All Posts in "Features"

The NAI HARN Phuket unveils HAN-SHA rooftop sushi & sashi bar

The NAI HARN Phuket unveils HAN-SHA rooftop sushi & sashi bar with delicate cuts of fresh seafood to complement spectacular sea views

PHUKET, THAILAND: From 19 of June onwards, THE NAI HARN, Phuket’s original luxury beach hotel is further enhancing the unique by-the-sea experience it offers guests and visitors with the launch of Han-Sha, the island’s first rooftop sea view Sushi & Sashimi Bar.

Cleverly Integrated into the hotel’s stunning Reflections rooftop lounge, Han-Sha embraces the power of the five elements of nature: earth, wind, fire, water and space while serving mouthwatering sushi and sashimi bites overlooking Phuket’s best beach and the cerulean waters of Nai Harn Bay.

Specially appointed to source and prepare the finest imported Japanese seafood and ingredients, sushi specialist Chef Arnu will showcase his master culinary skills with live preparations to create an appetizing array of delectable dishes served at the custom designed Han-Sha bar.

THE NAI HARN’s General Manager, Frank Grassmann, believes sushi and sashimi fits perfectly with the rooftop ambiance while also matching modern global tastes. “Imported Japanese seafood dishes will appeal to our sophisticated guests and the many outside visitors we welcome daily at Reflections. Especially as a delicious addition during our sunset happy hour,” he said.

To complement the sushi, sashimi selections and mixed platters for two, the a la carte menu at Han-Sha includes a complimentary bowl of miso soup on arrival with salmon, seaweed or sashimi salads, signature maki rolls and nigiri, plus duos of sushi and sashimi. Succulent servings of tuna, Hokkaido scallop, octopus, roasted eel, king fish, surf clam, red snapper and shrimp create an extraordinary rooftop dining experience that adds to the extensive gourmet dining choices already available to lovers of fine food at THE NAI HARN.

Other exquisite dining options include Cosmo Restaurant with its impressive spread of international flavours and “Taste of the South of Thailand” specials, and the trendy Rock Salt restaurant right by the waters of the Andaman Sea, which takes diners on a diverse culinary journey through Eastern Mediterranean and North African cuisine.

Han-Sha Sushi and Sashimi Bar will open five days per week from Friday to Tuesday from 5.30pm until 9.30 pm daily within Reflections rooftop lounge at THE NAI HARN Phuket.

For more information visit www.thenaiharn.com or call +66 7638 0200-10.

The NAI HARN Phuket unveils HAN-SHA rooftop sushi & sashi bar with delicate cuts of fresh seafood to complement spectacular sea views

Phuketindex team by — June 27, 2017 in Features 0
JW Marriott Phuket Bolds the 5th Triumph of Health & Wellness Weekend Retreat

JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa Bolds the 5th Triumph of Health & Wellness Weekend Retreat (The 5th Reboot and Reevaluate Your Healthy Reality Check)
Movement as Medicine session with Hayden Rhodes

Phuket – June 26, 2017: The 18 wellness participants got their health checked and jumped for joy at the 5th Reboot & Reevaluate Your Healthy Reality Check’, hosted by JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa’s Mandara Spa, luxury spa in Phuket. The annual wellness workshop took place from June 15 – 18 and was conducted by life coach extraordinaire Hayden Rhodes from Royal Phuket Marina Health Club; The nutritional specialist Craig Burton; Phuket’s own yoga aficionado Kim White; The gifted artist Christine Reilly and last but not least, certified pure therapeutic grand essential oils Kathy Russell. The Executive Chef Dietmar Spitzer and his skilled kitchen team spiced up the wellness workshop with 4-day nutritious meals.

All participants who are passionate in health and wellness, embarked on a journey toward a more complete understanding of the relationship between mind and body, learned the basics of yoga, meditation, life tips and personal nutrition, apply aromatherapy and art therapy to healing on every level; physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa Bolds the 5th Triumph of Health & Wellness Weekend Retreat (The 5th Reboot and Reevaluate Your Healthy Reality Check)
Gentle rise & shine find your flow, fun practical session on Mai Khao Beach

The wellness workshop kicked off with a gentle rise & shine find your flow and movement as medicine session by Hayden Rhodes, a vitality and celebrity coach who quoted that “Sitting is the new smoking”, the participants practiced the mindful walking and breathing – being aware of each step and of our breath while moving over thousand steps around in the tropical scenery at the Phuket beach resort and being by the Sea is the greatest medicine. The wellness participants also joined in a variety of movement to awaken the body and mind among the gentle rise & shine wake up yoga; steps to meditation; Vinyasa yoga and face off yoga to help build strength, flexibility, balance, focus and inner peace with renowned yoga and the enigmatic Kim White.

JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa Bolds the 5th Triumph of Health & Wellness Weekend Retreat (The 5th Reboot and Reevaluate Your Healthy Reality Check)
‘Healthy by choice, cooking by heart’ cooking class lunch with Executive Chef Dietmar Spitzer
JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa Bolds the 5th Triumph of Health & Wellness Weekend Retreat (The 5th Reboot and Reevaluate Your Healthy Reality Check)
Healthy menu: Melon rice noodle salad with 100% organic foods sponsored by Pura Organic

Throughout the weekend, wellness retreat was followed by comprehensive range of health talks and hand-on workshops, from Oh Crap Dr. Help; reducing inflammation; balancing blood sugar to cooking demonstration and samples from 3 wellness practitioners as well as ‘Healthy by choice and cooking by heart’ a cooking class with Executive Chef Dietmar Spitzer along with Chef de Cuisine Andrea Genio and their skilled kitchen team. The highlights of healthy cooking menu including Asparagus salad with roasted chickpeas, Melon rice noodle salad, marinated Asian turnip in cucumber wild herbs brew and red radish and roasted vegetables with cauliflower mashed potatoes, thanks to the generosity and support of organic foods sponsor, Pura Organic Foods Limited (www.puraorganic.org)

Symbols are a universal means of expression and are a central part of our daily lives. “Art As Therapy: Explore Your Visual Symbols” workshop conducted by talented artist Christine Reilly. The participants created a visual sketchbook of their personal symbols, took time to draw, paint, doodle and notice what symbols are parts of their life and affected them.

Aromatherapy workshop conducted by Kathy Russell, it was another fun, nurturing and informative class that the participants learned to apply essential oils to improve the health and well-being of themselves and enjoyed making their own toothpastes, face spritz, Lavender spray and more

Passed it to Craig Burton, the nutritionist was on hand to do blood screening to evaluate the participant’s blood sugar levels, proteins, lipids, inflammatory markers and solutions, helped determine their own health challenges and as with all nutritional advice, moderation is key and recheck the blood test in every 3 – 6 months to see the better healthy blood results.

Linda Overman and her Mandara Spa’ therapists ensured that the participants were pampering and relaxing at the Mandara Spa throughout the wellness weekend.

Stay tuned with us for the next energising wellness workshop which will be taking place during October 2017. Do not miss out; limited numbers 15 – 20 participants only to ensure VIP treatment.

For more information, please contact Linda Overman, Spa Director, Mandara Spa, email: linda.overman@marriotthotels.com or call +66 7633 8000 ext. 3752. Logon to website www.jwmarriottphuketresort.com

Phuketindex team by — June 26, 2017 in Features 0
Emerald Group has organized “Thank you agents’ party in Phuket”

Emerald Group has organized “Thank you agents’ party in Phuket” for their cooperation and supports of Emerald Group throughout the years. Together in the Great atmosphere of our newest gallery of “The Emerald Oceanfront Residence”. Mr. Sawit Ketroj (managing director) takes this opportunities to announce the growth and progress of the company as well as the ongoing project. This celebration had great response from the leading agents that had attended the event.

Mr.Sawit Ketroj – Managing Director of Emerald Group

Phuketindex team by — June 23, 2017 in Business 0
Family Festival and Pie Eating Contest at XANA Beach Club

Phuket, Thailand, June 2017 – Phuket’s most epic 4th of July themed celebrations will be held at XANA Beach Club on 2nd July 2017. Open to the public, XANA’s Family Festival brings together an all you can eat buffet, lively activities, drink specials and a terrific food from 12.00 – 18.00 on Sunday, July 2nd with Phuket’s 2nd pie-eating contest to round out the entertainment.

This themed event will feature a summer beach buffet featuring Thai and American cuisine – including roast chicken, barbecued ribs specials and pies. Guests can choose from a wide selection of delicious treats, including pastries, cotton candy and ice cream. The club’s Resident DJ will keep the party going with music favourites.

Family Festival and Pie Eating Contest at XANA Beach Club on 2nd July with Independence Day theme

Family Festival and Pie Eating Contest at XANA Beach Club on 2nd July with Independence Day theme
The highlight of the event is Phuket’s second pie-eating contest at XANA Beach Club. Starting at 16.30, 10 participants will compete to eat fastest time to consume a single pie. The winner will be awarded for a Sunday Brunch for 2 persons at XANA Beach Club worth THB 5,700.

Entry to the July 2nd Family Festival is complimentary for all. Summer Beach Buffet is THB 450 per person. Participation in the pie-eating contest is at THB 250 per person, limited to the first 10 participants.

Book now at XANA Beach Club 076-358500 Ext. XANA Beach Club or info@xanabeachclub.com

Phuketindex team by — June 22, 2017 in Features 0
Meet Sous Chef Marco Cacia at Bodega & Grill by Angsana Laguna Phuket

June 2017, Phuket, Thailand – Bodega & Grill, an Italian Restaurant and Steak House operated by Angsana Laguna Phuket today announced the appointment of Sous Chef Marco Cacia. Chef Marco will enhance the menu offerings for Bodega & Grill restaurants and develop new signature food & wine pairings.

Born in Italy and passionate for Italian and French cuisine as well as a profound love of Thai cooking, Souf Chef Marco Cacia, carries his knowledge and experience to Angsana Laguna Phuket. Chef Marco began his career at a young age in 2011, undertaking culinary adventures in well-known restaurants in Italy, Spain and Australia. Prior to joining Angsana Laguna Phuket, Chef Marco was a Sous Chef at Amari Vougue Krabi.

Meet Sous Chef Marco Cacia at Bodega & Grill by Angsana Laguna Phuket
Sous Chef Marco Cacia
Meet Sous Chef Marco Cacia at Bodega & Grill by Angsana Laguna Phuket
Pumpkin and Asparagus Risotto

“I am proud to join the Angsana family, which is known to be one of the best worldwide brands, being part of this team, renowned for its exceptional culinary performance, will drive me to further explore the culinary world. I’m excited and look forward to create dishes that incorporate my personal style, where guests can soon experience new pairings to accompany classic dishes such as my signature dish Pumpkin and Asparagus Risotto with almond slices” said Marco Cacia, Sous Chef at Bodega & Grill by Angsana Laguna Phuket.

Angsana Laguna Phuket invites our guests to enjoy Chef Marco’s culinary creations along with our signature hospitality and gorgeous location beside a tranquil lagoon and world-class golf course. Stay tuned for some exciting food and wine pairing events and themed buffets this year!

Phuketindex team by — June 21, 2017 in Features 0
So Well Package at Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort

June 2017, Krabi – Relax and enjoy our signature So Well package. Sart with a 30-minute Steam Treatment followed by a 60-minute So Exhilarating gentle massage and end with a 60-minute So Rejuvenating Treatment to moisturize skin.

  • Single price THB 3,500++
  • Couple price THB 6,000++
  • Group of 4 people THB 10,000++ ( Pre-sign upon reservation)For more information please contact 075 627 800 or email h6184-th@sofitel.com
Phuketindex team by — June 19, 2017 in Features 0
2018 Laguna Phuket Marathon’s Date Announced

With paramount success of 2017 Laguna Phuket Marathon (LPM) which took place on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 June 2017, the 2018 edition of this internationally-recognised and Southeast Asia’s leading destination marathon race has been officially announced to once again take place at Asia’s premier destination resort Laguna Phuket.

Phuketindex by — June 8, 2017 in Features 0
Thailand’s No. 1 Rock Star “Toon” Made a Surprise Appearance

Thailand’s No. 1 Rock Star “Toon” Made a Surprise Appearance at Laguna Phuket’s Charitable Activity More than 500,000 baht raised in a long-term partnership with Phuket Panyanukul School
Laguna Phuket resort, led by Mr. Anthony Loh, Senior Assistant Vice President (4th from right) organised a charitable activity and donated beds and bedding sets at Phuket Panyanukul School, represented by the School Director Ms. Phakathip Phasuk (5th from right). The activity was participated by Thailand’s number one rock star “Toon Bodyslam” (4th from left) and family, Laguna Phuket management as well as teachers and students of the school.

Monday 5 June, Laguna Phuket visited Phuket Panyanukul School for children with disabilities and presented donation raised from “Laguna Phuket presents Big Body+ Charity Concert 2016” which was cancelled in August 2016 due to unsettling incidents in the Southern provinces of Thailand a day before the scheduled concert date.

Beds and bedding sets were donated for Phuket Panyaunkul School to use in “Phuket Panyanukul Hotel” Vocational Skills Development Programme. With objectives to provide training in hotel room preparation and equip the school’s children with knowledge and skills in hospitality, the Programme will expand the students’ career opportunity in Phuket and other tourism destinations after graduation.

Laguna Phuket has supported the School since 2007, then donated a whopping 1.5 million baht to support the construction of skill development playground, an infrastructure required to improve the students’ learning ability. In 2015, a charity concert “Laguna Phuket presents Bodyslam” raised total donation of 110,000 baht to the School.

Thailand’s No. 1 Rock Star “Toon” Made a Surprise Appearance at Laguna Phuket’s Charitable Activity More than 500,000 baht raised in a long-term partnership with Phuket Panyanukul School

Today’s activity follows Laguna Phuket’s series of announcement after Laguna Phuket presents Big Body+ Charity Concert 2016’s event cancellation in August 2016 which stated money left from purchased tickets refund will go to Phuket Panyanukul School. The total amount of 510,800 baht was raised and will be managed by a fund specially set up for long-term charitable partnership between Laguna Phuket and the School. The donation of the beds and bedding sets marks the official start of the long-term support.

“We are here today representing Laguna Phuket and all the associates who believe in sustainable community development, the goal achievable only with sufficient educational opportunities given to the young members of our communities at all learning abilities,” said Mr. Anthony Loh, Senior Assistant Vice President of Laguna Phuket,
More…

“Wonderful schools like Phuket Panyanukul are our society’s way of giving these children a place to thrive upon and, with caring teachers and staffs, a place to call home,” he added,

“Laguna Phuket is celebrating our 30th anniversary this year in the theme “Make Laguna Phuket Your Home” with new great events and newly set up ‘Children First Fund’ to extend our community services, making it extra special for us to start the long-term partnership with Phuket Panyanukaul School this year,” he concluded.

Much to the school’s astonishment, Thailand’s number one rock star and Bodyslam rock band’s vocalist “Khun Toon” made his surprise appearance to interact with the school children, and also added 50,000 baht cash donation from his pocket to the School.

“I am very glad to be here today and meet everyone,” said Khun Toon, “Thanks to Laguna Phuket for organising this activity and to the school for taking good care of the children. Together, I believe, we can all help them achieve their goals and become valuable resources in developing our country.”

For more information about sustainable community development programmes by Laguna Phuket or to make contribution, please visit www.lagunaphuket.com/CSR or contact +66 (0) 76 362 315, email CSR@lagunaphuket.com and/or follow Facebook page @LagunaPhuketCSR

Phuketindex team by — June 6, 2017 in Features 0
Honeymooners won Marathon Male and Female crowns

International runners dominate Marathon; Thai runners dominate Half Marathon at 2017 Laguna Phuket Marathon Honeymooners Nakajima Hiroki and Inoue Tomomi won Marathon Male and Female crowns

PHUKET, Thailand – More than 4,000 runners lined-up this morning to run the Marathon and Half Marathon distances at the 12th Laguna Phuket Marathon. With a record turnout of almost 7,000 runners over the two day event, the Marathon and Half Marathon have proved the most popular and with more than 1,600 in the Marathon distance alone, it’s the largest field of Marathon runners ever at the Laguna Phuket Marathon.

Flagged off at 04:00, Marathon runners enjoyed the beautiful course and quiet lanes in the North of Phuket, the rolling hills, Sirinat National Park and running along Bang Tao beachfront and finally running through the grounds of Laguna Phuket to finish at Laguna Grove.

In the lead group early on was Thai ultra-distance specialist Sanya Khanchai who, after a seventh place finish in the 10.5km yesterday stepped up to his favoured Marathon distance today, but it was Japanese runner Nakajima Hiroki who stole an early lead and at the 10.5km split was more than 12 minutes ahead of the second placer.

Nakajima went on to extend his lead further and finish in a time of 02:34:57.6, beating last year’s winning time by almost three minutes, and more than 30 minutes ahead of second place finisher David Escolar Ballesteros (ESP). Cheng-Ya Sha (TWN) finished third. After a slow start Spanish athlete Zigor Iturrieta finished hard in fourth, just 50 seconds off the podium.

In the female race the early leader was Sabine Egger-Weickhardt (AUS) but as the temperatures soared Japanese long-distance specialist Inoue Tomomi reigned her in and was the runaway winner in a time of 03:10:34.6. Ana Ferreira (PRT), a full 20 minutes back, finished second ahead of Martyna Jakobczyk (POL) who finished in a time of 03:38:19.6

In the Half Marathon, yesterday’s 5km winner Rattakarn Lamanee (and last year’s 10.5km winner) stepped up and was amongst the early leaders but it was fellow Thai runner Danchai Pumkong who lead to the half way point and went on to extend his lead and run out the win in a time of 01:19:37.6. Danchai also finished second in yesterday’s 10.5km and won the Marathon at Laguna Phuket Marathon in 2012.

Picking up his pace in the second half of the race, Rattakarn came through for second ahead of Thirapong Yongthio (who finished second behind Rattakarn in yesterday’s 5km), making it a Thai 1, 2, 3.

Elsewhere in the Half Marathon race, Paralympic marathon champion and world-record holder, Mr Eitan Hermon from Israel placed sixth in the highly competitive 40-49 age group, and finished 13 overall.

In the female field, Phuket-based triathlete Elle Brookes from Australia did the early running but Sukanya Srisawad (THA) and Patteera Ruengjai (THA) kept her in their sights. However, Sukanya fell off the pace later in the race and fellow Thai Benjamas Phujit came through to take third in a time of 01:45:53:2, just nine seconds ahead of British athlete Annie Pedroni.

Celebrating a sixth consecutive participant record, close to 7,000 runners took part in the 12th Laguna Phuket Marathon which is sanctioned by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races, and is organised by leading sports management company Go Adventure Asia with professional timing and results by Sportstats Asia, ensuring the highest of international standards.

Nakajima Hiroki (JPN)

Top three overall results in all distances:
Marathon (Male)
Nakajima Hiroki (JPN), 02:34:57.6.
David Escolar Ballesteros (ESP), 03:05:16.6
Cheng-Ya Sha (TWN), 03:09:03.5

Inoue Tomomi (JPN)

Marathon (Female)
Inoue Tomomi (JPN), 03:10:34.6
Ana Ferreira (PRT), 03:31:06.0
Martyna Jakobczyk (POL), 03:38:19.6

Danchai Pumkong (THA)

Half Marathon (Male)
Danchai Pumkong (THA), 01:19:37.6
Rattakarn Lamanee (THA), 01:23:51.7
Thirapong Yongthio (THA), 01:24:24.4

Elle Brookes (AUS)

Half Marathon (Female)
Elle Brookes (AUS), 01:38:38.4
Patteera Ruengjai (THA), 01:45:04.2
Benjamas Phujit (THA), 01:45:53.2

Marcus Ong (SIN)

10.5km (Male)
Marcus Ong (SIN), 00:36:24.4
Danchai Pankong (THA), 00:37:59.0
Mark Honsa (PHI), 00:38:32.2

10.5km (Female)
Immogen Simmonds (GBR), 00:39:41.1
Ling Er Choo (SIN), 00:43:56.8
Claire Adorna (PHL), 00:47:52.1

5km (Male)
Rattakarn Lamanee (THA), 00:17:38.0
Thirapong Yongthio (THA), 00:18:44.3
Samuel Canavan (AUS), 00:19:28.7

Hayley Newman (AUS)

5km (Female)
Hayley Newman (AUS), 00:20:26.6
Thirajit Boonsaen (THA), 00:23:39.1
Justina Zeng (SIN), 00:23:47.9

For more information, visit www.phuketmarathon.com or www.facebook.com/phuketmarathon.

Phuketindex team by — June 5, 2017 in Features 0