Thailand Holiday Proposal 2019/20

Thailand FARRUGIA & VASSALLO

KOH SAMUI

WELCOME TO KO SAMUI

Whether you're sun-seeking, dozing in a hammock, feasting on world-class cuisine, beach partying or discovering wellness in an exclusive spa, Koh Samui has it covered.

on the beach The kiss of sun on tanned skin, the deep azure of the sky and the gentle lapping of warm waves on satin sands are ideal ingredients for the perfect retreat. Ko Samui’s beaches are a diverse bunch to boot: roll up your beach towel and see what you can find. Make it Coco Tam’s in Bo Phut’s Fisherman’s village for cocktails and serious chillaxing; Hat Chaweng for sunrises, people-watching and late night parties; lengthy Hat Mae Nam for peace or napping under a coconut tree before giving in to a west coast sunset over seas basked in shimmering bronze.

FOOD, FOOD AND MORE FOOD Deftly paired with the island’s seductive sands, dining is Samui’s other top indulgence. From the simplest of Thai dishes to scorching regional curries and plates hopping with flavour on seaside tables, you’re spoiled for choice. Don’t overlook more anonymous places, the best meals can await in faceless roadside shacks where locals saunter in. The island is stuffed with kôw gang (rice and curry) shops, often a flimsy wooden shack serving southern Thai–style curries. Follow locals to the food markets for more pointers, but if you need romantic atmosphere, sunset dinners can be the holiday moment.

MIND, BODY, SPIRIT Add some full-on pampering to the leisurely mix. People come here to see other people looking good and to look good too, with a pinch of mindfulness thrown in for awakening the soul. Cleansing fasts, yoga, tai-chi, herbal steam treatments and chakra-balancing restore equilibrium to out-of-kilter systems, with flexible arrangements available for anyone arriving with the best of intentions but also in holiday mode. And for those who just want to ease away the aches and pains of lying on the beach, Ko Samui’s spas will elevate them to another level of serenity.

SCOOTING AROUND Jungle-covered landscapes, crystal-clear waterfalls and viewpoints offering stunning vistas await those willing to straddle a scooter and hit the road. This is the best way to see Ko Samui’s raw and wild interior. You’ll meander through sleepy local villages without intruding and reach little-known spots far from the maddening crowds, as you snake your way around isolated roads where the only company you’ll keep will be grazing cattle and local children at play.

KOH SAMUI WITH KIDS The beach is always great for children but Thailand doubles the fun. Thais love kids (especially babies) and will shower them with attention. Even grumpy taxi drivers enjoy playing já ăir (peekaboo) with little ones. Of the Thai islands, Ko Samui is the most relaxed and family friendly. Keep our tips in mind and your family holiday will be all smiles. Only in the best hotels will you find high chairs, and strollers are rarely seen outside top resort areas. Most Thais just carry their children in their arms and hold them at the dinner table. While strollers might be convenient, most Thai pavements will feel more like off-roading then strolling. If you’re using a baby backpack, make sure the child’s head doesn’t sit higher than yours: there are lots of hanging obstacles poised at forehead level Disposable nappies in big sizes are available at Samui’s Tesco Lotus and Tops Market International-style beach resorts and upmarket hotels usually provide childcare facilities and crèches. Thai food is often a little too spicy for young palates, but fried rice, roti, pasta and fried noodles are widely available. The best beaches for families with young children are Bo Phut and Mae Nam. The waves are gentle, the footpaths wide enough to push a stroller (if you bring one), and there are other families to provide international playmates. For families with older children, especially teenagers, Chaweng will provide the most entertainment. The waves are powerful, there’s plenty of shopping and eating, and most hotels have pools if you get tired of sand. There are lots of kid- oriented animal shows, such as monkey theatres and tiger zoos, that rarely live up to Western standards of animal welfare. Instead, head to the south coast where kids can take in jungle waterfalls or wonder at the Samui Butterfly Garden. There is some snorkelling off Ko Samui, but to really explore the underwater landscape take a trip to Ko Tao.

     5* ANANTARA LAWANA KOH SAMUI RESORT A TROPICAL SANCTUARY WITH LOCAL CHARM

RATED 9 & SUPERB

Set along a white-sand beach on the Gulf of Thailand, this upscale resort is 2 km from Samui Airport and 5 km from colorful Wat Plai Laem. Chic, airy rooms offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minifridges and furnished balconies, plus tea and coffeemaking facilities. Upgraded rooms add direct pool access or private plunge pools. The 1- or 2-bedroom villas, some with gulf views, include private infinity pools and living areas. Room service is available. Breakfast is complimentary. There's also a spa, an outdoor infinity pool and direct beach access. Other amenities include 2 open-air restaurants, a seafood eatery and a laid-back poolside bar.

€10,090 for 2 adults

Deluxe Plunge Pool on BB basis:

€ 11,819 for 2 adults & 1 chil

Deluxe Plunge Pool on BB basis:

€ 17,490 for 2 adults & 2 children

Anantara Pool Villa on BB basis:

     5* W KOH SAMUI W KOH SAMUI LUXURY RESORT OFFERS ALL 74 PRIVATE POOL VILLAS.

RATED 9 & SUPERB

Tranquil by day. Electric by night. Situated on a 30-square-mile tropical Thai island in the middle of the Gulf of Thailand, overlooking stunning beaches and lush forests, W Koh Samui awakens as the sun goes down, igniting the unexpected. Life done right. Start the day with a workout at FIT or dip at WET before unwinding with a local therapy at AWAY Spa. Then, light up the evening with signature cocktails at W Lounge and dinner at our on-site restaurants Namu and The Kitchen Table. Take it easy. Surrounded by verdant foliage, each of our 74 villas boasts a private outdoor pool and infinite island views. Inside, premiere technology meets signature W pillow top beds, Bliss Spa amenities and Whatever/Whenever service.

€ 17,380 for 2 adults

Jungle Oasis on BB basis:

€ 18,620 for 2 adults & 1 child

Jungle Oasis on BB basis:

€ 19,860 2 adults & 2 children

Jungle Oasis on BB basis:

     5* RITZ CARLTON KOH SAMUI A TROPICAL PARADISE SITUATED ALONG THAILAND’S SPECTACULAR SOUTHERN

COASTLINE. RATED 9.1 & SUPERB

Nestled within the embrace of a private sun-kissed bay, the resort is surrounded by oceanfront beauty and quintessential experiences that inspire treasured moments. Discover the legendary hospitality of its people in a constant pursuit of happiness that salves your mind, body and soul through wellness programmes, cultural immersions or culinary journeys. Embracing the Samui way of life is our heartbeat at The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui.

€ 16,080 for 2 adults

Ultimate Pool Villa on BB basis:

€ 22,502 for 2 adults & 1 child

Ultimate Pool Villa on BB basis:

PACKAGE DETAILS

THE ROCS TRAVEL KOH SAMUI PACKAGE PRICES INCLUDE:

3 3 Return flights all in economy class 3 3 Checked in luggage 7 kilos in hand + 30 kilos in hold luggage

3 3 12 nights accommodation 3 3 Bed and breakfast basis 3 3 All airlines taxes & charges

All prices quoted are subject to availability at the time of booking and prices can change without notice.

DATE OF ARRIVAL

FLIGHT

FLIGHT TIME

FLIGHT NO DATE OF DEPARTURE

AIRCRAFT TYPE

QR 384 19 DEC

4*MALTA - DOHA

16:05 - 23:05 19 DEC E 0 320 M

QR 834 20 DEC 5*DOHA - BANGKOK

02:00 - 12:30 20 DEC E 0 359 M

PG 961 20 DEC 5 BANGKOK – KOH SAMUI 14:30 - 15:40 20 DEC E 0 319 S PG 172 03 JAN 5 KOH SAMUI - BANGKOK 19:40 - 20:55 03 JAN E 0 319 S QR 837 04 JAN 6*BANGKOK - DOHA 01:45 - 05:25 04 JAN E 0 77W M QR 383 04 JAN 6*DOHA - MALTA 08:55 - 13:00 04 JAN E 0 320 M

phuket

WELCOME TO PHUKET Jade-hued waves concealing rainbows of fish wash white-gold beaches wrapped in Phuketian heritage: Phuket, Thailand’s dazzling largest island, is so diverse you may forget to leave.

BEACH BLISS The pearly white, palm- and casuarina-fringed beaches that ring Phuket’s southern and western coasts are the island’s key bounty. Each beach is different, from the northwest’s upmarket Surin and Ao Bang Thao (with their luxe resorts and, in Bang Thao, glossy beach clubs) to mellow, jungled Rawai on far south Phuket, or the infamous west-coast sin city of Patong, home of hangovers and go-go bars. So there’s space for everyone, whether you’re a flashpacking couple, a luxury jetsetter, a wandering budgeteer or a travelling family on the hunt for seaside fun.

CULTURAL HERITAGE Those tropical-island beaches are glorious, of course, but venture just a little beyond and you’ll uncover astonishing Phuketian cultural riches that many visitors zip right past. East-coast capital Phuket Town delights with its eye-opening museums, Peranakan cooking, Chinese shrines and historic mansions and shophouses done in characteristic Sino-Portuguese style. Major temples stand in Chalong and Thalang, while two national parks and a smattering of wildlife sanctuaries await exploration in the island’s northern reaches. Even a speedy trip up into the hills behind Kata to Big Buddha connects you to modern-day Phuket’s pulse.

UNDERWATER WONDERS Some of Thailand’s most magnificent landscapes lie hidden away beneath the Andaman’s glittering surface, and Phuket sits blissfully within day-tripping distance of both Ko Phi-Phi’s popular dive sites and the famed, national-park-protected, impossibly beautiful Similan Islands. A wealth of local dive schools will have you strapping on a mask and communing with denizens of the deep in no time. For those who don’t fancy diving straight in, snorkelling trips offer a tantalising taster, while kayaking expeditions into Ao Phang-Nga’s hushed hôrng (semi-submerged island lagoons) reveal awe-inspiring seascapes of towering limestone karsts.

FABULOUS FOOD On Phuket, as in other regions across the Land of Smiles, Thai cuisine takes on its own distinct character. Soulful, spicy, salty southern Thai cooking collides with Chinese and Malay flavours and influences – so you get, say, Thai-style dim sum or roti dipped in curry for breakfast, along with local culinary creations such as mèe pad hokkien (stir-fried hokkien noodles in a broth), mŏo hong (pepper-and-garlic-braised pork), mèe gaang pôo (crab-meat curry with noodles) and pàk miang (scrambled spinach-like leaves). You’ll also uncover a world of exquisite fusion menus, elegant international cuisine and freshly caught seafood.

phuket WITH KIDS While the seedier side of Thailand’s sex industry is on show in Patong (we’d steer clear of it with our kids, though many families do visit), the rest of Phuket is fairly G-rated, and, with amusements galore, the island makes for a fantastic family trip. Visits to Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, Phuket Aquarium, Soi Dog and the Phuket Gibbon Rehabilitation Project are terrific animal-themed activities for children. Older kids can tackle kitesurfing in Rawai and Hat Nai Yang, or surf at Hat Kata Yai. Phuket’s most-advertised ‘family-friendly’ feature is Kamala’s Phuket Fantasea which, while popular, carries significant animal- welfare concerns. We don’t recommend it, or any of the many elephant rides that are offered all over Phuket. Practicalities Amenities specially geared towards young children – such as child-safety seats for cars, high chairs in restaurants or nappy-changing facilities in public restrooms – are spotty in Thailand. Therefore parents will have to be resourceful in seeking out substitutes or just do without. Baby formula and nappies (diapers) are available at mini-markets and 7-Elevens, but sizes are usually small, smaller and smallish. If your child wears size 3 or larger, head to Tesco Lotus or Big C. Nappy-rash cream is sold at pharmacies. Phuket’s footpaths often get too crowded to push a pram, especially full-size SUV versions. Instead opt for a compact umbrella stroller that can squeeze past the fire hydrants and mango carts and can be folded up and thrown in a túk-túk. A baby pack (sling) is also useful, but make sure your child’s head doesn’t sit higher than yours: there are lots of hanging obstacles at forehead level. For the most part, parents needn’t worry too much about health concerns in Phuket, apart from enforcing regular handwashing, ensuring children understand street-safety guidelines and taking care to prevent mosquito bites (dengue fever is an increasing concern in Thailand and cases have been reported on Phuket). In 2016 the Zika virus was confirmed in Thailand, and two cases of birth defects related to the virus were reported; check the International Association for Medical Assistance for Travellers (www.iamat.org) website for updates on the situation. In terms of local cuisine, even Thai children are shielded from chillies and there are a handful of child-friendly dishes that every server can recommend. Because of the heat, remember to keep your little ones well hydrated, either with water or a variety of fruit juices, including fresh young coconuts or lime juice (a surprising hit with kids).

     5* NAKA PHUKET WHERE EQUILIBRIUM PREVAILS…

RATED 8.7 & FABULOUS

The NAKA Phuket raises the bar of Phuket’s tourist industry with accommodation, facilities and service which are certain to exceed everyone’s expectations. This 94 pool villa resort is perfectly located at Nal Yae beach an secluded beach in Kamala Bay, and is possibly the only resort on the island to offer two natural settings where an exclusive beach meets with an unspoiled hillside. The resort is only accessible via an isolated mountain road making it the perfect location for those seeking to experience the ultimate feeling of seclusion, but as the resort is only 10 km. away from Phuket’s bustling nightlife area of Patong.

€ 31,210

2 bedroom Villa with Private Pool on BB basis:

4 adults + 2 children

€ 43,740

3 bed room Villa With Private Pool on BB basis:

4 adults + 3 children + infant

     5* SLATE YOUR OWN SECRET WORLD WITHIN PHUKET

RATED 9.1 & SUPERB

Enveloped in absolute mystery, The Slate is a REIMAGINING of Phuket’s rich elemental history. A medley of old traditions and wondrous new inspirations, this dreamscape exudes natural beauty and sensuous elegance. Awaken your imagination in this fantastical world.

€ 14,300 for 2 adults

Premium Suite with Private Pool on BB basis:

€ 15,344 for 2 adults & 1 child

Premium Suite with Private Pool on BB basis:

€ 16,610 for 2 adults & 2 children

Premium Suite with Private Pool on BB basis:

PACKAGE DETAILS

THE ROCS TRAVEL PHUKET PACKAGE PRICES INCLUDE:

3 3 Return flights all in economy class 3 3 Checked in luggage 7 kilos in hand + 30 kilos in hold luggage

3 3 15 nights accommodation 3 3 Bed and breakfast basis 3 3 All airlines taxes & charges

All prices quoted are subject to availability at the time of booking and prices can change without notice.

DATE OF ARRIVAL

FLIGHT

FLIGHT TIME

FLIGHT NO DATE OF DEPARTURE

AIRCRAFT TYPE

QR 384 19 DEC

4*MALTA - DOHA

16:05 - 23:05 19 DEC E 0 320 M

QR 978 20 DEC

5*DOHA - PHUKET

02:45 - 13:20 20 DEC E 0 359 M

QR 841 05 JAN

7*PHUKET - DOHA

19:40 - 23:05 05 JAN E 0 77W M

QR 381 06 JAN

1*DOHA - MALTA

02:50 - 06:55 06 JAN E 0 320 M

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