Island Getaway…

Just outside Phuket is one of Thailand’s best kept secrets – Racha Island. Boasting one of Thailand’s most magnificent beaches (Batok beach), Racha is home to a stunning bay and offers some of the most spectacular sunsets anywhere in the world.

Racha is situated just 19km south of Phuket, and offers a place to balance your body, mind and spirit in an environmentally friendly space. Yup, we’re talking eco-responsible and environmentally sustainable tourism here.

While you’re on Racha, there’s no other better place to stay than Koh Racha Yai…set on a pristine beach and features 70 luxurious villas for your choice. You can not beat the surroundings…it’s like your own little paradise!

Facilities to indulge in include sessions at the Anumba Spa, meeting facilities for the usual executive meetings, swimming pools and Jacuzzis set in a lush tropical garden, PADI Diving center (Racha is one of the most popular dive spots in Thailand), watersports (think catamaran, windsurding, canoeing and snorkeling) and other guest activities (tennis, hiking, biking, Thai cooking lessons or pool).

Need I say more about the rooms? They also have this really unusual ‘Lighthouse’ – a five storey villa with a private pool, terrace, sun deck and observation lounge offering magnificent 360 degree view over Racha Island and the Andaman Sea.

Their rates from now until 30 September starts from 5,700 baht a night (approx. RM590) for a deluxe villa inclusive of breakfast for 2 pax. However, they’re currently having a free stay promotion:

• Stay 3 nights / pay 2 nights
• Stay 5 nights / pay 3 nights
• Stay 7 nights / pay 4 nights

You only have to top up 600baht (++) per person for breakfast on the free night stays. It sounds a little pricey, but from a resort of this standard, it’s quite normal. I for one cannot wait to actually go and check it out for myself…*sigh*…time to start saving again!