Phuket – now famed for sun-and-sea Tourism, this lush tropical Island in the south of Thailand was once rich in Tin deposits.

Devastated by a Burmese invasion in 1809, traders from the British Straits moved all mining activity to the Bay of Tongkah near Old Phuket town. By the early 1900s, Penang merchants flocked to the island and life was more culturally linked to Malaya (now Malaysia) than Bangkok, influenced by European architecture and Chinese settlements in Penang, Singapore, and Malacca.

Tin mining collapsed in the 1970s, however, direct flights from Europe to Bangkok infused new life into local economies with tourism to Phuket’s stunning beaches. Phuket town’s early architecture is referred to as Sino-Portuguese in design. A movement to restore the pre-World War II streets is now in full swing – from ancient shop houses to sacred shrines and temples. Modern Phuket is diverse in culture – Buddhist, Muslim, and home now to people from all over the globe with the laid back traditional and cosmopolitan lifestyle reflected in food, art, and the fabulous outdoors.

Public transport is an ongoing issue on Phuket. Thai locals use a Songthaew bus between beaches unless they own a car or motorcycle. Hotels will arrange reputable vehicle rentals; it’s best to have an international driving license. In Phuket city, walking is easiest to enjoy the history and daily ambience. For longer trips in town, take a Songthaew or a faster motorcycle taxi. Drivers wear coloured vests for easy identification; just wave one down and off you go. For time-limited travellers, an island tour by self-itinerary is best organized with a taxi driver who will take you where and when you desire for a set price all day long. Just like having a personal chauffeur and guide in one; you may even make some Thai friends!

07.00
Try old Town breakfast at Aroon restaurant, 124 Thalang Road, with roti (pancakes), roti hluay (banana pancakes), khai nok (egg), gaeng (curry), and tarik (iced tea) or ga-fae ron (latte).

08.00
Grab a Phuket Town Treasure map at Art & Culture, 16 Soi Rommanee and do a walking tour of Sino-Portuguese architecture on Krabi Road; don’t miss the exquisite Blue Elephant Governor’s Mansion.

10.00
Shopping and artists: See Sarasil Gallery, 121 Phang Nga Road and Rinda Magical Art, 27 Yaowarat Road, for fresh, colorful, and unique Thai creations. Enjoy fun, funky boutiques such as Island Paradise along the way!

12.00
Lunch at Siam Indigo, 8 Phang Nga Road – named a Best Restaurant in Thailand by Tatler magazine – and favorite of fashionistas, with fabulous fusion and Thai cuisine in artistic heritage surroundings.

14.00
Visit Giant Buddha – Nakkerd hill, off Chaofa East Rd, Chalong. Funded entirely by donation, built of Burmese marble, and standing 45m tall, this big icon gazes over the entire island.

15.00
Spa time at golden Tulip Mangosteen Resort, Rawai in Phuket South; this Ayurvedic health spa is offering Oryx readers a 40% discount on any treatments from the alluring spa menu.

16.30
Enjoy fresh fruit-shakes; try mango or coconut at fabulous seafront café Nikita, Rawai – or head to the far end of the esplanade for juicy oysters with zingy local condiments at Baan Haad Rawai.

17.00
See King of Thailand’s Laem Promthep lighthouse, with its unique elephant collection and local market; then stroll on Nai Harn beach for a spectacular sunset at the most southerly point of Phuket.

19.00
Mom Tri’s kitchen overlooking Kata Noi Beach offers splendid evening fine dining, with Thai and European cuisine amid artistically landscaped gardens in the former home of a Royal family connection.

21.30
Show time at Simon Cabaret, Patong Beach. A Phuket institution, this renowned spectacular is famed for its lavish sets, brilliant costumes, and glamorous dancers. Do late drinks at sophisticated Indochine, Kalim-Patong.
Golden Tulip Mangosteen Resort & Spa
99/4 Moo 7, T. Rawai, Phuket 83130, Thailand
Tel: +66 76 289399 – Fax: +66 76 289389
reservations@goldentulipmangosteen.com

Make it Mangosteen - Golden Tulip Mangosteen promises a perfect home for that relaxing Phuket holiday

We all have different reasons for taking a holiday. Some travel to escape, others to have fun and relax, many to explore, and almost every body to find an experience different from their daily routine.  Whatever your reason for taking the holiday, you can be sure that the Golden Tulip Mangosteen Resort & Spa will be a great Phuket holiday home for you. This resort, dubbed by many as Phuket's most romantic boutique resort, beckons as a perfect hideaway for a truly relaxing holiday. The resort is situated on a secluded hillside in the South of Phuket, a location that makes it a top choice of those seeking to getaway from the daily hustle and bustle.

Guests can stay in any of 41 villa style rooms, and enjoy the panoramic views of the bay and sea from either their private terrace or a balcony. The villas, with their high open ceilings in the bed and living room areas, were designed to pamper guests with luxury amenities.

Those who want peace and quiet will love the relaxing atmosphere and privacy that these villas offer.  They can just lounge in comfort in the hammocks at the terraces, or spend time looking for great conversational pieces in the original decors.  They can  take a dip at the private Jacuzzi tub, if not enjoy refreshing rain showers in the garden bathrooms. Or, they can call in for therapists from the resort’s Ayurvedic Spa to enjoy some ancient Indian healing techniques. They can even just call in-room dining for a satisfying meal without leaving their safe haven.

The pampering services continue outside the rooms, and those looking for some interesting fun times can enjoy food and drinks at The Restaurant, which offers a la carte Mediterranean delights with Asian tastes in an open-air setting; The Pool Bar, which is partially integrated into the swimming pool; and The Lounge Bar, with its great views from the terrace, exhilarating evening breeze, and live music. The underground Wine Cellar, quite unique in Phuket, offers a feel of the Bordeaux region just two flights of stairs down.

The heart of the property is the large free form swimming pool, and here, guests can enjoy stunning views at all times. Adjacent to the pool is the famous Ayurveda Destination Spa, and the Fitness Center. For those in Phuket for business, the resort has meeting room with a view – the 130sqm octagonal shaped Multimedia Room located on top of the lobby – which creates an inspiring atmosphere for events up to 70 people.

And when the itch to explore kicks in, the resort’s free shuttle bus can take you a short, scenic ride to Rawai and Nai Harn Beach, one of Phuket’s best beaches; if not to the Phromthep Cape, known for its sunset views; the Big Buddha; Kata Beach; and to other areas for shopping, seafood dining, and bars. There is also a dedicated guest assistance service desk to help you in experiencing more of the island. Admittedly, the resort is not for every one. For example, those with walking handicaps will find the resort a bit inconvenient (there are no lifts or escalators), and those who like the eternal parties in Patong will need a ride to save on time and money for their fun. But those looking for a quiet hideaway and some tranquil relaxing time, or couples on some romantic errands will find Golden Tulip Mangosteen just the place for their Phuket holiday.

Contact Details:
Golden Tulip Mangosteen Resort & Spa
99/4 Moo 7, Phuket
Tel: 076 289-399
E-mail: info@goldentulipmangosteen.com