CLOSEUP
phenomenal phuket
FAHTHAI
49
Skyla's Beach House
At the far northern end of Kamala
Beach, a hand-built wooden
structure sits precariously atop giant
boulders. During high tide, it’s only
accessible via a dirt track through
the jungle. Hammocks and flags
hang from the trees along with a
swing big enough to hold an entire
family. Visitors have to clamber
up rocks to get to the bar, where a
palm-thatched roof keeps the sun
off a mix of adventurous tourists,
in-the-know locals and the handful
of people that run the place. Beyond
selling a mean line of cold beers and
whisky shots, Skyla’s offers surf
lessons, stand-up paddle tours and
weekly tai chi sessions on the beach.
skylaphuket.com
We'll drink
to that
A great dining scene is nothing
without nightspots to match,
and thankfully Phuket has no
shortage of watering holes
Siam Supper Club
What lies beyond Siam
Supper Club’s nondescript
exterior is a throwback
to the classic jazz bars of
1950s New York, with
framed black-and-white
portraits of musical icons
such as Duke Ellington
and Ella Fitzgerald,
wood-panelled walls
and soft lighting. The
exclusive atmosphere,
which focuses attention
on the long bar, has the
feel of a private members’
club, and at times, it does
seem as if everyone here
knows one another. The
master of ceremonies
is owner Sean Power,
a larger-than-life
bon
viveur
who is always on
hand to share a story
or two and make sure
everything is up to his
impeccable standards.
siamsupperclub.com
Wonderland
The creation of five young Phuket entrepreneurs,
Wonderland is a one-of-a-kind bar located in a
century-old shophouse in the heart of the Old
Town. The interior has been stripped down
and reborn as a red-walled study in whimsy,
complete with wall-mounted
faux
animal heads,
oversize plush armchairs and ornately framed
mirrors. Past the bar is a large space manned
by top hat-wearing waiters, and
beyond that is a garden that’s home
to several white rabbits. There’s
even a box of fancy dress costumes
thrown open for all to try on.
wonderlandphuket.com
Xana Beach Club with Attica
It has been around for less than two years,
but Xana Beach Club with Attica – Xana,
for short – has fought off the competition to
become one of the island’s top clubs. It owes
its popularity in large part to its luring of
top international DJs to the island, including
the likes of house music legend Frankie
Knuckles, Paul Oakenfold, Jo Mills and
Jeremy Healy. Add a state-of-the-art sound
system, a great
menu and a
35m-long pool
that’s thronged
during the
day, and you
have a legend
in the making.
xanabeachclub.
com
“There’s nowhere in
Asia that offers all
the experiences we
have – that’s why
I think Phuket will
be the playground
of the region for
years to come. I
see it becoming a
hub for travellers
connecting to other
islands like Koh
Lanta”
Anthony
Lark
VP business
development
& operations,
Montara
Hospitality
LOUNGE SWEET
After-dark haunts
range from the
decadent to the
down-to-earth
