LUXE City Guides recommend

The following suggestions are selected exclusively for Cathay Pacific by LUXE City Guides, the consummately stylish pocket travel guide, packed with astute, opinionated information for the busy and sophisticated visitor.

Accommodation
SALA Phuket. Wispy, modernist, linen-ed nirvana set in a beachside national park, with balconied suites and private pool villas in tranquil neutrals and whites, plus open-air baths. Beach glam poolside deck bar/diner and modish spa complete the chill picture.
Mai Khao Beach / 076 338 888 / salaphuket.com

Restaurants
Trisara. Two tastes in one. Both the mod Thai and Pan-Med menus are equally superb in this creamy glassed-in sala with lounge lizard sounds, huge deck for sea-view canoodles and alfresco dining, plus sexy bar and smart wine list.
60/1 Moo 6 Srisoonthorn Rd / Cherng Talay / Talang / 076 310 100 / trisara.com

Kan Eang @ Pier. Crack claws in style and comfort at this super-slick seaview joint in woods and glass indoors or breezy out, in the open pavilions. Low-fi sister Kan Eang II has plastic plates and tables, but bags of outdoor charm, shady trees, ocean views, swim-fresh fish and spicy Southern Thai. Yum to both.
Kan Eang @ Pier / 44/1 Viset Rd Moo 5 / Rawai / Chalong Pier / 076 381 212 / & Kan Eang II /
9/3 Chaofa Rd / Chalong Bay / 076 381 694 / the main dining tent is a bit skanky, so head to the right side of the restaurant for pierside tables and salas under the trees

Rockfish. Down the woody steps for glorious global fare in this open-fronted, ocean-adjacent, bi-level lovely in taupes and neutrals, with cute upstairs bar. Relaxed at lunch and swisher for supper.
33/6 Kamala Beach Rd / 076 279 732 / open all day / rockfishrestaurant.com

Bar
Laem Sing Lounge. In season, this beach-shack is shab-chic and Groove Central for all the pretty kitties. Sunsets, swims, snuggles and sips. It’s a sod to get to, down a rough path, so take a torch.
Laem Sing Beach / located at the extreme left of the second little beach / open all day in season

Spa
SenSes. Chipper, white, airy beauty salon for good wash and blow, great facials and massage, body shaping, waxing, and mani and pedi complete with vibrating chair – ooh! Home and villa service too.
3/2-5 Moo 5 Srisoonthorn Rd / Cherng Talay / opp. The Red Room / 076 271 373

Shopping
Surin Plaza. This chic, three-storey fash-stash houses several perky pups; Galleria Aleenta has a charming mixed bag of contempo furny, quality bed linens, ceramic and lifestyle; Lamont serves up swish mod antique interiors, lighting and design while Fine 9 Design has Asian fine arts, modern furniture and ethnic-tinged jewellery. Lovely Lola / closed Fri / has delish resort wear in flowing fabrics, the delightful Ginger stocks accessories, jewellery, beaded bags and homewares, and Galerie has a varied catalogue of modern/contempo art on show. Now, up the stairs you dash to find Soul Of Asia / closed Sun / for antiques and repro artefacts, furniture and paintings from China and Vietnam, Sivalla / closed Sun / has premium jewels and gems, and Candere Gallery holds bundles of lifestyle, spa products, candles and faddle, then just across the road is yet more furny and antiques at Boh. Nice one, Nellie.
5/50 Moo 3 / Cherng Talay / 076 271 241 / theplazasurin.com

Activities
Destination Air. Their captains will whoosh you off sightseeing over stunning World Heritage Site Phang Nga Bay, drop you off for snorkelling and lunch on Phi Phi and then zip you home. Fast and glamorous, not unlike your fine self.
Call 076 328 637 / destinationair.com

Boat Charter. Hop aboard an ultra-fast charter with Limestone Adventures for shazam island-hopping, or escape the hordes on Omni Marine’s super swish yachts and dive, snorkel or deep sea fish in private. Enough to convert even the most obstinate land lubber into a bonafide boatie.
Limestone Adventures / The Boat Lagoon / 20/16 Moo 2 Thepkasattri Rd / 076 273 328 / limestoneadventures.com / & Omni Marine / 081 825 9243 / omnitrips.com

Phuket Laguna Riding Club. Run, run like the wind, Samantha. Grab a dobbin and gallop down spectacular sunset beaches or canter through shady woods. Sugar lumps not included.
394 Moo 1 Bangtao Beach / Cherng Talay / 076 324 199 / phuket-bangtao-horseriding.com