BY ELLE BUTLER
Phuket, Thailand had always been on our bucket list and at last we had the chance to experience this tropical paradise. From the moment we arrived we knew we were in for a perfect holiday.
After a long flight it was a relief to be met at Phuket International Airport by a friendly chauffeur who led us to a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. The drive through the lush landscapes of Phuket was breathtaking and I couldn’t wait to see what awaited us at the resort. Being my husband’s first international trip, and only my third, we were particularly fascinated by the chaotic traffic.
Upon arrival at our resort, we were greeted with a refreshing welcome drink and warm hospitality. The resort’s modern and stylish design, coupled with stunning views of the Andaman Sea, instantly made us feel at home.
The resorts in Phuket aim to cater to your every need, with pools, restaurants and activities. The highlights for us were tucking into a delicious breakfast each morning, with an array of local and international dishes on offer, and our visit to the Wellness Spa. We indulged in a Royal Thai Massage, which blended traditional Thai techniques with a luxurious touch. It was an incredibly relaxing experience that left us feeling rejuvenated.
We couldn’t wait to explore and kicked things off with an island tour which took us to the iconic Big Buddha. Here we enjoyed panoramic views of the island and learned about the cultural significance of this impressive statue. One poignant note is the respect for all religions at this spiritual site, with tributes to many as we entered.
We explored some of the many temples and I felt an affinity for Tuesday Buddha, depicted lying on its right side with head resting on is right arm and toes perfectly parallel, representing Buddha making himself bigger than evil Asura Rahu.
Another memorable experience was visiting an elephant sanctuary. Seeing these majestic creatures in a caring environment, where they were rescued from mistreatment, was both educational and deeply moving.
Phuket’s wildlife is fascinating. On one of the tours, we encountered monkeys in their natural habitat. Watching these playful creatures was entertaining, but we had to be cautious – they were quite mischievous and tended to snatch loose items!
While enjoying the natural beauty of Phuket’s national parks we learned that alcohol is not permitted. This policy helps preserve the pristine environments and ensures a pleasant experience for all visitors.
No trip to Phuket would be complete without a boat tour to James Bond Island. The tour included a fascinating canoe ride into a secluded tidal lagoon and as we entered under the rock formation I marvelled at the untouched beauty of the surroundings.
We snorkelled amongst beautiful tropical fish, which was so amazing I forgot to breathe and had to quickly head back to the ladder and recover. Afterward, lunch was served at a nearby monastery, catering to the numerous visitors in its massive dining rooms.
As the sun set, the fun was just beginning. The ‘Amazing Thai Night’ was an evening to remember. We enjoyed a scrumptious Royal Thai Buffet featuring an array of delectable dishes and complimentary beverages. The highlight of the night was the world-renowned Drag Queen cabaret show by Monkey Diva, a dazzling display of talent and entertainment and full of laughs.
Our trip to Phuket was everything we had hoped for and more. From exploring the island’s natural wonders to indulging in spa treatments and enjoying world-class entertainment, every moment was a treasure.
We can’t wait to return to this tropical paradise, because there is so much more to discover – from tours to tigers, from shopping to scuba diving, and who knows maybe even a ping pong show!
