Shopping / Windows and doors

Daily 6.30am-11pm
Dinner 6-11pm

Ingredients

• 160g salmon fillet skin on
• 30ml Tio Pepe sherry wine
• 150g fresh spinach leaves
• 30ml extra virgin olive oil
• 80ml whipping cream 
• 10 saffron stems
• ½ peeled clove of garlic
• 30g Italian parsley leaves
• 40ml sunflower oil
• 80ml whole milk
• 8 bread croutons
• salt & white pepper

“Do it real, do it fast and do it honestly” is the catchphrase of Anchana Chulakanadecha, a remarkable lady, who gives every indication of living up to her avowed aim. Anchana is part of the founding team of three who are turning the Utopia dream into tangible reality. It says volumes for her virtues that she is part of a top triumvirate of seasoned and highly successful developers; the others being Khun Paranyoo from House and Home and Khun Hachi from IPA, the parent company.

Anchana’s rise has been meteoric, though she does not see it that way. She comes from Hat Yai and went to university overseas. Returning to Thailand, she first worked in advertising sales, then switched to property sales – and has spent 15 years gaining in-depth knowledge and experience in Phuket’s challenging property market.

More recently, Anchana joined Utopia, the real estate company which gives its name to the development at Nai Harn. A relatively new conglomerate, only created at the beginning of 2016, it has antipodean roots. An offshoot of IPA (International Property Advisory Group), a Melbourne firm, it was only incorporated in Phuket in 2014 after two years of market, land and planning research and capital allocation. Its first project was initiated in February 2016, when Utopia teamed up with the island’s largest builder, HYN, to develop Utopia Kata (UTK) – 20 serviced apartments at Kata Beach.

In April of that year, Utopia began work on two further and more ambitious projects in conjunction with House and Home – Housecare Service. It is here that we met today, in the first completed show apartment, at Naiharn. The project is a substantial one: nine pool villas and two condominiums comprising 110 units; one block boasts a roof-top pool.

In keeping with Anchana’s dictum to “do it fast”, other developments have followed in quick succession: Utopia loft (UTL), 237 luxury loft- styled hotel condominiums at Nai Harn, and Utopia Central for entry level buyers – 410 units strategically located close to Phuket’s shopping malls, hospitals and schools. A final project for 2017 is Utopia Karon. Here 283 units offer both freehold and leasehold ownerships.

For a change from the beach, rent a car or motorbike and take in some of the island’s breathtaking views. Start at Rang Hill, to the northwest of Phuket City. A winding tree-lined road takes you right to the summit of Rang Hill, where a sala offers shade during the day. Once there you can enjoy views of the city and beaches on the south and southwest of the island.

Then on to Khao Kad on Cape Panwa, which offers wonderful 360° views of the Andaman Sea beaches and neighbouring islands from a different perspective. There’s a stiff climb up 138 steps but once there you’re rewarded by refereshing breezes and sunsets here are on a par with Cape Promthep.

Next drive across the island to the west coast and take in Kata-Karon’s 'Three Bays Viewpoint'. It’s located between Nai Harn and Kata Noi Beaches and offers superb views on several levels. From here Kata Noi, Kata and Karon beaches can be seen and out to sea is Koh Poo (Island).

Along the way between viewpoints, keep an eye out for roadside refreshments or plan your day using Where to Eat in Phuket to identify great places for drinks and food.

Over the last few years, there has been a significant slowdown in the re-sales market in Phuket, with those that wish to exit the market entirely finding themselves losing the capital appreciation they thought they had, by clearly being in a hurry to depart.

The idea of a reservation deposit is normally for a willing buyer and willing seller to confirm to each other that they wish to contemplate finalising negotiations to effect a sale and purchase. A reservation agreement should set out key terms with certainty such as the parties, the price and a clear description of the property.

Unfortunately, these simple concepts are often mishandled by incompetent or inexperienced agents, or worse – with dishonesty.
I must say, of course, that there are lots of property agents who are honest and companies operating in Phuket who are very clear about deposit terms. I am unfortunately forced to write about the bad apples, which can spoil the perception and stability of the property market.

The second annual Kata Rocks Super Superyacht Rendezvous (KRSR), hosted by luxury Thai resort Kata Rocks, last week welcomed some of the most important industry players of global yachting to the island of Phuket. From 8 to 10 December 2017, the world’s leading luxury yachting brands, prestigious shipyards, respected brokerage houses and a number of superyacht owners came together for three days of exclusive parties, celebrations and networking events.

According to Richard Pope, CEO of Kata Rocks & Infinite Luxury: “The KRSR 2017 is proud to have attracted the most prestigious brands from the yachting world including Feadship and Royal Huisman - brands that normally only showcase together in Monaco and Fort Lauderdale.

To have these brands supporting the KRSR will only help to generate increased interest in Phuket, Thailand and Asia as a world-class superyachting destination.”

If you prefer a quiet gym, then Rawai Muay Thai Camp or Tiger Muay Thai & Mixed Martial Arts on Chaofa West Road, in the south of the island, might suit you. If you plan to watch a Muay Thai fight for real, you should visit the boxing stadium located in Bangla Road, Patong. Bouts are held every Friday evening from about 8pm.

While most popular for its beaches and vivacious nightlife, Phuket is also a premium shopping destination. The island is home to a variety of large scale shopping malls and plazas. It really is no secret that in Phuket you can shop until you drop. This is especially true if you are looking for small gifts and souvenir-type items to take back to family, friends, colleagues or perhaps add to your personal travel collection.

There are loads of kitschy items available, and to be honest, Phuket t-shirts are a dime a dozen. Have you had enough of the tiresome items you have seen everywhere? Does the grating sound of the wooden singing frogs peddled by street vendors make you cringe? Consider doing some sustainable shopping while in Phuket and purchase a one-of-a-kind gift to take home as a memory of your time in Thailand. Not only will you pick up a unique gift, you will also support the local artisan community.

Phuket is heavy in artistic talent. There is a wide variety of eclectic art
galleries and home studios dotted across the island. Visiting these galleries is well worth putting on your travel agenda. While some of the artists focus on large scale canvas backdrops to showcase their works, others create delightful smaller scale paintings, sculptures and mass media pieces that make exceptional souvenirs.

In Rawai, there is a collection of studios and home galleries on a small plot of land. Lovingly referred to as the Art Village, the creative artists that live here are painters, sculptors, puppet designers and jewelry makers. If creative, artsy gifts are what you are seeking, best to come and spend a day taking in the sights and sounds of the village. There are a few artists doing recycle art here, and the amazing creations formed from driftwood make really unique souvenirs.

One of the great ways to enjoy Phuket is sailing in the many beautiful bays. There's no shortage of yacht operators and there's something to suit everybody. Activities range from sailing lessons through yacht charters to dinner cruises. Check out our marine pages for some of the operators who can help make sure you get the most out of your boating experience.

Daily open 11am – Midnight