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A short boat trip from Phuket's deep-water port, on the east coast
of the island, lies Maiton Island. Secluded yet accessible, peaceful
yet fun, the resort has something for everyone, especially those
with romance in mind.
The journey begins at the offices of Maiton Island, easily located
in the area of Phuket's deep-water port . A small craft is waiting
to take you to paradise.The journey isn't long, the views spectacular
and you may even meet a few new friends along the way. As the boat
ploughs through the water, the sun, the sea and the company are
spectacular.
The journey takes around 40 minutes, depending on the weather,
and soon Maiton Island looms large. The architecture is surprisingly
unusual . . . a Greek-style main building in a perfect white is
surrounded by discreet villas which blend superbly into the environment.
As the boat approached the pier, hundreds of tiger fish congregate
as if in welcome. The water is incredibly clear, and a few people
occasionally decide to swim the rest of the way. The sand is soft,
the sea calm and the welcome awaits.
Disembarking, all luggage is taken directly to your room as you
check in. The resort is the only one on the island (the parent company
actually owns the island) and as villas can be quite a distance
away, a “golf cart” transports you to your home for the next few
days or weeks. The magical atmosphere is made all the better by
the staff . . . no task is too big or too little and there is always
a smile to accompany the answer to a question or request. The whole
experience is enhanced by the sound of the sea . . . it never gets
rough here!
Maiton Island has been welcoming people for ten years now, so they
are very experienced in looking after your needs: if you wish for
a romantic, away-from-it-all holiday, you will never be bothered
by someone wishing to interrupt you. The villas are far enough apart
that you will never be aware of neighbours and the only sound after
sundown is the waves lapping the beach.
Gerald Enjalran, General Manager for the past three-and-a-half
years, recognises the resort's unique appeal. “There is nowhere
like this in the area”, he explains.
Each Villa is decorated in its own distinctive style: Thai art
with a hint of Western opulence. All have Jacuzzis (very romantic
on the open-air balcony overlooking the sea especially so at sunset)
and an ocean view. The TV is discreetly located (full international
UBC, 12 languages, if you feel like watching a movie there are also
in-house movies free of charge). The master bedroom comes complete
with a hi-fi. Furniture is distinctly Thai, with the colourful triangular
pillow (mawn khwaan) used on the sofas rather than cushions. The
bathrooms are marble, the showers divine and everything seems to
work on demand . . . quite remarkable for a small island, with air
conditioners, seven eateries, 24-hour service and an excellent laundry.
The romance comes into this resort because of the potential solitude
. . . If you wish to stroll along the pristine beach (cleaned by
16 people in-line every day) or take advantage of the pools (indoor
and outdoor) and traditional Thai massage, go ahead. If you wish
to remain private, speaking to only a few people, the choice is
yours.
There is a great choice of dining . . . in the evening you can
choose between The European Restaurant ¸The Coffee Shop offering
Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Western cuisine) or the Grill Restaurant.
In addition to the usual dining experiences, the Organic Bar, the
Sea Window Pool Bar and the Beach Bar serve delicious cocktails,
cool, refreshing drinks and appetising snacks, right on the beachfront.
For leisure, there is always the opportunity to remain in your
secluded Villa or walk along the beach, take a swim in the indoor
or outdoor pools, go snorkelling, Scuba Diving and windsurfing .
. . just ask.
Maiton Island is a regular port of call for the Thai Royal Family.
If you need a quick transfer from Phuket's International Airport,
there is a helicopter (prior booking essential) awaiting your arrival.
To contact Maiton Island Resort, please telephone: (66 76) 214 954-8,
fax: (66 76) 214 959 or E-Mail them at maiton@samart.co.th
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