Phuket 23 Jul 06

It has been very hectic for the past couple of weeks. Decided to take a short break to Phuket. I cant remember when was the last time I was there before the tsunami but it always bring back fond memories of the sun and the sea.

Stayed over at the Phuket Pavilion. It was a private villa with a one room bungalow and a private pool overlooking the sea. It was a lovely place. From the receptionist, the buggy took me all the way up to my own little villa. The whole place was built on a small hill with the villas all occupying the slope. It is only about 10mins drive away from the airport and there are three nearby golf courses. Golf at famed Blue Canyon, 'one of the most beautiful golf courses in Asia' or mangrove-fringed, Nicklaus-designed Mission Hills. Or the lagoons, coconut groves and fairways of Laguna Phuket Golf Club.

The villa itself is so spacious that it just felt so relaxing. Felt just like a home. The bed faces the pool and the ocean and waking up every morning to smell the sea breeze makes it feel so eternal. Don't even feel like doing anything and it has been such a long time that I felt totally nice. Had a spa massage in the late afternoon in the room (prob costs me S$100) for 60mins. It felt great to stretch the muscles.. Swam easy for an hour each morning just simple stroking - it ook less than 10 strokes to cover the 12m length pool. And read a novel under the pavilion after the morning golf. I would have been roasted if not for the cloudy skies..

Took the free hotel limo to the nearby Layan Beach. It was a very long stretch of beach with a great ocean view. Sheraton and Banyan Tree are located along the coastline. The driver dropped me off at one end and told me to give him a call when I am ready to get back. The sea breeze was fabulous. I thought it was going to be a wonderful afternoon walking the beach till 4 wild dogs came running out of nowhere. I thought they looked more like hyenas with drooling saliva and very sharp teeth. It caught me by surprise on the deserted stretch of beach with no help in sight. The nearest bar looked like 1km away. And I dont think I can outrun a four legged creature. Even step I take, they came closer till they are like 2 metres nearer. Darned!

Guessed I couldn't run so I stood there for abt 10mins till someone came along from a distance and the dogs ran to him. He looked as if he belonged to one of the nearby construction site. I was a bit pissed that I reminded myself to file a complain when I go back to the hotel. Walked on to a bar nearby - Reggge Bar. And took a couple of bourbon cokes there while watching the sea horizon. It was nice with the sun and the sea breeze.

Proceeded to Patpong Beach later in the evening by taking a cab. Prob around THB900 one way. It looked unchanged to me; I would have thought that things might look different ater the tsunami. I love the Thai food for the spiciness. Had a fried garoupa with chilli, king prawns, oysters, tom yam soup and blah blah.... and it came down to less than S$50 a person. Went around strolling the streets.

Also went to see the Simon Cabaret. It was funny to watch them mimicking, singing in different languages like chinese, jap and korea. Guessed they just have to cater to the tourist crowd. Only 1-2 of the "actresses" look feminine. Well, as long as they are happy.

One of the best weekends I ever had. Will love to go back to the Pavilion with my golf buddies. Just so private and homely that it was just absolute bliss.

http://www.phuketpavilions.com/