A Club Med in every corner

With high season for travel beginning, it’s important to have all the details fully planned, from the right destination to the sights and activities that will be involved.
Vincent Ong, Club Med’s vice president for this region, recently hosted a seminar at the Bangkok restaurant Vivarium by Chefs to promote 65 Club Med resorts that ought to interest Thais.

The “Club Med Amazing You” event looked at resorts in fascinating places like Maldives, Bali, Bintan, Hokkaido and Tomamu. Celebrities in attendance included Prairpun Tumwattana, Praedao Panichsamai, Pranai Phornprapha, Eakachai Sukhumvithaya, Parva Nakasai, Unawan Tungkarawakhun, Paveenluck Limpichart, Atharos Liptapanlop, Chutinart Ongkosit, Kritchakorn Homboonyasak, Nattikorn Tiabtiam and Ployvarin Songpakorn. 
Club Med, established in 1950, now has better than 65 resorts in 26 countries. Each has its own unique design, but all serve as self-sustained “small towns” within their own settings. The approach is all-inclusive, with packages covering accommodation, activities on land and in the water, food and beverages, airport transfers and daily caretaker services. 

Recommended as must-visit destinations for the coming year are Club Med Finolhu Villa and Club Med Kani in Maldives, both set alongside the Indian Ocean with the emphasis on privacy and peace. The natural surrounding include white-sand beaches, emerald-green seawater and numerous aquatic creatures, and the seaborne activities range from snorkelling and scuba diving to water skiing, parasailing and jet skiing. 
Club Med Phuket on Kata Bay is close to the island’s old town with is charming mix of Chinese and Portuguese architecture. The resort’s design is contemporary but there’s plenty of marble and teak in the structure and Thai handcrafts among the decor. The swimming pool affords relaxing views of Karon Beach.

Club Med Bali and Club Med Bintan in Indonesia takes full advantage of the gorgeous scenery on the socalled “Island of God”. They’re set in lovely natural gardens and provide a wide variety of meals all day. 
Club Med Sahoro and Club Med Tomamu in Japan are ideal destinations in December, when the temperature drops below zero and snow blankets the landscape. The resort is surrounded by mountains, so there’s skiing nearby, and Club Med will provide all the equipment needed, plus expert trainers, even for small children.
The travelmad celebrities at the event shared their own experiences and offered tips on how to choose the best accommodations and destinations.
“I normally choose the accommodation based on the location,” said Atharos. “It should be convenient to get around so there’s no wasted time. 

“I enjoy adventures and I love the sea. The most beautiful place I’ve ever visited is Maldives, which anyone who loves the sea should visit at least once. The sun is so bright and the water is crystal clear. There are many activities to enjoy – I like to take a boat out fishing and bring my catch back to prepare for dinner.”
Pranai said he prefers “dynamic and lively places”. 
“Bali is one place I want to revisit because, apart from the beautiful sea, it also has abundant forest and an interesting culture – you learn new things. When I go there I enjoy kayaking and trying different foods.”
Praedao Panichsamai looks for accommodations that offer the full range of facilities. 
“I’m an exercise addict, so I always check if there’s a fitness room. I also enjoy adventurous activities and I love being at the seaside in southern Thailand. Phuket has many activities to enjoy in the beautiful, clear sea. I enjoy water skiing and feeling the refreshing breeze against my face.”
Bride-to-be Prairpun Tumwattana looks chiefly for convenience. 
“The accommodations should look great, be clean and have top-notch service and food. When I get to enjoy leisure time, I need it to be the best it can be. 
“I love the cold weather, so I like visiting Japan in winter, and I’m always impressed. It’s easy to get there, not that far from Thailand. In winter there’s snowboarding, which really improves your concentration as you hurtle forwards.”
Find out more at www.ClubMed.co.th and www.Facebook.com/ClubMed.