This scene may look familiar to those of you who have seen the film The Man with the Golden Gun. Phang Nga Bay in southern Thailand is where part of the movie was filmed. Local tour companies bring boatloads of tourists to James Bond Island but there is really nothing to see, except possibly some discarded litter.  Nevertheless, the true beauty of this area is the craggy limestone towers thrusting upward out of the sea and reaching for the sky.

You can explore the caves and chambers below the jagged cliffs in sea kayaks. Your paddle guide can even steer you through to hidden interior pools. John Gray pioneered kayaking in this area and remains the most respected low impact, eco-friendly operator here.  While most companies bring hoards of visitors during the morning, his offers an uncrowded afternoon excursion with dinner and then an evening float to view bio-luminescent plankton.

Returning to Phuket, the largest island in Thailand, we head for the Banyan Tree for a quick tour. This world famous celebrity hideaway is a full service resort that consists exclusively of private villas with walled courtyards for privacy. These stunning units range from one bedroom villas with outdoor jacuzzi to extra large villas with multiple bedrooms and both exterior and  interior swimming pools.

In addition, there is a full 18 hole golf course that hosts a major annual championship and a main pool that runs through the resort as  a free-form lagoon. The resort also has direct beach access and a golf cart service to shuttle you there and back from your villa.

This is a very elegant resort with plush accommodations for anyone seeking a tropical escape in true luxury. Here is a quick glimpse of the Spa Pool Villa where Elizabeth Hurley reportedly stayed. And I’ve saved the best for last. See you tomorrow.

private courtyard with exterior poolliving room

bathroom

living roombedroom with interior pool

bedroom with surrounding interior pool