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PHUKET’SPOSHPARTIESA new wave of glamorous beach clubs is bringing some added glitz to the Thai island’s west-coast sands

T he west-coast beaches of Phuket have long been coveted for sun worshipping and for their

postcard-perfect sunsets, but in the past holidaymakers craving after-dark action and more refined culinary choices would need to head inland to the bright lights of Patong or Phuket City. No more. In recent months, three new beach clubs have launched, finally fusing Phuket’s beach life and nightlife while ramping up the tropical glamour factor.

The beach clubs in Phuket, though certainly lavish, are more about sanuk (fun) than snobbish exclusivity.

Here’s a rundown of the main players in Phuket’s emerging beach-club scene.

CATCH BEACH CLUB, SURIN BEACH

Twinpalms Phuket Resort launched Phuket’s first beach club four years ago, setting in motion a transformation of the Surin beachfront into a dining and party enclave, its 800 metres of sand now lined with upscale restaurants and bars where there’s an occasional celebrity sighting (Kate Moss is a regular visitor, while Manchester United football star Luis Nani recently dropped in at Catch).

Catch Beach Club has evolved into a ‘lifestyle’ brand with membership packages that give members vouchers to cash in for cruises on a Twinpalms

motor yacht, romantic beachside dinners, spa sessions, private members-only parties and more.

With chic people lounging languidly on its Dedon sofas, the see-and-be-seen ambience is a big part of the Catch Beach Club experience, but it’s no slouch on the food front, either. Catch Beach’s new manager Benedikt De Bellis says that its popular lunch and dinner buffets will continue through October and beyond.BEST DAY TO GO: Tuesdays or Fridays for sunset cocktails followed by a BBQ feast.EVENTS TO WATCH FOR: international DJ nights about once a month; white parties with complimentary cocktails.

CLOCKWISE FROM MAIN: Catch features live music; Surin Beach; the beachfront party space; BBQ feast; late-night revellers

WORDS LANA WILLOCKS

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CLOCKWISE FROM MAIN: The sleek bar area at Bliss; outdoor dining area; late-night performance; Bliss also caters to gourmet food fans

BLISS BEACH CLUB, BANGTAO BEACH

Bliss Beach Club sits in its own modern beachfront edifice that makes a striking presence in the lush rural landscape of Bangtao’s southern end. Bliss appeals to an array of beach-goers, having both a family-friendly setting complete with a swimming pool and play area for daytime fun and also a sleek and sophisticated look with a grown-up drink and dining menu and late-night events. The main indoor dining area is

CATCH BEACH CLUBSurin Beach Rd, Cherng Talay, Thalang District, tel: +66 (0) 7631 6567, catchbeachclub.com

BLISS BEACH CLUBBangtao Beach, 202/88 Moo 2, Cherng Talay, Thalang District, tel: +66 (0) 7651 0150, blissbeachclub.com

RE KÁ TA CLUB ON THE BEACHKata Beach, 182-184 Koktanode Rd, Kata Beach, tel: +66 (0) 7633 0421, rekataphuket.com

XANA BEACH CLUBAngsana Laguna Phuket, Bangtao Beach, 10 Moo 4 Srisoonthorn Rd, Cherng Talay, Thalang District tel: +66 (0) 7632 4101, xanabeachclub.com

TAKE ME THERE

sparkling white with celebrity images lining the wall, while the exterior features a wide, wooden sundeck and plush lounging furniture just steps away from the soft sands.

Founded last November by Italian restaurateur Giuseppe ‘Pepe’ Viva, Bliss is buzzing with energy. Every day there’s something happening, such as a special ‘lunch pitstop’ offer giving away free beer with burgers, pizza or pad thai noodles. BEST DAY TO GO: Sunday, for the Butler Brunch followed by its Soundwave DJ party.EVENTS TO WATCH FOR: monthly VIP dinners in The Barolo Room for 10 guests only, and the Bliss first anniversary party in late November. PH

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Jetstar has great low fares to Phuket.

Visit Jetstar.com to book.

RE KÁ TA CLUB ON THE BEACH, KATA BEACH

RE KÁ TA was launched last December as part of a multi-million-dollar renovation of the acclaimed Boathouse Resort. RE KÁ TA features alfresco dining areas for sampling its modern menu of raw cuisine and fresh seafood, swish sun beds and a cool, crescent-shaped pool overlooking the sea. Those seeking respite from the sun may slip into RE KÁ TA’s own spa, boutique or café.

Marie-Laure Fleury, general manager of The Boathouse, says: “The beach club is doing really well and has been consistently getting busier since its opening.”

Building on The Boathouse’s reputation as top spot for wine, within months of opening RE KÁ TA had scooped up the Best of Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator for its wine list and choice of 16 wines by the glass.

XANA BEACH CLUB, BANGTAO BEACH

XANA’s sheer-white dining and sun lounging areas stretch across the Bangtao beachfront within the Laguna Phuket luxury resort complex, complete with a 35-metre pool and swim-up bar plus private

BEST DAY TO GO: Thursdays for Martini & Manicure nights, with a free express manicure and martini for ladies plus happy-hour prices all night long for all.EVENTS TO WATCH FOR: fine dining and wine nights. Recent events include culinary evenings with 3-star Michelin chef Jordi Roca and chocolate chef David Inglada.

Those seeking respite from the sun may slip into RE KÁ TA’s spa, boutique or café

cabanas and rooftop dining areas for sunset views.

The menu has a fresh, healthy and uplifting selection, from its tapas, Thai, Mediterranean and seafood offerings to enticing cocktails including its Xanajito (rum, lime, mint leaves, local mangosteen and mao berry juice).BEST DAY TO GO: any day at sunset for its ‘Secret Sunset Sessions’, when a rotating cast of performers stage a short show. EVENTS TO WATCH FOR: celebrity DJ nights. So far XANA has hosted DJ Paul Harris of British music trio Dirty Vegas and Thai sensation DJ Nakadia.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: A theme party at XANA; lounging area; RE KÁ TA’s beachfront dining; martinis

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