Island View: Beauty, boats and bays

PHUKET: Waking up on a boat in Phang Nga Bay fills a person with wonder. Looking out across the bay, a magical, surreal sensation consumes you. It is not waking up from a dream, but waking up into one; the calm azure sea weaves its way around countless limestone outcroppings, the karst topography almost an extension of the water’s flow.

It gives a yachtie, and their lucky passengers, the sense of waking up in a fantastical museum. The tiny jungle-topped islands are sculptures in front of you, tempting your imagination to explore beyond what seems like reality. As the sun slowly rises up above the horizon and its light starts to play with colors, blues become vibrant – going green in shallow waters and gaining intensity in deeper areas. I would imagine each person sees this beauty in a slightly different way.

With these cruising grounds at our doorstep, it is no surprise that the inaugural Thailand Yacht Show is taking place in Phuket. Of course it is not just the beauty of the region – there are many beautiful places in the world. Thailand is the land of smiles, with our hospitality being our international cultural signature. And Phuket is a shining pearl of an example of such hospitality.

There are five-star and six-star resorts that understand how to cater to ultra-high-net-worth individuals. In stride with the luxury resorts and residences are restaurants – from mom-and-pop local digs with deep, authentic flavors, to exotic fusion set-menus developed by world-class chefs.

It is simple enough to just anchor along one of the many stunning beaches in the region, jump on board your tender and walk directly into a world-class restaurant.

Without a doubt, Phuket is a good choice for the Thailand Yacht Show. Equally important, however, is the fact that the Thailand Yacht Show is good for Phuket, and the country as a whole. With the full support of the national government, the Thailand Yacht Show is an important step forward for the country. This show will be ushering in large economic benefits for locals, both directly and indirectly involved in the marine industry.

Though marinas in Phuket are making enormous strides to ensure they have the capacity to work with superyachts, we shouldn’t forget that Thailand’s 3,219km of coastline is spotted with marinas, all with their own unique charm and utility.

With Phuket at the center of all of this marine activity, we are developing a playground for those who feel a deep connection to the sea and the wonders nestled behind this facet of Thailand.