Phuket Property – Andaman Bay aims to remain green

PHUKET: Andaman Bay is a multi-faceted and sophisticated ocean-front community, designed both to enjoy the natural benefits of its location and to demonstrate the real ability of such communities to care for and maintain the natural beauty of its setting.

So says Jack Le Breton, Project Design Manager at the Andaman Bay, Phang Nga Resort Destination.

This community is built around a range of waterfront dining and lifestyle outlets set within a low-rise village context. It also provides enhanced public interaction with the beaches of Thai Muang.

At the same time, great care is being taken to avoid encroachment onto that coastline, with the residential design configured to avoid both light and noise pollution onto the beach. The quality of water within the environment, the responsible use of fresh water reserves and its subsequent re-cycling, remain important considerations from the individual residence up to the operation of the 18-hole golf course.

Within the planned facilities and in addition to a range of residential and leisure options, amenities include swimming pools, tennis and squash courts, a gymnasium and spa, sailing, golf, running and cycling paths, indoor and outdoor play areas, plus a wellness clinic to serve both the residents and the local community.

A hospitality and culinary school and a marine conservatory facility for research into the health and population of local marine, life including turtles, are features that will also benefit the local population.

The design places the yacht marina inland in a sheltered environment, both in order to protect the boats themselves and to minimize impact on the beach front.

Jack Le Breton said he welcomed comments by Mr Pichete Sathirachwan, Thailand Trade Representative, during his recent visit to the site.

Supporting the project design and noting the development is environmentally responsible and will provide employment for several thousand local people.

“The project is especially concerned about the environment, and that is the project’s selling point. Having this project means there is good support for the tourism sector and a large investment,” said Mr Pichete.

Mr Le Breton confirmed that Andaman Bay has gone to great lengths to ensure the environmental sustainability of the site. For example, they are in the process of transplanting some 170 existing trees to a nursery on site for later replanting throughout the development, with many more to follow.

Buildings across the entire project are designed at a low-to-medium height to blend in with the surrounding environment, and to be enhanced by the presence of mature trees.

“We also support Khun Pichete’s comments about the project’s sustainable tourism potential. We believe the design will fully complement the natural beauty of the site and that it will be a ‘sanctuary’ in Phang Nga for owners, customers and guests to enjoy a carefully stewarded resort environment.

“Plans for the project are still in a conceptual stage, and we are in the process of obtaining necessary environmental and other approvals. As this is an ongoing requirement involving many different parties, we are at present not in a position to give out further information.

“As we realise any approvals for the project require local consultation, we have already conducted some meetings with Phang Nga authorities and local community members to ensure a mutual agreement. So far the project has received strong support from local residents,” said Le Breton

“We believe Andaman Bay will, as Khun Pichete has pointed out, be a valuable addition to Phang Nga’s tourism, and a strong boost to local resources and employment.

“Exceptional care is being taken to ensure the project is highly complementary to the region’s environment,” he added.