Island hideaway’s the ultimate escape

COCONUT Island or Koh Maphrao, is how Phuket used to be 30 years ago according to the Village resort’s marketing manager, Jay Walker.  “This island is an idyllic world of its own, well away from the hassle and stress of everyday life,” he said.  “We have our resort and the local communities on the island, and that’s it.  “There are no motorbikes, no cars and no crowds.”

The resort, which is only a five-minute water taxi ride from Laem Hin pier on the east coast of Phuket, is now officially open with two, three and five-bedroom villas each with its own infinity pool and spectacular views over Phang Nga Bay.  The villas are available to either buy or rent. The Village management invited about 100 people to a Sunday Brunch earlier this month to showcase the resort’s finer points.

“We want Phuket residents and business people to know they are always welcome to come out and use our facilities,” said Mr Walker. “Many people live and work extremely hard on Phuket, and the Village is the perfect place for them to get away from the hustle and bustle and escape to a seaside hideaway where things move a little slower. “It’s the perfect place to chill out and relax.”
Continue reading

Popularity: 2% [?]

Apartment living is all about style

ONCE in a while, a home is created that’s stands out from the rest.  This apartment in Patong is definitely one of those.
Situated in the best condominium buildings, it stands proud to the testament of the developers who had the courage to try something different, away from the norm and to conceive an idea born on style, function and design.

The reception lobby sets the tone, and is cool, chic and contemporary.  There is lots of glass, and mirrors and the different floor surfaces form the backdrop for the floating main glass staircase and stainless steel elevator.  The ever attentive staff will welcome you like a long lost friend, and they are always eager to please and help in any way they can.

A key card opens the door into this stunning apartment, with its high ceilings, white walls and large, high gloss floor tiles, creating a free flowing airy mood.  The entertainment area is huge and comes complete with a modern sofa, a chez lounge, a large flat screen TV, a fantastic sound system and white floor-to-ceiling window blinds.

The entertainment area leads onto a large balcony which has doors that open up to really bring the outdoors in, and let light and air flow freely through the entire apartment.  The doors and windows are made by Sun Paradise which is widely recognised as the market leader in this field.  The high gloss white kitchen has been designed and fitted by BMP and provides a breakfast bar, a hob, a microwave, an oven and a sink.

It’s ideal for preparing small meals or intimate dinners. The bedroom has fitted wardrobes with enough functional hanging space to satisfy even the best equipped fashionista, and blends in well with the surrounding décor.  The bathroom is chock-a-block full of glass and mirrors, which reflects the light and really opens up the whole area.  Specially commissioned art works by Khun Suthirak, one of Thailand’s leading contemporary artists, hang throughout, providing color and substance to the sleek interior.

A rental pool is available for an astute investor to use, safe in the knowledge that the development boasts one of the highest occupancy rates on the island.  On site facilities include a stylish roof top pool and sun terrace, wi-fi throughout, an a la carte restaurant, a stylish bar and a tour office. The apartment is ideally situated in the heart of an established hotel and restaurant area, and is only five minutes walk to Patong beach.

Buying this apartment would not only be a sound investment, it would also make a statement that you are one of a select few who appreciate the finer things in life. For only 11,900,000 baht, you will get a spacious 95sqm of living area, and because it is freehold, ownership is simple and secure.

»crosslinked«

Popularity: 1% [?]

Phuket’s really cool for kids

GOING on holiday should be a well-deserved break, but if you want to take the kids, how much of a break are you going to get?  You arrive at your destination, jetlagged and tired and all you can think about is how far is it to the sparkling blue sea or the nearest ice cold piña colada.  But there’s not much chance of that with a couple of kids pulling at your sleeve, demanding round-the-clock entertainment.

Many parents consider the most important ingredients for a family holiday to be a beach, reasonable health facilities and a positive attitude towards young children.  The kids, on the other hand, will be more concerned about the best way to get to the beach, is there a zoo, will there be other children to play with, and can they ride on a train, or perhaps a tuk tuk?  Phuket has all the right ingredients, and it’s the perfect holiday spot for families.

Thai people have a fun, loving nature, and they absolutely adore children.  The younger and paler your kids are, the more attention they will get.  Unlike many European holiday spots, most places on Phuket are accessible for kids and there are heaps of activities on the island to keep them entertained.

Popularity: 2% [?]