SANUK: happiness, fun, living in the moment.
This desire for joy and happiness is far reaching in every part of Thai life. As I arrived at The Front Village Karon Phuket ***** I was greeted by wide smiles and genuine kindness from the staff, an attitude I soon got used to while in Phuket. Here you are left with no shortage of places to explore or things to do to experience the real meaning of Sanuk; the hotel hosts fantastic Thai cooking classes suitable for novices and experts alike, as well as a dizzying array of outdoor jungle adventures to get your blood pumping as you explore the stunning, quieter side of the island.
SABAI: wellness, relaxation, inner peace.
Sabai rests at the heart of The Front Village Karon Phuket *****’s philosophy, so if discovering inner peace is your first priority (as it is for me) then rest assured the hotel does everything it can to lift the weight from your shoulders. As someone whose dedication to idleness knows no limits, spending the sun baked days alternating between the pool and the sunbed – pausing frequently for cocktails at the swim up bar – was unrivalled bliss. Alternatively on days when I felt my journey to tranquillity and enlightenment needed that extra push, a trip to the secluded haven of the Village Spa to indulge in traditional Thai healing was the perfect way to connect with nature, not to mention reaching true peace.
SADUAK: contentment, at peace.
A room is a sanctuary; there’s no disputing that. Yet The Front Village Karon Phuket ***** as ever brings a new dimension of peace to your room. It flaunts simple yet elegance old-world charm, using a pale, neutral palette to maximise the warm light coming in from the large windows. And if that wasn’t soothing enough, the glittering view of the sea from your balcony provides the finishing touch to your private haven.