed down from generation to generation. For a romantic dinner for two or a private party among friends, Paresa offers in-villa dining, and infinity

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pool dining that includes a starlit meal on your own island with an exclusively designed menu. Recipes from these restaurants can be learnt at Recipe – Cooking School of Culinary Arts that offers daily traditional Thai, Mediterranean, Japanese and Chocolate master classes led by the resort’s top chefs. Set in the purpose built cooking facility, the chefs will guide guests through some of their outstanding favourites from the kitchen. Optionally, visit the local fresh market with the chefs for a truly interactive experience.

Take relaxation further at the heavenly sanctuary known as The Spa by Paresa. Inspired

by Thai ancient healing, body therapies here utilise natural and organic ingredients known to the Thais for centuries, to soothe and heal the body. The scents of jasmine, sandalwood, ylang ylang or lemongrass will invigorate the senses as massage therapists work magic with kneading techniques on aching bodies. Freshen up with a bath and steam shower after, or take a dip in the Energy Pool. The Spa also offers beauty treatments, such as pedicures, manicures, waxing and hair styling.

Elsewhere in the resort, unwind at Muse, the central library of the resort that overlooks the sea. With its earthy tones and plush seating, the library is the perfect place to catch up on international news with daily newspapers, lounge around with magazines, travel guides, novels and biographies, or play a game or two with the board games available.

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Never run out of options on what to do during your time in Phuket. Paresa offers more than 15 customisable days of activities with their Bespoke Paresa service. Explore the wonderful nature of Phuket with a bamboo rafting safari, waterfall swim and picnic, or bathe an elephant before taking a “Little Amazon” river cruise or going for a jungle trek. No trip to Phuket would be complete without cave exploration, island hopping and snorkelling around coral reefs. Bespoke Paresa also has exclusive activities, such as Catch Your Own Lunch on a fishing trip, and a tour around rice paddies with a personal visit with a local Thai family for an unforgettable experience.

Instead of noisy and crowded Patong Beach, try heading to Kamala Beach of Millionaires’ Mile, the most sought after zip code for Phuket. Apart from a chain of small shops, restaurants and watering holes, Kamala has a small, sleepy fishing village where tourists can rent longboats to travel around to different islands.

49 Moo 6, Layi-Nakalay Road, Kamala Kathy, Phuket 83150, Thailand Tel: +66 76 302 000 paresaresorts.com

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Situated high atop Cape Panwa is Sri Panwa, a resort that commands breathtaking views of the southeastern top of Phuket. The villas sit 40-60 metres above sea level and all offer panoramic ocean views, while some boast a stunning 300˚ uninterrupted vistas. The interiors embrace the essence of Tropical Contemporary design by integrating its natural jungle and ocean surroundings with modern comforts of luxury living, while the exteriors feature Sri Panwa’s signature terra cotta.

Spend time indulging in a luxuriating spa experience at Cool Spa. The in-house spa at Sri Panwa offers services tailored to the five senses in its private treatment rooms that each come with a large terrace, iPod playlist and luxurious shower and bathroom. Treatments range from traditional Thai to the exotic and include a fusion of local ancient healing rituals and modern treatments. Ease muscle tension with a massage, or enjoy the more luxe option of body scrub or full body wrap that use ingredients found in native Thailand. In addition, Cool Spa offers expert guidance, intuitive healing and opportunities in achieving a healthier lifestyle with a selection of sports activities, such as yoga, pilates and stretching taught by expert instructors and held at the private floating yoga deck that overlooks the Andaman Sea.

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Sri Panwa’s restaurant concept, Baba, is one not to be missed. Baba reinvents itself at three different locations across Sri Panwa’s sprawling grounds. At Baba Soul Food, relish in an intimate traditional Thai dining experience that faces the west for dazzling sunsets every night. Tasty tunes set the mood at Baba Nest, the new evening entertaining space on a rooftop deck that serves up a variety of cocktails made using top shelf spirits, wines, and champagne. Finally Baba Poolclub is a complex of dining options right in Sri Panwa that includes Baba IKI for Japanese food, BabaQ for contemporary Thai and international cuisines, Baba Hotpot for Chinese steamboat dining, Baba Chino for traditional Chinese Cantonese cuisine, and Baba Hot Box for grilled vegetables, meats and seafood.

Eight of the most beautiful islands in the Phuket archipelago are within easy reach and take between 15 to 40 minutes to reach by boat.

Spend an afternoon hopping from one green gem to another to enjoy a host of water sports activities available.

88 Sakdidej Road, Vichit, Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand Tel: +66 76 371 000 sripanwa.com

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