However, we are here to help! In the first of a new series, The Village’s highly acclaimed Executive Chef, Lee Wood, shares with us his exclusive recipe for one of his most popular dishes: Khao Soi Gai, or Classic Chiang Mai Curry.

Khao Soi Gai

(Classic Chiang Mai Curry)

Makes 1 serving

Ingredients:

1 thinly sliced, medium-sized Chicken Breast (preferably Organic and free-range)

1 handful Fresh Yellow Noodles (‘Bamee’)

1 Tbsp Red Curry Paste

1 ¼ cups Coconut Milk

½ cup good quality Chicken Stock (The Village’s stocks are all homemade, but good quality store-bought stock will be fine)

1 Tbsp Fish Sauce

1 Tbsp Sugar

2 tsp Curry Powder

For the Side:

15 grams Pickled Lettuce

4 half pcs Lime

To Garnish:

1 thinly-sliced Shallot

2 pcs Spring Onion cut into thin strips

1 handful Deep Fried Yellow Noodle (‘Bamee’)

Method:

1. First, sauté the red curry and curry powder on medium heat in a touch of oil until it becomes fragrant.
2. Next, stir in the coconut milk and chicken stock. Bring slowly to the boil, turn down the heat and allow to simmer gently for five minutes or so, to allow the flavours to intensify and for the sauce to thicken slightly.
3. Now, add the chicken to the gently simmering sauce. Cook the chicken until it is cooked through, but do not over-cook, as this will toughen the chicken and yield a rubbery texture.
4. Next, add the fish sauce and sugar to the sauce.
5. Now, using a small wire noodle basket, blanch the fresh yellow noodles in boiling water for a couple of minutes. Remember, you are not boiling them; simply blanching them for enough time to allow them to soften. Add these to your serving bowl and ladle over the curry.
6. Garnish with the shallots, spring onion and crispy noodles. For the crispy noodles, simply place the fresh noodles in a wire noodle basket and then into deep frying oil. Gently turn the noodles to form a ball.
7. Serve the pickled lettuce and lime wedge on the side.

Enjoy! 

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These household names have all played golf while visiting Phuket – either on holiday or on business – along with hundreds of thousands of other people whose names don’t appear on TV.

Phuket now has five golf clubs with a total of eight courses that range in difficulty from walk-in-the-park to world-class-challenging.

At the easy end of the range is the par-72 Laguna Phuket course, though even this course has its tricky moments. The 612-yard 17^th hole, for example, requires play across water at least twice.

Water is a big feature of all of Phuket’s golf clubs. In the case of four of them, they are built around former opencast tin mines. There are no natural lakes on Phuket, but there are some 250 lagoons, all mines that filled up with water. The golf courses have brought new life to what were once sad moonscapes, and the lagoons have added extra interest to the courses.

The fifth club, Mission Hills on the island’s northeast coast, has water of a different kind. The only true links in Phuket, it looks out over spectacular Phang Nga Bay, with its vertical limestone cliffs and constantly shifting colours. The green of the 4^th hole sits out on a promontory surrounded by this view, creating an additional unusual hazard – the distraction of stunning natural beauty.

Mission Hills has other surprises, which is only to be expected of a course designed by Jack Nicklaus and his Golden Bear Co.

 In complete contrast is the wild up-and-down of the new Red Mountain Course, the second course at the Loch Palm club, which is smack in the middle of the island. Built into foothills, this is the sole carts-only course on the island, and with good reason – walking the course would be akin to scaling the Alps. If you want to walk, Loch Palm’s easier old course is more for you.

Red Mountain has rapidly earned a reputation for its unusual challenges, such as the par-3 fifth, which requires golfers to drive from a tee with a vertical drop of over 40 metres down onto the green at the bottom of a valley, and all of this between towering trees.

The Phuket Country Club, not far away, has two courses – the relatively relaxed 18-hole Old Course and the Country Club Course, a tough nine holes with a 38 par.

 The most famous course on the island is the Blue Canyon Country Club’s Canyon Course, which has three times hosted the Johnny Walker Classic. Tiger Woods, who competed as an amateur in 1994, and went on to win the tournament four years later, described the Canyon Course as “one of the best I’ve ever played on”.

 Players have to contend with no fewer than 80 bunkers, and water comes into play at 10 holes. The par-3 17^th hole was listed by Golf Magazine as one of the 500 best holes in the world, and the course has won multiple accolades for best course in Thailand and best in Asia.

 Rather easier on golfers, though still far from lacking challenges, is the Lakes course at Blue Canyon. As befits its name, this course features water hazards on 17 of its 18 holes.

As is normal everywhere these days, each of Phuket’s eight courses is surrounded by upscale houses for sale. But the true golfer will probably not want to be tied to one course alone, so the ideal base has to be close to main roads giving quick access to any of the island’s golf clubs, yet far enough from the madding crowd to make for a relaxed lifestyle.

One surprisingly good candidate for this is The Village, Coconut Island. This luxury resort development on Koh Maphrao (Coconut Island) is just five minutes by boat from the main island, with a landing that gives almost immediate access to Phuket’s main north-south artery.

Loch Palm and Phuket Country Club are no more than 15 minutes away, the Laguna Golf Club is about 20 minutes and Mission Hills and Blue Canyon a further five minutes.

The Village itself looks out at Phang Nga Bay, with a view every bit as diverting as the one from Mission Hills’ 4^th hole. Homes are either right next to the golden beach or just a couple of minutes’ walk away. There are no cars – just electric golf carts – making for a superlative quality of life.

 And after a hard day’s hacking, The Village, with its sophisticated bars and restaurants, is a delightful retreat from the world after a terrible round of golf, or the perfect place to celebrate scoring that elusive hole in one.

Coming soon will be The Village’s own golf course, on course to be finished in mid 2012, The Village three lakes course is the only island golf course in Phuket.

There are a number of considerations to take into account when taking the children away on holiday, but if you can handle the flight then Phuket can offer you and your children a very memorable holiday and no doubt having them pulling at your coat, once back asking to return.

 Phuket offers children of all ages so much to do and you may even need to take another holiday just to relax after all the excitement. Phuket can offer children an experience of a life time and also give mum and dad a very happy holiday, remember that happy kids = happy holidays.

 There is so much to do in Phuket you will defiantly have to visit again and again to experience all the sights and sounds of this amazing Eastern harmony. On the lush tropical green land or in the crystal waters there is something for the teenager’s right down to the toddlers. Elephant trekking in the flourishing rain forest high in the hills is an experience not to be missed, also kayaking through the spectacular scenery of Phang Nga bays wild limestone islands seeing monitor lizards and crab eating macaques is a must for any trip. Activities also include go karting, mini golf, ten pin bowling, butterfly gardens, cable skiing, bungy jumping, zoo and gibbon sanctuary.

 And after a full day of activities then you will find a huge choice of food for even the most fussy of child. Most restaurants serve western food along with the healthier option of Asian food and offer children’s menus.   

With many more families traveling to Phuket some hotels and resorts are starting to offer lots more for the children to do, and one of these resorts has overwhelming experience in this field.

The Village Coconut Island is an exceptional resort designed to feature the timeless beauty of Thai architecture but also with families in mind. With the picturesque backdrop of Phang Nga bay, the impressive portfolio of amenities, which include spa, gym, restaurants, bars, kids clubs, dinghies, windsurfers, shops, babysitting, and nannies will have mum, dad and the kids having an experience of a lifetime. Buying at the village could give you all this and also deliver a strong rental return and a fantastic capital growth, and above all give you and the children some amazing holidays to remember year after year.

 The Village is a resort which encompasses everything with no luxury spared. The Village is being created by the same team who developed the very successful worldwide Sunsail watersports concept. The island is just a 5 minute water taxi ride (available 24/7) from all of the activities and amenities of Phuket.  With the play ground of Phang Nga bay on your door step you and the family have an unrivaled cruising ground to explore year after year going diving or snorkeling. Few places in the world offer such diversity of scenery and astounding beauty.

You and the children can benefit from this unique project that is the only watersports resort in Phuket.

For more information on this ultimate watersports life style go to www.thevillage-coconutisland.com

With 20% discounts and daily specials there is no better way to indulge yourself or a loved one over this festive period and before you sit and stuff yourself with chocolate and Turkey,  why not treat yourself to a luxury Spa treatment at The Village Spa.

1st Package:

Remove impurities, eliminate toxins and restore the healthy balance of your skin with a choice of Scrub (Choice of Strawberry, Red Wine or Herbal) feel radiant with either a facial care or foot massage and finally relax in the hydro pool, sauna and steam room.

120 mins / 2,000 THB ++

2nd Package:

Feel that you need a bit more from above then this package is for you not only will you receive the Scrub (Choice of Strawberry, Red Wine or Herbal), hydro pool, sauna and steam room but you will also get the benefits of the facial care treatment and the foot massage.

180 mins / 3,000 THB ++

3rd Package:

The ultimate in stress relief, this package will ease you gently into a state of relaxation and bliss. A perfect combination of Scrub (Choice of Strawberry, Red Wine or Herbal), facial care, hydro pool, sauna and steam room and to ensure your physical and mental wellbeing enjoy an hour of aromatherapy massage with your choice of oil.

210 mins / 4,000 THB ++

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR.

ALL OUR WISHES AND HAPPINESS FROM THE VILLAGE SPA.

FOr more information please email angel@thevillage-coconutisland.com

All prices shown have already been discounted and these offers cannot be used with any other offer or be exchanged for any other spa voucher.

 In the same way, compassion is the essential element that motivates The Khao Lak Community Appeal (KLCA) and The Foundation for Education and Development (FED) to provide the much-needed assistance to the disadvantage population in Phang Nga Province.  To be able to provide assistance both charities have to go to great lengths in order to raise funds for their projects.  In the same nature the business community of Khao Lak and Phuket feel that whenever possible it is important to give back to the community outside their normal business.  It was with that compassion and community spirit in mind that the players put down their business hats for a day in favor of clubs to raise money for charity.

The 2nd Annual The Village, Coconut Island Charity Golf Tournament was played Saturday November 19th, 2011. Tap Lamu Golf Course in Phang Nga once again played host to the charity event in support of these two charities.

 The day started early with the KLCA and FED teams organizing the Golf Course having a little fun while doing so under the shining sun.  Banners were put up on the holes along the course for each of the sponsors of the event.  This year sponsoring the event were Title Sponsor The Village – Coconut Island; Hole Sponsors Inzentive, EAST Furniture and Design, N&H Golf Course Architects, JW Marriott Khao Lak, Taipan, Khao Lak Land Discovery, Green Andaman Travel, Sunsail, Phuket Xtreme Adventure, The Sarojin, Big Blue Diving and Children Activities Sponsors Khao Lak Echo and Khao Lak Mini Golf. 

 At midday registration opened and players started preparing for the long afternoon ahead of them. By 12.45 the players headed out to their assigned holes, caddies were eagerly leading the way to the start of the competition.  The players took to the beautiful golf course on the shore of Tab Lamu on a beautiful warm day. Though warm, after several hours of starting, the conditions were far from perfect. The heavy rain threatened at times to spoil the game for the 81 players. 

 Regardless of the rain the players were in high spirits and enjoyed some competitive time together away from their every day responsibilities being able to raise money for charity.  At around 6:00 pm each started heading back to the club house to turn in their scores, many of them with their score cards destroyed by the rain. 

 After the tournament a prize giving dinner was held at Ayara Villas; live music and spectacular ethnic performances by the children from FED and Yaowawit.  An auction and raffle were held to help raise money for the 2 charities. Prizes were kindly donated by various local and Phuket businesses, among them were Ayara Villas, Bayfront Hotel, Big Blue Diving Khao Lak, Golden Buddha Beach Resort, JW Marriott, Khao Lak Land Discovery, Le Meridien Phuket and Khao Lak, Michael Weinstein, Seadragon Dive Center, Seahorse Furniture, Smile Restaurant, Sunsail, The Sarojin, The Village Coconut Island, The Golf Guru, Trisara Spa. Due to these generous donations the amount raised for KLCA and FED was significantly increased.  Towards the end of the night, the winners of The Khao Lak Charity Golf Tournament were announced and to everyone’s surprise the winners were once again for a second year in a row Khun Sorat Srisuwan and Khun Chalermsak Chaiyachit from the Khao Lak Land Discovery team.

 The day was an unqualified success. The teams played some golf on a championship golf course, had more than a few laughs, and more importantly raised over 600,000THB for two very worthwhile charities.

Christmas Eve

Meet and greet happy hour

6.00pm to 7.00pm at the Tamarind Beachfront Bar.

Christmas Eve happy hour kicks off at 6.00pm at the beachfront Tamarind Bar. Come and get festive with the Village staff! Extra-special festive nibbles and cocktails will be on offer.

Christmas Day

Santa Claus is coming to town, well coming to The Village @  10:00am

This year, Santa Claus has chosen Coconut Island as his final Christmas destination after his busy night! He will also make time to visit families on the island with a few extra presents.

Christmas drinks reception @ The Tamarind Restaurant – 6.00pm – 7.00pm

As night begins to fall on Christmas day, a very special Christmas drinks reception will be held in the Tamarind Restaurant during the early evening.  Happy Hour prices on offer, special festive cocktails and complimentary Christmas snacks.

Christmas Day Buffet  @ The Tamarind Restaurant – 7.00pm – late

(2495 baht ++ for adults / 1250++ baht for children under 12 years)

On Christmas Day, Chef Lee Wood and his team will be preparing a superb Christmas Buffet right on the beach at The Tamarind! With a menu focused on international Christmas favorites, this Christmas promises to be the best ever on Coconut Island.

Boxing Day

Annual Village Open Golf Tournament @ Lock Palm Golf Course 11.00am start

(3,800 baht per person, including caddy fee)

In what has become a festive tradition here at the Village, guests are invited to team up and enjoy a friendly Golf Tournament around the superb Loch Palm golf course. There will be a prize giving ceremony and a drinks reception afterwards!

Beach Olympics @ The Beach

If golf is not your thing, then why not try your hand at the Coconut Island Beach Olympics? Sailing, kayaking, volleyball, pool basketball and many other great sports will be available on the beach!

28^th December

Tastes of Thailand Buffet @ The Tamarind Restaurant  - 6.00pm – 10.00pm

(850 baht ++ for adults, 450 baht ++ for children under 12 years)

Sample a selection of the best cuisine Thailand has to offer.  Fresh meat and seafood cooked to order, just the way you like it.

New Years Eve 2011

New Years Eve Shipwreck Party @ The Beachfront, 6.30pm – 1.00am

(4900 baht ++ for adults, 2450++ baht for children under 12 years)

Welcome in the New Year with style at The Village!

Our executive Chef, Lee Wood and his team will this year be pulling out all the stops to ensure that our New Year’s Eve Beach Buffet in the Tamarind Restaurant will be one of the best ever.

Adding a twist to the proceedings, guests are invited to join in with the fancy dress theme of the evening: Shipwrecked. Imaging that your ship has gone down and you wash up on Coconut Island: what would you be wearing?

The entertainment kicks off at 8.00pm with music courtesy of the renowned Phuket-based Rockin’ Angels blues band from 8.00pm until midnight. With fabulous live music, fireworks and a late-night DJ set, this is one evening not to be missed.

New Years Day 2012

Boat trip to Koh Naka – “The Reggae Beach”

Chill out after a big evening with a leisurely trip to the wonderful Koh Naka. Known for its tropical beach bar playing nothing but Bob Marley, this is a great place to head to for a truly relaxing afternoon.

Our fabulous and extremely popular on-site Spa, The Village Spa, successfully combines elements of traditional Thai healing rituals with all the luxurious facilities a modern Spa has to offer.

The Village Spa’s range of indulgent and holistic natural treatments includes a variety of massages, including traditional Thai and relaxing Aromatic massage.  Also on offer are a range of custom-designed facials, soothing body wraps, renewing top-to-toe body scrubs, and many more innovative treatment options.

In addition to our fabulous range of treatments, our beautiful Spa facilities include a Herbal Turkish Hammam Steam Room, a stunning state-of-the-art Hydrotherapy pool, fully equipped air conditioned gym, an Ice Plunge treatment room, a Scandinavian Sauna and double treatment rooms, for couples to relax and enjoy treatments together.

The Village Spa offers our guests the ultimate in relaxation, rejuvenation and luxurious comfort.

For pre bookings email spa@thevillage-coconutisland.com or click here for a full list of treatments http://www.thevillage-coconutisland.com/phuketresortspamassage.php

The Village ready to welcome you

 The South East Asia Property Awards aim to boost awareness and showcase the best that the region’s real estate industry has to offer. The awards assist in promoting the exceptionally high levels of real estate opportunities available in South East Asia. The Village Coconut Island’s latest accolade sits aside the 2010 Thailand Property Awards Best Villa Development and recognition as one of Asia’s Top 20 Resort Destinations by Property Report Asia. 

Chris Gordon, owner of The Village Coconut Island said, “We are delighted with this accolade and to be working with the Absolute World Group whose shared ownership expertise and global network has been an incredible asset.”

Set on a coconut-fringed private island, less than 5 minutes by boat off the east coast of Phuket, the Village Coconut Island comprises a total of 236 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom private pool villas and Jacuzzi suites. Facilities in abundance include two pools, water slides, state-of-the-art health and wellness spa, deli, three restaurants, beach bar, 24-hour concierge, children’s club, fitness centre, two tennis courts, golf, the best watersports and access to a variety breathtaking day-trips. Set within 33 acres, the landscaped resort has a 550metre private beach front and offers a true ‘Escape to Paradise’, perfect for families and couples alike, with spectacular views over Phang Nga Bay.

 A variety of opportunities are on offer, boasting a lifestyle that appeals to the sophisticated buyer looking for excellent value, as well as the perfect freehold whole or shared ownership holiday home proposition. Benefits of shared ownership through Absolute’s award winning scheme include access to a fully crewed luxury powerboat and fleet of private vehicles, use when in residence of top-of-the-range Callaway Golf Clubs, and membership to Interval International, one of the world’s most exclusive resort exchange companies.

 Bryan Lunt, Chairman & CEO of the Absolute World Group who received the award commented, “The Village Coconut Island really does embody the traditional tropical Thai retreat and this latest award is testament to this unique lifestyle investment opportunity. We are proud to offer the resort as part of our ever growing ownership portfolio.”

Visit www.thevillage-coconutisland.com

Beautiful views from your private pool

Due to the worldwide media coverage of the devastating floods occurring in Bangkok and central Thailand, many tourists do not realise that the south of Thailand is completely unaffected by the flooding.

“Many tourists booked to come to Phuket are worried, and many of our guests due to stay with us in the next few weeks have been in touch asking about the weather situation in Phuket,” said Chris Gordon, Owner and Managing Director of The Village, Coconut Island.

“We are deeply moved by the situation of many in Bangkok and the surrounding provinces and the difficulties faced by the local hotels and resorts in those areas.

However, it’s really important for tourists to remember that now, more than ever, Thailand needs your support. The south of Thailand is completely unaffected by the floods; in fact, the weather over the past few weeks has been some of the best we have experienced this year, and this is forecast to continue.”

According to the THA, most hotel operators in the surrounding areas have not profited from higher occupancy rates as they have been offering lower prices to help those affected by the floods.

Mr. Gordon commented: “it might be easy in situations such as this for hotels in the south of Thailand to think of making a quick profit, and raise their prices in anticipation of higher occupancy levels. However, we – and, I hope, the majority of our neighbouring resorts in Phuket – will most certainly not be doing this.

Phuket is a welcoming safe haven for those affected by the flooding, and we only hope that the wider media remember that inaccurate reporting can damage the economy of a whole area. The south of Thailand is completely safe, and all those who rely on the tourism industry will be hoping that the media coverage of the flooding affects that.

Luxury five bed beach front pool villa

What makes The Village, Coconut Island special? What kind of experience does it offer guests and why should they visit?

 The Village really is one of Thailand’s most beautiful and unique resorts. We are based on the glorious Coconut Island, amidst the natural splendor of Phang Nga Bay, which means that we are able to offer our guests the luxury of truly ‘getting away from it all’ on a tropical island, whilst remaining incredibly convenient.

Our complimentary water taxi service runs 24-hours a day, and whisks guests to and from Phuket’s mainland in just 5 minutes. From there, we are just 20 minutes away from Phuket’s shopping and cultural centres, and 40 minutes from Phuket International Airport.

I also love The Village for its unique design and atmosphere; designed around a traditional Village, with fantastic amenities such as our beautiful Spa, three fabulous restaurants and central infinity pools at the centre, surrounded by private and luxurious accommodation. It really is a special place.

Stunning views of Phang Nga Bay

What makes Coconut Island itself unique?

 Coconut Island is everyone’s idea of a tropical island paradise. Our beautiful beach, amazing natural ecosystem, extensive amenities and fantastic position in the bay mean that we are able to offer so much that other resorts cannot; true peace, privacy and security. So many resorts are based in busy tourist areas and suffer from noise, pollution and crowds; The Village lets you get away from all of this, without sacrificing convenience

What kind of special treatments does your spa offer? Anything uniquely Thai is of particular interest. Have any new treatments started recently?

 Set at the centre of The Village, accessed by a bridge and surrounded by a mini lake, our beautiful Spa Island is a real Oasis of calm. We try to reflect longstanding Thai traditions and culture in our treatments, whilst catering to the wishes of our international clientele.

 Our menu is varied, but one of our most popular traditional treatments is the healing Thai Herbal Compress Massage, or “Luk Pra Kob”. It’s a unique, heavenly treatment that really has to be experienced at least once in a lifetime!  A heated muslin parcel of aromatic herbs and Thai spices is applied to pressure points on the body, easing stress and relaxing muscles. As well as being a wonderfully relaxing experience, this treatment can also be tailored to address back pain and tendinitis, increase energy flow, improve circulation, relax muscles and stimulate nerves. Speaking personally, it’s amazing!

Relax and enjoy The Village Spa

We have also recently introduced a new menu of custom tailored facials. These incorporate traditional Thai techniques to ensure that that, whatever your skin type, your particular needs are addressed and your skin is left revitalised, glowing and healthy.

What makes Coconut Island itself unique?

Coconut Island is everyone’s idea of a tropical island paradise. Our beautiful beach, amazing natural ecosystem, extensive amenities and fantastic position in the bay mean that we are able to offer so much that other resorts cannot; true peace, privacy and security. So many resorts are based in busy tourist areas and suffer from noise, pollution and crowds; The Village lets you get away from all of this, without sacrificing convenience

 Are there any other facilities at the resort (apart from the spa) that you think visitors should know about? Can you tell me a little about the activities on offer? What are the highlights?

 We have some amazing facilities! We have spent a long time listening to our guests and making sure that we provide everything that they could possibly want and need.

 In terms of activities, we have worked very hard to ensure that we cater for all tastes. Our fabulous position in the bay means that we are able to offer a complete range of watersports, many free to our guests, from kayaking, sailing, snorkelling and scuba-diving to yacht charter and crewed day-trips. We even have our own luxury 77-foot yacht, Chrysalis T, which is available for our guests to charter.

 On-island amenities include our two extremely popular water-slides, floodlit tennis courts, golf course, mountain-biking and hiking, Village shop, fully equipped Gym, Turkish Hammam, Steam Room, Sauna, and Hydrotherapy Pool.

A range of watersports for all abilities and ages

Our two beautiful central infinity pools provide guests with a great alternative to their own private pools or Jacuzzis, and our Children’s Club is there to ensure that parents can relax and enjoy the wonderful amenities the resort has to offer, knowing that their children are in the safest of hands.

What kind of dining experience does The Village, Coconut Island offer? Any culinary specialities?

 Our dining experiences are particularly strong, with The Village boasting three beautiful restaurants all overseen by the fantastic Chef, Lee Wood. These comprise of The Tamarind, our beachfront restaurant with its popular beach bar, and carefully crafted menu of freshly prepared Thai and Asian cuisine, The Deli, modelled on a New York-style delicatessen and complete with a hand built stone pizza oven (it is often commented that our pizzas are the best in Phuket!) and Horizons, our incredible new Fine Dining offering, with a stunning international menu and panoramic views of Phang Nga Bay.

 We place a really strong emphasis on sourcing the very best ingredients possible and ensuring variety; we offer the freshest seafood and a wide range of imaginative vegetarian options. 

Amazing food in any one of the three restaurants