White Box Restaurant Something a Little Different

The White Box Restaurant at Kalim Bay has become one of the trendiest restaurants in Phuket over the past few years. With its chic and pristine white decor against the backdrop of the Andaman Ocean, the restaurant and the lounge bar has become a favourite jaunt for droves of tourists and local residents.

The conceptual atmosphere of the restaurant is a great first impression separating itself from others and embracing a unique atmosphere with a minimalist decor. With a sophisticated European fine dining environment merging together with a more laidback dining atmosphere of Asia, east meeting west has never been more complimentary than within White Box.

Set over three floors, with the ground floor as reception, the second floor is a trendy dining area with indoor and outdoor seating. The third floor is reserved for the ultra-modern lounge equipped with strategically placed neon lighting and a unique retractable roof that allows provides an amazing open-air atmosphere allowing the fresh ocean breezes to subtly waft within.

The lounge is not only an ideal place to relax before your meal, but it also makes for a great after dinner venue where you can often enjoy international deejays and special events on a regular basis. On these nights you will see the beautiful and trendy people of Phuket strutting their stuff in fine fashion.

The menu concentrates on Mediterranean delights with a selection of Thai favourites. The al a carte menu is influenced by countries such as Italy, Spain, Greece and the South of France. With a vast selection of Asian starters such as Tom Yam Seafood, Tempura Tiger Prawns and pan-fried lobster with mango, apple, dragon fruit and tamarind sauce, your taste buds will be taken to their limit.

You could sample some Mediterranean cold and warm starters that include beef Carpaccio, the exquisite mozzarella and mango rolled in pata neora, wild mushroom ravioli, Phuket lobster soup with cognac, and sliced duck breast with shitake risotto, red wine reduction & air of parmesan.

The Mediterranean and Thai main course menus are split into two varieties  land and sea. With a choice of some classic Thai cuisine favourites such as the ever tasty lamb massaman and steamed snowfish with ginger and mushrooms, there is a classy edge to the Thai menu. European main courses are a varied choice of imported steaks and local seafood inspired Mediterranean dishes.

The White Box menu is already filled to the brim with Mediterranean and modern Asian classics that tantalize the taste buds. The choice of appetizers, filling main courses and rich desserts is startling. An exotic choice of seafood and imported Australian steaks ensures the menu has something for everyone.

The atmosphere of the main restaurant areas (indoor and outdoor) and the roof-top lounge area provide diners with a classy yet trendy atmosphere that keeps people coming back for more. If you were debating whether or not to visit the White Box, don't delay, you will have a great evening within a wonderful restaurant at one of the best locations on the island.

White Box Restaurant, 247/5 Prabaramee Road (Beach Road) Kalim, just north of Patong. Tel: (+66) 0 76-34-62-71

The Lakes the other course at Blue Canyon

Over the years, the Blue Canyon Country Club was known as one of the finest golf clubs in Southeast Asia, home to many international tournaments with some of the world's best golfers partaking, such as Tiger Woods, Freddie Couples and many more. The Canyon Course at the club has always had a great reputation, but you might not know that Blue Canyon has another course called The Lakes, which is also a fantastic challenge and one of the best courses on the island in its own right.

The Lakes is an 18-hole course, set over a par of 72 and is a test and challenge for golfers of all abilities. As the name of the course might suggest, water features on 17 of the 18 holes, so make sure you take enough balls along!

Enjoying 5 different sets of tee-offs for every hole, each time you play the course it offers a different approach. Don't be too disheartened because although there is lots of water, the fairways are extremely wide and welcoming, just to counter-balance the difficulty of the water hazards.

There are some fantastic world-class holes at the course, such as the par-4 18th, which was voted as the Best Par Four in Asia by the Asian Monthly magazine. Although The Lakes is not as difficult as the main Canyon Course, it really is a fun challenge for your Phuket golf holiday. The course has fast greens and also enjoys lots of tree-lined fairways that break up the watery environment.

Off The Beaten Track in Phuket Part 1 – Beaches

Over the past ten years, tourism in Phuket has literally tipped off the scales, which in some respects is a great thing for the Thailand tourism industry in general. However, this means that most of the island has become – in a commercial sense – well-trodden. As a resident of Phuket for many years, I have seen and done things on the island that most holidaymakers never get to experience.

The main tourist regions in Phuket are the likes of Patong, Karon and Kata, but in all honesty, there is something to see and do in every corner of the island but holidaymakers very seldom get to see the island in all its full glory. Please enjoy my off the beaten track in Phuket information about beaches, with another part detailing nightlife and dining in the coming days.

Beaches

Most holidaymakers to Phuket don't get very far away from the more commercialized Phuket beaches such as Patong. If you just explore a little, you will find yourself on deserted beaches, the likes of which you only see in your dreams.

Starting at the north east of Phuket, you will find Nai Yang Beach, just a five-minute drive from Phuket International Airport. During the low-season months (April-November), you will be the only person on this majestic stretch of sand.

At the northernmost spot on Phuket, you can experience the wilderness style beach of Haad Sai Gaew, roughly translated as Crystal Sands. Situated at the northern end of Mai Khao Beach, here you will find some quaint grass topped restaurants and an uncluttered beach that is usually desolate.

Slightly north of the popular Bang Tao Beach, there is a stretch of sand known as Layan Beach, although contrary to popular belief, the beach is south of Layan Bay. Because no major roads run directly through Layan, not so many people visit this beach.

Ya Nui Beach is located between the viewpoints of Laem Phromthep and Kata Viewpoint on the south western coast of Phuket within a quaint cove. The beach is a snorkeler's paradise, and with the small island of Koh Keyao Noi just 400 meters away, you can take a refreshing swim. The beach is just over 150 meters in length and a great place to have a little stop off to enjoy the scenery.

Phuket Schedule Down South

As you no doubt already know, on this blog we don't just talk about golf, but also the things that you can do when you are in Phuket in between rounds of golf. The southern end of Phuket really is one of the most beautiful places on the island, so please enjoy a day trip showcasing the best parts of down south in Phuket.

8:30am: Wat Chalong

This is simply one of the finest Buddhist temples in Phuket and is a favourite with tourists and locals alike. The temple is not only the largest, but also the most visited on the island.

10am: Big Buddha Temple – Chalong

A short drive from Chalong Temple is the lofty Big Buddha Temple and viewpoint. Meander up the winding mountainside tracks to the peak of the summit. The 45-metre high golden Buddha statue can be observed from miles around. The panoramic views allow you to enjoy the east and west coasts of the island just by turning you head.

11:30 Noon – Friendship Beach for Lunch

Between Chalong and Rawai, you will find the beachside Friendship Beach Restaurant and Resort. The excellent international cuisine and wondrous views looking out towards Chalong Bay will long live in your memory. The restaurant also owns a swimming pool, which customers are allowed to take use. Refuel your body by taking a spot of lunch at the restaurant.

1pm: Phuket Seashell Museum  Rawai

Moving swiftly towards Rawai Beach, you will encounter the Seashell Museum on Visit Road. The museum is now 40 years old and is home to over 2,000 species of shells. Be sure to check out the world's largest pearl that weighs in at 240kg.

2pm: Rawai Fish Market

Moving onto Rawai seafront, you can take a swift stroll along Rawai Fish Market. From 1pm onwards every day, the fishermen come back to the shore with their daily catch. Seafood really doesn't come fresher than straight off the boats.

2:45pm: Laem Phromthep Cape Viewpoint

This purpose-built viewpoint owns restaurants, shops and a lighthouse overlooking the Andaman Ocean on the road between Rawai and Nai Harn. Check out the amazing views and you will sure to be mesmerized by its beauty.

3:30pm: Nai Harn Beach

Nai Harn Beach has the reputation of being one of Phuket's finest and most picturesque beaches. This is a surfer's paradise, and you will enjoy an hour strolling across this majestic stretch of golden sand.

5pm: Kata Viewpoint

On the mountainous coastline roads from Nai Harn to Kata, you will find Kata Viewpoint. From this lofty vantage point, you can witness not only Kata Noi Beach, but also Karon Beach in the distance. This is the quintessential photograph opportunity.

5:30pm: Kata Sunset Bars

After a busy day, you will be ready to kick back, relax and enjoy the Phuket sunset with a spot of food and drink. A cluster of bars and restaurants positioned above Kata Noi is the ideal place to do this. These restaurants provide some of the loftiest views overlooking the Andaman Sea that one could imagine. Get here as early as possible to ensure you get a table with the best views.

The New Best Golf Course in Phuket Red Mountain GC

For many a year, Blue Canyon Country Club was widely accepted as the premier golf course on the shores of Phuket, no doubt due to its amazing layout and a reputation that has seen it host some of Asia's highest ranking golf tournaments with world-renowned players such as Tiger Woods and Freddie Couples gracing its fairways. However, now there is a new kid on the block that is changing the face of Phuket golf as we know it  Red Mountain Golf Club.

Located near to the Loch Pam golf complex in Kathu, Red Mountain was first created just over 5 years ago, and from the moment the first ball was struck on Hole-1, you knew it was going to be something special. Shaped and molded through an area of the island that was formally a tin-mine, the course weaves its way through, as you could expect, red mountainous terrain against the backdrop of carpeted fairways, elevated tees and glass-like greens that wouldn't look out of place during the US Open.

Although the conditions are simply supreme and stunningly maintained, the focal point of the course is its awe-inspiring natural scenery that really takes it to the next level.

Set over 18 holes and a distance of approximately 7,000 yards, this 72-par course is championship golf personified, and we are sure that over the next few years it will be hosting some of the continents best tournament and golfers that's how good it really is.

As we said earlier, Blue Canyon was always seen as the darling, the jewel if you like, of the Phuket golf scene, but now there is another big player in town and it's not taking no for an answer.

The New Best Golf Course in Phuket Red Mountain GC

For many a year, Blue Canyon Country Club was widely accepted as the premier golf course on the shores of Phuket, no doubt due to its amazing layout and a reputation that has seen it host some of Asia's highest ranking golf tournaments with world-renowned players such as Tiger Woods and Freddie Couples gracing its fairways. However, now there is a new kid on the block that is changing the face of Phuket golf as we know it  Red Mountain Golf Club.

Located near to the Loch Pam golf complex in Kathu, Red Mountain was first created just over 5 years ago, and from the moment the first ball was struck on Hole-1, you knew it was going to be something special. Shaped and molded through an area of the island that was formally a tin-mine, the course weaves its way through, as you could expect, red mountainous terrain against the backdrop of carpeted fairways, elevated tees and glass-like greens that wouldn't look out of place during the US Open.

Although the conditions are simply supreme and stunningly maintained, the focal point of the course is its awe-inspiring natural scenery that really takes it to the next level.

Set over 18 holes and a distance of approximately 7,000 yards, this 72-par course is championship golf personified, and we are sure that over the next few years it will be hosting some of the continents best tournament and golfers that's how good it really is.

As we said earlier, Blue Canyon was always seen as the darling, the jewel if you like, of the Phuket golf scene, but now there is another big player in town and it's not taking no for an answer.

Phuket Day Schedule Island Hopping

Phuket affords its guests a vast amount of holiday options when you're not playing golf, none more exciting than island hopping. With numerous outlaying islands that provide you with secluded bays and idyllic paradise retreats, there are no more beautiful places to visit in South East Asia than the islands surrounding Phuket. Please enjoy our example of the islands you can visit on a single day tour route, ideally with a speedboat, which will make the journey not only speedier but also more interesting.

9am  Departing from Boat Lagoon or Royal Phuket Marina

Start off your day by departing on your boat of choice from Boat Lagoon Marina or Royal Phuket Marina. From here, you can start out your journey towards the beautiful and famous Phi Phi Island.

10am  Monkey Island

En-route to Phi Phi, your first stop of the day will be at Monkey Island. Although you can visit the island, many of the tour operators will make a flying stop to the island, allowing you the opportunity to take some breathtaking photographs, which you will fondly remember when your holiday is over. As the name might suggest, here you will find peaceful and uncluttered beaches, where the monkeys will come down from the trees and pay you a visit.

10:45am – Arrival at Phi Phi Leh

Phi Phi Leh is famously the location of Maya Bay, which is the place where the hit movie The Beach was partially filmed. Those who have seen the movie will already know the untold beauty you can expect on arrival. Take advantage of the excellent swimming and snorkeling conditions, where you can view a plethora of tropical fish in the clear blue waters. Explore Lho Samah Bay and Pi Leh Cove, whose beauty has to be seen to be believed. The much-revered Viking Cave will also be on your itinerary, so keep that camera ready at all times.

1:30pm  Snorkeling at Hin Klang

Hin Klang is an underwater reef on the way to Bamboo Island. Strap on your snorkeling gear and explore the deep blue abyss. The reef is also sometimes referred to as a coral mountain situated to the north of Phi Phi. Being 90 meters long and 60 meters wide, you sometimes don't realize you have reached it until it is upon you. This is one of the best places to snorkel in and around Phi Phi, which makes it one of Thailand's best too!

2:30pm  Bamboo Island

5km north of Phi Phi Island, you will find the aptly named Bamboo Island. The waters in and around the island are extremely shallow, and even though many boats take the island in during their routes, the island is still relatively peaceful. The island is only 500 meters across, but the beaches are simply breathtaking. This is yet one of the other best snorkeling destinations in the whole of Thailand.

4pm – Khai Island

On your way back from the Phi Phi Island region, you will encounter Khai Island, where you will find the islands of Koh Khai Nok and Koh Khai Nai. The islands are known for their beautiful rock formations, beaches, corals and emerald green waters. If you are fortunate enough, you might sneak a glimpse of the dolphins that sometimes inhabit the surrounding waters. This is a great way to finish off the day. From Khai Island, Phuket is only a 30 minute journey.