By Rama Gaind
Having realised a long-held dream to visit Phuket, it’s easy to see why Thailand as a holiday destination is amazing – constantly! The islands are stunning, there are an endless number of tourist attractions, the kingdom is steeped in culture, the local people are very friendly and the hospitality is faultless.
Only an hour’s flight from the capital Bangkok, the spectacular seaside resorts of the far south beckoned – to the island of Phuket, characterised by breathtaking tropical coastal scenery, unspoilt beaches of powdery white sand and the clear blue waters of the Andaman Sea – all set against a backdrop of rolling hills and lush green vegetation.
Strong memories surfaced about Phuket’s famous Phang Nga Bay being the location for the James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun and nearby Phi Phi Island the setting for the film The Beach.
Located on the southeastern tip of Phuket, Cape Panwa Hotel and Spa is one the island’s most renowned hotels. Fronted by a secluded beach and turquoise ocean and surrounded by green hills, the resort occupies a truly inspiring location.
It’s no wonder that the idyllic site, comfortable rooms and attentive service has attracted many celebrities including heads of state. Special guests have included the late Elizabeth Taylor, Bryan Adams, Oliver Stone, Norma Heyman, Geena Davis, Kristy Swanson, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Pierce Brosnan and Leonardo Di Caprio.
The Cape Panwa Hotel and Spa embodies tropical luxury in one of the world’s most desirable destinations. The hotel is built on a hill with panoramic views of the Andaman Sea. The beach is secluded, protected from the westerly winds and is calm for swimming or water sports all year round.
The property’s architectural design blends superbly with the natural beauty of the cape and the bay. The hotel is self-contained, cosy and ideal for those who seek tranquillity and natural surroundings. Attracting families, individual tourists and corporate market, there are 201 well-appointed, sea-facing accommodation units with a large private balcony and a day bed.
All rooms, pool villas and jacuzzi suites enjoy glorious views of the Andaman Sea. The rooms are arranged in a series of low-rise buildings and set within a mature coconut grove and lush tropical gardens.
You have many options for relaxation: be active and hit the fitness centre and swimming pools, relax at the spa, there’s water sports or tone down the pace and sharpen your culinary skills and take Thai cooking classes, participate in fruit and vegetable carving demonstrations, learn the Thai language or take up batik painting.
Indulge your tastebuds by eating at one of the many restaurants and bars in the complex, but whatever you do, you must dine at Panwa House, a magnificent Sino-Portuguese style mansion facing the beach. Find the quaint way down to it – in a rail carriage – from the main hotel.
Panwa House sits in understated majesty, tucked away in a coconut grove that lines the beachfront. Be transported back in time by the beautifully restored period interior and exterior and a tiled patio.
This is the place to be for an unrivalled dining experience in Phuket. General manager of the Cape Panwa Hotel and Spa Marc Landgraf hosted our group to a tantalising selection of fine Thai cuisine as we dined outdoors on a starry, starry night with warm breezes and the sound of the sea gently breaking on the sandy shore – a mere stone’s throw away. You too will be transported back to the Siam of old!
Panwa Princess
If swimming and snorkeling in your pleasure, then indulge yourself by going out for the day on the hotel’s luxury yacht – Panwa Princess – to Racha Island and Coral Island.
There’s ample opportunity to dive beneath the sea and ‘discover’ the amazing world of these quick gliders. Don’t be surprised by schools of tropical fish which surround you, eager for food scraps. Just soak up the atmosphere: be astonished by the clear emerald green waters (said to be caused by the presence of limestone) and try identifying the butterfly fish, parrot fish, long tongs, clams hiding under rocks, sea cucumbers and the list goes on.
On board the Panwa Princess, you are made to feel very special while having fun in the sun on the water – and partaking of a lavish ‘picnic’ lunch of chicken, fish, salad and fruits – accompanied by suitable refreshments. Somjit, ably assisted by other staff from the Cape Panwa Hotel, indulged our every whim! What a fabulous way to unwind while listening to some blast from the past – the nostalgic hits from such famous singers as the Beatles, Tom Jones, Manfred Mann and Dusty Springfield.
Other highlights
One highlight should include a visit to Patong Beach and Bangla Road to be among the throngs of people, feel the pulsating music and shop till you drop for bargains at the myriad of stores. Seeing the Kangaroo Bar, AFL Bar and U2 Bar brought welcome memories of home.
Another high point is dining at the Blue Elephant Royal Thai Cuisine in a splendid, old Chinese colonial-style mansion set in sprawling grounds near the heart of the old quarter of Phuket. Fine dining set in opulent surroundings are the order of the night at the Blue Elephant which is one of a rare breed of restaurants where the décor is well and truly centre stage – and deservedly so.
The mansion, built in 1903, was at one time the governor’s residence. It has been lovingly renovated with Doric columns supporting white twin arches, a sweeping teak stairway and clever lighting throughout the mansion. The attention to detail extends right down to fabulous brass cutlery and hand-beaten plates. Memorable.
Rama Gaind was a guest of the Tourism Authority of Thailand with accommodation in Phuket hosted by Kasemkij Group.
DETAILS BOX
Contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Sydney, on (02) 9247 7549 or visit www.tourismthailand.org
Thai Airways International flies from Australia to Bangkok, connecting with Bangkok Airlines services on national routes. Check out www.thaiairways.com/
Cape Panwa Hotel and Spa, 27 Moo 8 Sakdidej Road, 83000 Phuket, Thailand. Find out more at www.capepanwa.com/
