Riding the waves of beauty
A look at the creative tide connecting Sole Mio Residences and Thailand Biennale When Railand Property Group first unveiled plans for its Sole Mio Hotel on Bang Tao Beach, the concept raised more than a few eyebrows. A cruise-ship-shaped building? Such a bold break from Phuket’s architectural norms? No one had ever attempted anything like…
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Seeing things differently
Allan Zeman’s talent for turning land into legend More than once recognized by Tatler as Asia’s Most Influential Person, Allan Zeman is a name that hardly needs an introduction. The father of Hong Kong’s famed Lan Kwai Fong entertainment district is as easily recognized on the streets of Phuket as he is in Central –…
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The responsible way
Sustainable vision from Phuket’s leading boutique villa developer “We may not be able to stop others from littering, but we can be the beginning of change.” That’s not your typical sales pitch from a real estate developer – but Wallaya Villas isn’t your typical company. Wallaya is a true Phuket-grown business, led by a local…
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The masterful touch
The man behind Bang Tao’s favorite tables reveals secrets Mario Ninotta’s boundless energy and passion for life seem to defy boundaries – and so does the geography of his restaurant business. Little Paris, Little Roma, Little Siam, Maya Beach Club, and the La Cave du Roi wine boutique are just some of the venues he…
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The Emmy-winning magic
The White Lotus through the eyes of someone who lived it “I do feel like the other seasons were a rehearsal for this one,” said The White Lotus creator and director Mike White, teasing the scale of Season 3 long before its release. For Karina, a participant in the production, those words rang true. She…
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Transformation. Experience. Purpose.
Bill Bensley, the visionary behind Asia’s most stunning resorts Julia Sinikova Having proclaimed his grand mission as “to make the world a better place through good design,” Bill Bensley is more than just an architect or a designer. His life path is so deeply rooted in art, one might call Bill a Renaissance man. Yet,…
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The artistic nomad
Christian Develter’s cultural narratives in vibrant colors In the world of South East Asia’s contemporary art, Christian Develter’s name has become synonymous with bold color palettes, intricate patterns, and a deep exploration of cultural narratives. Yet, it is his personal journey which feels his work with life. Since the mid-1990s, the Belgian-born artist has lived…
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Rhythm of Passion
Boy Navio’s journey in Phuket’s music scene Photos by Yada Ordiazz For those familiar with the music scene in Phuket, one name consistently stands out – Boy Navio. Combining talent with charisma, Boy has become a beloved figure on the island. His journey is not just about music – it’s about passion, identity, and authenticity in…
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Dark Room
Phuket’s first international karaoke lounge and the visionary behind it In Phuket’s ever-changing business landscape, longevity is the ultimate badge of success. On this island, where trends flicker out as quickly as they ignite, only the most exceptional of businesses and people manage to win hears for years. Earning a place in this exclusive club…
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The community man
A tour of Phuket’s past, present, and future with Boon Yongsakul Boon Yongsakul is the Chairman and Founder of Boat Pattana Group. The diversified business group specializes in world-class marinas, luxury hotels, apartments for rent, and other residential and commercial properties. Khun Boon holds a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Canterbury in…
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On the count of five
How fast can one expect results from Phuket beauty treatments by Julia Sinikova Phuket’s beauty and wellness industry has flourished in recent years. However, the plethora of options sometimes makes it challenging to choose the right one, as the offerings are just too vast. From home-based beauty studios to the state-of-the-art facilities at Bangkok Hospital…
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Finding what is yours
A developer’s perspective on Home in Phuket Over 18 years ago, Raisa Sheludkina arrived in Phuket with several successful property deals under her belt. Yet, finding her perfect home on the island turned into a quest that spanned nearly two decades. Raisa’s knowledge of Phuket goes far beyond the average. As a real estate agent,…
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With a wonder and a wild desire
Bill Bensley, the visionary behind Asia’s most stunning resorts From Phuket to Phu Quoc and as far as Puerto Rico, each property designed by Bill Bensley is created to complement its surroundings and built with minimal environmental impact. The renowned architect, designer, artist, hotelier, and philanthropist has a clear vision – and it is no…
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The complex art of… being Khun Gay
Autcharawan (Gay) Pratumwan is renowned in Phuket as an entrepreneur, an innovator in IT and green energy, a community enthusiast, and a developer. Honoring International Women’s Day, we sat down with Gay to delve into her life and discover what it takes to become a woman Phuket is genuinely proud of. RL: Please, tell us…
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Luca Cini: A new chapter of the story
Appearances can be deceiving. What might seem like a small Trattoria Italiana turns out to be a dining institution listed in Phuket’s Top 25 Restaurants in 2022 and remains in Phuket’s Top 5 Italian Restaurants in 2023. What appears to be a simple pasta dish turns out to be an extravaganza of flavors and a tribute…
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Underwood-vs-Underwood
By Maciek Klimowicz Photography: Anka Fateeva and Adriano TrapAni Designer, entrepreneur and the creative force behind Underwood Art Factory, John Underwood has been interviewed by the local Phuket press a number of times. This, however, is the first time that he sat down to an interview together with his son, Zachary. Father and Son, two…
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Bjorn Courage A Man Of The People
At the base of a mountain and on the shores of the sea, InterContinental Phuket Resort boasts an impressive range of views, and dazzles visitors and guests with its architecture and design. Behind the scenes though, is a dedicated hospitality team led by a certain Bjorn Courage. Speaking with this personification of calm confidence, we…
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Reaching for the stars
When PRU restaurant won its Michelin Star, it wasn’t just a triumph of their kitchen team, but a quantum leap for the whole island’s food scene. What led to that game-changing moment? Where do we go from here? These are just some of the questions we ask chef Jimmy Ophorst, Phuket’s first Michelin-starred chef. Maciek…
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The Key to Keemala
Samornpun and Tanapong Somnam are both Phuketians. They also are hotel owners and… siblings. Born into the hospitality business, they combined their childhood experiences talents, and love for their home island, to launch one of Phuket’s most unique resorts – Keemala. Today they share with us what they both believe is the key to their…
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Never settle
Russian speakers amongst our readers will recognize him right away – in Russia, Alexander Dobrovinsky is nothing short of a celebrity. Our non-Russian readers might ask – who is he? A hockey player? A movie star? A famous writer? The answer might be a bit of a surprise – Alexander Dobrovinsky is… a lawyer. Not just…
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Mary Pakamard: Taking The Island By Storm
It’s hard to ignore the sheer number of real estate and hospitality projects active in Phuket. Finding a project that catches your eye and draws you in is easy, but not many will hold your attention like the projects endowed with the M2 PLUS touch. You’ll immediately notice the simplicity and class unique to every…
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Julia Petermoeller
An infinite passion for the experience The family relocated to Phuket in 2018, following Thomas’ retirement from his career in manufacturing. The family had been long-time lovers of Thailand, with Thomas spending 12 years before at the helm of his garment production plant, and Julia spending the winter months of Europe in Bangkok. Phuket was…
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Real Life in Phuket Magazine 