Thai luxury

Thailand hasn’t generated a lot of good news recently but that hasn’t deterred the developers. Thirty new hotels are expected to open in Phuket during the next three years, adding almost 5000 rooms to the island’s inventory of 40,000.

Almost half the developments will fall into the luxury category and most of them are being built on the east coast and in the Phang Nga Bay region. Many of the big brand names are setting up shop in the area with great things expected of The Yamu, a joint development by Philippe Starck, Jean-Michel Gathy, Jumeirah Private Island and Taj Exotica.

Cruise company runs ashore at Maragret River

The company has opened True North Ashore, a four-bedroom house overlooking the ocean at Eagle Bay, the northern-most point of the Margaret River region.

Owner Mark Stothard says the inspiration for the house’s design and fit-out comes from the Kimberley, with 70 tonnes of Kimberley stone used in the entrance, waterfall and outdoor spa.

“We wanted to create something special that touches people in a way they’re not expecting,” he says.

The house is available for rent from $3600 for a three-night minimum stay.

See truenorthashore.com.au.

First there were nannies, then teen concierges became the next big thing and now the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago has introduced a bedtime stories butler in a bid to attract families.

Inspired by Adam Sandler’s new movie Bedtime Stories, the butler visits junior guests with a selection of books on a silver tray and a gift of a Bedtime Stories plug-in night-light. She then reads to them.

Costa Lanta, Koh Lanta

With contemporary architecture set amid tropical gardens, Costa Lanta strikes just the right balance between modern design and a tropical escape. The rooms are set back from the coastline amid the trees and are decked out with poured-concrete and timber walls and a partially open-air bathroom.

Doubles start at 3,025 baht (£55), including breakfast.

Paradee, Koh Samet

The small island of Samet is a national park, peppered with dazzling beaches either side of a forested ridge. At its narrowest point in the quiet far south, you’ll find Paradee, opening onto the east and west coasts of Ao Kiew. The 40 villas are luxuriously furnished with teak, rattan and Thai silks and most come with private pools and Jacuzzis.

Doubles start at 17,800 baht (£322), including breakfast.

Zeavola, Koh Phi Phi

Brought to fame by Alex Garland’s novel The Beach, Phi Phi is firmly on the backpacker trail. But the beaches of the north are largely unspoilt and this is where you’ll find Zeavola, the island’s only five-star hotel. Each villa has a private garden, and the rooms are adorned with hand-printed panels and batik.

Doubles start at 11,770 baht (£214), including breakfast.

Six Senses Soneva Kiri, Koh Kood

Opening in the spring, this is set to be one of Six Senses’ most expensive resorts. It has been designed to protect the island’s unspoilt beaches, rainforest and waterfalls. But don’t expect rusticity. Rooms have private pools, and facilities include astronomy lessons, a sting-ray-shaped den for children and the option of dining in the treetops.

Street Address
123/29 M.5 T.Cherngtalay
A.Talang, Phuket, Thailand, 83110

Email

Sales@12property.com
Phone Number
(66) 76 326 318
24 Hour Hotline
(66) 80 700 7900

Fax Number
(66) 76 326 319

Office Hours
9.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. + 7 hours ICT
Monday through to Saturday including public holidays

6 x 1 Bedroom villa’s are available for holiday rentals in Phuket. Only 300 Meters walk to Rawai Beach And the new pier. 6 villas ,3 on each side of the 12 meter long swimming pool !!

Renting price for 1 bedroom 12000 Baht per month for low season and high season 18000 baht per month. 2 bedroom renting price 20000 baht for low season and high season 25000 baht per month.

For more information on the property/financing/mortgage or viewing please email sales@12property.com or One-2-Property Hotline 66 080 700 7900.

If you thought that the destinations in postcards depicting paradise could never be as magnificent in reality, then this is where you will realize your error, for Thailand’s Andaman island region is as beautiful as anything you’ve ever seen in print. The hundreds of islands scattered across the region are largely free from human influence, permitting Mother Nature to perform her magic unhindered.Inevitably, development has spoilt a few places, but has others have managed to retain their natural charm. Even at the overdeveloped sites, one of the overwhelming attractions for visitors is the ability to hop on a boat and in often less than an hour find themselves immersed in a spectacular untethered marine ecosystem.

Similan Islands – Thailand brought to you by www.12phuket.com

Located north of Phuket and west of Krabi is one destination that easily fits the bill. Home to some 67 islands and part of Phang Nga province, the 400km² that is Phang Nga Bay is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Spoiling is non-existent here and the bay enjoys a sense of the wilderness on account of its protected status as a part of the Ao Phang Nga National Park.

The beauty of Phang Nga is typified by scenes of turquoise sea waters punctuated with striking rock formations and lush green islands. The rock formations are karst structures borne out of the movements of fault lines over a period of several thousand years. These distinctive limestone menhirs have attracted rich vegetation, which in turn has encouraged various species of bird to make their homes here.

There are around 40 of these formations in the bay and some are large enough to feature networks of caves and grottos at their bases. It’s possible to enter such areas by kayak for the purpose of exploration, with sights of stalagmites and stalactites, birds and bats to be experienced.

Phang Nga Bay has little in the way of populated areas and the villages that do exist have evolved from settlements established long ago. Koh Phan Yee is home to a settlement of sea gypsies known as Chao Leh, who are the descendents of a small settlement that was established over two centuries ago. Chao Leh live in primitive houses built on bamboo stilts in the sea and are simple people for whom fishing is their main occupation (although tourism has now given them an added source of income).

The bay’s greatest claim to fame is not any aspect of its rich environment, but instead its connection to Hollywood, established back in 1974. The island known as Khao Phing Kan featured in the classic James Bond movie, The Man with the Golden Gun, appearing in scenes depicting the evil Scaramanga’s island hideout.

The island displays zero in the way of genuine evidence of its part in the movie other than a tacky sign in English and Thai saying ‘James Bond Island’. Visitors still flock here to be photographed against the backdrop of the sea and the iconic karst menhir that is visible in the movie.

James Bond Island can be visited as part of one of the popular boat tours leaving from Phuket and Krabi which cover other notable destinations in the bay including Tham Lawt caves and the village at Koh Phan Yee, the latter being a popular lunch stop-off point with the locals providing the food and dining venue.

Other destinations in the Phang Nga province worth visiting include Khao Chang (Elephant Mountain), Phung Chang Cave, Reusi Sawan and Luk Seua Cave, Kao Ngum Cavern and Sa Nang Manora Park.

Phang Nga Bay does not offer the infrastructure to accommodate tourists for long periods. The village at Koh Phan Yee has some limited home-stay facilities, but most visitors are satisfied with a daytrip here. With development strictly off the cards, this stunning bay is not likely to change, which is certainly a good thing as far as preserving the area’s beauty and ecosystem goes.

Author Resource:-> Phang Nga Bay is paradise for Andy Burrows. The freelance photographer and writer often toured this wonderful area. Phang Nga Bay day tours, Thailand’s Andaman coast.

Article Source: Articles Beyond Better

By Andy Burrows

Sunbathing

If you want a beach with good holiday facilities but not too crowded then Nai Harn, Kamala, Surin, Bang Tao and Nai Yang all have good hotels and restaurants yet do not draw big crowds. If you really want to get away from the crowds then Nai Thon and Mai Khao beaches in the north of the island are usually very quiet.

Still all these beaches are well known in Phuket and firmly in the tourist travel guides. In this article, we will look at some beaches that still remain undiscovered to most tourists. We will not even include Laem Sing or Yanui in this list. They are both charming beaches but they have become well known and usually have plenty of visitors. Some of the following beaches are not even known to many of Phuket’s residents. These are Phuket’s secret beaches.

Banana Beach

This beautiful beach is in the northern half of Phuket between Bang Tao Beach and Nai Thon Beach. It is a lovely two-hundred meter strip of sand, studded with rocks in the middle and ringed with trees. It is a good swimming beach and there is some great snorkeling. There is no accommodation and just a single beach restaurant with a handful of sun loungers at the southern end.

There are usually only a handful of visitors at this beach. The majority of them arrive by longtail boat from other beaches but in fact, you can see the beach from the coast road above and there is a trail down.

Pansea Beach

Right at the northern end of Bang Tao Beach is beautiful and peaceful Pansea Beach. There are two up-market resorts here yet the location retains its refreshing tranquility. Just offshore is Kala Island (or Kata Island depending who you believe) which shelters the shallow bay from waves so it is always calm. The waters are too shallow for swimming and when the tide is out you can walk to the island. It is a great beach for paddling and ideal for children to play. There are no refreshments here so it is a good idea to bring a picnic.

Pon Beach

This secluded little beach is in the headland north of Patong. The locals know it as Nai Yair Beach. It is amazing how few people find this beach considering it is located so close to the hordes at Patong. There is nothing here but a couple of rural shacks and a few grazing cows. It is a sandy beach but not good for swimming due to the rocky seabed. There is some good snorkeling.

There are usually a couple of locals renting sun loungers and selling refreshments. They can also provide you with a small barbecue to cook your own. There may be a small charge for crossing the private land to reach the beach.

Paradise Beach

In the headland south of Patong, there are two beautiful beaches that remain relatively unspoiled. They are not as undiscovered as the other beaches we mention on this list but still a break from the heaving masses at Patong. The first is Paradise Beach. Right at the tip of the headland, you can reach it by road (track) or boat.

It is a beautiful beach with overhanging trees. There is no accommodation but there is a restaurant and there are plenty of sun loungers. The beach is not the best for bathing due to the rocky seabed close to shore but there is some excellent snorkeling. There are usually plenty of people around but still it is surprising how many people in Patong do not know this beach is here.

Freedom Beach

You can only reach this stunning beach by boat. It is in the headland south of Patong all the way around and back towards the Karon Beach side. Still it is well worth the boat ride with fantastic bathing and snorkeling.

There are a couple of restaurants and plenty of sun loungers under the trees. The locals take great care of the beach and it is always pristine. Plenty of people do make this a day trip from Patong but the beach is never crowded and again it is surprising how many people in Patong do not know this beach is here.

Nui Beach

This beach is most known for how difficult it is to reach by land. Located between Kata and Nai Harn, the only way to reach it by land is down a two-kilometer dirt track that is almost impossible to traverse in a car. You can just about do it on a motorbike but it is better to walk or let one of the locals take you down on their ATV for a small fee.

It is also known as the most expensive beach in Phuket because you have to cross private land to reach it and they charge 250 baht for the privilege. This fee does get you a sun lounger and drink. When you do arrive, it is a beautiful secluded spot with good swimming and snorkeling. There is a rustic restaurant overlooking the beach but no accommodation. It is never crowded.

Ao Sane Beach

This beach is in the headland at the north end of Nai Harn Beach. You need to go through Le Meridian Phuket Yacht Club’s car park to reach it but they do not stop you. There is a restaurant here and some budget bungalows by the beach. There are usually a few people around but it is never busy.

It is actually a series of three small beaches split by little rocky headlands. None of them is good for swimming due to rocks and corals close to shore. There is some excellent snorkeling.

Laemka Beach

This little beach is at the southern end of Phuket between Rawai and Friendship Beach. It is not signposted and a little difficult to find but a beautiful spot. The Evason Resort and a small bungalow resort are nearby but still the beach remains quiet. It is one of the few southern beaches where you can have a swim and there are nice views out to the southern islands.

Ao Yon Beach Nestled deep into Cape Panwa is Ao Yon Beach. This is the best beach on the southern side of Phuket. Although it is well developed with residential property, there are no hotels or restaurants by this beach. It is home to Phuket Yacht Club and there are always plenty of boats moored in the bay.

It is a beautiful stretch of sand and a good bathing beach. It is usually very quiet and a real getaway.

(If you want more details about how to find these beaches see our Phuket Beach Guide.)

About the Author – The author has lived in Phuket, Thailand for seven years. If you want to learn more about the beautiful island of Phuket then visit Phuket Holiday Guide and Articles where you will find more articles and visitor information.

Day 1: Arrive Phuket

Sri panwa will collect you by chauffeur driven limousine and deliver you to your private Sri panwa Villa as our guest, there you can relax in grand style overlooking the many islands of the Andaman Sea. If you prefer we can pre book a luxurious Spa treatment to help you recover from your flight. Treatments can be enjoyed either in our professional treatment rooms at Sai Spa or in the comfort and privacy of your own villa.

Day 2: Sri panwa, Phuket to Phang Na Bay to Krabi:
26 nautical miles.

After a breakfast at Baba cruise North from the Sri panwa Hotel to the spectacular rock formations of Phang Na Bay. Cast anchor for lunch with the world famous James Bond Island as a backdrop, if you like we can organize a kayak tour through the heart of the surreal uninhabited islands to discover stunning caves such as Koh Hong. An early evening cruise to Krabi delivers you to one of the many restaurants along Phra Nang, or if you prefer, a stunning seafood moonlit dinner can be prepared on board .

Day 3: Krabi to Phi Phi Islands: 18 nautical miles

Scuba or Snorkel in the intensely colored coral reefs abundant around Phi Phi Le and climb the amazing karst limestone lookouts for a stunning panoramic view pf the Andaman. Phi Phi Don, the larger of the Phi Phi Islands, has idyllic tropical beaches lining its southern and eastern shores. Phi Phi offers several 5 star hotels with night clubs and restaurants, you may wish to have a leisurely dinner and stroll the beaches ashore or dine on board selecting from the finest of local fresh ingredients.

Day 4: Phi Phi Islands to Nai Harn Bay, Phuket: 32 nautical miles

Cruise to the southern coastline of Phuket, blessed with magnificent mountains covered with lush jungle forests that stretch out to meet the azure blue sea. Enjoy the white powdery sand beaches fringed with coral reefs. Anchor in Patong Bay and dine at any of the Patong’s restaurants. Patong is the centre of Phuket’s nightlife and is filled with clubs and entertainment venues.

Days 5 and 6: Phuket to Ko Similan: 50 nautical miles

Discover the unspoiled low-lying Similan Islands northwest of Phuket, with their great underwater boulders of smooth granite lying in jumbles along the shoreline. The surrounding clear blue waters are home to some of the most spectacular coral growths in the world, ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling. This national park region is one of the few remaining untouched regions of the world.

Day 7: Ko Similan to Patong, Phuket: 40 nautical miles

Cruise towards Phuket and spend the day kayaking and snorkeling in the bay off the Meridian Hotel before heading for the bustling nightlife along Soi Bangla.

Day 8: Patong to Sri panwa, Phuket: 20 nautical miles

Spend the day discovering Phuket’s beautiful coastline before cruising towards the serenity of Sri panwa for disembarkation. Further down, the coastline of Thailand gives way to the Malaysian peninsula and the beautiful island of Langkawi. Spend a second week exploring the vibrant reefs and tropical wildlife of the Langkawi archipelago.

Day 9: Depart Sri panwa

9 Days 2 people aboard 180ft $120,000

100ft $50,000

68ft $57,000

62ft $25,000

57ft $16,000

Additional Charge per person is available on request.

123/29 M.5 T. Cherngtalay
A. Talang Phuket Thailand 83110
Tel. +6676 326 318
Fax +6676 326 319
Hotline +6680 700 7900

sales@12property.com

www.12phuket.com

brought to you by www.12property.com

Stylish apartments and penthouses are now available for rent at Phuket’s luxury lifestyle yachting community, Royal Phuket Marina. Visitors and holiday-makers can now rent luxury waterside apartments for a romantic getaway, a long weekend among friends or family vacations at Asia’s most unique maritime resort from US$250 a night.

With 5-star amenities, the fully-serviced residences include 4-bedroom penthouses with private rooftop pools and gardens, along with 2 and 3-bedroom apartments with pool decks and balconies beside an infinity-edged swimming pool.

Two-bedroom ‘marina and pool view’ apartments of 154 sqm are priced from US$250 a night – up to US$400 in the high season, or US$1,500-2,400 a week.

Two-bedroom ‘pool deck’ apartments are from US$250-500 a night, and US$1,500-3,000 a week.

Three-bedroom ‘marina view’ residences are from US$400-600 a night, and US$2,400-3,600 a week.

Four-bedroom split-level penthouses priced from US$600-800 a night and US$3,600-4,800 a week provide a perfect private holiday retreat, perched atop the four-storey complex with spectacular panoramic views.

Along with full servicing, the rental packages can also incorporate boat hire, to explore the myriad of deserted tropical paradise islands in the Andaman Sea on the marina’s doorstep. Monthly rates are also available.

On the Boardwalk beside the marina is an array of trendy bars and restaurants, while pampering is available at the Pearl spa, and designer shopping at stylish boutiques. Facilities also include flood lit tennis courts and health club, while Phuket’s main shopping district and five golf courses, including the famous Blue Canyon, are nearby.

Food and rest are two of our most basic needs – yet it seems that too often at home, we don’t get enough quality and quantity of either!

Brought to you by www.phuketpropertygroup.com

Vacations are the time to rectify this, and Phuket offers a smorgasbord of opportunities for tantalizing your tastebuds, and relaxing and rejuvenating in style in a luxury Phuket villa. Here we look at the best.

Phuket is now one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations – and for good reason! The amazing, sizzling flavors of Thai food, combined with incredible accommodation at very budget friendly prices, and a mile-long list of exciting activities mean that everyone finds a favourite in Phuket. Here we are checking out the best places to satisfy the basics of life – a roof over your head (in a stylish luxury Phuket villa!), and a belly full of the most tempting
Thai food.

Before heading out to the dining strip, with its tropical mounds of banana leaves, the sultry scents of lime and coconut and lightly seasoned rice, you’ll want to wash off the dust of travel! Phuket offers some amazing accommodation at astonishing prices by Western standards – like the luxury Phuket villa Baan Chai Talay. Large enough to sleep an entire family, or a group of friends to share the cost, this Phuket villa for rent has beautiful views of the Andaman Sea and Kata Noi beach. It has two levels, with two main bedrooms above with a beach view from the Phuket villa, and a third below with easy access to the pool. For a truly relaxing experience, take advantage of the full time maid and cook that are available on request!

Close by is Baan Pa Hin, a great choice of Phuket villa if you are travelling to Thailand with a large group of people. It sleeps 12 and offers privacy on the exclusive Katamanda Estate, and has all of the modern conveniences like internet and fax connections. Three maids and a chef staff the Phuket villa for rent- so there is no need to fight over who has left their towel on the bathroom floor – it simply won’t be there next time you look! There is also a car belonging to this luxury Phuket villa that guests have use of.

Once you are settled in your Thailand accommodation, you’ll want to wash the taste of airplane food out of your mouth with some of Phuket’s tempting treats. Tom Kaa Gai and Massaman curry are some of the favorites in Thai food, along with staples like Pad Thai and Tom Yam Goong. Sala Bua does some delectable versions of Thai dishes like these, as well as sashimi of red snapper and rock lobster salad. The chef has won countless awards, and all the food is served in a spacious and breezy atmosphere; inside, or al fresco.

You may want the chef at your Phuket villa for rent to try some of the specialties of the Da Ali restaurant set right on the beach, There is nothing like the scent of ocean salt and fresh air to flavour your food, and if you are looking for a relaxed Halal option, Da Ali will be it. Try cooking the tom yam gung or barbecued lobster back at your Phuket villa – or you could just come back for seconds tomorrow!