exciting Asian city. I was taken on a temple tour by Steve from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and visited one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, Wat Arun, before boarding a short ferry to the Wat Pho Buddhist temple complex, joining hundreds of pilgrims paying homage to the world-famous Reclining Buddha. The Grab app is a cheap and convenient way to get around the City of Angels and you can generally reach most places in the city centre by booking a cab from Amari for around 200 baht (£4.50). I visited the notorious Soi Cowboy, Patpong and Khao San Road entertainment districts, all of which were huge fun and real eye-openers. My final excursion of the week was a Bangkok Best Eats Food Tour by Tuk Tuk in which enthusiastic host Premi took a group of us on a culinary trip around Samyan Market and China Town, before we arrived at Eagle Nest, a rooftop bar with stunning views of Wat Arun, Chao Phraya River and Wat Po. It seemed like the perfect bookend to what had been a fabulous few days in the Thai capital. AMARI PHUKET The following morning, I boarded a Bangkok Airways flight to Phuket, and in just over an hour, I was immersed in what Teddy called the ‘island life’. Phuket has long been a favourite for those planning a romantic escape or honeymoon – it’s a private slice of paradise that’s still close to the action if you fancy a change of pace. Amari Phuket is cut into the mountainside at the southern end of the popular Patong Beach, with golf buggies taking guests up the paths from their rooms to the resort’s bars, restaurants, swimming pools and spa. Honouring their promise to ‘brighten your stay, every day’ the welcoming resort team do everything they can to ensure you have a memorable stay or honeymoon. I had a Coral one-bedroom suite with magnificent views of the bay, a separate dining and living area and minibalcony. And as an extra bonus, I also had exclusive access to The Clubhouse retreat with its infinity pool as well as other club benefits. In the evenings, I enjoyed a street market-style Phuketian meal at Amari’s southern Thai eatery Rim Talay, and dined at La Gritta, which has to be Phuket’s best Italian ristorante. In the meantime, I was again treated to a signature massage courtesy of Breeze Spa, but this time amidst the lush forest in an open-air forest sala. To find out more about holidays and tourism in Thailand, head to fanclubthailand.co.uk HELPFUL INFO Amari Bangkok, 847 Phetchaburi Rd, Khwaeng Thanon Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand. (+66 2 653 9000) Amari Phuket, 2 Meun-Ngern Road Pa Tong, Amphoe Kathu, Phuket 83150, Thailand (+66 76 340 106) booknow@amari.com Airports: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), Phuket International Airport (HKT) 96
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