> > by Marianne Rogerson
Thailand is almost as famous for its golf courses as its beaches, and Phuket is undoubtedly the jewel in the crown, attracting fair-weather golfers from around the globe. With new courses sprouting up all the time, Blue Canyon remains the most famous with its two award- winning championship golf courses that wind their way through a landscape of lakes and canyons.
Beyond the greens and fairways, numerous world-class dive sites pull the sun-worshippers off the beaches and out into the crystal clear waters of the Andaman sea. Keen divers can opt for a liveaboard cruise to the nearby Similan Islands, home to over 20 dive sites and often ranked in the top ten dive destinations in the world, while novices can choose from a plethora of schools offering PADI courses. For those who prefer to remain above the ocean’s surface, sea kayaking on the glistening turquoise waves amongst the staggering limestone outcrops of nearby Ao Phang-Nga is a popular diversion, as is sailing around the islands. For the ultimate indulgence, consider chartering a speedboat to check out James Bond Island in true 007 style.