Roland Lefevre
Resorts in Thailand stretch along the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand and are also in outstanding interior locations. They offer onsite activities to suit every family member.
Hundreds of dive sites can be easily accessed from many beach resorts. As these sites are generally shallow, offer rich marine life and exciting underwater landscapes they are suited to all levels of divers. PADI certified dive schools affiliated to resorts offer the rudiments of diving to the inexperienced. Experienced divers can dive with resort guides. Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort & Spa, a popular Samui hotel has resort based activities for all ages.
This is an environmentally friendly way to explore the thousands of tiny islands around resorts. Limestone cliffs, varying vegetation, caves with stalagmites and stalactites, lagoons, natural lakes, waterfalls and even wildlife keep attracting holiday makers.
Serious sports fishermen and women can charter fast specially equipped fishing boats from resorts and go after Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna and Wahoo. Not so serious fishermen can take a long tail boat fish on a reef and barbecue the catch on a secluded beach.
When the weather is right, there are great water sports opportunities in beach locations around Thailand that can be indulged in without moving very far from resorts. They include surfing, wind surfing, kite boarding, parasailing and jet skiing among others. All necessary equipment can be hired locally.
Taking it easy by indulging in rejuvenating and healing spa therapies is a popular way to unwind at resorts. Spa menus include foot therapies and foot reflexology, facial treatments, body and face scrubs, moisturizing wraps and different types of massages. Treatments are provided in special spaces exuding a relaxing ambience.
Yoga and meditation classes are part of the healing process offered at many resorts. Instructors guide students through a series of breathing and stretching techniques suitable for beginners and experienced practitioners to relieve stress and achieve inner calmness.
This is another popular resort activity conducted by culinary staff. Classes start with a visit to a wet market to collect ingredients after which students learn to prepare condiments and ingredients for cooking, use of utensils for different cooking methods and cooking techniques for the chosen dishes.
Onsite leisure activities at resorts include day and night tennis, squash, fitness centres equipped for full body workouts with services of personal trainers and other indoor and outdoor activities that keep guests of all ages energized and engaged.
Luxurious resorts facilities combined with championship golf courses designed by international golf champions offer picture postcard backdrops and excellent golf adding another dimension to resort activities.
Helping out at an elephant camp is one of the most sought after leisure activities. At resorts that have an adjacent camp, willing guests are put through basic mahout training and elephant care regimes. Elephant treks are also part of the special activities at these resorts.
