Lauren Arena

Anthony Lark leads the way. Born in Sydney, he started his career picking up glasses at the Wentworth Hotel Sydney and, after working his way through hotels in Queensland and Western Australia, was invited to open a series of luxury resorts across Thailand.

Hotel junkie… Anthony Lark

Now one of three partners who own and operate the deluxe 39-villa resort, Trisara, Anthony Lark found heaven eight years ago.

Trisara, meaning ‘third garden in heaven’ in Sanskrit, is perched over its very own private bay along Phuket’s northwest coastline, making it one of the most exclusive resorts in South East Asia.

“Everyday is exciting when managing 40 acres, 82 pools, 500 employees and (of course) very well-travelled guests,” says Mr Lark of his award-winning resort.

International jet-setters come to Trisara because there’s nowhere else quite like it – the spa offers private treatment suites with sea views that open out to breezy pavilions and every villa has a private infinity pool – and Mr Lark says his globetrotting guests expect the best.

“Expectations are very high in almost every respect, which is what keeps us on our toes and why we meet all guests on arrival. … Of course, in any good resort simple, good food plus friendly service and wonderful spa treatments, are very high on the list of expectations.”

Since opening in late 2004, the resort has quickly become a landmark, not just for its ocean views and private gardens, but also for the quality of its service.

Third garden on heaven… Trisara

“There is a different work ethic in South East Asia,” says Mr Lark, “Staff are generally happy and enthusiastic about doing whatever it takes to take care of guests.”

Local culture is a key component to running a successful resort according to Mr Lark, who says Thailand’s luxury accommodation is incomparable to anything he has experienced in Australia.

“Perhaps most important is that hospitality is not so much deemed a part-time job like it is in many places in Australia. Another thing of course is that with the salary levels here, we can operate at Trisara on an 8 staff to 1 room ratio.”

Yet while he lives and breathes high-end luxury nowadays, Lark’s love for hotels was sparked from humble beginnings.

“When I was 16 my parents and I took a year-long trip through Europe. We stayed in literally hundreds of small, often family-owned hotels and inns in many countries and I found the whole arrival, housekeeping, breakfast and “buzz” in an hotel fascinating. I was a 17-year old hotel junkie.”

Serene… ocean view villas

After working his way up the ranks in Australia, beginning his hotel career as a trainee at the Wentworth, then joining the Regent (now The Four Seasons) and later working in resorts across Queensland and Western Australia, a 27 year-old Lark accepted an offer to uproot and move to Thailand as Aman resorts’ first General Manager of luxe beach resort, Amanpuri.

“I was offered the job to open their first property, which at 27 was a big thing as the whole idea of going to an exotic Island at such a young age was the most exciting thing. I thought, 2 years maybe, yet I guess I was wrong as 25 years and 4 sons later…”

But would he do it all over again to find heaven elsewhere?

“Sure, if the opportunity existed that ticked all the boxes, and the next one could be even better than Trisara.”

www.trisara.com

The last few months have seen bookings and enquiries from around the region and the world.

Laguna Phuket Assistant Vice President for Destination Marketing Debbie Dionysius, says the annual festival has been steadily gaining popularity over the years and will continue to do so as the fun continues to spread, while new programmes and activities are introduced to the carnival.

Since the five month festival started in 2009, our guests, including more and more Aussie families, have been quick to recognise the incredible value on offer, such as the free activities, entertainment and tours for their kids,” says Dionysius.

“Having a dedicated BBQ Beer tent where international sports including the AFL are televised is probably a big plus, too!”

“Interest from Australia remains strong and we’re forecasting an improvement on the number of Australian families visiting and staying longer this year. Already, Angsana Laguna Phuket, our premium resort that is also home to our double story treehouse inspired kids club, is proving a popular option.”

Dionysius also attributes the potential for increased bookings to the additional flights between Australia and Thailand operated by a variety of airlines.

Kidz Fun Zone ... Candlemaking in the treehouse

The centerpiece of the festival is from 23 June to 25 August when Canal Shopping Village at the heart of the resort will be transformed into a carnival playground, with a BBQ Beer Tent providing parents a place to socialise and relax while their youngsters enjoy the Kidzsole Flying Trapeze, bouncy castle, trampoline and games in the Kidz Lounge.

The BBQ Beer Tent will offer a feast of televised big screen summer sporting events (including coverage of the London 2012 Olympic Games, Euro Football Championship and the AFL), live music, a weekly quiz night and Happy Hour drinks.

A popular return attraction for the youngsters at this year’s Festival is the Kidz Fun Zone, serving up daily afternoons of sports skills, cooking lessons, adventure and educational activities, mini golf excursions and outings to local amusement parks.

Led by the team at Quest, Laguna Phuket’s corporate training and adventure facility, the Kidz Fun Zone, will run from 2.00pm to 5.00pm daily from Monday 25 June through to Saturday 25 August.

For more information, a schedule of events and details on promotions, click here or speak to your preferred travel agent.

It's not that I don't like most other people, I just kind of like it when they're not around.

The Naka Island, the newest Luxury Collection offering is an exclusive all-villa island, and could be the closest most folk get to having their own private island.

Nestled among stunning beaches, lush coconut groves, with never-ending views of the emerald-green Phang Nga Bay and idyllic landscapes of the Phuket coastline, The Naka Island is an exclusive boutique resort on Naka Yai Island, located just off the Phuket coast.

Luxury Collection is making two special offers to celebrate the island's upcoming grand opening. Scheduled to open to the public in November.

While just 25 minutes from Phuket International Airport, The Naka Island is accessible only by private speedboat, making it a uniquely private and intimate retreat. The resort offers 67 villas that are magnificently appointed with private plunge pools and tropical gardens, along with an incomparable spa facility, access to countless outdoor recreation opportunities, and uncompromising service.

The Naka Island is offering two grand opening packages through March, 2012. They include:

Exclusive Opening Special – from THB 9,000

• Accommodations in your choice of private villa, complete with plunge pools, modern conveniences, and stunning views of the surrounding islands and Phang Nga Bay

• Daily breakfast for two beachside at Tonsai restaurant • Return speedboat transfers to Phuket Luxury Experience: 3 Nights for Price of 2 – from THB 15,000

• Accommodations in Tropical Pool Villa, or your choice of private villa, complete with plunge pools, modern conveniences, and stunning views of the surrounding islands and Phang Nga Bay

• Daily breakfast for two beachside at Tonsai restaurant

• Resort credit of THB 2,500 per villa per night, available for use at any of the resort’s two restaurants and bar, Spa Naka, or resort experiences like kayaking, cycling or Thai cooking classes (excluding the period from 24 December, 2011 until 7 January, 2012)

• Return speedboat transfers to Phuket 

Your Own Private Island

At only 2.56sq km in size, Naka Yai Island is easily navigable on foot, by bicycle, or by boat to the nearby beaches.

www.luxurycollection.com