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Born and raised in the UK, Edward has lived in Phuket for 5 years now. A student of SEO, Marketing and IT, Edward loves all things tech! If you see any problems with our website, online content, or just want to know how to stay in contact through Facebook, Twitter or our Newsletter, Edward can help you out.

The Top 10 Local Restaurants in Phuket!

ECM | January 5, 2013 | Food & Drink | 1 Comment

One of the most common questions we get asked by our guests, is which local restaurants we recommend. One thing that Phuket has a lot of is restaurants, with a huge selection, from Fast food all the way through to International standard fine dining.

Urs (General Manager) and Pascal (Food & Beverage Manager) are our resident (and in-corruptible) culinary experts, and were on hand to recommend a selection of some of their favorite local restaurants. So here they are…10 of the top local restaurants in Phuket, to help steer you towards the ‘Good’ food of Phuket, and hopefully avoid the ‘Bad and the Ugly’:

1. East 88 Beach Lounge, Rawai

Perhaps we are being a little bias here, but no visit to Phuket’s sunny shores would be complete without a visit to East 88. East 88 offers a wide selection of International and Thai dishes, including fresh seafood and new takes on classic dishes.

2. M&Ms Pizza, Nai Harn

M&M’s Pizza is a bustling restaurant in the heart of Nai Harn Village, serving traditional Italian Cusine, with a wide selection of freshly made pizza’s, pasta’s and Italian delicacies.

3. Parlai seafood, Chalong

Those with a taste for seafood, should not miss a visit to Palai, a few kilometers north of Serenity, with a stunning range of the freshest seafood, offering fabulous value for money.

4. Da Vinci Restaurant, Nai Harn

Da Vinci Restaurant, is an upmarket International Italian fine dining eaterie, in the center of Nai Harn Village, not far from Serenity, with a selection of fine wines, pizza’s, pasta’s and meats.

5. Kan Eang @ Pier

Enjoy the marvellous view overlooking chalong bay and a wide selection of fresh seafood and Thai dishes, at the popular Kan Eang @ Pier Restaurant, 1 kilometer north of Serenity.

6. Saigon Restaurant, Rawai

The Saigon Restaurant in Rawai, provides an excellent selection of traditional and authentic Vietnamese food.

7. Wine Lovers Restaurant, Rawai

The Wine Lovers Restaurant in Rawai, offers Thai Fusion and International cuisine including a wide selection of wines.

8. Nikitas Restaurant, Rawai

Nikitas in Rawai, popular is foreign visitors, offers a wide selection of Thai and International favourites, located beside the sea on Rawai Beach.

9. Seafood Market, Rawai

Rawai Fresh Seafood Market, a favourite of the locals, is your spot for some of the freshest seafood around, offering great value for money.

10. Tamachart Restaurant, Phuket Town

Enjoy a slice of Traditional Thai food and unusual surroundings at the Tamachart Restaurant in Phuket Town, with a large selection of meat and seafood dishes.

Do you agree? Do you think there are other some better local restaurants to visit in Phuket? Think others would agree? Let us know your thoughts at blog@serenityphuket.com.

The Top 9 Family Activities in Phuket

ECM | December 12, 2012 | Expert Travel Tips | 0 Comments

Following the overwhelming popularity and stellar success of our post ‘The Top 9 Couples Activities in Phuket‘…by popular demand, here it is…The Top 9 Family Activities in Phuket!

As Serenity has spacious rooms with cooking facilities, our resort is also popular for families with children. Fortunately, several members of the Serenity Team have children and were on hand to recommend their families Top 9 activities and adventures in Phuket. After hours of deliberation and discussion…here they are, the results:

1. Family Shopping Trip to Central Festival

What family getaway would be complete without a shopping trip! Central Festival is sure to keep the whole family entertained with everything from shops and restaurants to computer games machines and even a movie Theatre.

2. Visit to The Big Buddha

Just a few kilometers from Serenity, is ‘The Big Buddha’, one of Phuket’s most revered and important landmarks, sat on the Nakkerd Hills with spectacular views over Phuket. Now open as a tourist attraction, Chalong’s Big Buddha is a must visit destination for all the family.

3. Family Outing to Nai Harn Beach

Chill with the family at Nai Harn Beach, recognized as one of Phuket’s best beaches, ideal for sunbathing, swimming and relaxing.

4. Sea Kayak from Serenity

For the energetic amongst you, take one of our Free Sea Kayak’s for a spin around Chalong Bay.

5. Day Trip to Coral Island by Longtail Boat

Just a short long tail boat ride from Serenity, visit Coral Island (locally known as Koh Hae) where you can snorkel off the coral reef and enjoy the untouched scenery.

6. Wat Chalong Sightseeing

Not far from Serenity, is Wat Chalong, Phuket’s largest and most famous Temple. Wat (Thai for ‘Temple’) Chalong features some amazing architecture and is a must-see.

7. Elephant Trekking

Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime elephant trekking adventure in the jungles of Phuket, fun for all the family.

8. Day Trip by Boat to Phi Phi island

Without doubt, Phi-Phi Island is one of the most popular day trips for visitors to Phuket. Take a family day trip to Koh Phi Phi and enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving and island sightseeing in one of Thailand’s scenic gems.

9. Phuket Aquarium & Butterfly Farm

Phuket Aquarium is home to more than 30 tanks with various fresh water and sea creatures, giving the kids a fascinating insight into underwater life in Phuket.

Do you agree? Do you think there are other some better family places to visit in Phuket? Think others would agree? Let us know your thoughts at blog@serenityphuket.com.

If you’re coming to visit us and would like some help booking your tour, contact our concierge at: excursions@serenityphuket.com.

The Top 10 Couples Activities in Phuket

ECM | December 7, 2012 | Expert Travel Tips | 1 Comment

As Serenity is such a romantic place for couples, popular for Honeymoons and weddings, we decided that it would be a good idea to write about “The 10 best things to do in Phuket for Couples”. We have scoured Phuket, searched high and low, for THE perfect 10 things that couples visiting Phuket should experience.

We selected the most romantic people in our team (sadly I didn’t make the shortlist) who then hand-picked ten of the best couple activities for visitors to Phuket, here are the results:

1. Couples Sunset stroll at Promthep Cape

Promthep Cape or Laem Promthep as it is known, at the most southern tip of Phuket, is perhaps one of Phuketâ€™s most beautiful sunset viewpoints. Promthep Cape is a rocky headland, which juts into the sea, with spectacular views of the ocean and the nearby Nai Harn Bay. From here, you can take an early evening stroll or relax with a cold drink and watch the sun set on the horizon. A must see for couples!

2.Â John Gray’s sea canoe

Experience the exotic and stunning scenery with a Sea Canoe Adventure, exploring caves, and ‘hongs’ in a romantic day trip with the John Gray’s Sea Canoe tour.

3. Trip to Phi Phi island

Internationally renowned, Phi Phi island or Koh Phi Phi, is a great day out for couples. From nearby Chalong Bay, you can take a local speed boat to the islands, where you can enjoyÂ snorkeling, scuba diving and some truly spectacular sightseeing.

4. The Serenity Senses Spa

No visit to Serenity, would be complete without a visit to our famous Senses Spa, enjoy a wondrous range of treatments and therapies to help you relax and de-stress, ready for your next activity!

5. Nai Harn Beach

Nai Harn Beach is widely accepted as one of Phuket Island’s best beaches, ideal for those wanting to chill out in the sun or swim in the sea.

6. Phuket Fantasea

Phuket Fantasea is Phuket’s biggest show, with everything from trapeze artists to performing elephants. The Fantasea show presents a stunning story line, mixing Thai tradition and fantasy to create a spectacular night out.

7. Wat Chalong

Take a tour of Phuket’s Largest and most famous Buddhist Temple and experience a slice of traditional Thai Culture and Enjoy ‘Wat’ (Thai for ‘Temple’) Chalong’s wonderful architecture.

8. Romantic dinner on the balcony

Spend some quality time with your loved one or just to chill out and take advantage of Serenity Phuket’s exceptional in-room dining services, including breakfast in bed, private barbecues and chef-prepared gourmet meals.

9. Central Festival shopping

Enjoy some retail therapy at Phuket’s largest shopping center, where there are shops of all kinds, restaurants and even a movie theater.

10. Night life in Patong

The Infamous Patong has a myriad of bars and night clubs, with something for everyone, ranging from upmarket bars and eateries through to the more weird and wonderful night spots, an experience not to be missed.

Do you agree? Do you think there are other some better couple places to visit in Phuket? Think others would agree? Let us know your thoughts at blog@serenityphuket.com.

If you’re coming to visit us and would like some help booking your tour, contact our concierge at: excursions@serenityphuket.com.

Loy Krathong at Serenity Phuket

ECM | November 15, 2012 | Events & Celebrations | 0 Comments

Loy Krathong, Thailand’s ‘Festival of lights’, on 28th November 2012, is an annual event, held on the evening of the Full moon of the 12th month of the Thai Lunar Calendar. “Loy” which means ‘to float’ and ‘krathong’ which means ‘a leaf cup or bowl’, is a must see event for Phuket’s visitors and is a great evening for for families and couples.

‘Krathongs’ are released into the ocean or rivers, at sunset, with a prayer, to promote good luck for the coming year. Some people even place personal items on their Krathongs, like strands of hair, to symbolise the washing away of their sins and misfortunes of the previous year. For the romantic amongst you, Loy Krathong is also the time for couples to wish for happiness and success in Love in the coming year.

Krathongs can be purchased from one of the many makeshift market stalls along the streets, and are made from Banana Leaves, flowers, leaving room for candles and incense sticks. Loy Krathong always falls on Thai school holidays, so during the day the whole family are often involved in making elaborately decorated Kratongs. Often, thousands of ‘Khom Loi’ or Chinese Lanterns are launched into the night sky, truly a sight to behold.

Celebrate the Loy Krathong festival with us at Serenity & East 88 on 28th November, where there will be food, drinks and entertainment. From just 1,200++ for adults and 500++ for Children, enjoy our traditional Thai Buffet, welcome cocktail, Thai Dance Show, competitions and more. Don’t miss the magical evening, contact us at east88@serenityphuket.com to make your reservation!

Former Chelsea FC Manager Avram Grant Visits Serenity!

ECM | November 12, 2012 | News & Features | 0 Comments

Avram Grant, former Chelsea FC, West Ham FC and Portsmouth FC Football Manager took time out of his busy schedule to relax at Serenity Phuket this week, staying in one of our unique Beach Front Pool Villa Residences.

Avram, who recently ended a spell as Manager of Partizan Belgrade, chose to come to Phuket for a holiday break, but still found the time to meet with our GM, Urs, to the delight of the football fans within the Serenity Team!

Avram is perhaps most famous for his spell as Chelsea manager in 2007 following the departure of Jose Mourinho, where he led Chelsea into the Champions league final, League Cup Final and contested the Barclays Premier League Title all the way to the final day.

Serenity Villa Owner Kimi Raikkonen Wins GP!

ECM | November 7, 2012 | News & Features | 0 Comments

Congratulations to our Serenity Pool Residence Villa owner, Formula 1 Racing Driver Kimi Raikkonen, for his first F1 victory since his comeback last year! Kimi, the 2007 Formula 1 world champion, held off Fernando Alonso, to seal victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday, for his 19th GP win, his first victory since the 2009 Belgian Grand Prix.

Speaking after the race, Kimi, nicknamed ‘Iceman’ had this to say: “I’m very happy for the team and myself but mainly for the team. It’s been a hard season for the team. Hopefully, this gives us more belief, not just for those are doing the work but those who run the team.”

Throwing open the 2012 Drivers championship with his victory, Kimi Raikkonen and his Lotus racing team, won the crash-filled Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in a time of 1:45:58, with Fernando Alonso finishing in 2nd place and Sebastian Vettel finishing in 3rd, following the race retirement of Lewis Hamilton.

Well done to Kimi from all at Serenity and we hope to see welcome you back here again soon!

Video your Serenity Experience with the Serenity Movie Pad

ECM | October 26, 2012 | Competitions | 0 Comments

Enjoying your stay at Serenity? Got something interesting to tell future guests? Immortalize your Serenity holiday Experience and make your friends jealous with the Serenity Movie Pad.

Check out our iPad desk at the East 88 Beach Lounge and make your video and create your holiday memory. Videos will be posted weekly on Facebook & YouTube, with prizes for the best movies, including vouchers for 3-night stays in one of our Serenity Suites and cool Serenity Gift Sets.

Serenity does however, reserve the right to remove any inappropriate videos without prior notice and the copyright remains with Serenity Resort and Residences Phuket.

Celebrate the Start of High Season at the Famous Serenity Lift off Party!

ECM | October 26, 2012 | Entertainment | 0 Comments

It’s that time of year again…The 3rd Annual High Season Lift off party is here! Starting at 14:00 on Sunday 4th November, hosted by the one-and-only DJ Doris from Phuket’s 91.5 FM, celebrate the start of high season with us!

For only 650 Baht Net per adult or 150 Baht Net for children under 14, enjoy an open bar (including beers, wines and a range of spirits and soft drinks), and try out some of East 88’s culinary delights from our sumptuous buffet.

Throughout the party, DJ Doris will be on-hand for entertainment and will help to host the 2012 Serenity Olympics! Signup in teams of 4 from the East 88 Beach Lounge Facebook page or by contacting us at east88@serenityphuket.com. There are lots of cool prizes to be won, you may even get your hands on the 2012 Serenity Cup!

However, because space is limited, reservations are required, book now by contacting the East 88 team at east88@serenityphuket.com…Let the games begin!.

Phuket Vegetarian Festival – 2012

ECM | October 2, 2012 | Events & Celebrations | 0 Comments

This October 14, Phukets famous Vegetarian Festival begins and lasts for 9 days. Dating back to 1825, this festival is a true cultural experience. The participants beleive that participating in the events and rituals bestows good fortune upon them. Sacred rituals are perfomed in various shrines (mainly in the Phuket town area – Around 15-20 minutes from Serenity) by the devotees of Thai Chinese origin. The history of the festival originates in the early 1800s when a Chinese Opera came to perform for Thai miners working in Phuket and when the entire group of performers fell sick, they all restrcited themselves to a strict vegetarian diet to honor the Emperor Gods. When their sickness disapeared, the locals began following this ritual once a year to bring good luck to its participants.

Be Warned – the festival is not for everyone to witness, especially not for the faint at heart. The tranced participants, belonging to local shrines, parade the streets while walking on burning coals, piercing their bodies, and other acts of self mortification. Specially prepared Vegan dishes can be found all over Phuket towns food stalls and markets during this event.

For those who want to preview the event, here is a short video. Please dont watch this if your not up to seeing the tranced locals doing their thing.

Here is a link to the formal Thai Tourism Authority 2012 Phuket Vegetarian Festival Guide with lots of details on what, how, when, etc. Phuket Vegetarian Festival – Complete 2012 Guide

Day trip to Coral Island

ECM | October 2, 2012 | Expert Travel Tips | 0 Comments

Coral Island is one of those activities that should be missed. Located 10 minutes away from Serenity via a boat trip that we will be happy to arrange.

The beautiful pristine waters are a perfect place to chill for an entire day. There are two main beaches on the Island, Long Beach and Banana Beach. We recommended that you spend your day on Banana beach which is not overcrowded like Long-Beach.

The water is clear and full of beautifully colorful fish which swim up to you offer them some bread. The beach is prefect for snorkeling, chilling on the beach with a glass of wine, and late afternoon lunch, and grabbing an afternoon snooze under one of the picturesque palm trees.

This beach is great in both low and high seasons and is perfect for all types of visitors.

Book your trip now via our Yim Siam front desk service. Ask about our day trip picnic basket while your at it :).