Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 18:54:35 +0200
Quote:
- kennysia.com
Club Med Phuket
http://www.kennysia.com/archives/2012/07/club-med-phuket.php
Text:
<p>The first time I stepped into a Club Med was Phuket in 2006.</p> <p><a href="http://www.kennysia.com/images/2011/Club-Med-Phuket_3323/IMG_2718.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.kennysia.com/images/2011/Club-Med-Phuket_3323/IMG_2718_thumb.jpg" width="554" height="417" /></a></p> <p>Back then, I was a young 24-year-old - poor and travelling solo. Due to budgetary constraints, I remembered staying at one of Karon Beach’s many cheap guesthouses surrounded by monstrous high-end luxury resorts. </p> <p>The largest of these resorts sits right smack on the Karon beach front. I remembered sneaking in past security - just to see how other holidaymakers spent their time. One peek, and immediately knew that it was something different. </p> <p>It was unlike anything I have ever seen before. </p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.kennysia.com/images/2011/Club-Med-Phuket_3323/DSC04795.jpg" width="550" height="413" /></p> <p>I saw resort staff not only just serving guests – but dancing, playing, drinking together with them. I saw hotel guests wear identical wristbands, as if they all belong to the same tribe, from the same village. </p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.kennysia.com/images/2011/Club-Med-Phuket_3323/IMG_2005.jpg" width="550" height="413" /></p> <p>Most significantly, I saw everyone looked so, so happy. </p> <p>Happiness. Genuine, unadulterated, pure happiness. Such an elusive concept really. But isn't that what we all seek when we're on holidays?</p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.kennysia.com/images/2011/Club-Med-Phuket_3323/IMG_2016.jpg" width="550" height="413" /></p> <p>There I stood, wide-eyed and stunned by the realization that I was in some kind of a tropical utopia... before a big burly security guard tapped me on my shoulder and chased me away.</p> <p>Since that incident, I vowed that one day, I would return to Phuket to experience for myself what it's like to stay in Club Med Phuket.</p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.kennysia.com/images/2011/Club-Med-Phuket_3323/IMG_2506.jpg" width="550" height="413" /></p> <p>Fast forward to February 2012, I received an e-mail from Club Med’s office Malaysia. Club Med Phuket had undergone a revamp and was set to unveil its new looks. For the inauguration, they’re inviting media from all over the world to experience it for themselves.</p> <p>Nothing, except the birth of my first born, would make me miss that opportunity.</p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.kennysia.com/images/2011/Club-Med-Phuket_3323/IMG_2804.jpg" width="550" height="413" /></p> <p>I arrived at Club Med Phuket early. The rest of the Malaysian team was delayed 'cos their flight can't land due to heavy rain, so I took the opportunity to explore the extensive resort ground - legally this time!</p> <p>I was pleasantly surprised. Since I last came to Phuket, Club Med has undergone extensive aesthetic improvements in many areas.</p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.kennysia.com/images/2011/Club-Med-Phuket_3323/IMG_2142.jpg" width="550" height="413" /></p> <p>From the moment I stepped into the lobby, I was welcomed by antiquated Zen statues, bright Jim Thompson silk cushions and other contemporary Thai elements in their comfortable lobby area. </p> <p>In an instant, I was transported from the busy Phuket streets into a place of relaxation and indulgence.</p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.kennysia.com/images/2011/Club-Med-Phuket_3323/_DSC8260.jpg" width="550" height="366" /></p> <p>Good job to Club Med for ditching those ubiquitous sleepy dark wooden panels in favour of a more airy and colourful vibe.</p> <p>I love the juxtaposition between darkness and light, raw and sophistication, eastern and western. I later learnt that this design concepts is repeated many times throughout the 61-acre resort.</p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.kennysia.com/images/2011/Club-Med-Phuket_3323/IMG_2027.jpg" width="550" height="413" /></p> <p>Adjacent to the lobby is the main lounge, completely re-designed from ground-up. Gone are the crampy little bar on the side against the wall. </p> <p>In its place is a HUGE island bar, fashioned into a purple mythical swan-like bird in Thai folklore called the <em>Hong</em>. At night, the clever lighting effect makes it look as if the <em>Hong</em> bird is floating in the air.</p> <p>The lounge is the centrepiece of the resort, overlooking the pool on one side, and the circus trapeze on the other. </p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.kennysia.com/images/2011/Club-Med-Phuket_3323/IMG_2439.jpg" width="550" height="413" /></p> <p>Food at Club Med is always an international gourmet experience. Over 90 new Asian-inspired dishes are introduced along with a new dinner buffet, many of them cooked and plated expertly in front of my eyes. </p> <p>Now, not only are we spoilt for choice when it comes to food, we too have a choice as to which pavilions to enjoy our meals.</p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.kennysia.com/images/2011/Club-Med-Phuket_3323/IMG_2054.jpg" width="550" height="413" /></p> <p>Club Med did well by partitioning the main dining area into five distinct pavilions - each evoking one of five human senses -<em> Tastes, Fragrances, Music, Colors</em> and <em>Material. </em>These themes are developed into order to follow the Thai art of living.</p> <p>The <em>Fragrances </em>pavilion, would feature deco inspired by droplets of essential oil on sticks, for example - while the <em>Music </em>pavilion would feature lamps and tables fashioned after traditional Thai bells and cymbals respectively.</p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.kennysia.com/images/2011/Club-Med-Phuket_3323/IMG_2859.jpg" width="550" height="413" /></p> <p>Parents with small children would be happy to chuck their kids at Club Med Phuket's dedicated <em>Kid's Palace</em>. This is where children as young as 4 months to 17 years can have access to facilities and activities specially arranged for. </p> <p>Extra big kids NOT ALLOWED!</p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.kennysia.com/images/2011/Club-Med-Phuket_3323/IMG_2862.jpg" width="550" height="413" /> <br /></p> <p>The <em>Kid's Palace </em>is humungous! Bigger than any other kids club in any other resorts I can remember. They even have super shallow swimming pools for them little babies. </p> <p>Kids would love it here. I can't say for sure, 'cos I don't have kids!</p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.kennysia.com/images/2011/Club-Med-Phuket_3323/IMG_2114.jpg" width="550" height="413" /></p> <p>I'm more of a holiday spa person. When I go on holidays, I make an extra effort to check out their resort spa. </p> <p>The Club Med Spa in Phuket is operated by luxury French brand Payot. Set in a Zen garden, the revamped Club Med Spa features 12 treatment rooms, 2 Turkish baths and a relaxing Jacuzzi.  </p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.kennysia.com/images/2011/Club-Med-Phuket_3323/IMG_2129.jpg" width="413" height="550" /></p> <p>It's all very nice, and very romantic. They even have private yoga lessons for those who want an extra level of wellness.</p> <p>Unlike the rest of the resort though, spa treatments are not included in the all-inclusive formula of Club Med. I mean, if massages are free, I'm gonna tie myself to them massage beds 24 freakin' hours a day!</p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.kennysia.com/images/2011/Club-Med-Phuket_3323/IMG_2071.jpg" width="550" height="413" /></p> <p>By now, I have waited a good 6 hours already and the Malaysian team still have yet to arrive!</p> <p>Good thing my bedroom was ready. </p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.kennysia.com/images/2011/Club-Med-Phuket_3323/IMG_2006.jpg" width="550" height="413" /></p> <p>Admittedly, Club Med don't usually pay much attention to their bedrooms below the Honeymoon Suite level, but I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable and spacious my Deluxe Room is. </p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.kennysia.com/images/2011/Club-Med-Phuket_3323/IMG_2007.jpg" width="550" height="413" /></p> <p>Plush pillows, soft linens, full minibar and a TV. Why would anyone watch TV in Club Med anyway when there's so much to do outside?</p> <p>I had the opportunity to glimpse at their Honeymoon Suite.</p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.kennysia.com/images/2011/Club-Med-Phuket_3323/IMG_2099.jpg" width="550" height="413" /></p> <p>It's obviously a lot bigger. Comes with its own bathtub, four-poster bed, coffee machine, fruit basket and a bottle of Moet. So while the standard rooms are sufficient, those who opt for an extra level of indulgence have a choice too.</p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.kennysia.com/images/2011/Club-Med-Phuket_3323/IMG_2012.jpg" width="550" height="413" /></p> <p>The Malaysian team finally made their grand arrival at 8:30pm - a four hour delay!</p> <p>By then I had already explored almost every corner of the newly renovated Club Med Phuket resort on my own. </p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.kennysia.com/images/2011/Club-Med-Phuket_3323/IMG_2237.jpg" width="550" height="413" /></p> <p>This is Ji-San, our assigned Gentle Officer (G.O.) from Club Med Malaysia. I kept teasing her that she's not a real G.O. because all Club Med G.O.s I know are sunshine and happy and can sing and dance, and Ji-San... can do all those, but not very often!</p> <p>Anyway, Ji-San assured me that if what I had seen so far was impressive, the next 3 days of my stay at Club Med Phuket is gonna blow my socks off.</p> <p>Well, I can say for sure that I was not disappointed. My socks were blown eight ways to China.</p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.kennysia.com/images/2011/Club-Med-Phuket_3323/IMG_2688.jpg" width="550" height="413" /></p> <p>I will write about those 3 amazing days in Club Med Phuket, next!</p>
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