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Cape Panwa is a unique place in Phuket where you
are virtually surrounded by the sea. The spectrum of blue in the
water is amazing, the deeper areas are cerulean and even sapphire
blues while closer to shore the turquoise colour of the water is
sometimes so brilliant, that it is almost blinding. What better
way to immerse oneself in these waters than by luxury motor yacht.
The Cape Panwa Hotel is supremely positioned on Cape Panwa and
the hotel's private jetty now serves as a gateway to all the
dreamy islands of Phang-Nga Bay with their soaring limestone cliffs,
and to other remote islands laden with natural beauty. The hotel
runs daily island discovery trips for guests, on their private yacht,
the Panwa Princess. These tours travel to Coral Island and Khai
Island. Sea-loving guests have the perfect opportunity to meet colourful
marine life by snorkelling and swimming amongst the schools of bright
reef fish. Owner of the Cape Panwa Hotel, Khun Tirapongse Pangsrivongse,
has decided to introduce his personal yacht, the Panwa Princess
II, to the charter business, so that any member of the public may
explore the area in supreme comfort.
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The Panwa Princess II, a luxury, 25m wooden yacht was commissioned
in 1995. Powered by two V8 engines the Princess can reach speeds
of up to 12 knots while maintaining a nice, smooth ride. She is
equipped with radar, a satellite navigation system, sonar, CB, VHF
radio and a mobile phone just in case you thought you could escape
the outside world.
The boat is a real beauty and has been kept in fabulous condition
by her crew. The interior is enriched with teak trimmings and has
plush, comfortable furniture for relaxing and dozing out at sea;
although the on-deck freshwater jacuzzi has my vote. Imagine a tropical
sunset, viewed from the bubbling jacuzzi, with a cool drink in one
hand, and a loved one in the other; pure serenity. In addition the
deck has sunbeds and sofas, ideal for soaking up a suntan. There
are three cozy staterooms, three heads with showers and a spacious
cabin fitted with state of the art audiovisual equipment, fresh
water and an icemaker, essential for preparing the refreshing cocktails.
The cabin is easily large enough for groups of up to 20 on a day
trip and the long dining table could seat all guests for a scrumptious
lunch.
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Meals on board can be arranged according to your own preferences
and will be prepared by an experienced cook. The full crew comprises;
the Captain, the first mate, an engineer, a cook and a cabin boy.
The crew requirements depend on the length of your journey and the
size of your party. This capable crew will ensure that your excursion
is hassle free and allow you to assist them as much, or as little
as you like.
The Panwa Princess II is available to charter for day trips to
the striking islands in the Phang-Nga Bay and Phuket Sea, or for
longer expeditions. Her motor can carry you to Burma, the Similan
Islands or the Malaysian islands, in perfect comfort, of course
this depends on the seas. The fees for a day trip start at THB22,000
to Koh Khai, and continue to around THB30,000 to Koh Phi Phi. Mr.
Urs Aebi, Resident Manager of the Cape Panwa Hotel, pointed out
that these prices were negotiable and that longer trips will incur
even more economical rates. Mr. Aebi stated that " the Panwa
Princess II is not a major source of revenue for the hotel, therefore
we can afford to keep the prices down.'
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Live aboard trips to one of the many spectacular destinations in
the region are made complete by the fact that the Princess II is
supplied with all instruments needed for a sea retreat. Fishing
rods, scuba and snorkelling gear and a windsurfing board are available
for use, as well as a rubber dingy, a hard-bottom inflatable speedboat
and two beach bikes. All facilities are inclusive of the charter
fee.
The charter service includes delivery of the boat to your desired
pick-up point. Mr. Aebi said that "recently the yacht was chartered
by some guests of Le Meridien Phuket Yacht Club. The crew took the
boat around to Naiharn beach and the passengers boarded right from
their own hotel.' The Princess II is docked at the Boat Lagoon
when she's not on the sea. The crew may also be able to arrange
transport from your hotel to the Boat Lagoon.
The Panwa Princess II is ideal for a day outing with friends, family
or for entertaining groups of executives. Mr. Aebi recommends the
Princess II for people on incentive tours, as she can be organized
to take busy executives out for a relaxing sunset cruise, or even
as a meeting venue. Alternatively, if you prefer a totally work-free
environment, a cruise around the extraordinary shapes and forms
of Phang-Nga Bay can be taken with your family and friends with
no hint of outside interference. Remember, however to turn the mobile
phone off. The choice is yours, and the luxury is limitless.
The Panwa Princess II can be chartered by contacting
The Cape Panwa Hotel,
Tel: 66(0)76 391 123-5,
Fax: 66(0)76 391 177,
E-mail: capepanw@phuket.ksc.co.th
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