BUDGET CONSCIOUS ($)
HOW TO GET THERE
Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways fly between Phuket and Bangkok several times daily. Taxi transfers to Laguna Phuket cost a maximum of US$13.
WHERE TO STAY
The Mövenpick Resort and Spa Karon Beach Phuket, formerly the Crowne Plaza, features
high-tech meetings facilities for small groups and big conferences, 166 sea-facing rooms and 166 villas, all with sun decks and outdoor rainshowers.
A FEW HOURS TO KILL
Go to Talang Road in Phuket Town – it is crammed with spectacular antique buildings and narrow shops. A walking tour and shopping are easy and delightful.
GALA DINNER VENUES
The venerable Baan Klung Jinda, an imposing 100-year-old mansion. There are two opulent
dining areas which can hold 150 people, plus a smattering of private rooms. A jazz pianist
plays in the main lounge.
AFTER-HOURS FUN
Phuket’s biggest show is on at Phuket Fantasea. It’s a cultural spectacle, complete with armies of warriors, vast troupes of dancing girls and elephants.
MID-RANGE ($$)
HOW TO GET THERE
Fly business class on Thai Airways and take advantage of the club lounge. Transfer to your hotel in a fleet of Lexus limos with an English-speaking driver.
WHERE TO STAY
The Dusit Laguna pulls off the neat trick of projecting warmth and intimacy. There are 213 rooms and 13 suites. The Casuarina Beach Restaurant sits right on the beach. Choose a
live fish from the tank and they will grill it up.
A FEW HOURS TO KILL
Lam Ru is a park on the Phang Nga mainland that includes both coastal areas and inland
forest, with waterfalls and mountains.
GALA DINNER VENUES
Ba Rim Pa is Phuket’s best-known restaurant and has for many years been the finest
example of Royal Thai Cuisine. The location alone is remarkable and there are some of
the best views on the island. Tables overlook the lights of Patong. The wine cellar houses
about 5,000 bottles.
AFTER-HOURS FUN
Catch Beach Club on Surin Beach Road, Talang is Phuket’s most fashionable beach
club with seafood, drinks and international live music.
LUXURY ($$$)
HOW TO GET THERE
Be escorted through an immigration fasttrack counter – exclusively for Thai Airways first-class passengers. Pre-arranged hotel transfers offer rides in a Rolls-Royce to your hotel.
WHERE TO STAY
Upon arriving at Amanpuri on the west coast of Phuket you will find yourself in a serene
enclave in a former coconut grove. There’s a spa, library, six tennis courts, five nearby
golf courses and a private fleet of boats for charter.
A FEW HOURS TO KILL
Transfer to Boat Lagoon and take a 15-minute speedboat ride to Rang Yai Island. There’s
snorkelling on the coral reefs, sea kayaking, mountain-biking and tours of the island’s
pearl farm.
GALA DINNER VENUES
Sala Bua in Patong can seat up to 300 people. Executive chef Ronnie Macuja’s specialities
include herb-crusted rack of lamb. Save room for the banana and bitter-sweet chocolate pudding.
AFTER HOURS FUN
Finish with a nightcap at the fashionable boutique hotel – Twinpalms at Surin Beach.
Gala dinners, island adventures
CEI Asia Pacific details three itineraries to comfortably suit all budgets and group sizes
