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Phuket, The Pearl of the Andaman Sea.The centre of a thriving tourist trade and a paradise island well known as the heart of the action. But is it just tourist tack or a hideaway heaven?By Rowena Carr-AllinsonPhuket's main income is tourism and it's quite clear as soon as you arrive on the island that everything is geared towards those in search of sea, sun and more...The island does have its fair share of seedy areas, Patong and Karon Beach among the most flagrant, but there is far more to the Pearl of the Andaman. Activities abound on this tourist haven with a reputation for the best beaches in Thailand. Whatever your taste, you will find something to suit you. Play Rambo at the local shooting range (for a few pounds you can fire a dozen rounds at a target with your choice of weapon); or if you prefer more sporting challenges, there's snorkelling or diving. And if you fancy dancing the night away there's an array of neon lit clubs along the seaside. If you are staying for several days it's worth renting a car (cheap at around £14, insurance and taxes included, per day) which will enable you to escape from your resort - should you wish to - and explore the island's many nooks and crannies, from the seedier sides of Patong and Karon Beach to the more unspoilt Phuket Town and the many nature reserves. For wildlife fans, Phuket is home to a Gibbon rehabilitation park. There's also the Sirinath Marine National Park where the Marriot hotel is helping endangered turtles along its 17 kilometre beach. The giant leatherbacks nest here from November to February and their babies are released in a special ceremony during the famous Songkran festival (Thai New Year) in April. For more adventurous souls, elephant trekking is available in Kaho Sok, but be warned - the drive to the jungle is a good three hours. It's worth doing your homework as some tour companies will take you to elephant camps where the mahouts use cruel methods of control, including hitting the animal with a metal claw. It's best to ask in advance and know what to expect. Diving in Phuket has been compared to diving in the Maldives. Only two hotels on the island have diving schools on site, one of which is the Evason. For amateur fishermen, deep-sea fishing is another choice with tuna, marlin, sailfish and barracuda potentially on the menu. TheEvason pool villas in Phuket are especially breathtaking with their infinity-edge pools and paradise-like sea view across the islands. Each villa is assigned its own butler who is at your beck and call. In Phuket, an extra attraction is the resort's private island: Bon Island. Hop onto the longtail boat and ten minutes later you arrive on the secluded beach. Here, you can laze around in the sun, eat lunch or swim and snorkel among the friendly and fearless tropical fish. The staff can also arrange visits and excursions to neighbouring islands such as Phi Phi and arrange private beach picnics. If you're in the mood for romance the hotel can organise a sunset cruise or a moonlit expedition under the stars. The Evason resort offers an elaborate schedule of activities should you wish to partake in a spot of aerobics, archery, Thai boxing or try to learn the art of Thai cooking. Both resorts have a spa with outdoor massage pavilions where you can have your treatment al fresco looking out over the fabulous view. Should you fancy a bite to eat the hotel’s restaurants have a wide and appetising menu. Indulge in spicy coconut, crab & lemongrass bisque; prawn & chilli ricepaper rolls; or Maldivian vegetable curry. If that doesn't tickle your taste buds you can hop on the regular shuttle and treat yourself to a meal out in town. Breakfast is a veritable feast, an eat-as-much-as-you-can extravaganza offering everything from eggs, pancakes, salads, fresh fruit to waffles and even curry. Alongside coffee and tea some guests even opted for the champagne: total indulgence and bravery in this heat, if you ask me! And if you prefer to eat in your room you can order snacks such as poached eggs and ham on toasted sour dough with a smoked paprika hollandaise; three egg omelette with smoked roma tomatoes and basil; vanilla and cinnamon French toast with roasted banana, bacon and toasted hazelnuts...need I go on? FOR FURTHER INFORMATION :The Evason Phuket Resort and Spa
Mai Khao Marine Turtle Protection
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