New Adventures are on

Posted on February 5th, 2022

Time has truly flown since the world locked itself down and holidays were paused for us all, but as you will be aware, the world is starting to wake up from these darker times and the bright holiday sunshine is appearing once again.

Like many businesses, we are starting to regroup, our teams are slowly coming back together, and we are shaking off this past two years with a new-found energy, ready to welcome you in this shiny new year.

With this in mind, we wanted to start reaching out to inspire your future holidays, in the same way we have always done, just this time a little more bite-sized.

For those of you who subscribe, we will share a little monthly round-up of what’s happening on the islands of Phuket and Koh Samui and across our resorts. This will be the first of our newsletters, and together with our reinvigorated social media stories, we aim to keep you up to date with anything we feel may interest and inspire you.

So, what did you miss this past season on the islands?

Well, Thailand successfully reopened its borders on the 1^st November, with a common-sense approach for International travellers to return with minimum fuss and maximum safety, with the introduction of the new Thailand Pass, currently available to low-risk countries.

And with this, both Absolute Twin Sands Resort & Spa and The Beach Samui have been awarded ‘SHA Extra Plus (SHA++)’ certification by the Thailand Tourist Authority’s Health & Safety Administration. This demonstrates our resorts meet exceptional levels of cleanliness with our teams fully vaccinated.

And as more and more airlines reopen routes to the islands, our teams have been overjoyed to welcome back the first guests, who have been delighted with the chance to experience Thailand in such rare, quieter times.

Thailand has had chance to rejuvenate, and the true beauty of our national parks are now being revealed, most marine life has returned and crystal clear waters and uncrowded beaches are being enjoyed once again. The islands are more breathtaking than ever, and with fewer tourists, now is an incredible time to holiday.

With a higher conscious surrounding health, and most of the population now vaccinated, nightlife is also returning to normal. Street markets are opening once again and Phuket now enjoys a weekly food festival on Patong Beach.

And as restrictions are carefully reduced, the island of Phuket has played host to a couple of international events. Namely, the ‘Miss Grand International’ pageant and the ‘Golden Fly Series’, the World’s first ever in-city athletics tour.

A-listers have even started to return as film companies clamber to make the most if this truly special quieter time. Academy Award winner and Australian Gladiator Russell Crowe was joined by American actor and heartthrob Zac Efron. Both arrived under the Phuket Sandbox program, tweeting several times as to how much they enjoyed their stay while shooting upcoming war drama, ‘The Greatest Beer Run Ever’.

And this New Year, the island will welcome one of the world’s most beloved tenors, Andrea Bocelli, who will perform at Phuket’s New Year countdown at Saphan Hin public park.

And the excitement of this reawakening resonates through our resorts, as more and more of our ambassadors start to return to work.

The Beach Samui continues to be managed under the love and care of Khun Rung and her team. Khun Rung has been with us since opening and her warm and wonderful manner is one of the many reasons our members and guests return year on year to the island of Samui.

And at Twin Sands we welcome back a familiar face, David Cruikshank, whom many of you will remember in his longstanding position as Food & Beverage Manager, and who now returns to oversee our Front of House team, Food & Beverage, Transport and our Spa, as Executive Assistant Manager, under Absolute Resorts General Manager, Michael Massey.

We are also delighted to welcome Executive Chef Khun Non, who joins us from The Conrad Koh Samui and previously Le Meridian Khoa Lak, who will oversee all resort restaurants at both Twin Sands and Bangla Suites.

And under the guidance of Khun Non, Executive Sous Chef Khun Pat, who joins us from the Four Seasons Koh Samui and previously The Pullman Khao Lak and The Conrad Koh Samui.

180º Wellness also enjoys a new face in Spa Manager Khun Nina, who brings over 20 years’ experience in spa management to head up the team.

And under this reinvigorated team our resort restaurants and spa are now open once again with new and exciting menus and a host of new ideas to make your holidays more memorable than ever.

And to make sure you have the best possible return to your holiday home from home next year, you will receive 25% of your Annual Management Fee charge back in the form of Resort Credit at any of our Resort Restaurants and Wellness during 2022.

So, let us now take this opportunity to wish you all a warm and wonderful Christmas, and may your new year be blessed with health, happiness and adventure once again.

From faces old and new, we can’t wait to welcome you back in 2022.

Happy Loy Krathong

Posted on November 19th, 2021

Category: Absolute Resorts Featured

Today is Loy Krathong and across Thailand people are honouring Lord Buddha with a spectacular festival of light. Thailand has many wonderful festivals and Loy Krathong takes place on the twelfth lunar month and is by far one of the most captivating.

‘Loy’ means to float and a ‘Krathong’ is a small handmade raft carrying candles and incense symbolising the letting go of grudges, problems and anger so that one can start life afresh – a cleansing tradition of sorts.

In Phuket, you need not go far to see the island come alive by candlelight and it will certainly become one of your fondest memories of this beautiful Kingdom.

HOW TO MAKE A KRATHONG & CREATE YOUR OWN LOY KRATHONG FESTIVAL

You will need:

1. A slice of Banana trunk or you can use a paper bowl

2. Banana leaves (cut into narrow strips: approximately 4” x 6”) or you can use other indigenous green leaves

3. Pins

4. Flowers of your choice

5. Incense sticks

6. Candle

HOW TO ASSEMBLE YOUR KRATHONG:

1. Cut or slice your banana trunk – or place your paper bowl in front of you – this will be the Kratong’s base. The banana trunk is commonly recommended because it easily serves as the Kratong’s natural floating base but of course these are not widely available outside of tropical countries such as Thailand.

2. Shape your leaves into triangles since they will form a coronet around the base of the Krathong.

3. Attach the leaves around the sliced banana trunk or bowl. Make sure that the leaves are pointing upward. Use small pins to hold the leaves into place. You should now have something that resembles a crown.

4. Attach another layer of banana leaves onto the sliced banana trunk or bowl. This time, have the leaves appear alternately with the first layer.

5. Finish the Kratong boat by placing a small candle, flowers, three incense sticks, and some coins.

HOW TO PARTAKE IN THE FESTIVAL

If you’re new to this celebration, the first thing you will need to do is find an open body of water, which of course is super easy in Phuket. You will then need to light the incense sticks and candle. You, your friends and family should then proceed to hold each Krathong. Once you’ve done that, you should all make a wish, and then place the Krathong on water and give it a gentle push.

Your troubles will be carried away, while your wishes and prayers will be offered up with the incense and glowing candle. It’s as easy and as magical as that!

Now that you have an insight into this impressive cultural celebration, you’ll be able to forge unforgettable Loy Krathong memories with your family and friends.

Thailand is open for holidays and we cannot wait to guide you back

Posted on November 18th, 2021

Category: Absolute Resorts Featured

That long-awaited dream of relaxing on a tropical beach, loved ones by your side, drink in hand, is fast becoming a reality for most of us. The Thai government’s common sense approach for international travelers to return, with minimum fuss and maximum safety, sees the introduction of the new Thailand Pass, currently available to 63 low-risk countries.

And Absolute Twin Sands Resort & Spa team are delighted to have been awarded SHA+ certification and ready to welcome you back to holiday amidst the sights, smell, sounds and sheer beauty of Thailand once again.

Phuket’s fascinating food scene

Posted on March 24th, 2020

Category: Absolute Hotels Absolute Resorts

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and one of the wealthiest in terms of diversity, culture and traditions.

Being a big island means that there are plenty of places to eat and here are a few local food places that we assure you will want to go back again and again (without burning a hole in your pocket).

One Chun Cafe & Restaurant

If you like Thai food, this is a must-try restaurant in Phuket Town. One Chun meaning ‘Monday’ in Thai, this family-friendly restaurant serves an authentic southern Thai cuisine. One Chun is very popular among the locals and tourists due to the delicious Thai food at affordable prices and Instagram-worthy quirky vintage décor.

Tuck into a feast and enjoy popular dishes from pork belly, crab curry, pak miang (Southern Thai vegetable) and sator (spicy sticky beans) and more.

48/1 Dibuk Rd, Tambon Talat Yai, Phuket
1000 to 2200 (Daily)
Picture credit: One Chun ‘s Facebook

Khun Jeed’s Rad Na Restaurant

Rad Na is a Thai-style rice-noodle dish with meat, seafood and vegetables in a gravy-like sauce. Khun Jeed’s Rad Na restaurant is one of Phuket’s long-running Rad Na place on the island. The restaurant is located on Phang Nga Road, in the heart of Phuket Town, which is a few steps away from the vintage On On Hotel.

The restaurant was established over 20 years ago. It is very visible when you walk past it because of its bright yellow exterior and the long queue from outside of the restaurant, especially during lunch hours.

Phangnga Road, Phuket Town
0930 to 2015 pm (Sun to Thu)
Closed on Wednesday

Suay Restaurant

Suay meaning ‘Beautiful’ in Thai. Immerse yourself in this modern Thai cuisine, creatively prepared with the stimulating mix of freshly sourced local and regional ingredients with European cooking techniques. This unique restaurant offers delicious food at affordable prices.

Daily signature dishes Phuket Papillote (baked sea bass with local vegetables and turmeric butter), Grilled lemongrass lamb chops with papaya salad, Phuket Paella and more.

Address: Various locations in Phuket

Visit Website at http://www.suayrestaurant.com/

Rawai Seafood Market

If you are a fan of seafood, then Rawai Seafood Market is the “must visit” place in Phuket. Rawai beach is a scenic beach with small fishing boats used to harvest a selection of seafood. Rawai Seafood Market started as a local fishing village where the locals buy the fresh catch to take home. Over the years, the small market has grown and became famous. You can buy live seafood from the stalls and go across the street to one of the restaurants where the cooks will prepare and serve the items you bought. It is a very busy place but a worth experiencing especially for seafood lovers.

Rawai Pier, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket
1100 to 2100 (Daily)

Slowing down in Phuket Town

Posted on February 24th, 2020

Category: Absolute Hotels Absolute Resorts

In Phuket’s historic old town, a different world presents itself. A surprising counterpoint to the island’s internationally renowned beach scene, Phuket town is a world unto its own, filled with history, culture, and rich culinary heritage.

Phuket isa mountainous island covered in forests and rubber plantations and surrounded by the warm waters of the Andaman Sea. With sandy beaches and abundant sea life, tropical paradise attracts pleasure seekers from all over the world. Yet, it was a very different reason that drew early migrants to Phuket—they migrated here in the search for tin.

As far back as the early 1800s, Phuket’s lucrative tin mines attracted immigrants from China, Penang, Malacca, and other parts of Southeast Asia. As with the European and Arab traders, the Chinese pioneers brought with them their customs, food, art, and religion, adding to the mishmash of culture that has made Phuket so wonderfully rich.

Most of this culture can be observed and experienced in Phuket town, where the early migrants settled. These voyagers had built grand mansions, lively markets, and intricate temples that reminded them of their homelands.

Take a walk around Phuket town today, and you can still see reminders of this glorious past—century-old temples take their place alongside beautifully constructed Sino-Portuguese shophouses, many of which have been converted to hostels, cafes, family-style restaurants, and even ice-cream parlours. It is worthwhile wandering into some of these narrow and long shophouses. In times gone by, traders used the front of these ornate shophouses to go about their businesses, and the back of the building to house their families. There is usually an open-air courtyard inside too, to allow for ventilation in the humid tropical heat.

The main drag of Phuket Town is Thalong Road, which cuts the town centre from east to west. Today, it remains the historical heart of old Phuket, with rows of beautifully restored shophouses on both sides of the road. Walking along Thalong Road is just like stepping back in time. The old-world charm is palpable.

On Sundays, Thalong Road takes on a different air. The road is closed off to traffic from 1600 to 2200, giving space to over 150 stalls to set up their business right on the road.

These stalls sell everything from handmade souvenirs to local street snacks and desserts like coconut ice-cream, fried chicken, fishball, fried quail egg, and even horseshoe crab salad. But perhaps what makes this Sunday walking street most special is its creative energy. Here, many young Thai artists were putting up street performances, and creative types were showcasing their novel designs and ideas. (Even though it poured when we were there, the industrious stall owners were still peddling their wares!)

Intricately handcrafted souvenirs at the Sunday Walking Street.

Besides Thalong Road, there are also little lanes called sois that lead to even more curious and interesting finds. The best way to explore these sois is to wander around. But don’t miss Soi Romanee. This narrow street is laden with a colourful history. If the walls of the shophouses lining Soi Romanee could talk, they would tell you stories of a time when the area was a well-known red-light district. This was where tin miners came looking for other pleasures. Today, atmospheric Soi Romanee is one of Phuket town’s most photographed streets.

To enjoy a panoramic view of Phuket Town, head to Khao Rang. Rising just 140 metres above sea level, Khao Rang is a short ride away by car and provides a wonderful view of Phuket Town, the tranquil onshore islands, Chalong Bay, and even the Big Buddha, one of Phuket’s most iconic landmarks covered in glorious white Burmese marble and measuring 45 metres tall. There is also a statue of Ratsada Korsimbi Na Ranong on Khao Rang itself. Ratsada was a governor of Phuket who modernised the tin mining industry, helping to shape Phuket Town and the rest of the island.

On the culinary front, Phuket has come a long way too. It was the first Asian city to be named by UNESCO as a City of Gastronomy. To give you a flavour of what this world kitchen has to offer, check out “Food Places in Phuket You Won’t Get Tired Of’ as you will discover some of the most well-loved food places. It’s an insider’s guide to the timeless tastes of old Phuket.

Phuket Town steams ahead with 22nd Phuket Food Festival

Posted on February 19th, 2020

Category: Absolute Hotels Absolute Resorts

The 22nd Phuket Food Festival 2020 will get underway on Feb 27 and continue through to Mar 4, Phuket Town Deputy Mayor Kawee Tansuktanon announced yesterday (Feb 18).

The fair will be held at Saphan Hin Park, with chairs set for 1,000 diners, Mr Kawee told a press conference held in Phuket Town.

The event is being held to boost the support and promote local restaurants, and to attract foreign tourists and local residents to try local dishes and delicacies – and to uphold Phuket Town’s status as a “City of Gastronomy” as bestowed by Unesco in 2015, Mr Kawee added.

Phuket Food Vendors Association President Sucha Liewrungroj explained that the annual fair will get underway with a grand opening ceremony at 6:30pm.

Mr Sucha also said that special efforts were being made to make this year’s event environmentally friendly by having different bins set out to separate different types of trash – and banning the use of foam and plastic containers.

“Some stalls will give customers who bring their own containers a B5 discount,” he said.

“There will be more than 100 booths offering interesting foods at the festival, such as local Phuket dishes, fresh seafood and healthy foods. More than 1,000 seats will be also arranged for people to sit down and enjoy their food,” he explained.

During the seven-day festival, a large board will be installed for people to write messages of support for Chinese people struggling to cope with the outbreak of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19), Mr Sucha added.

ABTA: The rise of wellness tourism

Posted on January 8th, 2020

Category: Absolute Hotels Absolute Resorts

Research from ABTA – The Travel Associationreveals that people are increasingly incorporating wellness into their holiday, with one in three (34%) people planning to take part in activities focussed on improving their wellbeing such as yoga, meditation, spa and holistic treatments or taking time away from tech.

Holidaymakers plan to spend almost four and a half hours each day (269 minutes) on average doing a combination of wellness activities – with the most time being spent avoiding technology such as smartphones, laptops and tablets. People will spend nearly two hours a day (108 minutes) on average, and a further quarter (24%) more than four hours a day (240 minutes or more), making a conscious effort to keep away from their gadgets.

Whilst holidaymakers are keen to avoid too much time spent on their devices, the popularity of wearable technology, which many people use to track their health and fitness activity, shows no sign of slowing down. One in ten (12%) people take an exercise tracker, such as a Fitbit, away with them, rising to one in five (20%) people in the North East.

Physical fitness is most important for holidaymakers who want to focus on wellness, two-thirds (67%) of people plan to do activities such as yoga, pilates and nature hikes – with more than one in ten (14%) planning to spend over four hours a day on them.

The next most popular wellness activities on the list are spa treatments (42%) and meditation/silent time (39%). Just over one in ten (14%) plan to try holistic therapies such as Reiki and chakra balancing. The main reason why people are planning to take part in wellness activities is to relax and unwind (60%), with young holidaymakers being the most likely to prioritise mental wellbeing (46% vs 35% average).

“Now is a good time to explore your options”

More people than ever are seeking ways to alleviate stress and boost wellbeing, and over two million UK holidaymakers are planning to take a wellness trip in the next 12 months. Trips are also up 20% globally since 2015, with most wellness holidays are taken in Europeand destinations such as Germany, France, Austria and Greece increasingly investing in this area.

Victoria Bacon, ABTA’s director of brand and business development, said: “Travel companies are increasingly catering to people who want to focus on their wellbeing when away – whether it’s incorporating it into their holiday or taking a dedicated wellness trip. From adventure to youth to cruise brands, we have a wide range of ABTA Members who can ensure holidaymakers get exactly what they want from their trip, such as offering accommodation that has specific facilities or comprehensive wellbeing programmes.

“With the start of a new year, many people turn their attention to holidays for the year ahead. It’s a great time to book as there is an abundance of deals and offers available, and an endless amount of choice too, so booking early helps you get the best value for money for the holiday of your choice. For those looking to get away, whether it’s to focus on physical or mental wellbeing, visit a popular destination or to try something new – now is a good time to explore your options.”

Oman’s Salam Air launches new flights to Phuket

Posted on January 7th, 2020

Category: Absolute Hotels Absolute Resorts

Oman-based low-cost carrier Salam Air adds direct flights to the global holiday hotspot of Phuket

Oman-based low-cost carrier Salam Air has launched direct flights from Muscat to Phuket, one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, known for it’s white sand beaches, deep blue waters, and lush green jungles.

The new link, launched earlier this week, initially operates three times a week on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, departing Muscat at 4am local time and arriving in Phuket at 1pm local time. The flight will depart Phuket at 1.45pm local time arriving in Muscat at 5.15pm local time.

Mohamed Ahmed, CEO of Salam Air said: “We are delighted to enter Thailand, a very promising destination for us, given the fact that Oman is a large tourism source market for this popular southeast Asia country.

“This new route demonstrates our commitment to continually expand our network. Expansion has been a top priority for us and we are proud to have recorded significant progress on this front this year since we have added several new destinations. We will continue with our network and fleet expansion in 2020.”

He added: “The sultanate has long established trade and people-to-people ties with Thailand and the country is a significant market for Oman. We believe the new services offered by Salam Air to Phuket will greatly contribute to the growth of tourism and trade of Thailand.”

Phuket boasts white sand beaches, deep blue waters, and lush green jungles. A major tourist destination, it is home to many high-end seaside resorts, spas and restaurants.

Salam Air also flies to domestic destinations including Muscat, Salalah and Suhar and international destinations to Abu Dubai, Dubai, Bahrain, Kuwait, Doha, Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, Tehran, Shiraz, Istanbul, Alexandria, Khartoum, Multan, Sialkot, Karachi, Dhaka, Chattogram, Kathmandu, and Colombo.

TAT targets 3.18 trillion Baht in tourism revenue for Thailand in 2020

Posted on January 6th, 2020

Category: Absolute Hotels Absolute Resorts

Citing favourable factors including the government’s 16 stimulus measures, its proactive marketing strategies and the country’s improved transportation infrastructure.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is expecting 3.18 trillion Baht in overall tourism revenue for Thailand in 2020, or a 4% year-on-year increase. This includes 2.02 trillion Baht from international tourists (up 3%) and 1.16 trillion Baht from domestic tourists (up 5%).

The outlook for 2020 follows the overall tourism situation in 2019, which is estimated to generate 3.06 trillion Baht (4% increase over 2018), comprising 1.96 trillion Baht (up 4%) from 39.77 million international tourists (also up 4%) and 1.10 trillion Baht (up 3%) from 167 million domestic trips (up 1%). Thailand welcomed the 39 millionth tourist on 27 December, 2019.

“TAT’s target for 2020 is based on several favourable factors, ranging from the government’s stimulus measures, TAT’s focussed marketing strategies and promotions of emerging destinations, new air routes and the positive outlook of international tourists to Thailand from key source markets.”

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor

The Thai government has launched 16 tourism stimulus measures aimed at stimulating more inbound travel, including the opening of more VAT refund shops and counters, 24-hour cross-border tourism on the Thai-Malaysian and Thai-Lao borders during weekends and holidays, the e-visa service and exemption of the visa-on-arrival fee until 30 April, 2020, and the 50% discount on airport landing fees for international flights from 1 December, 2019, to 30 April, 2020, to name but a few.

Thailand is also seeing new air routes, including Hangzhou-Chiang Rai, Sendai-Bangkok, Munich-Phuket, and Doha-Chiang Mai.

At the same time, some emerging Thai destinations have become more popular among international tourists and gained global recognition. Buri Ram ranked third on Airbnb’s list of 20 trending destinations to visit in 2020, while Sukhothai has been designated by UNESCO as a ‘Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art’.

Mr. Yuthasak said, “Leveraging these favourable factors and gearing up to mark the 60^th anniversary in 2020, TAT is committed to making travel and tourism the kingdom’s most economically promising, environmentally sustainable, and culturally vibrant sector.”

TAT’s marketing strategies also include the launch of “The MICHELIN Guide Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket & Phang Nga 2020.”

In 2020, TAT is seeing a positive outlook of international tourists to Thailand from several markets including the CLMV countries (Cambodia, Lao PDR., Myanmar, and Vietnam), Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, South Korea, Taiwan, India, Spain, Eastern Europe, Israel and the US. The Chinese, Singaporean and Middle Eastern markets are showing signs of recovery. Meanwhile, the Japanese, Hong Kong, European, Scandinavian, Australian and Latin American markets are expected to remain stable or show a slow growth.

Mr. Yuthasak said, “TAT is also preparing to overcome several challenges, including the effect from the China–US trade war, the rise in consumption tax in Japan, and Brexit. The strong Thai Baht, Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, World Expo 2020 Dubai and stimulus visa schemes from country competitors have also been taken into consideration when laying out our tourism marketing strategies.”

TAT Launches ‘Amazing Thailand Grand Sale Passport Privileges’

Posted on November 21st, 2019

Category: Absolute Hotels Absolute Resorts

Project to stimulate tourist spending during high season from 1 November, 2019, to 31 January, 2020.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched a new ‘Amazing Thailand Grand Sale Passport Privileges’ project to stimulate travel spending by tourists travelling within Thailand during the current high season from now to 31 January, 2020.

“We are working with strategic partners in both the public and private sectors to offer promotions and special privileges during the specific period for target markets. These include non-residence tourists who like to shop, especially those from China, Russia and the United Kingdom in addition to those visiting Thailand from neighbouring ASEAN countries.”

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT GOVERNOR

Over 200 participating shops in seven categories have joined in the initiative. The categories include department stores and shops; accommodation; restaurants, bars and cafes; spas; jewellery suppliers; hospitals, clinics and medical facilities plus entertainment and nightlife venues.

Sample ‘hot deals’ during the project include an offer by Thai Airways International for an extra baggage allowance of five kilogrammes for passengers with return air tickets on direct flights from Japan, South Korea, India and Cambodia, Lao PDR., Myanmar, Vietnam (CLMV), from now to 31 January, 2020.

Others include Thailand Post offering a discount 500 Baht per bill for international shipping with the EMS World service. Siam Paragon is offering a ONESIAM Tourist Privilege with discounts up to 30% off and six per cent downtown VAT refund at Siam Paragon.

To take advantage of the privileges, tourists are advised to visit www.passportprivileges.com to search for discounts as well as a list of participating vendors. The website is equipped with Google Translate to localise content into over 30 languages.

Visitors are invited to explore the various privileges on offer from the website. They must show their passport to the participating vendor to receive special deals and lifestyle benefits until the end of the promotion next year.