Saturday, November 12, 2011

A Thai massage on the beach



At Cape Panwa Hotel we have witnessed a growth in popularity of the "spa" – even building one at the Cape Panwa Hotel and in every subsequent Cape property.








What has never been given its true merit though is the Traditional Thai Massage on the beach.  We built two small thatched platforms in the gardens so this art-like therapy could be given the respect that it deserves.

The Spa is undoubtedly a beautiful concept but to have a Thai massage surrounded by the true elements of nature – the gentle waves caressing the quiet beach and the coconut trees stroking each other…

Think that I would like a massage now…


              

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Coffee and more coffee



I know that Tim’s heart skipped a beat last week and it wasn’t the guest whose underwear was stuck in the Jacuzzi…

Boncafe came to visit Cape Panwa Hotel to train our staff in the delicacies of making different coffees.


Of course, the staff needed to make each one and Tim was present for a tasting session (even though he knows he drinks too much coffee), only too happy to offer his services.

The staff learnt a lot about making the froth, heating the cups and caressing the coffee to create a plethora of different coffees that can now be enjoyed at our various restaurants.

I wonder whether Tim managed to sleep after that?

              

Friday, October 28, 2011

Are you coming to Phuket



photo of Cape Racha Spa
When you visit Thailand, of course, we would like you to stay with us at one of the Kasemkij Hotels under the Cape, Kantary or Kameo brands – take a look at TripAdvisor for recommendations, and if you are coming to Phuket also take a look at the Phuket E-Magazine produced by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.







There are a number of e-coupons that can be downloaded and printed out, which entitle you to a whole range of benefits - from free coffee at Starbucks to discounts on massages.

Whatever you choose to do, enjoy your holiday in Thailand! Me, I am going to download a spa coupon for my wife and download the Starbucks coupon for myself!!



We hope to see you.


              

Friday, October 7, 2011

Driving in Thailand





This week I thought about a question which I am regularly asked, at least twice a week.









"What do you think of renting a car?"

Now I must share with you that driving in Thailand and / or Phuket is different from other places around the world.

1) Red traffic lights - they mean that it would be a good idea if you stopped here.

2) Flashing red traffic lights – they mean proceed with caution.

3) Driving on the left – well not strictly true, if you have a turning coming up (scratch that) if you want to drive on the right because you want to you can.

4) Driving on the right – there are some roads in Patong where you (are supposed to) drive on the other side…

5) Whose fault is it? – a tourist is a guest in the country and the accident would not have occurred if they had not been visiting – logical.

6) Flashing head lights – GET OUT OF MY WAY.

7) A hand signal to overtake – this means that you can pass me but I take no responsibility for the oncoming traffic – but it’s fine with me…

I could continue but I since I have chosen not to drive here, I wouldn't be speaking from a level of authority. However, I was very happy to find that Thailand was not listed on this website I came across on cross-cultural driving – but did a man in Japan really stop at the traffic lights in the earthquake? 


              

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Cape Bakery




Kasemkij has been growing in leaps and bounds with new properties springing up all over the country, and the next visit I intend to make will be to Cape Nidhra in Hua Hin and from all the reviews it looks stunning.


But before I lose myself, I am here to tell you about the latest development outside Kantary Bay in Phuket and I don’t mean the growing number of local vendors selling food along the jetty but the Cape Bakery.


The Cape Bakery is next to the Trading Post convenience store in the Panwa Village and sells the most tempting assortment of fresh breads, cakes and pastries, all baked by our team here at Cape Panwa - as well as Italian ice cream!



You can also order freshly brewed coffee (and there are a great many varieties), which you can sip leisurely whilst watching the sun set over the Bay with the Big Buddha in the distance.

I think I’ll go and check it out this afternoon and make a booking at Cape Nidhra....

              

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Top places in Phuket that tourists should visit but do not



Khaokhad View Tower
As part of our English class this month our staff were asked to talk about places that they love to visit that haven't yet been overrun by tourists.



Khaokhad View Tower – this is a very quiet spot in the South East of Phuket, 
in the Village of Borae.



Ao Yon Waterfall – this is a waterfall at the end of a twisting road and is locally known as the ‘Secret Waterfall’ – totally deserted.  There are a couple of places for a drink on Ao Yon Beach that is nearby.




Mor Mu Dong – this is a restaurant for local people and those ‘in the know’ where you can get authentic local food served next to a mangrove swamp.



Thalang Museum – there is a great deal of history in Phuket and here you can read all about it – don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for the Heroine’s Monument.

Pat satro - a local food for Southern Thailand.


Kru Suwit or Laem Hin Seafood – fancy dinner on a floating restaurant?



Photo from Jamie in Phuket
Wat Phra Tong – visit the Buddhist Temple where this statue of Buddha 
is half buried in the ground, find out why…




The list goes on but this is just a blog – look in the next edition of Cape & Kantary for more ideas.