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For those lucky enough to stay at Le Meridien's five-star resort
in Relax Bay, on Phuket's southwest coast, there is an added treat
in store . . . the availability of a beautiful 65-foot cruise
boat, Margaret Lee
Le Meridien is one of Phuket's premier vacation destinations and
as such endeavours to provide its guests with the best service and
facilities available. As you drive along the road from Karon to
Patong, Le Meridien comes into sight as a stunningly designed, tropical
retreat on its own stretch of uninterrupted beach.
With clientele from around the world, Le Meridien has one additional
feature: its own private cruise boat. Recently restored and refit
to the highest specifications, Margaret Lee is in a class of her
own. Although the hotel offers all forms of watersports; diving,
sailing, waterskiing, windsurfing etc., but the opportunity to take
a day trip or evening cruise on this vessel is one not to be missed.
Margaret Lee is a 65-foot cruise boat originally built by the British
Royal Air Force in 1932. Spending most of her time in the harsh
climatic conditions of the North Sea, she was ably equipped with
a three-propellered engine enabling her to travel at great speed.
Although her original name is a little military, Margaret Lee sailed
some of Europe's most hazardous waters, working as a rescue and
back-up vessel for the RAF for a number of successful years.
After European hostilities cooled, Margaret Lee found herself in
Singapore, where she
acquired her present-day name.
In 1970, she came to Phuket as a sea-mining vessel until she was
retired over three years ago. Since then she has undergone a complete
overhaul and been refitted to very high standards.
With a pleasant and efficient cruising speed of 12-15 knots, she
is the perfect craft for a day trip around the island, to outlying
islands, or a sunset cocktail cruise. The boat has a fully-equipped
galley, bar and comes with a well-trained crew. Her well-travelled
skipper can advise you on destination options and availability of
extras such as diving apparatus and instructors.
Activities on board can basically be as relaxed or energetic as
you wish. Whether it's swimming, snorkelling and diving or sunbathing,
reading and spending time in the air-conditioned lounge, the choice
is yours. One of the most popular trips is a day trip to Rang Yai
and Koh Kai, leaving the hotel at 8am and returning at 5.30pm. Phang
Nga, with its towering limestone peeks is also popular especially
as the weather remains mostly calm and bright year-round. Sunset
cocktail cruises are to be especially recommended, as there is no
better way to finish off the perfect holiday than to spend an evening
cruising in Phuket waters, possibly with some newly made friends,
sipping a cool drink and watching the scarlet sun sink into the
Andaman Sea.
For more information, please contact Guest Relations at Le Meridien
(66 76) 340 480 ext. 5213. E-mail: meridien@phuket.ksc.co.th
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