Isarn (Northeastern Thailand) cultural heritage fair takes place in Phuket with fashion show and products like a premium Isarn silk on offer. “Heritage Cultural of Southern E-San” event began yesterday until upcoming Monday in 1st floor Event Hall at HomeWorks on the bypass road.

The fair features cultural heritage of Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum, Buriram and Surin provinces. It will host “mini” Isarn country music concerts and cultural performances daily at 4pm and 6pm. However, there will be no mini-concert today. There will be a promotion of “Hot Time, Hot Price” with special prices on local Isarn products at midday, 2pm and 4pm daily. Fashion show showcasing silk garments which will take place today (25/2)  starting at 4pm and 6pm. Among the 80 booths participation in this event, it will display antique silk garments, silk weaving and yarn spinning demonstrations.

News by Phuket Gazette

You know that frame of mind when you do not want to know anything, ask no questions? That is the beginning of luxury – not having to think, plan, book tickets, pack ….well, I am taking it a bit too far. I would rather pack for myself than have my husband pack. The last time he planned a surprise trip, he packed backless black cocktail dresses and stilettos for chilly Mashobra. Normally, a killer for information, I was happy being told, “We are off to a beach place.”

At Delhi airport, “We are off to Bangkok.” No surprises. “You will be driven to your hotel in a tuk-tuk.” Now that was exciting. I am all for hopping onto to rickshaws, tongas or trams to get the ‘local’ feel. The tuk tuk was a silky smooth BMW that lulled me into an early morning snooze.

Banyan Tree, Phuket. I took in the lobby and sank into sheer decadence. A golf cart took us through vast greens, ponds, palms to our villa. The pool seemed to stretch and fall into the lagoon at the edge. A waterfall on one side, an open Jacuzzi on the other, the foliage all fused into one to create a picture. A lomi lomi massage at the edge of the lagoon was like a straight dive into the way of life for the next three days.

The massage and steam made us skip lunch. Pink rose tea with finger sandwiches, mini almond-and-fruit tarts served on a tiered platter was a light treat. A walk to the beach to watch the sun going down and surf coming in was all right. The pull of the Banyan Tree proved greater. The hedonist in me was awakening. A swim in the pool to earn dinner seemed to be more the thing to do.

The villa beckoned. Languorous and still drinking in the sounds and smells of twilight, we ‘buggied’ our way to Saffron for dinner. I wanted to taste Tom Yum and Tom Kha in Thailand to assure myself that we get the authentic version in India. Both the soups were amazing, the prawns melting on the tongue, the galangal biting and the lemon grass suffusing the overall taste. The broth was tart, sassy and just sour enough. I have not seen galangal so finely sliced, almost thread-like. The steamed snow fish with lemon and sweet chilly and the sauteed Phuket lobster in dry red curry sauce accosted us with a cheeky mixture of sensations. No room for dessert. Pampered to the point of being silly, we chose to fall asleep on fresh, crisp white cotton sheets and foam pillows. There was a choice of kapok, rayon, satin, cotton sheets along with foam, feather pillows.

Breakfast in bed or breakfast in pool? The huge basket captured my attention with its an endless array of eats – omelettes, fruits, cereal, coffee, juices. A swim later, the action began. A short walk to one of the pavilions was the start. Surrounded by ebony and gold filigreed pillars, birds of paradise blossoms, fish swimming in a lotus pond, I could only feel hands pressing, kneading, sliding the lemony kaffir lime scrub and the massage after that. A four-hour treatment seemed like four moments. Back to the villa on the buggy, my eyes never tired of the orchids flowering carelessly.

We watched the night come in. From peach to orange to a sap green before the colors of purple darkness took over. We decided to dine at Lotus, one of the more famous restaurants in Phuket. We entered to see crabs, shrimps, lobsters, tuna swimming in tanks to be weighed and cooked. We chose to remain faithful to a grilled lobster with Penang sauce, and crab in red curry. Lime and lychee sorbet to round off the hot spicy meal on the beach.

Deep, contented slumber and then a huge Thai and Japanese breakfast. Miso soup, shrimp broth, Thai omelette, wheat noodles and some fruits later, we meandered into another spa pavilion for the Tranquility Hydromist Revitalising treatment. A hot steam and gentle shower on each point of the body later, we were scrubbed with a creamy ginger and honey scrub. I kind of figured out the life that Cleopatra led … something similar to this.

It did not stop here. More than warm honey was slathered on generously. I understood what it meant to be steeped in the satiny finish, feathery in touch and reaching into your very insides. The glow, as they say, went deeper than skin; I made up my mind never to scoff at such romantically sensuous descriptions. An hour’s massage with Bergemot oil and a facial … such bliss. Sensuousness is spiritual here.

The spoilt-for-choice syndrome is on rampage here. The spa treatments are many and attractive. I need to be here for another week to try each package and those purse strings as well. The food at the Water Court with its Mediterranean flavors in citrus salad with garlic prawns and charred aubergine cappuccino or the intimate dinner at the Sala Terrace. There is too much to eat, drink and get massaged.

We giggled like teenagers as the Banyan Tree staff moved noiselessly to set up the ‘Intimate Moments’ evening. The entire passage through the villa was lined with purple orchids and candles right up to the open bath. Orchids floated in the water. Wine glasses and a wine bottle waited silently on the side. Bath salts, aroma sticks et al, we slipped into the bath. Stepping into the bedroom had some more delights unfolding. A sinful chocolate mousse bedecked with a chocolate rose await.

Phuket has a range of tours from coach trips to private excursions. Island tours leave daily stopping at places like national parks, temples and areas of interest. Some specialize in giving a flavor of local island life with stops at rubber and coconut plantations, while others focus on shopping and visiting spas.

Phuket has some of the world’s finest beaches like Patong Beach, Kamala Beach, Kata Beach, Surin Beach …

Whether they are held to honor a religious belief or just for fun, the festivals of Phuket are exciting, sometimes bizarre spectacles. The island’s most distinctive event is the annual Vegetarian Festival.

Most hotels are within close proximity to the beach, entertainment, restaurants, shopping and activity centers, which makes getting round on foot the best bet.

Written by MITA KAPUR
Published on The Hindu – beta.thehindu.com

Think of Phuket and the chances are many travel professionals may conjure up images of an overcrowded, over-commercialized, overpriced corner of Thailand that is best avoided. Recently I revisited Phuket and was amazed (pun intended) at the choices available for couples wanting a destination wedding or honeymoon that is original and affordable.

Thai style is always high-end, colorful, and exotic. Team up the tasteful Thai sense of style with creative wedding planning and a couple has the makings of a spectacular destination wedding that can be enjoyed for a lot, lot less than staying at home. We believe the creative management at a wide range of Phuket hotels and resorts are way ahead of the curve of their neighboring competition with outstanding product development to target the enormous destination wedding market.

Most resorts and hotels offering destination weddings have the option of a traditional Thai wedding ceremony or western wedding ceremony. Couples often choose to do both. And weddings needn’t be simply symbolic – legally-binding marriage ceremonies are possible by registering through the couple’s embassy in advance. We love the Nai Yang Beach area for a sunset wedding, specifically the Indigo Pearl offers sensational choices in all price ranges, with each option being very reasonably priced. Fancy a sunset cruise on a 25-foot yacht to a private island to say your vows? Consider it done with the Indigo Pearl.

Another superb option is the Laguna Phuket wedding chapel with an unbeatable over-the-water location complete with a baby elephant as ring bearer! The choice of Phuket for a destination wedding enables couples to have the wedding of their dreams in a dream location without taking a lifetime to pay for it. Thumbs up to Phuket, Thailand for incredible, truly original, affordable choices for destination weddings that have loads of wow factor.

Source: eTurboNews – http://www.eturbonews.com/

He said “Prince Charles is on the radio and he says wants to bum a ride on your boat. I couldn’t say no to the next king of England, could I, so I let him come on board. But it was nearly the end of him. A cable came loose and swung around and almost decapitated him. A crewman pushed him out of the way in the nick of time, and ordered him to spend the rest of the race in the cabin. He spent the entire trip down below, but we went on and won the race anyway.”

Rolly, now 82, discovered sailing in 1934 and since then, his sailing career has blossomed. “When I was eight, my father, Percy, took me to Mosman Bay and we watched a regatta,” he said. “I was hooked.”

Rolly’s father taught him to make model yachts, and his first designs were crude copies of wind-powered boats, such as the early Vikings’ longboats with their simple square sails, and Arabian dhows with their more efficient triangular sails. Then he started designing his own yachts, which he regularly ‘raced’ on Perth’s Swan River. Since then, he has competed in more than 2000 races, without ever retiring, and he has sailed more miles than it is from here to the moon.

His recent biography, titled Sailing to the moon, Rolly Tasker, Australia’s greatest all round yachtsmen details his many achievements, including a silver medal at the 1956 Olympics. He became Australia’s first World Champion in 1958, he was made a member of the Australian Order in 2006, and in 1996, he was inducted into Australia’s prestigious Sporting Hall of Fame.

Rolly was stationed in the Pacific during World War II, and on his last trip back to Australia, he finally signed up for his army health benefits, 60 years after he was demobbed. “I’m going to have to live to be 100 to justify the benefits,” he said.

In April last year, Rolly opened the Australian Sailing Museum in Mandurah, in Western Australia. The museum features sailing artifacts dating back to the 1850’s. “Australia has never seen anything like this,” he said. “There are thousands of photographs, scale models of Americas Cup yachts, and a complete set of paintings of yachts ever to race in the Americas Cup”. The museum also features a collection of Rolly’s own drawings and paintings.

But pride of place in the collection goes to Miss Longtail, a custom-built copy of Thailand’s famous longtail fishing boats. Rolly had the boat made in 2004, and it is one of four, Tasker-made boats moored outside his house. “People love her, she’s a tribute to my love for Thailand, and she definitely turns heads when Aussie sailors see her,” he said. “They have no idea what they are looking at,” he said.

Rolly has built a total of 26 yachts, all of which are still sailing today, albeit with new owners and new names. He said his 100,000 square-metre sailing loft in Phuket was the largest sail-making facility in the world. He estimates there are more than 60,000 rolls of sailcloth in stock at the factory. “There is more cloth in here than in the whole of Sydney and New Zealand put together,” he said. The loft now makes as many as 80 sails each day which are exported to more than 60 different countries.

General Manager Michael Tasker, who is not related, said the loft also makes rope, rigging and injection moulded plastics, and builds masts. “There is nothing like this anywhere else in the world,” he said. Rolly has devised a special colour-coded uniform system for his predominantly female staff. “The uniforms come in four different colours, one for each floor,” he said. “At first the girls had no idea how I knew when they were in the wrong place, but they figured it out pretty quickly and began swapping trousers to try and catch me out.”

Many of the workers have been with the company since it started in 1994, when it was little more than a workshop on the eight floor of the Phuket Shopping Centre car park. Rolly’s transition from athlete to the world’s most successful sail-maker has won him accolades and praise from all corners of the globe. Veteran sailor, John Sanderos OBE, said the quality of Rolly’s sails was outstanding. “I have used Rolly Tasker sails to circumnavigate the world three times, and they are still in good enough to condition to go around again,” he said. Mr Sanderos’ sails are now on display at the Sailing Museum.

Rolly even has a funny story to tell about international newspaper magnate, Rupert Murdoch. Rolly’s yacht, Siska, was on show in Sydney Harbour, and was moored in a pen next to the then 38-year-old Rupert Murdoch’s yacht. “There were always lots of ladies in swimming costumes on Murdoch’s boat,” said Rolly. “One night we had a big party on Siska and Murdoch asked us how come we had so many pretty girls on board. “They probably came for the boat, it has a very big deck,” Tasker replied. “Then I’ll buy it from you,” Murdoch said. But Siska was not for sale.

Life hasn’t always been smooth sailing for Rolly Tasker, the old man of the sea. He contracted skin cancer when he was 40, and had to have part of his ear removed. He knows he could have prevented the cancer by covering up his face and body when he was out at sea, but he refused. The reason was simple. He loved the feel of the wind on his face and in his hair, and it helped him to read the subtle changes in the wind. Covering up and not sensing them could have cost him race wins.

Those many victories, and first across the line finishes, meant too much to him, but he says if he were to do it all again, he would use more high-level protective sun cream, and he would make concessions with a hat or hood. Rolly has dined with US President John F Kennedy, he has made sails for His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, he has hung out with John Wayne, and he has skippered a race with the Prince of Wales on board.

Not bad for an old bloke.

Written by Fraser Morton and Phil Teese
Published on Phuket Post – phuket-post.com

Every day, young lovers meet and fall in love on the beaches and in the nightclubs. The island is always full of honeymooners and married couples who fall in love with each other all over again while they are here. In Phuket, the local shopkeepers jump on the love bandwagon and card stalls, florists, and markets burst with pinks and reds.

The Flower in Love store on Thepkrasattree Rd, has stocked up on flowers, cards and Valentines Day gimmicks in readiness for the big day. Owner, Khun Fern, said the English language Valentines cards were always big sellers as were the red, white and pink roses she imports especially from the famed Pak-Khlong Talaad flower market in Bangkok. She is expecting to sell almost 5000 roses this year.

Eight couples and 25 pairs of honeymooners from Taiwan will come to Phuket for a traditional Baba mass wedding ceremony in Phuket Town on Valentines Day. Sirinee Lelanon, Assistant District Officer at the Phuket Provincial Muang District Office said 130 couples signed their wedding certificates on Valentines Day in Phuket last year, and she is expecting even more this year. “Thai people like the idea of Valentine’s Day and we want to support the significance of Valentines Day and welcome it into our culture,” she said.

Phuket’s Governor, Dr Preecha Ruangjan, will open the day’s ceremonies and is expected to give away a swag of gifts to the newlyweds. In Bangkok, in the renowned Bang Rak or “love district”, couples will start queuing at the crack of dawn to tie the knot at the Municipal offices, hoping to win a marriage prize worth 5000 baht. On Kradan island, about three hours from Phuket, the Underwater Wedding Company is expecting another record breaking year. The company specializes in taking couples 12 meters under water to exchange gargled vows.

Since the company’s inception in 1997, the ceremonies have gained worldwide recognition and in 2000, they were listed in the Guinness book of records after 30 couples tied the knot in one underwater ceremony. A company spokesperson said 25 couples had already booked their underwater weddings for this year, but he was hoping the final number will top 30. Closer to home, the Jungcelyon shopping center Patong will hosts its second annual “falling in love festival” which will include a fashion show, live music, food, drinks and a spectacular water fountain show.

Elsewhere on the island, hotels and restaurants will be hosting special romantic Valentine’s day dinners. The Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort and Spa in Karon, their will have a set menus in its Red Silk, Buon Appetito and Count the Stars restaurants ranging in price from 4900 to 2200 baht. They have even planted a special “love tree” for couples to kiss under. The Banyan Tree in Laguna will be taking lovers on a romantic sunset cocktail cruise on the lagoon followed by Valentines Day dinners with complimentary roses and wine at their eight restaurants. At the Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket, there will be a special five course Valentines Day’s dinner in a poolside setting under the stars at the Puccini Italian restaurant.

Couple’s Death Leap Inspires Thais

Thai couples will flock to the Sarasin Bridge on Valentine’s Day to pay homage to two celebrated young lovers who died there more than 25 years ago. On February 22, 1973, only a week after Valentines Day, Eaw, a young girl from a wealthy family, and Go-Khai, a poor tuk tuk driver, bound themselves together and leaped to their death from the bridge. Eaw’s father wanted her to marry a wealthy businessman and banned her from seeing GoKhai. The pair met for one last beach picnic, then bound themselves together and leaped to their death from the bridge.

When Eaw’s father realized what he had done, he sought forgiveness for his cruelty and allowed his daughter and her lover to be buried still bound together. The tragic story was immortalized in a hit folk song by the band Similan, in a toprating television series and in a 1987 movie starring Thai actors Ron Bunjongsang and Jintara Sukkapat. Many Thai couples now visit the bridge on Valentine’s Day to pay homage to the spirits of Eaw and Go-Khai, and to pray for a long life together.

Romance Came Dressed in Drag

Irishman Neil Quail dressed up in drag, and found true love. The former hockey professional who is now the general manager of Asia Super Yachts Thailand, was invited to a fancy dress party, and he asked a Thai beautician he met in a restaurant in Phuket Town to lend him a wig, a ball gown, and a pair of high heels to wear to the party. The two instantly hit it off, fell in love and were married on a beach on Cape Panwa last month.

“We still laugh about what brought us together,” said Neil. “Our wedding day was fantastic and Taum and I exchanged our vows in front of all our friends on the beach just before sunset. It’s so easy to fall in love in Phuket. If you have any romantic sentimentality in you, Phuket will bring out those feelings,” he said. On Valentine’s Day, Neil and Taum will go back to the beach where they were married for a romantic lunch. They plan to remain in Phuket for several years and raise a family here.

Valentines Tradition Began in a Jail Cell

The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different Saints named Valentine, but the true origins of Valentine’s Day remain unclear. One theory is that the tradition of sending love messages on February 14 began when a man named Valentine wrote love letters to his mistress from his prison cell while awaiting execution for adultery. But the most popular explanation is that St Valentine’s Day is named after a Roman priest who was sentenced to death for secretly marrying Roman soldiers in defiance of a decree by Emperor Claudius II that soldiers must remain single.

The unpopular Claudius was having trouble recruiting soldiers for his armies because the men were loathe to leave their wives and lovers. Claudius canceled all marriages and engagements, but the priest, named Valentine, continued performing marriages in darkened rooms, whispering the words while listening carefully for approaching soldiers. He was caught and sentenced to death, but as he awaited his fate, many of the couples he had married came to visit him and brought flowers and notes of support.

One of those visitors was the daughter of a prison guard, and she would sit and talk to him for hours to keep his spirits up. On the day he died, Valentine wrote her a farewell note and signed it “From your Valentine”. The priest was beheaded on February 14, 269 AD, and in 496AD, Pope Gelasius proclaimed February 14 St Valentines Day in his honor.

In the US, Valentines Day is probably best remembered for the Valentine’s Day Massacre of 1925. Mob boss Al Capone “eliminated” seven gangsters from rival George “Bugs” Malone’s gang when he sent gunmen dressed in police uniforms to a bootlegger’s warehouse in Chicago. The “police” lined the seven gangsters up against a wall and opened fire on them with Thompson sub-machine guns. No one was ever charged with the killings.

Traditional Thai and Chinese activities, including Chinese opera, traditional Thai dancing, Kung Fu demonstrations and Chinese folk dancing, will be staged every night between 7pm and 11pm in Queen Sirikit Public Park, Thalang Rd, Krabi, Road and Soi Rommanee, and streets in the old quarter will be closed to traffic to add to the street carnival atmosphere. Phuket City Mayor, Somjai Suwansupana, said this year’s Old Phuket Festival would be much better than previous years.

The festivities will begin with a street parade, starting at 5pm on Saturday. The parade, which will feature both young and old people wearing traditional Thai and Chinese costumes, will start at Sapan Hin park and finish at Queen Sirikit park. At 7pm, the Minister for Sport and Tourism Phuket, Chompol Sillapaarcha, will officially open the festival. Following the official opening, 179 dancers from seven provinces in China, will perform a traditional Chinese opera in Queen Sirikit Park.

There will be another Chinese Opera the following day as well as Kung Fu demonstrations and Chinese folk dancing. The celebrations will continue on Monday when officials from the Phuket Municipality will welcome in the New Year, and the festival will finish with a Chinese prayer ceremony in front of the Great Ocean Dragon “Hai Leng Ong” monument in Queen Sirikit park.

Each day, Tor Jan boats will take tourists along the Bang Yai canal which runs alongside the park. There will also be a font of festivities in Phuket Town’s Chinese temples to honor the spirits. Dragon-shaped sweets will be offered to the spirits in Chinese temples and shrines in Phuket Town and Sam Kong.

Many of the major hotels and restaurants will also be hosting special events to celebrate the Chinese New year. At Hung Fat’s restaurant in Kalim Beach, a team of six chefs from Sichuan–Chengdu Province China will prepare a special menu to celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Ox. To book, call 076 290 288, or email info@hungfats.com

Out with the old, in with the new. Doors to shops, houses and businesses in Phuket will remain open at midnight on Chinese New Year’s Eve to let the remnants of last year’s spirits waft away and make way for the positive spirits of the New Year. New clothes are worn to start the New Year and unmarried juniors can expect to be given one or two red packets filled with money of an even amount.

Odd amounts are only given away at funerals. The number four is always avoided because it is considered bad luck, but the number eight is considered lucky and eight banknotes can be put into the packets. On the first day of the Chinese New Year, many Buddhists abstain from eating meat, using knives or making fires, so meals will be prepared the day before.
The Chinese calendar features elements of the lunar and solar calenders, and changes each year, depending on the phases of the moon.

Chinese New Year traditionally marks the passing of the fall harvest and the arrival of the spring planting season. The 15 day festival closes with a lantern festival, which is timed to coincide with the first full moon of the New Year. Throughout the 15 days of festivities Chinese temples across Phuket will be open late, and on New Year’s Eve, late night prayers will be held for people wanting to pray for good spirits in the new year.

Beware of the beast. According to Chinese tradition, New Year is a time to celebrate the 15-day battle against a mythical beast named “Nian”. On the first day of each New Year that passed and at the end of the winter harvest, Nian, which means simply “year” in Chinese, would roam villages feasting on the flesh of livestock, villagers and their crops. As the annual massacre drew closer each year, villagers would try to satisfy the beast’s hunger by leaving delicious delicacies on their doorsteps for it to feed on.

Legend has it that a small boy wearing a red cape also tried to scare away the beast, and villagers honoured the boy by adorning the outside of their houses with red lanterns, red scrolls. They also hung rows of red firecrackers outside their houses to banish the beast.

Oxen are born leaders. In China, everyone knows what year of the zodiac they were born in because it is believed to play a part in influencing character and personality. People born in the year of the Ox are said to be patient, kind, talented, smart, and successful. Oxen are born leaders, although they say very little. But when they do speak, they do so eloquently. Oxen prosper through fortitude and hard work, and, like their namesake, they are capable of enduring any amount of hardship patiently and without complaint.

Rather than seek financial gain in life, the Ox would much rather avoid risks and longs for security. They are logical, honest, dependable, strong-minded, and stubborn. When it comes to love, Oxen are most compatible with Snakes, Roosters, Rats, and Dogs and are less compatible with Dragons, Monkeys, Pigs, Tigers, and other Oxen. An Ox should especially avoid the Ram, with whom they are least compatible.

The ideal partner for an Ox is truthful and gentle, but knows how to cajole and tease, because it is important to be able to put the Ox at ease. Although practical in many ways, the Ox is often naive when it comes to love, and it takes time for them to develop intimate relationships and to let their true feelings show. But once they do, they are completely committed and trust their partner without question.

Famous people born in the year of the Ox include actors Charlie Chaplin, Bill Cosby, Anthony Hopkins, Sissy Spacek, Jane Fonda, Dustin Hoffman, Jack Nicholson, and Meryl Streep. Former US President Gerald R. Ford and movie mogul, Walt Disney were both Oxen. A new Ox comes along every twelve years.

If you were born in 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949, 1937, 1925, or 1913, you are an Ox.

In addition the locals are trying to beef up their search and rescue efforts. Phuket recently organised a ‘Champ of the Champ’ contest, in which teams from six Andaman coastal provinces took part. A team from the Thaepkasartri Municipality were the winners, winning 3,000baht cash prizes and a field trip to Singapore. The response time of the team was down to 10 minutes.

Then there’s the ‘One Stop Service Centre’ to facilitate assistance in immigration and customs for yacht skippers located at Chalong pier. It was opened a few years ago, but registration is still slow, and the local province has been now asked by locals to allocate at least half a million baht to upgrade the software programs, to improve the service by the end of this year.

… all small steps in an ongoing effort which will improve the welcome safety and enjoyment for yachts visiting Thailand and Phuket.

News by SailWorld.com

In an exclusive interview with Property Report Thailand at the event, Kimi said he was impressed with both the simple style and location of his investment. “It’s the perfect place for me right now,” he said. When asked why he decided to invest in Phuket, the Ferrari driver said “why not? It’s something different. I have been here (Phuket) a few times before, I know it’s a good investment area as well as a good place to stay. In terms of location, I was obviously close to Phuket after the race in Singapore so it was easy to get here. Formula 1 is coming to this part of the world. More and more things are being focused in Asia. This is the place to be. It’s easy for me here. The people are good people who don’t disturb you and let you live your life.”

Located in the peaceful area of Rawai on the south-east coast, the Serenity Terraces Resort Condominiums and Villas project offers tranquil sea and island views for its 52 light and airy condominiums and absolute beachfront villas. Kimi’s apartment features two bedrooms, a terrace and a private pool at the water’s edge and was decorated in simple, modern décor by the project’s local interior designer Belinda Revett.

Five-star facilities include a large clubhouse and pool, with a gym, spa, bar and restaurant. Meantime, Green Heritage (principal consultant for Serenity Development Group) director Ramesh K. Hamal said while the beachfront villas were sold out, some condominiums were still available. The project is expected to be completed early next year.

Over 65% of the development, which features 52 resort properties, including freehold condominiums, has been sold already. Property sales have continued despite political infighting in Bangkok and global financial disruption.

“These have had little or no impact on sales and inquiries,” said Serenity Terraces’ Project Manager, Mr Izzy Ben Natan. “Investors have made their decision based on the medium and long term, both of which remain very bright.”

Mr Ramesh K Hamal, CEO of Green Heritage Group, which handles the development management, marketing and sales for the property said: “Because of Phuket’s natural beauty, climate, affordable cost of living, easy access, superb tourism services and infrastructure such as schools, hospitals and department stores, the island is relatively immune to political and economic setbacks.”

When the Outrigger Serenity Terraces Phuket opens, it will start earning a guaranteed 6% annual return for investors who have entered its rental program. In addition, buyers may benefit from capital gains, which have been over 20% a year in Phuket for the last five or so years.

The 52-unit US$26 million mixed residential-resort beachfront property, with spectacular ocean and island views, offers a variety of freehold condominiums and absolute beachfront pool villas. Prices range from US$300,000 to US$1.1 million. The property is scheduled to open in April 2009.

The completed Phase One includes the communal areas, fitness suite, clubhouse, villas and duplexes, as well as the condominium apartment show suite. To date, 32 units have been sold or reserved, only 20 remain.

Residents started moving-in in September. “They will soon be able to enjoy superb 5-star resort-style personalized services,” said Mr Hamal. “Our philosophy is that luxury without service is meaningless. That’s why award winning luxury resort operator, Outrigger Enterprises Group, has been brought in to provide the service and maintenance element for our buyers.”

Phase Two is due to be completed early next year, with the project’s soft launch planned for March 2009.

The majority of investment buying Phuket villas in Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort has come from overseas, with 70% of buyers coming from the UK, Scandinavia and America. Thailand has one of the strongest capitalized banking systems in the region, according to Fitch (Thailand), a ratings agency. Local banks’ dependence on domestic deposits have also helped insulate them from the current economic downturn in America and Europe, bolstering the Thai property market.

News by e-Travel Blackboard Asia – etravelblackboardasia.com

It is a place of unapologetic luxe, with a signature spa, Thai cooking classes, and the chic yet simplistically monikered Beach Restaurant. But sensitivity has also prevailed—rather than bulldozing the site’s lone banyan tree, a stairway was built around it, leading up to the glorious Tree House Bar, where one can cultivate their inner Bart Simpson while imbibing distinctly sexy cocktails.

It is the beginning of a story, of island charm and tropical beauty. Of jasmine garlands, strung by a nimble hand. Of morning dives into Andaman reefs brimming with life, and afternoons spent lounging on the deck of a private pool. Of yet another candlelit dinner shared together in paradise. It is a story you’ll live out at Anantara Phuket.

Opening in early October, Anantara Phuket Resort and Spa is designed to be the setting for a story you’ll tell forever. Located on a quiet stretch of Mai Khao Beach in Phuket’s more secluded and natural northern sunset coast, Anantara’s luxurious pool Phuket villas and gardens unfold over the rugged coastal landscape. The Bill Bensley-designed grounds delicately fuse the colourful tropical flora with age-old traditions of Thai architecture, providing an environment that is at once serene and yet alive with vibrant culture. Anantara invites you to explore a more authentic side to Phuket’s natural, historic and cultural beauty. Ignite new passions, trekking through verdant forests or taking your first breaths underwater amidst untouched coral reefs. Experience the charm of Southern Thailand at Anantara Phuket.

Set between the sands of sun-blessed beaches and the rolling green backdrop of verdant hills, Anantara Phuket Resort & Spa is only a 15-minute drive from Phuket’s International Airport. Based on the island’s more secluded northwest coast, your private pool villa is your gateway to excursions through the lush tropical mangroves of nearby Sirinath National Park, dives into stunning coral reefs, and strolls through charming local villages. Just steps away from the emerald waters of the Andaman Sea, Anantara Phuket’s 82 one-bedroom pool villas and 1 two bedroom pool villas are nestled within indigenous gardens. Designed to recall a quaint Southern Thai-style village, the locally inspired architecture complements its natural setting, with open-air spaces and arched ceilings to take advantage of the cool sea breeze. The interiors embrace contemporary Thai design, using evocative local prints, textiles, paintings and relaxed lounge spaces

Start your morning with hearty breakfasts at our All Day Dining restaurant. Chat over lemon grass and ginger-infused cocktails at the Pool Bar. As the sun sets over the Andaman Sea, feasting on European/ Asian fusion cuisine at The Beach restaurant before moving on to admire the views from the Rooftop Bar. Or, head downstairs for a tasting of Old and New World vintages in our impeccably stocked wine cellar.

Take home unforgettable stories from this inspired landscape. Charter a luxury yacht for an indulgent cruise through the mysterious karsts of Phang Nga Bay. Explore the viewpoints and waterfalls of the island’s unseen hinterlands as you chat about local culture and the island’s rich history with our local guides. Natural wonders and unique cultural experiences lie at every turn during this – your most memorable – Phuket vacation.