Why the Wai?Your introduction to thai culture

Vintage Wheels of Phuket explore phuket bY bike - with a difference!

holiday smarter, holiday fitterGreen is the new black

holiday insPiration for absolute members & oWners

vol. 02 issue 02

The Beach Samui latest

Vintage Wheels of Phuket

Contents

10introduCtion to thai Culture

learning to greet in thai

12a unique local tour of phuket island

Vintage wheels

meet james stewartabsolute video producer

absolute soCial & Video media

3824patong’s ultimate poolside dining experience

Climax restaurant

quick beauty tips to keep you looking good on the go

traVel tips44

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN 03

CELEbRATINg 15 yEARs 04

CROATIA’s MusICAL wONdER 09

bOy’s ORgANIC COFFEE 20

MEMbERs COOk up A sTORM 27

gREEN Is THE NEw bLACk 30

FRIdAy FITNEss ACTIvITIEs 34

IN OTHER NEws 35

wE’RE wAITINg TO wELCOME yOu 36

A FEAsT OF dELIgHTs 40

bEsT pHOTO Apps FOR sMARTpHONEs 42

FAMILy TRAvEL sAFETy TIps 46

InspIred MagazIne Is publIshed by the absolute World group 2013. all InforMatIon Is deeMed correct at the tIMe of goIng to press.

our invitation to welcome the beach fractional owners for an exclusive vip tour

the latest from the beaCh samui

15

also in this edition:

and here it is, the second edition of your Inspired Magazine, just in time perhaps for some summer poolside reading? I have just returned from my familyvacation in europe: france, spain, greece…fantastic, feeling totally refreshed and excited about the monthsahead. holidays are the one of the most important things we can gift ourselves, taking that time away from the stresses of work boosts our creativity, productivity and energy levels endlessly, as I found. spending time with my family is also one of the most important things in my life, in research published in January by Kelton on behalf of the Walt disney co.it was found that quality time increases to 82% of time spent with your children on vacation, as compared with half of the time at home. Moreover, 97% of parents report sharing something new about themselves with their children while on vacation, and 54% say the whole family is more affectionate, according to thesurvey - how fantastic.

so my new found vitality is getting a good run as we strive towards completion of our beautiful beachfront resort the beach samui. We have had a small delay whilst we get things perfect for you but we are delighted to invite owners out for a special VIp preview ahead of opening, which we very much anticipate to be before the end of the year, not much longer to go now until we finally deliver the beachfront resort you have been waiting for.

In other news we have been busy making many improvements and updates to our services, introducing new menus, new resort developments, creating further activities to make your holidays with us even more memorable, from cooking demonstrations to zumba on the beach, there is always something for everyone when staying with us. In order to ensure we strive to deliver exactly the holiday you have always dreamed of, each and every time you stay, we are really keen to hear from you. so, we are going to be introducing a series of Member surveys over the next few months to really allow you to open up to us: What types of facilities do you see at our future resorts? how can we improve our service to you? are there any destinations you really

Happy reading,

bryan lunt, chairman & ceO

A Letter from the Chairman

want to see as part of your membership that we currently don’t feature? We are also keen for you to interact with us more on our social Media channels, from facebook to Instagram to google+ to tripadvsor. as any business we want to encourage as many positive reviews and as much great feedback as we can online, please always leave your best comments, we will be selecting our favourite reviews to receive a special thank you each month!

as a final point we are keen to ensure we have your correct and up to date contact information. our Memberservices teams are ready to receive a call from you anytime to make certain all is up to date, so you never miss an update from us regarding our new resorts, services and activities - or even just to say hi and answer any questions you may have, I have listed all contact numbers below for your convenience. do get in touch, we love to hear from you!

Well, I will let you get on with this latest edition and look forward to hearing all about your upcoming holidays…bonnes vacances as they say!

Bryan Lunt, Chairman & CEO

australIa +61 280 734452chIna +86 400 8980 898fInland +35 894 2704142

france +33 176 773993

gerMany +49 692 222 1557russIa +7 499 795 7549south afrIca +27 2130 01943

thaIland +66 762 92525

uK +44 203 6423203usa +1 6465 645 654

for Your ConVenienCe our member serViCes teams Can be ContaCted on anY of the following loCal rate numbers:

A very personAl journeyCelebrating 15 Years of

HolidaY MeMories & lifestYle investMent

The Beach Samui iS more Than a STrikingly deSigned, BouTique, PrivaTe reSidence cluB. The Soon To oPen gem of The aBSoluTe World grouP collecTion of reSorTS iS in facT a monumenT, a conTemPorary maSTerPiece ThaT SPeakS volumeS aBouT WhaT The aBSoluTe World grouP haS achieved and Where iT’S headed.

On meeting Bryan Lunt it is instantly visible that he is a man with a great deal of active energy, clearly, that liveliness drives his enthusiasm.

Youth, energy, passion, knowledge and a business model accompanied Bryan as he took the initiative to begin the Absolute World Group and sell a product he valued and had great belief in - holidays.

Over the last 15 years, and from a humble timeshare company Bryan has strategically driven the Absolute World Group to sell the product he had such faith in, and become one of Asia’s leading Lifestyle Property Developers with an eclectic portfolio of self developed and partnered boutique hotels and resorts offering an ever increasing choice of ways to own your holidays.

Setting off from Spain all those years ago Bryan headed to Asia, and with his two Russian

business partners, the Absolute World Group, having opened several European branches, made the leap to the Land of Smiles. Thailand, and Pattaya saw the opening of Absolute’s first timeshare sales centre in Asia which has subsequently been partnered by a global operating team in 27 countries, speaking over 19 languages, taking their lead from world headquarters in Hong Kong where Bryan is based with his young family.

‘Absolute was not created to be a simple timeshare company,’ explains Bryan. ‘It was the start, a stepping-stone; everybody has got to start somewhere. We always had the vision to build and operate our own resorts, resorts where we can guarantee the service, where every detail could be addressed from the stonework down to the very last teaspoon.’

August 20134

celebrAting 15 yeArs

From that ‘somewhere’ to owning nine award winning resorts in the paradise settings of Phuket, Pattaya and Koh Samui, and a continuously growing collection of self developed, partner developed and managed boutique hotels and resorts, the Absolute World Group has made some big strides and covered a lot of ground in 15 years.

Determined, Bryan’s inside knowledge of the timeshare world highlighted the failings and he was aware that the causes of the negative media perception were due to lack of customer care, low quality resorts, and desperate need for modernisation of the industry.

Sheraton, Ramada, Hilton, Disney, Marriott the big and the small names endured the decay of the timeshare world; the industry has been disappointingly compromised by greed and neglect. Yet people still very much enjoy vacation ownership, it is still very much valued and continuing to gain a following of holidaymakers who enjoy the lifestyle offered and the commitment to their holidays, year after year.

From the start Bryan knew that Absolute’s ambition was to develop their own resorts and take charge of how they are managed and serviced. ‘It was imperative that we took control of what we were offering. I have been in the vacation industry for 28 years and my love of the industry resides in the belief that holidays and travel are one of the most important aspects of life and health,’ said Bryan, a health and fitness enthusiast, who wanted to deliver new, more exciting and dynamic options and be confident the company could carry out their promise.

Headstrong, Absolute’s CEO wanted to be as certain as possible that every travel experience with Absolute is a happy experience, as he claims the secret of the company’s award winning success is due to, ‘Having the vision to make a change in an industry that has been very much misrepresented, build our own resort, meet our own clients and offer a much more customer focused practice.’

Bryan left his hometown of Liverpool at the age of 20 and he discovered travel and say’s it became part of his blood, he

loved it more than his treasured Liverpool football Club, which is hard for him to admit but the way he speaks about his travels and destinations and his love of culture is poignant and very dear to him, he explains.

‘ The world is a very beautiful place and I have been fortunate to see a great deal of it. Leaving England as a young man I thought I would return but I was hooked, I adored travelling, the thrills, the adventure, meeting new people, being side by side and up close to comprehend cultures and social etiquettes and the sense of freedom were addictive. I couldn’t go back, my life was not just in the travel industry my life was the travel industry. I had to be part of it to sustain the euphoric feeling that travelling offers.’

It was never going to be easy to grow a small timeshare company into a global player that could not only influence the game but also instigate the changes much needed to the old and establish a new structure that would provide benefits for everybody involved, especially, the customer, but the challenge was set.

August 2013 5

Timeshare originated around 60 years ago, starting in Switzerland, it’s an industry that continues to evolve, offering timeshare travellers a world full of destinations and many exciting rewards and privileges.

Born in the German part of Switzerland, in a small town called Baar. The founders of a holiday company called Hapimag wanted to explore a new holiday concept, so they invested in real estate and used the apartments within an ecologically and economically sustainable holiday model. Hapimag members were offered shares, enabling them to book holiday accommodation using a points system and such was the appeal of this new way of holidaying in France and the Alps that Hapimag’s membership quadrupled and the Multi Billion Dollar timeshare Industry was set in motion.

By 1990 there were almost 2,500 timeshare resorts around the world; over 40 million timeshare members were experiencing a new way to holiday. The nineties also saw the opening of resorts in Eastern Europe and Asia, as the airline industry developed, the globe became small, and exotic destinations became accessible and affordable.

Timeshare entered and left the 1990s suffering from a bad reputation, poorly understood and with little regulation, the image of timeshare was tarnished by aggressive marketing practices—unsuspecting vacationers were hounded by salesmen offering free drinks and other perks if they would agree to sit through high-pressure sales presentations, bad management and shady characters plagued the industry.

Moreover, many consumers who bought from legitimate developers often got tired with the same places every year and saw that year’s investment disappear if they weren’t able to

use their allotted week. There were limited or no options or choices and standards were falling.

The millennium dawned a new era for the timeshare industry. A classic timeshare, usually part of a two, three or four star resort or hotel provides an allotted time of ownership in a year. If for example a customer purchases just one week, there can be as many as 51 other owners of that same property who own all the other weeks.

Millions enjoyed the benefits of returning to the same location year after year, meeting friends and creating long lasting relationships with local people. Other benefits of timeshares included guaranteed and larger living accommodation, better facilities, provides more to the local economy and community, value for money and higher standards than a normal hotel room.

The business model was sound, but the industry image and how the product was sold needed to be revised and this revision took the original concept based on a fixed-week and turned this to a floating week, giving people flexibility.

Following this many fixed week timeshare companies created floating time holiday clubs, in place of the traditional fixed week, to fulfil the need for even more flexibility.

Absolute’s Partner Resort Network is a portfolio of partner and self owned, developed and cared for properties, a growing index of luxurious hotels, resorts and locations worldwide waiting to welcome and host Absolute Destinations Members.

August 20136

celebrAting 15 yeArs

With Absolute Destinations you buy your time up-front and have the option to choose from a network of properties, annually. The attraction is less about a specific location than about a diversity of locations. Unlike with timeshares and fractional residences, members of a destination club are buying not a specific property but the right to use any of a portfolio of resorts and facilities.

A membership fee and a modest yearly management charge is a business model that Absolute have researched in depth, Bryan says, and findings along with industry analysis and growing numbers of members tell the story of success that has been developed wisely and helped to finance the development of Absolute’s own Resorts.

‘The introduction of Absolute World Group’s new breed of Vacation Club, Absolute Destinations, amongst others have transformed a simple and ridged timeshare product that was becoming tarnished and flawed by a minority of unscrupulous practices. As an industry we had to move on and deliver on our promises and we had to invest for the future,’ explains Bryan.

Absolute’s comprehension of the market predicted the need for change. Modification to the storyline was a proactive

initiative that has propelled the Absolute World Group, its Destination Club and Fractional and Whole ownership properties in a direction that the industry has realised it needs to follow.

‘Listening to our customers it was apparent that cost effective options, honesty, flexibility, fun, more choice and luxurious living needed to be strategized and written into the development of Absolute’s story.

As part of taking active responsibility for the correct practice of the Fractional Ownership and Timeshare industries in Asia, the Absolute World Group have, among many other initiatives, founded the Alternative Ownership Conference Asia Pacific in 2009, and this year welcoming almost 200 delegates to the Ritz Carlton in Hong Kong for the fifth annual conference. WWW.aocaP.org

Further developments to the products birthed an ultra-modern lifestyle investment, fractional ownership, now a resolute player in the property industry - a bricks-and-mortar investment in a stunning second home that can be passed on to family.

Fractionals are becoming a highly-sought-after product that is having a profound influence on how people buy holidays, second homes and make their

August 2013 7

lifestyle investments. These higher end products reward owners with exclusive benefits like the use of local captained speedboats and the best golf equipment, spa access and airport transfers.

‘Like I said from the beginning,’ continued Bryan, ‘the Absolute World Group did not set out to be a simple timeshare company. We were about offering many different products and creating a brand that is synonymous with holiday happiness and lifestyle investment and you can only do that by giving people what they want. Having delivered on our promise of new resorts, opening a number of resort this year alone, we are stepping up our game with our owners and members and through a hugely increased interaction are able to listen to exactly what they want and make it all happen.’

Lifestyle investments are now a popular currency as we get busier and busier and it is clear

from the rising sales figures and the big investment that is going into accommodating investors that this market is immense.

World-class designers, über chic interiors and fantastic hospitality come at a cost and developers are paying these costs to offer product that meet this new demand. Absolute World Group is a product of Bryan Lunt, the visionary who can be seen as much on the construction site digging in as with the development teams at the Architect’s drawing board and is in touch with every aspect of a development. Serving in the bar of one of his hotels he would go unrecognised, as he often does, as he wants to be up close and personal to both enjoy and inspect that satisfaction is being observed.

As much as the company is a product of Bryan its success and strengths are in his teams ability to predict future growth and demand, they are at the

forefront of their game and keep up with and cater for the customers’ requirements. Alongside this Absolute has a discerning talent for forging partnerships and alliances with leading designers, architects and vacation brands, collaborating to create unique and desirable developments that add value and prestige to the Absolute World Groups brand.

Like the striking design of The Beach Samui, Absolute is a monumental brand that has been planned, designed and courageously constructed by a group of visionaries who will continue to craft the Absolute World brand and for the benefit of it’s owners and members for further decades to come.

August 20138

celebrAting 15 yeArs

CROATIA’S MUSICAL WONDER

Off ThE BEATEN PATh

As the wAves gently lAp At the shores of ZAdAr, CroAtiA A mAgiCAl sound CAn be heArd, the sounds of the ZAdAr seA orgAn, An ArChiteCturAl wonder And experimentAl musiCAl instrument. the seA orgAn plAys musiC by wAy of seA wAves And tubes loCAted underneAth A set of lArge mArble steps.

the sea organ was born out of chaos; Zadar suffered immense devastation during the second

world war that turned most of the sea front into an unbroken cement wall. Architect nikola basic was commissioned to create the sea organ as a project to redesign the new city coast. the sea organ was unveiled to the public on 15 April 2005.

the sea organ is situated near the new cruiser port and can be observed as a differently shaped part of the coast, which consists of several stairs that descend into the sea. the stairs extend for about 70 meters along the coast, under them, at the lowest sea-tide level, 35 pipes of different length, diameter and tilts were built in vertically to the coast and they raise aslant until the paved part of the shore and end in a canal. on the pipes there are whistles, which play 7 chords of 5 tones. Above the canal, there are perforated stone stairs through which the sound comes out.

the waves create some very interesting and rather random harmonic sounds. the sea organ has become a favourite of both tourists and locals. the site has become a place for relaxation, conversation and quiet meditation. the sea organ plays an endless concert of mystic harmonies that has become tagged the “orchestra of nature.”

in 2006, the architect was awarded the european prize for urban public space. the prize was awarded in barcelona, and the sea organ was chosen the best among 207 candidate projects from across europe.

definitely off the beaten path, the sea organ in Zadar is a beautiful place to enjoy a sunset, the balmy night air and a unique melody to enhance your holiday memories.Waves & Sounds

tupungato / shutterstock.com

milosz_m / shutterstock.com

August 2013 9

INTRODUCTION TO ThaI CUlTURe

INTRODUCTIONTO ThaI CUlTUReLearning togreet in thai

August 201310 August 201310

Sawasdee Ka - HelloKop Kun Ka - Thank you

The Thai greeTing, referred To as The wai, consisTs of a slighT bow, wiTh The palms pressed TogeTher in a prayer-like fashion. for Thai people, The wai is used as a greeTing, To show respecT, To make an apology and also as a way of expressing graTiTude and Thanks.

The wai is a simple bow with the hands clasped palm to palm. The Thai wai is a culturally engrained symbol of ranking, social standing, leadership and hierarchy and is customarily performed as a figure of acknowledgment of one’s place and socio-cultural identity.

The wai is so important that the cultural ministry of Thailand deems it part of the country’s national heritage, stating, “The practice of the wai of the Thai people has been preserved as a heritage for future generations to express themselves in paying respect and thanking others. This has to be observed in an appropriate manner for the occasion at the time. This is an identity of culture of the kingdom that foreigners worldwide know is uniquely Thai.”

The higher the hands are placed in the wai indicates reverence and proclaims humility and respect.

when giving a wai to a monk or buddha image, the palms would be placed together and raised so the tips of the thumbs are touching the hairline. at the same time, a deep bow from the waist should be performed.

leaders, family members and those who are older or higher in rank or social status would be given a wai by positioning the palms of the hands together with the tips of the thumbs at eye level. The accompanying bow would be determined on the level of status or respect offered.

when giving a wai to an equal, the palms are lower again. This time they are placed with the thumb tips placed under the chin and index fingers at the base of the nose. a bow of the head generally goes together with this wai.

The wai is usually instigated by the person of lower status, and in reply the response to the wai would be determined by the higher status of the recipient. it could be returned as equal, or positioned lower down so the palms are held together at the level of the heart with no bow given.

it is good to remember that Thai culture and social etiquettes are customs and behaviours that are seamlessly stitched into the common fabric of Thai traditions and a symbol of national heritage.

as a tourist, if you decide to wai, do it with joy. do not worry about the complex protocol; as a tourist and a guest you will be excused if you do it incorrectly. The best advice is to smile and simply wai your best wai, nothing to lose, just try. it is clear for the Thai people to see and understand you are simply giving thanks and showing respect to both the recipient and the national heritage of the illustrious kingdom.

August 2013 11August 2013 11

Vintage WheelsA Spirit of phuket tourA local woman has come upwith a unique way to experiencethe historical sights of Phuket.Chutikarn “Karn” Thanadechaparnis a Phuket native. Born and bred on the island, she has beeninvolved in hospitality & tourismfor many years. Previously working as a Marketing/MediaLiaison, Khun Karn decidedto strike out on her own as afreelance tour guide.

Successfully leading walking tours and local food tasting tours around Phuket Old Town, it was a documentary about Amsterdam that inspired a new tour idea. Teaming up with her friends, Rassarin “Ooy” Banlangpho and Panida “Nida” Siriwan, the Vintage Wheels: A Spirit of Phuket Tour was born. The tour effectively uses colourful motorised bicycles that are made of steel, have a fuel tank and a 49cc engine. Although the bicycles have a vintage feel, they are newly made. Khun Karn thinks that Phuket is the perfect place

for this sort of tour as she prides the island in having a lot of flavor. She says that the uniqueness of the tour and Phuket comes from the people you come into contact with which includes the local Thais, the indigenous Sea Gypsies, the Thai-Chinese, Muslims, and all of the international tourists. Khun Karn explains that while on the tour, everyone is curious as to who you are and why you are riding a bicycle, thus, it’s easy to strike up a conversation with people on the street. Khun Karn stresses that the tour is a good way to see a big piece of Phuket in a short time, and an environmentally friendly way to do it.

The idea of using the bikes came from Nida, and Karn designed the route and delved into her family’s secret recipes for the cooking part of the tour. Ooy is the IT Master. She follows the bicyclists participating on the tour with her scooter, effectively blocking traffic

August 201312

OFF the Beaten Path

August 2013 13

and taking photos. She handles much of the social media for Vintage Wheels: A Spirit of Phuket Tour. The three friends giggle in amusement while telling stories of some of their clients. They all agree that the women who come on the tour are very apprehensive at first to ride the bicycles, and for the men, the riding of the motorised bicycle is like second nature. The three friends explain that the reason the bicycle tour works is because you are able to see more than if you are on foot, and because you are taking in the scenery and sights at a slower pace, it’s better than just passing by in a car. Khun Karn says it makes her happy while the tour is in progress and people are surprised at the sights or ask a lot of questions. Meeting new people, making new friends and showing off the island that she loves so much are the rewards of her efforts.

Vintage Wheels: A Spirit of Phuket Tour offers three very unique bicycle tours, and it should be mentioned that all tours include stopping off at a local café to sample a real Phuket breakfast.

The Just Rollin’ Tour does just that. This tour cruises around the sights of Phuket. The two other tours, Wok n’ Roll and Wonderful Siray also include a cooking class. Using her family’s secret recipes, you will learn to make Hokkien Mee, which are traditional Phuket

Chinese noodles. This is truly the special treat of the tour, as Khun Karn invites you into her family’s home where you will be greeted by her mother, her niece and various other relatives who are happy to share cooking tips with you.

Vintage Wheels: A Spirit of Phuket Tour is a fantastic and quite unique way to spend a day on the island of Phuket. Let the locals show you their sights; you’ll have a whole different view of Phuket when you leave.

Why not enquire ahead of your next holiday in Phuket to make your visit extra unforgettable?

For more information or to book, please visit

www.vintagewheels.in.th

Vintage Wheels: A Spirit of Phuket Tour offers a 10% discount to all Absolute Adventurers!

August 201314

OFF the Beaten Path

Stunning furniture prototypes

are arriving

Our model unit taking shapeand receiving adjustments

Architect David Archer on site discussing design enhancements with CEO Bryan Lunt

A snEAk pEEkat the Beach Samui in progreSSOn the sOuthernmOst tip Of the island Of KOh samui lies Our stunning new bOutique the beach samuiand as many Owners eagerlyawait Our impending Opening we wanted tO bring yOu just a taste Of what we have been up tO in the run up tO the final stages Of develOpment.

we have been delayed just slightly as we want to deliver you the most exquisite private residence club and so following a visit from our development team back in june we decided to make some further enhancements to ensure we deliver you just that. Our model

suite has been created and is now being updated to provide a working example for our development team to see what needed adjusting, and of course once complete we look forward to sharing with you. prototype furniture has started to arrive and space planning has ensured you will get the maximum comfort from your stay - and of course those uninterrupted views from your bed and hot tub - just breathtaking! On a recent trip, ceO bryan lunt led our design team around some incredible thai craft markets to inspire andacquire those important toucheswhich we are sure you will appreciatewhen you enjoy your stay.

August 2013 15

ThE BEACh sAmui OwnEr OffErExCLusivE

prEviEw OffErfor the

Beach Samui ownerS

final floors are being prepared - what a view!

The Beach samui Architect and Brand Development Director

during a recent site visit

The team take to the floor to polish the Black Granite

The first prototypes of furniture and styling materials arrive

August 201316

ThE BEACh sAmui OwnEr OffEr

A sneak peak at our modelapartment in development

resoration of the beach has begun

The Beach samui Architect and Brand Development Director

during a recent site visit

The first prototypes of furniture and styling materials arrive

Stunning Thai antique finds

wil really complete the resort

australia +61 280 734452

china +86 400 8980 898finland +35 894 2704142france +33 176 773993germany +49 692 222 1557russia +7 499 795 7549

sOuth africa +27 2130 01943thailand +66 762 92525uK +44 203 6423203usa +1 6465 645 654

we understand the delay is upsetting for many new owners and we want to assure you we are delivering on our promise of one of our most fantastic resorts yet, please just bear with us a little longer. with this in mind we would like to extend to all fractional Owners of the beach samui an invitation for two to visit Koh Samui anytime from November 1st until January 31st (of course excluding those all important christmas and new year dates) to enjoy 7 nights accommodation, including transfers, at our partner resort KC Resort & Spa.

we would also like to offer you a meal and spa treat for two and of course a VIP trip to see your new apartment in its final stages of development.

if you would like to book please contact Giselle Dean in our customer care team direct by emailing giselle@absolute-destinations.com or contacting her on your most convenient local rate number below.

we really look forward to showing you around the development and to welcoming you for your first stay once we are ready.

in the meantime we will endeavour to keep you up to date on our social media channels and on the resort’s website thebeachsamui.comor please feel free to contact our team in samui should you have any questions, manager Brian Makai will be happy to help on +66 (0)87 892 5566.

fOr YOur COnvEniEnCE Our mEmBEr sErviCEs TEAms CAn BE COnTACTED On AnY Of ThE fOLLOwinG LOCAL rATE numBErs:

August 2013 17

OWNING A PIECE OF PARADISE HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER

Starting from 1.54m tHB

To arrange a privaTe viewing please conTacT

Brian makai, SaleS manager

Tel: +66 (0) 87 892 5566

OPENIN

G

LATE

201

3

Designed by Developed by

THEBEACHSAMUI.COM

Follow The Beach samui story as it unfolds…

experience ulTimaTe luxury of owning a deSigner privaTe reSidence cluB reTreaT on The STunning iSland of koh Samui, Thailand.

Five-sTar concierge service, well-Being spa, privaTe TransFers, courTesy powerBoaT, The laTesT golF equipmenT, privaTe Dining, all as sTanDarD.

The price… incrediBly down To earTh.

The Beach samui is a multi award winning and consciously developed five star boutique resort nestled on one of asia’s most idyllic beaches in the tiny fishing village of Thong Krut, southern Koh samui, Thailand.

Designed by the world renowned yoo team,brought to you by the absolute world group and now proudly part of the prestigious design hotels worldwide collective. a limited number of The Beach samui’s one and two bedroom suites are available to own, ahead of the much anticipated resort opening later this year.

Boy’sOrganic cOffee

August 201320

DEsTINATIoN THoNG KRUT, VILLAGE HoME oF THE BEACH sAMUIDEsTINATIoN THoNG KRUT, VILLAGE HoME oF THE BEACH sAMUI

After mAny yeArs, numerous worldwide locAtions, A vAriety of hosts And drinking excessive Amounts of coffee, the question Arose: does mr. Boy hAve A formulA for the perfect coffee drinking experience? And how lucky Are we thAt he hAs opened right next to the BeAch sAmui!

Mr. Boy’s coffee will rank alongside the best you have ever tasted; it may even surpass your bench-mark and elevate your best to a new standard, as happens daily at Boy’s Organic Coffee Shop. For first timers and his regular coffee aficionados, the allure of Thong Krut’s Arabica aroma is captivating.

Originating from Chiang Mai, Mr. Boy travelled to Koh Samui for many years to visit family and friends before deciding to lay down his cat and his hat and call it home. As much as he loves and often misses his native soil, the allure of Thong Krut and Village life beside the sea on the Paradise Island of Koh Samui, was too strong to resist. Any reluctance to move to Koh Samui departed when the decision was made to create his own Koh Samui-Chiang Mai connection. Mr. Boy hit on the idea of remaining true to his home soil by sourcing some of the best organically grown coffee, teas and various other products like dried organic fruits, honey and cane sugar and creating a market for them in Samui.

That market is now known and cherished by thousands of Islanders and many people around the world as, Boy’s Organic Coffee Shop, in Thong Krut.

Smiling, Mr. Boy explained how his coffee shop is an extension of his artistic spirit and his love of nature and enthusiasm for the abundance of organically grown products from his home soil in the North.

It is common practice for Thai people to create a life that allows one to live for what the heart desires and earn the daily bread around, or at the same time, as living the dream. Mr. Boy is a musician by heart and accepts that his creative spirit is of such importance that earning a living has to either be related or allow for the spirit to be expressed, caging the spirit and not allowing his musical passion to breathe would be like “Stopping me breathing,” expresses, Mr. Boy. “Many Thai people follow their heart, we have to. If we don’t we go crazy. If your heart says you have to work outside. You cannot work inside. If your heart says you play music you have to play music. We have to find a way to follow the heart. I found my way by finding the best coffee, bringing it to Koh Samui and the best village on the island, Thong Krut, and sharing it with people from all over the world. At the same time I follow my heart, live my dream and play music.”

Throughout the day, Mr. Boy has adequate time to tinker with his artistic expression and is at liberty to write and play music, serve the finest coffee on the island and occupy himself

being a perfect host to The Beach Samui international development

August 2013 21

team that adore his coffee as much as his welcoming spirit.

The simple, smooth and bare walls mirror Mr. Boy’s easy, open and soft yet solid nature. Colorful with a sense of flow and union the art and décor personifies Mr. Boy’s creative spirit and his heart can often be heard when he is strumming his guitar and singing a song. His passion is captured when he speaks about his natural and ethically produced products.

Playing his guitar Mr. Boy sings sweet songs about what he calls ‘nature’s garden’, the bountiful soil of Northern Thailand, the source and supply of the coffee beans, not just any coffee beans, Boy’s beans are Thailand’s Premium Organic, Arabica Coffee Beans. Coffee Beans Mr. Boy has traveled to the Thai Highlands to source and choose, using years of experience, family connections and local

knowledge, Mr. Boy says, “I can always find the best of the best coffee beans.”

So we have clearly defined that Mr. Boy’s coffee is the finest in Thailand and maybe beyond. And that Mr. Boy himself, his simple yet highly defined design, his tranquil and artistic flare and his musical creativity and expression are perfectly charming and, most certainly, contribute to the formula for the perfect coffee drinking experience.

So for the final element, the touch that is as vital as the coffee, the host, and the shop, nevertheless, often overlooked when assessing the perfect coffee drinking experience. The place is of vast importance, the best coffee in the world will not taste as such if the ambiance and surrounding external environment is not conducive and out of kilter with the coffee, the shop and staff.

Mr. Boy’s coffee shop is to Thong Krut what the Opera House is to Sydney. Scaled down a tad, of course, but it is and has been a central part of Village life for almost five years and continually gives tourist the opportunity to stop for a while and sense the essence of everything and nothingness that Thong Krut can oblige.

Unassuming, one of the central ingredients of the coffee drinkingexperience is the surrounding

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DEsTINATIoN THoNG KRUT, VILLAGE HoME oF THE BEACH sAMUIDEsTINATIoN THoNG KRUT, VILLAGE HoME oF THE BEACH sAMUI

environment. Very few coffee shops offer a vista like Mr. Boy’s. To the left, the panorama - white sand, stirring skies, coconut palms, blue water and a green horizon; a long tail boat hosting two silhouettes fishing. Tourists laugh as they embark on an island tour. Local women with wide rimed hats fix fishing nets and break from their chatter to smile for the tourist’s camera.

To the right, the drama - the view of the street; a different story. The 7-11, the mini mart, villagers going about their daily chores. A barefoot monk holds up an umbrella, coconuts weigh down trucks, vegetables hang from the purpose built side car of a motorbike, a fabricated mobile market stall. Across the street a motor bike fashioned into a mobile food court scents the air with barbequed sausages and satay to entice taste buds.

Village life is tranquil and theserene essence of the communityis a noticeable ingredient that is essential to the perfect coffee drinking experience.

Sitting handsomely, between Thong Krut Tour’s & Restaurant and The Beach Samui, Mr

Boy’s Organic Coffee Shop is absolutely at home. On one side a traditional and very hospitable, Thai family owned and run concern business, earthy and rustic, serving excellent Thai food and freshly caught sea food and managing the island’s favoured island tour and fishing operation, with great success.

On the other side a modern, welcoming and soon to open Private Residence Club, a stunning yoo award winning design owned and run by the Absolute World Group, colonial and sophisticated, which will be serving the finest cuisine, fresh, organic, locally procured, expertly prepared and served with an amazingly generous side order of luxury living.

“My shop is like me,” says Mr. Boy laughing, “I’m stuck in the middle, half of me ... I love the modern, I like it very much. The design is very beautiful. And half of me, I love the traditional, Thai style. But I think it is very good, like my music I don’t just play jazz, blues, country or Thai folk songs… I like to play them all. The best sound is from fusion and mixing things together,

variety, when you bring different things together, like a guitar, saxophone, drum, piano and many, many instruments, all different sounds… but they come together to make beautiful music.

“Same, same in Thong Krut, we have many different restaurants and small businesses from Thai people and now we have The Beach Hotel, and many westerners who live in this area, this is very nice. We can work and enjoy together and drink good coffee, together, every day.”

As we can see, to create theperfect coffee drinking experienceone needs a little more than goodcoffee. One needs a little ofMr. Boy’s magic and flair, a certain location and a joyful heart to create the perfect formula. It just so happens that Mr. Boy is open from 9-5, daily, wake up head for Thong Krut and smell the coffee. See for yourself how the formula works.

August 2013 23

Fresh Garden Salad

Baja Style Tiger Prawns

Climax RestauRantPatong’s UltimatePoolside dining exPerienceSimon Armstrong, the manager at Climax Restaurant, loves toentertain. That is obvious from the beaming smile, nod of thehead and friendly hello you’ll receive upon walking in to Patong’sUltimate Poolside Dining Experience, Climax Restaurant. With years of restaurant service under his belt, Simon promises a unique dining experience to accompany the chic and sophisticated atmosphere of the establishment. Located on the 5th floor of Absolute Bangla Suites, Climax Restaurant is a poolside safe haven from the hustle and bustle of Patong.

Offering an extensive Western and Thai fusion menu prepared from fresh, local ingredients and a variety of exotic, signature cocktails at exceptionally low and reasonable prices Climax

Restaurant truly is a gem in the middle of Patong’s Bangla Road.

The staff at Climax Restaurant are dedicated, and their attitude for perfection is what makes such a unique and attractive dining experience. David Cruikshank, assistant restaurant manager, prides the staff for making Climax Restaurant as successful as it is. David’s vision for ClimaxRestaurant is for the establishmentto turn into the first choice restaurant for expats, and he believes that with all of the hard work the staff continue to put in, Climax Restaurant has the potential to become the No 1 restaurant in all of Phuket.

For the warmest and hippest atmosphere on the island; along with some of the friendliest

service you have ever experienced,allow Climax to tantalize your senses with delicious appetisers, succulent seafood, fresh and flavourful Thai food and creative cocktails. Simon, Dave and the rest of the staff are waiting to welcome you.

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Climax RestauRant

C l i m a x R e s t au R a n t Menu Favori tes

CoConut GroveYxaiio CoCktail

loCal Blue CraB with Chili and SprinG onion

The Coconut Grove Yxaiio Cocktail is one of the best selling cocktails on the menu at Climax Restaurant. Guests often comment on its bright pink color. It’s a light, deliciously refreshing cocktail to be enjoyed by the pool on a stunning Phuket day.

The Coconut Grove Yxaiio Cocktail is served in a Gibraltar Glass with ice.

• 30 ml Malibu Rum• 50 ml Vodka• 100 ml Pineapple Juice• 100 ml Yxaiio

Garnish with pineapple and a maraschino cherry and enjoy!

One of the best selling Thai dishes on the new menu at Climax Restaurant is the eye-catching Local Blue Crab with Chili and Spring Onion. This is a fantastic addition to the Climax menu, and the freshness of the bold flavors is a pleasant surprise.

• 2 medium fresh blue crabs• 4 spring onions• 2 large red chilis• 1 small Thai red chili• 1 tbs sweet chili sauce• 50 cl fish stock

To make this dish, you must grill the crab on both sides until the meat in the legs is opaque. For the sauce, reduce the stock and add in half of the spring onions and chili. Once the crab is removed from the grill, spoon the remaining spring onions and chili over the crab. Serve immediately and enjoy!

A welcome addition to thenew menu at Climax Restaurant, this exquisite dish will send your taste buds into overdrive. The Pan Seared Duck Breast with a Port and Red Currant Jus is perfect for a romantic evening.

• 1 fresh duck breast• 100 ml fresh duck stock• 50 g fresh red currants• 50 cl Ruby Port • Salt and pepper to taste

To create this dish, pan sear the duck breast skin side down for 5 minutes, and then transfer to an oven and cook for 8 minutes. Reduce the duck stock by 50%, add in the red currants and cook for 2 minutes, then add in the port. We believe this dish is best served with creamed potatoes and local market veggies. Absolutely delicious!

pan Seared duCk BreaSt with a port and red Currant JuS

August 2013 25

ReCiPes

Climax on Bangla @ClimaxRest @ClimaxRest @ClimaxRestaurant

FResh GaRden salad RaspBeRRy MaRtini ChiCken CoRdon Bleu

Vitalize your days,excite your Nightsan extensive seleCtion oF inteRnational dishes, deCadent CoCktails and nutRitional juiCes & sMoothies to enjoy poolside oR to Go

to book your table please call +66 (0) 81 979 6262, email reservations@climaxrestaurant.com or for details on how to find us, our latest menus and happenings please visit ournew website climaxrestaurant.com

climax Bar & restaurant: absolute Bangla suites, 68/1 soi Bangla, patong Beach, kathu, phuket 83150 tel: +66 (0) 763 43 612

intRoduCinG Wheat GRass shots

Thank You for voTing us no 1 on Tripadvisor earlier This Year

David & Susan StreatNoelene Usher & JenniferAnderson

Vicky Birkett Brett & Julie Carlyle

members cook up a stormOne Of the best ways tO enjOy yOur hOliday in a fOreign cOuntry is tO immerse yOurself in the culture. it’s nO secret, that in thailand, the fOOd is as unique as it is deliciOus. recently, grOup executive chef, anthOny healy, intrOduced a cOOking cOurse tO the list Of activities we Offer yOu whilst in resOrt.

Chef Anthony and his kitchen team offer a traditional Thai cooking course, upon request,in a friendly atmosphere.The course is hands-on, informativeand most importantly, fun. Our guests have expressed full on excitement while learning to prepare a variety of spicy, authentic Thai dishes. Under Chef Anthony’s excellent tutelage,and with the help of his fantastic kitchen team, you will learn to master such Thai dishes as the

famous Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Lemon Grass Soup with Shrimp), the refreshing Yam Talay (Spicy Seafood Salad) and the favorite Krao Prao Gai (Minced Chicken with Chili and Hot Basil Leaves).

The traditional Thai cooking course has become an instant hit. Make sure you book your spot in this course the next time you stay with us. Bring the taste of Thailand home with you!

August 2013 27

FOCUS ON OUR MEMBERS

World EvEnts and Festivals Calendar

August 2013

Edinburgh FringE FEstivAl Scotland (until 26 Aug)

Edinburgh intErnAtionAl FEstivAlScotland (until 01 Sep)

v FEstivAl England (until 18 Aug)

Full Moon PArtyKoh Phangan, Thailand

notting hill CArnivAlEngland (until 28 Aug)

lA toMAtinA FEstivAlSpain

sEPtEMbEr 2013

bEstivAlIsle of Wight, UK (until the 08)

nEw york FAshion wEEkUSA (until 13 Sept)

Full Moon PArtyKoh Phangan, Thailand

oktobErFEstMunich, Germany (until 07 Oct)

oCtobEr 2013

diwAli - FEstivAl oF lights; hindu CoMMunitiEs

Full Moon PArty - Koh Phangan, Thailand

tokyo intErnAtionAl FilM FEstivAlTokyo (until 30 Oct)

norwiCh bEEr FEstivAlEngland (until 28 Oct)

sAo PAulo intErnAtionAl FilM FEstivAlSao Paulo, Brazil (until 3 Nov)

novEMbEr 2013

dAy oF thE dEAd FEstivAl - Mexico

MElbournE CuP dAy - Australia

Full Moon PArty - Koh Phangan, Thailand

thAnksgiving dAy - USA

dECEMbEr 2013

ChristMAs dAy; Full Moon PArtyKoh Phangan, Thailand

rhythM And vinEs FEstivAlNew Zealand (until 01 Jan 2014)

Edinburgh hogMAnAy strEEt FEstivAl Scotland (until 01 Jan 2014)

nEw yEArs EvE - Worldwide

hErE’s A hAndy list oF EvEnts For thE rEMAindEr oF 2013. MAybE soME oF thEsE FAntAstiC EvEnts will bE going on in your dEstinAtion whilE you’rE AwAy!

9th

17th

21st

27th

28th

2nd 3rd

1st

25th

29th

30th

31st

5th

17th

28th

19th

22rd

24th

25th

5th

6th

19th

22nd

August 201328

a datE For YoUr HolIdaY dIarY

Vira Mylyan-Monastyrska / Shutterstock.com

samUI latIn and Jazz Week 2013

thE sAMui lAtin And JAzz wEEk is Proud to PrEsEnt A broAd vAriEty oF Artists FroM thE lAtin & JAzz sCEnE, CoMing to koh sAMui 29 sEPtEMbEr & 6 oCtobEr 2013.

Put on your dancing shoes and expect Latin American rhythms with electrifying percussion- this music will make you dance! Dina Medina from Cape Verde, Nando Vanin from Columbia, Amik Guerra from Cuba and Nils Fischer with Cabo Cuba Jazz are just a few of the names who will bring the “Latin Fever” to Koh Samui.

Uplifting, energetic & danceable Latin music, combined with relaxedJazz tunes and big voices: Takingon the stage from the US is DeborahBrown, one of the finest jazz vocalists in the business, who will enchant the audience as she sings from the American Songbook with classics of Duke Ellington, George Gershwin and more.

Pure virtuosity, Saskia Laroo, a Dutch jazz musician who has long been dubbed the “Lady Miles Davis”, will perform with her Quartet “Jazzkia” a perfect fusion of jazz, funk and dance – a truly unique and fun listening experience.

Add to all of this the world class jazz act Peter Beets, presenting

his newly released album “Portrait of Peterson” and you can be sure this music festival will be one to remember.

Also coming: Nadia Basurto and Miquel Rodriques from Spain, the Dutch singer Judith Nijland , Rolf Delfos from the Netherlands, the French pianist and singer Fabio Deldongo ,Thailand’s Saxophone Star Koh Mr. Saxman and Changton with the beautiful singer Buntita.

8 days of world-class music, 8 daysof tropical lifestyle, exquisite cuisine and stunning venues- we are happy to welcome you to be part of it from 29 September -6 October 2013.

www.samuilatinandjazzweek.com

ProgrAM:sunday 29 sept.:Fair House Villas & Spa | Maenam20.00 Preview Concert Deborah Brown21.00 Dina Medina & Cabo Cuba Jazz

Monday 30 sept.:Rocky’s Boutique Resort | Lamai20.00 Trio Peter Beets ‘Tribute toPeterson’ 21.00 Judith Nijland & the BeetsBrotherstuesday 1 oct.:The Drink Gallery | Chaweng20.00-22.00 Saskia Laroo with ‘Jazzkia’

wednesday 2 oct.:The Passage Samui | Laem Yai20.00-22.00 Miquel Rodriques feat. Nadia Basurto

thursday 3 oct.: Centara Grand Beach Resort | Chaweng20.00-22.00 Salsa Night with Nando Vanin

Concerts are with an entrance fee of500 THB/ ticket. Tickets can be bookedat the venues, via the website or at info@samuilatinandjazzweek.comSpecially created fine dining menus will complete the experience at each of these evenings.

Friday 4 oct. + saturday 5 oct.

at Main Stage at the Beachfront of Amari Palm Reef | Chaweng2 days of free concerts starting at 18.30 until midnight.

Expect an exciting line-up and fun evening with: Kho Mr. Saxman, Buntita, Cabo Cuba Jazz, Koran Daniels, Amik Guerra, Nils Fischer, Fabio Deldongo, Rolf Delfos and many more

sunday 6 oct.at After Party at Secret Garden | Bang Rak18.00 Sunday Session with Fabio Deldongo

August 2013 29August 2013 29

a datE For YoUr HolIdaY dIarY

Green Is the New BlackA heAlthy lifestyle is vitAl And kick stArting your everydAy regime with A simple shot of beAutiful, nutrient-rich wheAtgrAss is fAntAsticAlly beneficiAl for your heAlth And energy levels! its not to hArd to find either, in thAilAnd, And with wArm weAther All yeAr round you will discover fresh juices And nAturAl vitAmin shots AvAilAble on every corner And now you will find wheAtgrAss right next to your fAvourite breAkfAst juices on mAny of our phuket resort menus to give you thAt extrA holidAy heAlth boost!

health experts suggest that drinking 1 shot of wheatgrass is equivalent to eating 1kg of vegetables. the benefits of drinking a daily shot of wheatgrass are endless; from the treatment of acne and eczema to dog bites and bruises to cancer and infertility, research shows wheatgrass truly is the medicine beneath our feet.

so what is wheatgrass? it’s a complete food grown from the seed or kernel of the common wheat plant. it is a member of the cereal grass family, which includes barley grass, oat grass and rye grass. wheatgrass is at its most nutritional at its young bright green leafy stage of growth, when it looks similar to lawn grass. At its nutritional peak, wheatgrass has an extremely high concentration of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants, living enzymes, chlorophyll, and phytonutrients.

why does it work? well it all comes down tosomething called the ‘juice grass factor’. scientists are still working to find out exactly whatit’s made up of. in cereal grasses, the factor reachesits highest concentration in the young grass sprouts and diminishes as the plant ages.the research shows wheatgrass facilitates the body’s natural ability to heal itself and the factor has a powerful effect on the regeneration of damaged skin and improvement of health in

August 201330

Holiday smarter, holiday fitter

general. patients having wheatgrass treatment were clearly showing signs that their immune systems were being enhanced and strengthened.everyone has heard that chlorophyll is great for you and might think it holds the secret healing power in wheatgrass. however, since 1995, dr. chris reynolds, an Australian family physician, has observed thousands of wheatgrass “healing episodes” and was able to duplicate many of the clinical results such as burn recovery, wound andfracture healing and many other conditions, but there was no chlorophyll in the extract he was using. so what was actually causing these phenomena? dr. reynolds’ guess-the grass juice factor. the juice factor influences growth factor activity, this is what is responsible for cell growth, recovery, repair and many other functions in our bodies. other research suggests that wheatgrass influences gene expression by speeding up the

rate and levels of enzymes and other protein production by the dnA in the cell nucleus.

well that all sounds very technical, but the bottom line is that there are so many cases of people healing quickly and effectively from serious illness like breast cancer and maintaining good health through wheatgrass treatment that it should not be taken lightly. when it comes to the general upkeep of your health it’s cheap and easy to have 1 shot of wheatgrass per day, you can grow it at home, use supplement sachets or head to most cafes, we now have wheatgrass shots on our menus at many of our Absolute resorts in phuket to help support your newfound healthier attitude and to give you an extra spring in your step when on holiday!

August 2013 31

By: Kanokwan Homcha-aim

How To Reduce Your Foodprint

Off the Beaten Path in Phuket

DiD you celebrate WorlD environment Day on June 5?

Started in 1972, World Environment Day is an annual event aiming to promote the importance of the environment, and motivate positive actions at a global level.

Each year, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) allocates a different environmental theme that challenges people to become change agents and get together to move the world forward to a development basis that is more sustainable and equitable.

This year’s campaign was ‘Think. Eat. Save & Reduce Your Foodprint.”

According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), every year 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted. This is equivalent to the same amount produced in

the whole of sub-Saharan Africa. At the same time, 1 in every 7 people in the world go to bed hungry and more than 20,000 children under the age of 5 die every day from hunger.

The 2013 campaign “Think. Eat. Save & Reduce Your Foodprint” was inspired by the situation in Mongolia where economic growth is expanding very quickly and is likely to result in a food crisis in the near future.

The main message from the slogan “Think. Eat. Save.” is to think before you eat, and help save our environment. It is aimed to motivate people to be aware of the environmental impact of leftover food.

In Phuket, many organisations held activities to celebrate World Environment Day. The Regional Environment Office 15 Phuket (REO 15) together with Phuket Provincial Administrative

Organisation, Vachira Phuket Hospital, and Phuket Provincial Office of Natural Resources and Environment set up exhibitions and drawing competitions under this year’s campaign theme at Vachira Phuket Hospital.

There were also events and relevant courses held at the Prince of Songkla University and even at the shopping centre in Jungceylon, where there was an exhibition about food wastage.

The main message from the slogan “Think. Eat. Save.” is to think before you eat, and help save our environment. It is aimed to motivate people to be aware of the environmental impact of leftover food.

August 201332 August 201332

ABSoLuTe coMMuNITY

While the planet is struggling to provide us with enough resources to sustain its 7 billion people (growing to an estimated 9 billion by 2050), FAO estimates that a third of global food production is either wasted or lost. Food waste is an enormous drain on natural resources and a contributor to negative environmental impacts.

Food waste means that all resources and inputs used in food production such as water, land, labour are also lost. For example, to produce 1 litre of milk you use 1,000 litres of water.

In the United States, the proportion of organic waste is the second largest contributor to landfills, and the largest producer of methane gas. In Thailand, organic waste is the largest contributor to landfills.

The “Think. Eat. Save.” campaign also promotes people to take action at a household level. Just start by making a smart

decision before buying food: check the expiry date, select food that has a low environmental impact, such as organic foods that do not use chemicals in the production process. Buying local food is also a good choice because it means that foods are not flown halfway across the world and therefore result in fewer CO2 emissions.

Rice is the staple diet for Thai people. The process of rice production is time consuming and needs plenty of resources. Moreover, to make streamed rice, you need water to clean it and lots of energy to cook it. If after every meal 10 million Thais left one spoon of rice (11 grams) uneaten, and an unfinished glass of water (20 ml), it would mean wasting 200,000 litres of water, 15,000 kilowatts of electricity, 750 litres of gasoline, and 9 tons of minerals. It would also release 200 tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, and generate around 73 tons of organic waste.

World Environment Day has received remarkable support from public, non-profit organisations and governments around the world. Here are some examples of the various awareness campaigns that have been used throughout the years:

1985: Youth, Population and Environment

1989: Global Warming

1994: One Earth, One Family

1999: Our Earth, Our Future…Just Save It

2005: Green Cities Plan for the Planet!

2010: Many Species One Planet One Future

2013: Think. Eat. Save & Reduce Your Foodprint

Therefore, from now on, lets all change our eating habits by finishing our meals and drinks.

August 2013 33August 2013 33

F r i d ay F i tness Activi t ies

In June, Absolute World Group stAff In phuket, thAIlAnd Were Introduced to frIdAy fItness ActIvItIes As pArt of our onGoInG corporAte socIAl responsIbIlIty InItIAtIve.

The aim of Friday Fitness Activities is to kickstart the health & fitness levels of our staff into high gear. Friday Fitness Activities offerings include Zumba, Yoga, Aerobics, Beach Volleyball and even a Running Club. The Friday Fitness Activities have become very successful, with more and more staff joining every Friday afternoon. It’s fantastic to see so many of our staff taking advantage of this great initiative!

A recent session of Zumba on the beachfront proved to be the perfect end to a Friday afternoon with perfect weather and an absolutely stunning sunset falling over Patong Beach.

And we are getting in as much practice as we can, as we are wanting to roll out this initiative to you, our members and guests. We look forward to you joining us for a Zumba class or two on the beach soon…

August 201334

SPOTLiGHT ON OUr STaFF

Ambassador and Thailand

Triathlete Champion,

Jaray Jearanai

Healthy Snacks

Carrying the ‘Share the Dream’ meSSage…

in Other newS...

Our very Own AbsOlute wOrld GrOup spOrtinG AmbAssAdOr And thAilAnd triAthlete ChAmpiOn, JArAy JeArAnAi JOined Our Csr teAm fOr A visit tO lOCAl phuket sChOOl the bAnsAinAmyen muniCipAlity tO hOst A spOrts AmbAssAdOr inspirAtiOn visit On the 7 AuGust 2013 frOm Aimed At inspirinG lOCAl yOunGsters tO fOllOw their dreAms, whAtever they mAy be.

61 children in Grade 6 enjoyed a fantastic presentation and were inspired by Jaray who spoke to the children about his native phuket background, hailing from Cherng talay/bangtao

beach, and how he became a professional triathlete and inspired them to work hard and follow their dreams.

the children were very excited to touch Jaray’s racing bike and cycling gear which had traveled all over the world this year as he completes on the international triathon circuit. Jaray challenged the children to a variety of sports sessions at the school explaining warm ups and a series of exercises on the school’s own track. this followed with a cool down aided by the healthy snacks prepared for them by the Absolute sea pearl bakery: homemade cookies alongside a box of 100% orange juice.

August 2013 35

Warin Hengploy is the Bell Captain at Absolute Bangla Suites on Bangla Road in Patong. A slight man with a booming smile, Khun Jeab originally comes from Bangkok. He moved to Phuket some years ago to find work, and has been with Absolute ever since. Khun Jeab’s face lights up when he talks about his job at Absolute Bangla Suites; he loves being the Bell

Captain and coming face to face with guests from so many different countries. Khun Jeab states that the best part of his job is knowing that he’s helped to make someone’s holiday in Phuket happier. When he’s not at work, Khun Jeab enjoys going to the beach and playing football. He’s waiting to welcome you to Absolute Bangla Suites.

Prisana Songnoei works in the Housekeeping Department of Absolute Nakalay Boutique Resort. A sweet, bubbly girl who passes her days as a Room Attendant, Khun Nan is always ready to assist our guests with a smile. She enjoys making the rooms neat and tidy, and is always going out of her way to make sure each guest has an exceptional stay. She says she

enjoys the fact that everyone works as a team at Nakalay and is always happy when a guest thanks her before the end of their stay. In her spare time, Khun Nan enjoys Phuket’s beaches and collecting earrings. She’s waiting to welcome you to Absolute Nakalay Boutique Resort.

Spotlight on our Staff

AS MANY OF YOU WHO HAVE COME TO SPEND YOUR HOLIDAYS WITH US KNOW, WE HAVE A WONDERFUL TEAM ON HAND TO LOOK AFTER YOUR EVERY NEED WHEN IN RESORT. ONE THING WE KNOW FOR CERTAIN IS THAT OUR TEAMS ENJOY MEETING YOU, HELPING YOU AND INTERACTING WITH YOU. RECENTLY, OUR RESORT MANAGERS HANDPICKED ONE OUTSTANDING STAFF MEMBER FROM EACH RESORT IN PHUKET. WE THOUGHT IT WOULD BE FUN TO HIGHLIGHT THESE FOUR OUTSTANDING STAFF MEMBERS FROM OUR PHUKET RESORTS TO YOU, AND SHARE SOME INFORMATION REGARDING THEIR WORK EXPERIENCE AND PERSONAL LIFE.

We’re Waitingto Welcome You

Jeab, Absolute Bangla Suites

Nan, Absolute Nakalay Boutique Resort

August 201336

Sugunya Khamdech is a Guest Service Agent at Absolute Sea Pearl Beach Resort & Spa. Originally from Bangkok, she came to Phuket to work in the Hospitality & Tourism Industry. Always available with a Thai Wai and smile, Khun A prides herself on how good she is helping our guests sort out any issues they may have during their stay. For Khun A, no issue is too big or too small. She enjoys helping guests, and goes out of her way

to do so. She expresses that the best part of her job is knowing she is giving good service to all the guests who stay at Absolute Sea Pearl Beach Resort & Spa. At the end of the day, receiving a good comment from a guest is what makes Khun A’s job worthwhile. In her spare time, Khun A enjoys perfecting her English speaking skills and reading books. She’s waiting to welcome you to Absolute Sea Pearl Beach Resort & Spa.

Winit Dummusik works as a Bellman at Absolute Twin Sands Resort & Spa. With years of Hospitality & Tourism experience under his belt, Khun Lek‘s quiet demeanor is a welcome comfort to guests staying at Absolute Twin Sands Resort & Spa. Khun Lek is quick to help in any way that he can. He feels that the success of our newest resort is due to the warm, inviting atmosphere.

A native of Krabi province, Khun Lek says that guests who spend a holiday in Phuket are lucky because the local people are very nice. When he’s not working, Khun Lek can be found on the beach reading a book. Be sure to look for Khun Lek when you stay at Absolute Twin Sands Resort & Spa. Chances are he’ll greet you with a big smile and say, “Welcome to Absolute Twin Sands Resort & Spa. Thank you for visiting us.”

Lek, Absolute Twin Sands

A, Absolute Sea Pearl

August 2013 37

In-House Video Producer

MEET JAMES STEWARTABSOLUTE VIDEO PRODUCER

ABSOLUTE SOCIAL & VIDEO MEDIA

Social media iS the new norm, empowering you to gain acceSS to meaningful information about virtually anything, and allowing you to connect on a much more interactive level with the brandS that matter moSt to you. through our Social media channelS you can become part of our community, gaining an inSight into everyday abSolute world life. what iS happening at our reSortS? what iS new on our menuS? what iS the lateSt local activity you experience on your next

holiday? it connectS our globally Spread teamS and engageS with you directly and haS become an eSSential part of our day-to-day activity and that of all global buSineSSeS.

one of the biggest aspects of social media is video, which has become central to platforms such as instagram, facebook and pinterest, and continues to gain astronomical amounts of users on a daily basis. we are fortunate to have a fantastic, dedicated in-house social media team who are at the very heart of everything we do, ready to capture each moment. our social media channels are robust and feature across platforms from facebook, to instagram, to pinterest, to google+. two hugely important platforms however are vimeo and of course youtube, and under the direction of our

august 201338

global brand development director is an incredibly talented cameraman and producer James Stewart, based in phuket, who carefully films and edits each video for your viewing pleasure allowing you a real visual insight into the brand we are building around you.

James has had a long career in the television and film industry starting in london in 1999 and his videos have become an integral part of the absolute world group social media collection. from your testimonials sharing holiday ownership experiences, to construction updates delivering a realistic representation of your newly awaited resorts in progress, to highlights from our openings and functions, to our exercise boot camps, our corporate Social responsibility work and the soon to be released holiday Smarter, holiday fitter health series,

James continues to provide valuable insight into your absolute world.

James’ work takes him all over asia. travelling affords the opportunity to come face to face with many of our owners and members. “the locations and the broad range of absolute members i meet from all over the world makes every day interesting and educational. it’s always so uplifting to hear the great holiday memories being made and be part of that.”commented James.

video is essential and with ever increasing internet speeds, it is now possible to upload high definition videos and give you a much better insight. we encourage you to follow our channels and engage with us. we are always delighted for you to share your holiday memories so please send us your best photos and videos from your absolute holidays, whether you used your phone or your

camera! Any we use, we will be giving you a 2,000 THB voucher towards a lovely meal next time you visit us in Thailand as a thank you! you can send these to us by uploading via www.absoluteworld.wetransfer.com and sending to producer@absoluteworld.net, please also tell us your membership number so we can thank and reward you!

Keep up to date with all your latest absolute world news at www.absoluteworld.com/news

Julie and Elizabeth Deane, Australia

Holiday Smarter, Holiday Fitter

CSR Activity

Neil and Rennie Robinson, New Zealand

www.vimeo.com/ absoluteworldgroup

www.youtube.com/absoluteworld

www.facebook.com/absoluteworldgroup

august 2013 39

A feAst of delights AwAits with new menu unveilings

August 201340

CulinARY feAtuRe

The culinary dream Team aT The beach-fronT absoluTe sea Pearl resorT has launched a new menu of TemPTing delighTs all creaTed wiTh holiday bliss in mind. from classic grill sPecialTies such as ausTralian beef Tenderloin To succulenT Thai curry delicacies and an enTicing array of global TaPas - absoluTe sea Pearl resTauranT is ouT To win hearTs, minds and sTomachs!

World traveller, Irish-born Chef Anthony’s culinary cred has been honed in some of Europe’s finest kitchens and he has brought all of his experience to our kitchens in creating a menu of diverse, yet focused

international offerings. Even the little ones are catered for with a kid-enticing selection of healthier crispy thin crust pizzas and pastas.

You can dine alfresco throughout the day in the outdoor beach-side café - watching the colourful crowd laze by or while gazing at another glorious Patong sunset amidst the lullaby of breaking waves. This is when you will know that you are officially on vacation on the paradise island of Phuket!

Not to be outdone, Absolute Nakalay Restaurant has been included in the scope of exciting changes and are now offering a pool-side version of the menu, heavy on fresh salads, gourmet sandwiches & NZ Beef burgers.

August 2013 41

travel tips

Camera+Camera+ works well for takingphotos, and works even better for editing them afterwards. The “Clarity” effect alone is wonderful for bringing out dramatic detail in your pictures.

Platform:

Best Photo aPPsfor SmarTPhoneS

Most people love photography, but often worry that their skills may not be up to par. The good news is that it no longer matters! Thanks to the dozens of photography apps available, you can transform even the most average looking snaps into works of art without needing to know a thing about image editing or having to go through a desktop computer. The simple one-touch controls in most smartphone apps can have you producing Photoshop-like effects in no time. With the following apps installed on your smartphone, you’ll be able to replace the default camera app, apply basic and advanced adjustments, add fancy effects and even replicate some of the features of a digital SLR. Below, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular apps, so what are you waiting for? Download them, and start shooting better photos today!

PiCshoP - Photo editorPhotography apps are slim pickings on BlackBerry 10, but PicShop - Photo editor is the best of the small bunch thanks to the full selection of editing tools on offer. There are plenty of fun features, too, such as novelty stickers and a “meme maker.”

Platform:

snaPseedThe gesture-based controls take a little getting used to, but once you master the various vertical and horizontal sliders for fine-tuning each effect, the powerful Snapseed will quickly become your go-to app for enhancing your smartphone snaps.

Platform:

Camera Zoom FXIf you only had space for onephotography app on your androiddevice, make it Camera Zoom fX.on top of the standard features, it comes with a load of cool extras such as voice-activated shootingand the ability to edit famous people into your photos.

Platform:

August 201342

instagramt’s an oldie but a goodie thanks to the huge user community and great looking retro filters. Sharing isn’t limited to the Instagram network – you can also share your snaps with facebook, Twitter and Tumblr.

Platform:

PhotosynthTake your panorama shots tothe next level with the Photosynthapp. as well as supporting thestandard left to right panoramas,it can also incorporate the up and down directions to create a full sphere.

Platform:

Pro hdrhDr may be a standard option in ioS and certain android smartphones, but the effect is subtle. Pro hDr delivers results that are far more dramatic, lifting out the highlights and shadows to produce stunning shots that rival those out of a pro-level digital SLr.

Platform:

PoCketBoothWhy waste money on real photo booths when you can reproduce the same effects on your smartphone? Pocketbooth’s one-time fee gets you unlimited photo strips that you can share on social media sites. You can even pay a little extra to have them professionally printed.

Platform:

PhotoFuniaPhotofunia is an entertaining alternative to the serious image editors, integrating faces into more than 300 different scenes. It’s not a strict cut and paste job, either, as Photofunia edits and adjusts each face to match the scene perfectly.

Platform:

PiCFramea picture may be worth a thousand words, but a collection of pictures tells the full story. Picframe makes it easy to group up to nine photos together in adjustable frames, with loads of different shapes, corners and backgrounds to choose from..

Platform:

travel tips

August 2013 43

Travel Makeup Quick Beauty tips to keep youLooking good on the go

Whether you’re traveling on the ground or at 35,000 feet, here are eight fast fixes to help you arrive feeling refreshed.

save the heavy stufffor later:Keeping skin hydrated is key, especially when you’re in the air, but slathering on your heaviest cream can leave your face looking oily. Try a gel-based

moisturizer that absorbs and dries quickly. To even your complexion when you’re in a hurry, apply a stripe of stick concealer down the bridge ofyour nose and across your cheekbones, forehead and chin. Then blend all over with a bit of light lotion for sheer coverage.

tone doWn a BreakoutYou know what a few squirts of Visine can do after a red-eye, but it also works on that blemish on your forehead. Apply a couple of drops to a cotton swab or hold the tip of the bottle directly on the pimple for a few seconds to quickly cut redness. Then dabthe area with a tissue to absorb residual moisture. If you still needmore coverage, apply a light layer of concealer and gently press with a clean tissue to set it.

stick to cream makeupIf you’re putting on makeup in a dim airplane bathroom, stick with creams, which are more difficult to overdo because they melt into skin. Plus, you don’t need an arsenal of brushes to apply. If you can’t part with your powder blush or bronzer, use a smaller brush to give you more control and prevent color from splattering on your shirt collar.

help makeup Work overtimeLong-wear lipsticks are particularlyenticing if you don’t have time to constantly reapply, however, these formulas leave little room for mistakes and can often be drying. To get staying power without sacrificing hydration, try this go-to trick: Apply a light layer of foundation or concealer to lips, fill them in with lip liner, then swipe lipstick over the top. Extend the life of your blush andeyeshadow by dusting translucentpowder over your face and lids first.

Travel Tips

August 201344

hide dark circles in a hurryNeutralize blue tones by applyingan apricot colored concealer orprimer. And use a light eyeshadowthat won’t emphasize darkness or highlight fine lines, like a shimmer-free bone shade. But if puffiness is your problem, putting coverup on top can reflect light and make your undereye area look more pronounced. It’s betterto apply a concealer that matchesyour skin tone to the inner corners

of your eyes and buff it out along the sockets with your ring finger. To look more awake, add a coat of mascara to your top lashes only, wiggling it into the roots and rolling out to the ends.

Be careful not to pump the wand in the tube as this causes mascara to dry out more quickly.

fix a smudge - fastApplying a creamy concealer with your finger will break down the pigment and blend it out; so much easier than washing off a mascara flub and starting over.

apply liner on the moveAdd a swipe of eyeliner across your upper lashes to define and perk up tired eyes. For a steadier hand and smoother line, rest your pinkie on the tip of your nose.

stop static in secondsFriction caused by rubbing hair against the headrest during a flight or a lengthy commute can wreak havoc on your blow-out. To get frizz under control, massage a pea-size drop of hand cream into your palms and lightly run them over your hair. For extra holding power, warm a bit of clear lip balm between your fingertips and slick it over any flyaways.

Travel Tips

August 2013 45

WE CARE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY’S SAFETY BEFORE YOU TRAVEL. HERE ARE SOME TIPS FOR TRAVELLING SAFELY WITH YOUR FAMILY.

BEFORE YOU GO

• Research basic information about your destination

• Leave a copy of your itinerary with a trusted family member or friend

• Make a list of important emergency information

• Go over basic safety information, rules, and procedures, such as what to do if you get lost or sick

GETTING PACkED

• Travel light

• Pack essentials in yourcarry-on bag

• Bring along a basic First Aid Kit

• Remember the rules forwhat you can carry on and what needs to be checked when flying

ON THE ROAD

• Make sure that yourchildren are in approved child safety seats

• If your children are too old for child safety seats, do ensure that they wear a seat belt

• Never leave your children alone in your car

AT THE AIRPORT AND IN THE AIR

• Explain safety & security procedures, rules and instructions

• Instruct your children to cooperate with airport security officials

• Tell your children not to make jokes or false threats about airport security issues

• Check on requirements forstrollers, diaper bags, and other baby andchild equipment

travel tips

Family travelSafety tipS

Stick Together

Travel Light

August 201346

IN YOUR HOTEL

• Find the nearest fire exits, fire alarms and fire extinguishers to your room

• Teach your children basic emergency procedures, such as what to do in case of a fire

• Keep potentially hazardous items, such as toiletries, out of reach

• Supervise your children atall times

OUT AND ABOUT

• Set ground rules for curfews and safety rules

• Make sure your children cross streets with your supervision

• If lost, instruct your children to go to an agreed upon safe place and stay there

• Dress your children in distinctive or brightly colored clothes to make them more visible

• Write down your contact information on an index card and place it in your kids’ pockets to make contacting you easier

• Tell your children not to take anything from a stranger or go anywhere with a stranger

And remember you can always contact a member of our Member Services team on one of the local rate numbers listed below before your trip if you have any questions.

Beach Safety

Relax & Enjoy

travel tips

AUSTRALIA +61 280 734452ChINA +86 400 8980 898FINLAND +35 894 2704142FRANCE +33 176 773993

GERMANy +49 692 222 1557RUSSIA +7 499 795 7549SoUTh AFRICA +27 2130 01943ThAILAND +66 762 92525

UK +44 203 6423203USA +1 6465 645 654

August 2013 47

Blue-Mango-RestauRant-in-Patong

aBsolute twin sands ResoRt & sPa, thaweewong Rd, tRi tRang, Ban Patong, Phuket, thailand 83150

Booking: 076 302 099 oR eMail: info@BlueMangoasia.coMwww.BlueMangoasia.coM

A synergy of InternAtIonAl flAvours thAt Is sure to expAnd your dInIng experIence

come, dIscover Blue mAngo At the peAceful end of pAtong

Absolute guests

receive 15

% off

their totAl b

ill

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We hope you have enjoyed your new Member magazine and welcome any feedback. Let us know what you would like to see by sending your thoughts to: inspired@absoluteworld.net

holiday inspiration for absolute members & oWners

vol. 02 issue 02