Multi-dimensional waterpark and entertainment complex for Phuket

PHUKET'S tourism industry has received a major shot in the arm with the unveiling of Blue Tree Phuket, a USD40 million investment (undiscloed local and overseas investors) and multi-dimensional destination waterpark and entertainment complex set over 140 rai in Cherng Talay. 

Positioned as Phuket’s premier family attraction, Blue Tree is located within easy reach of Phuket’s popular central west coast and will be the island’s first international-standard, fully integrated waterpark and family entertainment complex, placing it at the cutting-edge of a growing demand for inland tourism on the island. 

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

A little piece of paradise

PHUKET is celebrating its most recent award after being named the ‘Second Best Beach in the World’ by prestigious business publication US News & World Report. It continues to win accolades from major international media for its white sands, aquamarine waters and limestone cliffs that attract millions of travellers to #Thailand every year. 

This island was hailed as “a little piece of paradise” according to the magazine. #Phuket also continues to expand its appeal as it shifts upmarket. It is also quickly established itself as one of the superyacht hubs of Southeast Asia, a tropical playground for various groups of quality tourists who enjoy all the finer things in life that the island has to offer. 

Along with its tropical appeal, Phuket beckons to travellers wanting to experience its world-famous cuisine. Phuket was listed by UNESCO as a Gastronomic City in 2015 and will be included in the Michelin Guide Bangkok, Phuket and Phang Nga 2019.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Michelin Guide Bangkok expands for 2019

FOLLOWING the introduction in December 2017 of the first Michelin Guide Bangkok 2018, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to announce that this year will see the launch of an expanded edition also covering Phuket and Phang Nga and with increased focus on Bangkok’s inner zone and surrounding provinces. 

The Michelin Guide Bangkok, Phuket and Phang Nga 2019 will be released at the end of this year, in the same bilingual Thai and English format and in both print and digital versions. 

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Better Together: An Asian Adventure

PLANNING a family holiday can be a daunting task; and to help alleviate some of the stress, Amari properties across Thailand’s beach destinations in Hua Hin, Phuket and Koh Samui, as well as Johor Bahru in Malaysia, have created getaways just for the family.

Take in the Andaman Blues with Amari Phuket - The largest island in Thailand, Phuket is the perfect base to explore Thailand’s south. Located on a tranquil end of Patong Beach, Amari Phuket is a calming retreat just a stone’s throw away from bustling activities of Patong; filled with beachside activities, markets for exploring the local way of life, and plenty of adventures to keep the little ones occupied.

Theme Park Fun with Amari Johor Bahru - Centrally located in the city, Amari Johor Bahru makes it easy to explore this unique spot in the southern tip of Peninsula Malaysia. From delicious food and street art, to the Angry Birds Activity Park just a short walk from the hotel, the city has activities for the whole family.

Enjoy an Island Escape with Amari Koh Samui - Freshen up on the island of coconuts, Koh Samui. This island in the Gulf of Thailand is renowned for its vast coconut plantations and offers a unique perspective to the south with its picturesque beaches and rolling hills providing plenty of activities for the family. Nearby is Angthong National Marine Park, home to 42 islands. A highlight of the park is Emerald Lake, a stunning inland saltwater lagoon that is a must-see.

Splash Away at a Waterpark with Amari Hua Hin - Beat the tropical heat with a day at a waterpark with Amari Hua Hin, which is ideal for a quick jaunt from Bangkok as this royal seaside retreat is only a three-hour drive away. The city has been the go-to seaside escape for Bangkok residents as well as tourists alike. Amari Hua Hin offers the perfect break from bustling Bangkok, providing guests with a haven to slow down and relax. Hua Hin is also home to Vana Nava, the only jungle-themed water park in Thailand with waterslides and activities for all ages, including a dedicated Kids Zone water playground so even the little ones can cool off.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Three Centara resorts are the best hotels for families

TRIPADVISOR has just released its prestigious Traveler’s Choice Awards for their users’ favourite #hotels. In the #family category, Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort in Pattaya was ranked number 1 in #Thailand. Centara Grand Beach Resort in Phuket was number 4 and Centara Karon Beach Resort, also in Phuket, was number 7.

This year marks the third time Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort has won TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice award for family-friendly accommodations. Other Centara resorts in Thailand have received the recognition from TripAdvisor users each year since 2014. Centara was also recently listed among Smart Travel Asia’s Hot 25 Family Hotels.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK 

Picture Credit: pintrest

The world's most scenic regatta

MORE than 250 sailors representing 21 nationalities have signed-up for the iconic The Bay Regatta held January 31 to February, 2018 in Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi provinces. 

A four day travelling regatta around Phang Nga Bay that stops at a different anchorage each evening for a party under-the-stars, The Bay Regatta is famous for visiting some of the region’s best beachfront spots. Often referred to as the “fun regatta” and the “world’s most scenic regatta”, it is a regatta like no other and one that attracts the serious and less serious racers. 

“The Bay Regatta’s route is unique. While most regattas head to open water, we race around the islands and why wouldn’t you when you have the spectacular scenery of Phang Nga Bay on your doorstep?” commented Ms. Kae Wattana, Managing Director of organisers Regattas Asia.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Up in the air . . .

THE Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to welcome the launch of new Turkish Airlines flights to Phuket in Southern Thailand. Phuket, one of the world’s best known beach destinations with a number of award-winning beaches voted for by tourists, will host the airline’s four direct flights per week from Istanbul.

Turkish Airlines inaugurated its Istanbul-Phuket route on 17 July with the first flight carrying 210 passengers, including 20 members of the media from Turkey. The journalists and writers also got the chance to visit important attractions in Phuket and nearby provinces, including Phuket Old Town, Wat Chalong, Siam Niramit Phuket and James Bond Island.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

TripAdvisor rates five Thai destinations as Best in Asia for 2017

FIVE of Asia’s most loved destinations of 2017 are in #Thailand, according to a poll of the top 25 taken by the popular international travel website TripAdvisor, which has recently released its Travellers’ Choice listings for the year.

The southern resort islands of Phuket, Ko Samui and Ko Tao and the cities of Bangkok and Chiang Mai were all named in the Top 25 of the Best #Destinations in Asia for 2017. Phuket took 3rd place with Samui and Ko Tao coming in the 7th and 15th place, respectively. Ever-popular Bangkok was 8th on the list and Chiang Mai came 12th.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Tourists banned from three more Thai islands

THAI authorities have ordered the removal of all tourist facilities on three small islands off Phuket, citing coral damage due to the sheer volume of sightseers. All tourist related structures including shops and restaurants will be removed from Koh Khai Nok, Koh Khai Nui, and Koh Khai Nai islands, and designated areas only will be set aside for boat trips in the area.

The Thai government recently closes off the island of Koh Tachai in the Andaman Sea for similar reasons.

‘We want operators and guides in #PhangNga and surrounding areas to understand the rules and procedures in conducting a tour to prevent further damage to our marine natural resources and the coastal area. They must practice environmentally- friendly tourism,’ said the government’s department of marine and coastal resources.

‘Tour groups spend at least three hours swimming, feeding fish, and snorkelling in the water, which severely damages the marine ecosystem, especially on coral reefs.’

A report by the Phuket Marine Biology Centre said more than 60 speedboats a day visit the area.

Officials are clearing all beach umbrellas and beach chairs in the area. Shops and restaurants on the #KohKhai #islands will be removed.


Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Picture Credit: Longtail boat</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin