Adventure Guide - Aman Resorts
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CONTENTS The Amanpuri Experience 4 Cultural Experiences 8 Outdoor Activities 12 Wa t e r S p o r t s 16 Golf 24 Markets 26 Activities for Children and 30 Te e n a g e r s Activities for Children 32 A c t i v i t i e s f o r Te e n a g e r s 38 Wa t e r a n d A d v e n t u r e P a r k s 44 Conservation and Outreach 48 2 3
The Amanpuri Experience Surrounded by the tranquil turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea, Amanpuri is a gateway to the natural wonders of Phuket. The coast offers adventures of many kinds, from gentle kayaking to the thrill of wakeboarding. Inland, the serene, white-sand beaches and lush jungle vegetation are complemented by a rich cultural history, including 30 Buddhist temples. Guests are encouraged to explore the local culture and landscape through a wide range of experiences, from trekking in a national park and seeing apes in their natural habitat to receiving a N AT U R A L W O N D E R S traditional blessing at a local Buddhist temple. To find out more about the possibilities on offer, Nestled in a coconut grove on a peaceful peninsula, Amanpuri please consult the Amanpuri Experience Team. offers voyages of discovery in every direction. They will be delighted to advise and to create a customised itinerary tailormade to your individual requirements. Advance booking is recommended. 4 5
Cultural Experiences Make your own fragrant curry paste, receive as alms to the monks who will pray for and a traditional blessing from monks or visit the bless you in return. Visits can be arranged breath-taking Big Buddha. Amanpuri offers any time before 11am. many different opportunities to experience Location: Manik. the local culture. Journey time: Ten minutes each way. Thai Cooking Masterclass Big Buddha Unlock the secrets of Thai food and then Offering 360-degree views of the island enjoy the fruits of your labour with a glass and iconic Phang Nga Bay, the Phra of local wine. Amanpuri’s Thai Master Chef, Puttamingmongkol Akenakkiri Buddha Kannika, will explain Thai cuisine’s key stands 45 metres (148 feet) tall at the peak ingredients before guiding you step-by-step of Sakayamuni Hill. Clad in gleaming white in the preparation of a delicious four-course marble, this cross-legged colossus sits on meal. a marble lotus flower alongside a much Daily, 11am-2pm. Advance booking essential. smaller golden Buddha. No beachwear, short A U T H E N T I C C U LT U R E skirts or shorts should be worn when visiting Buddhist Blessing at Wat Manik Temple this religious site. Enjoy immersive encounters with Thai culture - from its Buddhist Depart early in the morning to visit a Location: Chalong. faith to its legendary cuisine. local Thai temple, set in a peaceful rubber Journey time: One hour each way. Daily, 8am- plantation. Traditional offerings can be 7.30pm. prepared using ingredients bought at the local morning market. These can be offered 8 9
Outdoor Activities Canter along Phuket’s powder-soft beaches or the Andaman Sea turns molten gold. Horses and trek into pristine rainforest with a private guide hacks are available for all levels, from beginners who will tell you about the indigenous plants, fruit to experienced riders. and small animals you encounter. Location: Laguna. Journey time: Ten minutes each way. Daily, 9am- Elephant Sanctuary 5.30 pm. Spend a morning at the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. You will have the opportunity to Phuket Tour feed the elephants and enjoy a leisurely walk, Visit Phuket’s most famous landmarks in a observing the herd as they roam, bathe, and play chauffeured limousine. Take in Old Phuket Town in the mud or one of three lagoons. for local shopping and dining, step inside the Location: Paklok. island’s most picturesque temples and marvel at Journey time: 40 minutes each way. Daily tours the Big Buddha. Finally, soak up the sunset views 10am-2pm, including lunch. Private tours on request. from Promthep Cape before driving back along the scenic west coast. Trips can be personalised Nature Trek to suit individual interests. Embark on a four-hour morning trek with a private guide through Khao Phra Thaeo National Park - Tennis 22 square kilometres of pristine rainforest. Start Amanpuri offers four tennis courts. Two are made at Ton Sai Waterfall, then head uphill through the from sand-filled artificial grass and two are hard jungle, learning about the native flora and fauna courts for a faster play. Professional coaches are as you go. available to guide, instruct, or play against as wished. You will see the rare white-backed palms which are unique to this area, and may also glimpse Star Gazing colourful local birds such as the red-billed The clear, dark Amanpuri night lends itself to malkoha, the greater racket-tailed drongo and star gazing. On a still night, use our Meade LX90 red-backed sea-eagle. Ending at Bang Pae Telescope to explore the stars and planets shining Waterfall and the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project above you. Computerised GoTo technology tracks for close and personal encounters with these the night sky and will highlight the best of what inquisitive apes, the hike covers approximately you can see. This is a chance for the whole family five kilometres, is mostly uphill, and moderately to enjoy the wonders of planet Earth and embark challenging. on a journey of discovery across constellations, Journey time: 30 minutes each way. Monday, moon craters and other planets. Tuesday, and Friday. Minimum of two people. T H E G R E AT O U T D O O R S Advance booking essential. Outdoor activities at Amanpuri bring you closer to nature and Horse Riding open up spectacular views. Trot or canter along Phuket’s beautiful beaches and enjoy beautiful ocean and lagoon views. Horse riding can be arranged at any time but the views are particularly spectacular at sunset when 12 13
Take to the water Amanpuri offers water sports to suit every tempo Hobie Mirage Eclipse including boogie boards, stand up paddleboards, Also known as a stand-up ‘pedal’ board, the snorkelling, sailing and jet-skiing. Take to the Hobie Mirage is wider than a paddleboard with water your way and discover the delights of the handlebars for optimal stability. Set off on a Andaman Sea. smooth, balanced ride as you pedal yourself fit on the Andaman Sea. Stand Up Paddleboard or Kayak Tours Age 12+. Stand up paddleboarding and kayaking allow you to explore Phuket’s sublime coastline at a mellow Sailing Lesson pace. Paddle around the bays of Bangtao or Surin, The Hobie 16 is a popular catamaran for racing find hidden coves, and encounter the local wildlife and day sailing. This one-hour lesson will teach at sunrise or sunset. This trip will develop your you how to read the wind, hoist the main sail, jib balance, strength and endurance. and set sail. Age 12+. Stand Up Jet Ski Schiller Bike Our Kawasaki Stand Up Jet Skis offer serious WAT E R S P O R T S This high-performance water bike promises a memorable cycling experience on the Andaman acceleration. If you have never tried jet skiing, our experienced instructors will teach you the basics Sea. Enjoy a leisurely ride exploring our beautiful and get you safely on your way. Enjoy a peaceful evening paddling around the nearby bays while waters and give yourself a good workout at the Age 16+. the sun sets or the excitement of a ride on the world’s fastest same time. Schiller Bikes are easy to ride, suitable underwater vessel. for all fitness levels and a wonderful way to connect with nature at a gentle pace. Age 12+. 16 17
Seabob Water-skiing / Wakeboard The Seabob offers six speed levels from gentle Discover the thrill of skimming across the sea cruising to extremely fast, allowing you to travel on two skis or a wake board. Our Mastercraft at the speed of your choice. You can also dive to Xstar is the original high performance boat, now three metres and discover the underwater world redesigned for unparalleled wake. Whether you at leisure. are honing your skills or starting out, we will Advance booking is necessary to ensure full charging. support and challenge you. Age 12+. Minimum two people per booking. Age 12+. Flyboard® Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga Experience the sensation of flight, challenging Slow right down and perfect your poise on the your agility and stability at the same time. Using board with a private yoga lesson on the Andaman powerful water jet propulsion, this balance board Sea. This is a truly unforgettable experience. will see you soaring over the Andaman Sea. Age 12+. Flyboard® is designed for both beginners and experienced balance board users, with instructors on hand to demonstrate the basic steps. Advance booking is necessary. Age 12+. 18 19
Scuba-diving PADI Open Water Diver Course Amanpuri is a stepping stone to a wide range There are two streams to this four-day examined of dive excursions and training courses, suitable course: classroom sessions and in-water training. for both experienced divers and those new In the classroom, cover topics such as safety to this enthralling sport. Our preferred dive procedures, the marine environment and dive operator is H2O Sportz, a PADI five-star training planning. In the pool, learn how to use scuba organisation. Their custom-built boats depart equipment safely, before taking to the ocean on daily to the best dive sites around Phuket four open water training dives. including Shark Point, Koh Dok Mai, Anemone Reef, and Sea King Wreck. PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course Divers looking to improve their skills and H2O Sportz also offer the PADI Open Water experience will be best suited to this course. It Diver, Adventure Diver, Specialty Diver, Rescue can be completed within two or three days and Diver, Enriched Air Diver and Bubble Maker fuses theory with practice, as five dives teach courses as well as an introductory programme for advanced skills such as navigation, night diving, beginners. and deep dives. Further options include naturalist, wreck or multi-level dives. With no formal tests, Minimum numbers apply for all dive excursions. this is a fun way to become a far more proficient Advance booking is essential. Departure times diver. depend on tidal movements, weather conditions etc. but are usually 8.15am or 11.40am. Private Charters Amanpuri has a selection of vessels available for PADI Discover Scuba Diving Course private charter. Enjoy sailing, deep-sea fishing and This one-day introductory course starts with a scuba-diving. Over-night charters are available pool session and ends with you exploring the for island-hopping in Phang Nga Bay and the coral reefs alongside your instructor. If you have Andaman Sea, serviced by a full crew. always wanted to try scuba-diving but have never found the time, this is for you. 20 21
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Golf Set in diverse landscapes from landscaped Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa gardens and coconut plantations to coastal Designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, this is settings, Amanpuri’s golf courses include award- an 18-hole championship course on Phuket’s East winning, championship golf courses. Guests enjoy Coast. complimentary use of our quality golf clubs, with Location: Pa Klok. Journey time: 40 minutes each both right-handed and left-handed gentlemen way. and ladies’ sets available. Phuket Country Club Blue Canyon Golf & Country Club A reclaimed tin mine turned championship venue, One of the most beautiful and challenging golfing this was Phuket’s first golf course. It now offers destinations in Asia, this Club has hosted the two courses: the challenging, 18-hole Old Course PGA Tournament. It boasts two award-winning and the 9-hole Country Club Course. Both are set championship golf courses, the Canyon Course in picturesque garden landscapes. and the Lake Course. Location: Phuket Town. Journey time: 30 minutes Location: Blue Canyon. Journey time: 30 minutes each way. each way. Loch Palm Golf Club Red Mountain Golf Club These rolling fairways and greens border the This 18-hole club winds its way through a former shores of Crystal Lake, the largest expanse of tin mine site in the heart of Phuket. The course water on any of the island’s golf courses. has been cleverly routed to take advantage of a Location: Kathu. Journey time: 30 minutes each way. huge variety of landforms with dizzying elevation EXCEPTIONAL COURSES changes. Location: Kathu. Journey time: 30 minutes each way. Reservation of golf sets is essential. Phuket has six superb golf courses offering challenges to suit Laguna Golf Club everyone from casual players to seasoned professionals. Nestling in a peaceful valley overlooked by low wooded hills, this attractive resort-style course is a par-71. Location: Laguna. Journey time: 10 minutes each way. 24 25
Markets Spend a morning wandering around the local Walking Street Market markets and pick up some attractive gifts and Set in a charming pocket of Phuket Old Town, souvenirs to take back home. Walking Street is well worth a visit on any day of the week, but we recommend that you time yours Naka Weekend Market to coincide with the vibrant weekly night market. The weekend market in Phuket, locally known On Sunday evenings the old Sino-Portuguese as Naka Market, is a treasure trove of souvenirs, houses lining the street light up with bright from second hand goods to Thai trinkets. Spend colours as the spaces between them fill with some time sifting through the stalls to find hidden buskers, performers, and stalls selling local food, gems, or sit back and savour the atmosphere with handicrafts, clothing and souvenirs. a plate of local street food. Location: Phuket Town. Journey time: 45 minutes Saturday and Sunday from 5pm - 10pm each way. Sundays from 4pm. Phuket Town: 45 minutes from Amanpuri Patong Night Market TIMELESS TRADITIONS Boat Avenue This lively weekly market is held every Friday Many of the vendors in this market open for trade from late morning, but it really comes alive evening in the parking area of Villa Market. Here at night. When the sun goes down, up springs Phuket’s colourful markets are a fascinating way to sample you can find souvenirs and sample local Thai food a huge night bazaar filled with shops and stalls traditional Thai food, watch street performers, and browse local while listening to live music. lining Beach Road and spilling down the side arts and handicrafts. Location: Boat Avenue. Journey time: 15 minutes each streets. way. Fridays from 4pm. Location: Patong. Journey time: 30 minutes each way. 26 27
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Activities for Children and Teenagers Amanpuri offers meaningful and memorable The Hot Spot experiences for both children and teenagers. The Hot Spot is the ultimate environment for young people aged 12 and over to relax, challenge The Eco-Beach Centre themselves and enjoy exciting new experiences. The Eco-Beach Centre is the hub of our many It offers a skateboarding half pipe, bouldering wall exciting activities for children. It has its very and digital room for those wanting to try out their own Nature Museum including custom-made film-making skills. terrariums, a fresh water aquarium, and a unique collection of Thailand’s indigenous butterflies. The Hot Spot is open 9am to 6pm. Ages 12+. Full/ Outside, there are turtle and koi ponds, a half day programmes or à la carte activities. H A P P Y D AY S vegetable and herb garden, and an orchard together with cosy hammocks and bean bags for chilling on the deck. Activities for children and teenagers blend education with discovery, adventure, and pure and simple fun. The Eco-Beach Centre is open 9am to 6pm. For children aged 5+. Full/half day programmes or à la carte activities. Babysitting services are also available. 30 31
Science and Nature Activities Our science and nature activities give children Critter Safari the chance to explore our highly educational Join us for a critter hunt on the beach, or at the indoor and outdoor spaces, learn about Thailand’s edges of our turtle and koi ponds. Learn about plants, animals and their habitats, and express Thai reptiles, birds, butterflies, frogs, and crickets themselves creatively. Activities are ideal for as well as techniques for collecting specimens children aged five to 12. and recording information. Along the way create your own Nature Journal about the plant and Terrarium and Aquarium Introduction seashore specimens you find. Explore the ecosystems of our fresh water aquarium, reptile and snail terrariums, turtle and Sand Sculpting koi ponds. Observe the animals in their habitat, This is no ordinary sand castle. Master the art discover what it takes to make an ecosystem of sculpting with beach sand and ocean water work and create your very own mini snail habitat. to create a shoreside work of art. Learn the This activity is designed to raise awareness and techniques we use to keep sand firm and collect promote stewardship of our natural environment. beach treasures to decorate your creation. This is a simple and fun activity for all ages. Farming Fun ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN Our Garden Patch and orchard are excellent places to start learning about Thai farming. Instructors will show you how to grow and Children can take part in a wide range of different activities every cultivate plants and explain why farming is so day including nature and science activities, Thai art, craft and important for the people of Thailand. Design your own paper plant pot, plant a seed and learn how dance sessions, and culinary and wellness workshops. to nurture it with the right amount of water and sunlight. Then watch it grow. 32 33
Get Creative Get Cooking Make your own Thai kite, design a Batik scarf or Thai Dancing Lessons Cooking is another way for children to express impress your family with some new dance steps. Choose between Li-Khe, a funny and engaging their creativity. Careful supervision and If you love making and creating things, these dance, or Khon, a Thai masked performance. instruction will ensure success for both novice activities are for you. Local artists will help you Make a fun and decorative costume and mask, chefs and those more experienced in the culinary learn new skills and create your own work of art. then try out your skills in this popular Thai art arts. form. The Batik Corner Junior Culinary Classes Learn how to make Thai Batik paintings using The Aman Treasure Hunt If you have always wanted to try your hand in the wax-resist dyeing. Fashion a T-shirt, scarf, Treasure has been buried around Amanpuri and kitchen, here is your chance to make something head wrap or wall painting using one of our now it is up to you to uncover it. Dress up like delicious and relish the results. We offer classes custom designs. As you create, you will unwrap a pirate and use a compass to follow the pirate in Thai cuisine, Japanese sushi making, pizza the secrets of Batik art and also practise your map. Along the way, you will find vital clues, crafting, and smoothies. language skills as you learn Thai colours. explore artefacts and delve into the history of the Pirates of the Andaman Sea. Thai Arts and Crafts Craft a pretty necklace from coconut beads Making Jasmine Garlands or weave palm leaves together to create a Thai floral garlands are traditionally given as decorative dish. Master the traditional Thai arts tokens of welcome. Made by threading petals and of fruit carving, making and flying kites, and Thai flowers onto a thin cord with a large needle, the flower arranging. most common garlands feature creamy jasmine buds and white mali blossoms, finished with yellow and orange marigolds or red roses. Afternoons. From seven years. Advance booking essential. 34 35
Junior Wellness Programme Other Outdoor Activities for Children Wellness is not just for adults. We offer junior Pilates classes in yoga, Pilates and Thai boxing as well as Discover the world of Pilates as you develop your Children are encouraged to enjoy the great Fish Feeding swimming and tennis lessons. In our Spa, special strength, flexibility, balance and inner awareness. outdoors in many ways from riding on the beach Paddle out to our wooden deck floating in the bay junior treatments help children relax. 7am–6pm. Ages 10-14. to discovering the underwater world of the with a member of our water sports team. From Andaman Sea. here, feed bread to the multitude of tropical fish Aman Spa Junior Yoga that seek shelter in the shadows below the deck. Treat your child to a relaxing treatment. A range Build confidence, strength and flexibility through Water Sports You can even snorkel amongst them. of therapies are available at the Aman Spa with this ancient practice in fun, light-hearted, relaxing Several of our water sports activities are suitable 9am–5pm (weather permitting). All ages (with adult adult supervision - please consult with the spa for sessions with our yoga expert. for children accompanied by an adult including supervision). suitable experiences. 7am–6pm. Ages 8-14. kayaking, hobie cat sailing and snorkelling from 9am–3pm. Ages 6-14. our beach. Thai Boxing 9am–5pm. From six years (with adult supervision). Swimming Lessons Learn the basics or build on what you already Internationally qualified, professional instructors know with an active hour of Thai boxing or Guided Horse Riding are available to teach our younger guests how to MuayThai. Ride along the beach on horseback, taking in swim, improve their stroke technique and build 6am–9pm. Ages 8-14. beautiful views of the sea and lagoons, especially their stamina. at sunset. Gentle horses are available for all 7am–6pm. All ages. levels, from beginners to experienced riders. Location: Laguna. Tennis Lesson Journey time: 10 minutes each way. 9am–5.30pm. Help your child rally their tennis game with a daily lesson or a ball-hitting session with one of our professional tennis coaches. All equipment is provided. 7am–7pm. Ages 4-14. 36 37
The Digital Room Shoot your own sports video in the Digital Room Make Your Own Movie using footage you have recorded yourself. Grab a Go Pro video camera from our Digital Room and capture yourself and your friends in DJ Scratch Class action on the ramp, wall, or wake. Next, you can If you have always wanted to try out your DJ edit what you have filmed and record your own skills, here is your chance. One of Amanpuri’s soundtrack in our Sound Box. Finally, put it all professional DJs will show you how to control a together and share it with friends and family in ACTIVITIES FOR TEENAGERS deck and play your favourite tracks. the Hot Spot Screening Room. Music Lessons Teenagers at Amanpuri can be themselves - or try out a new self, Whether you are a beginner or already taking discovering talents and enthusiasms they never knew they had. classes at home, our music teachers are on hand to help you learn new skills on the guitar. Team up with old or new friends to record your own soundtrack, and invite your family to listen. 38 39
Outdoor Activities for Teenagers Grab a board and try your skills on our outdoor Climbing Wall Snorkelling Trip to Kohwa Point Water Sports for Teenagers skateboarding half pipe, climb our custom- built Our four-metre-high bouldering tower is custom- Take a smooth cruise along the Andaman Sea in Most of our water sports activities are open bouldering wall, or enjoy an afternoon’s deep designed for different climbing styles and all the Mastercraft and discover islands to explore. to young people aged 12 and over. See pages sea fishing. Other experiences that may appeal levels of experience. Instructors will be at hand to Grab a Go Pro from the Digital Room and, as 16-21 for details and discover our world-class include a visit to Phuket Elephant Sanctuary offer expert advice. you sail, take great footage of coral reefs, serene equipment. This includes the Seabob, the world's where you can feed elephants bananas and views, and time with friends. fastest underwater scooter, and the powerful pineapples (see page 13) or a trip to one of Backyard Slackline Maximum of six people. XStar Mastercraft wake boat. Phuket’s many water or adventure parks (see Try your skills on the slackline and test your focus page 44). and agility. Balancing on the slackline builds core Thai-style Deep Sea Fishing strength and will help you on the skate ramp, Join us for a peaceful half day of deep sea fishing The Half Pipe climbing wall or out on the wake. in the Andaman Sea. All experience levels are Whatever your experience, our OC Ramps welcome, as our expert team will show you the custom-built outdoor half pipe is waiting for you. ropes and lead you to where you will have the If you are a beginner, our expert instructors will best chances of making a catch. teach you the basics. If you are already a skater, Maximum of six people per boat. they will help you jump up to the next level. 40 41
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Fun for all ages Fly from tree to tree, splash around in a six-level Adventure Mini Golf wave pool or discover cable wakeboarding. Fun for all ages and skill levels, this mini golf course offers plenty of bunkers and water hazards Flying Hanuman to keep things interesting. Soar from tree to tree, launching yourself off more Location: Bangtao. Journey time: ten minutes each than 20 different platforms across 80,000 square way. 11am–11pm. meters of jungle. You will join a small group, each accompanied by several guides who will help and Surf House - FlowRider instruct you all the way to ensure your absolute Learn the ropes or improve your surfing game on safety. a perfectly consistent wave with this high- tech Location: Kathu. Journey time: 30 minutes each way. wave-in-a-box. Or simply watch the action while 8am–5pm. enjoying a snack or cocktail. Location: Patong. Journey time: 30 minutes each Splash Jungle way. 10am–12am. This park has thrilling rides such as the WAT E R A N D A D V E N T U R E PA R K S Boomerango and Superbowl as well as a six-level wave pool and an aqua-play pool for children. If Anthem Wake Park This is the first clockwise cable wakeboarding the exhilarating slides are not for you, then why park in Asia. Part of a huge fresh water lake and From thrilling water rides to zipline jungle adventures, Phuket not float peacefully on the 335-metre-long river surrounded by nature, it boasts six pylon towers is home to water and adventure parks that suit all tastes and or treat yourself to some hydrotherapy in the and eight carriers running along a 12- metre-high children of all ages. spring pool. cable track. Location: Maikhao. Journey time: 45 minutes each Location: Manik: Journey time: 15 minutes each way. way. 10am–6pm. 9am–6:30pm. 44 45
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Amanpuri Clean Ocean Conservancy Amanpuri Disaster Relief Fund Amanpuri has partnered with Ecoalf, an All Hands and Hearts is a fast response not- upcycling ocean initiative founded by free diver for-profit organisation dedicated to helping Javier Goyeneche. Ecoalf’s mission is to reduce communities rebuild after natural disasters such ocean waste and transform it into top quality as tsunamis and earthquakes. We support them yarn, ultimately creating fabric for shoes and through ongoing fundraising. clothing. Through the partnership, Amanpuri is encouraging stewardship within Phuket’s fishing community and is also working towards becoming a 100% plastic-free resort by 2020. C O N S E R VAT I O N A N D O U T R E A C H Amanpuri Animal Sanctuary Fund This fund champions local projects that rescue As a place of peace designed to help guests discover and enjoy the and rehabilitate indigenous animals, primarily natural world, Amanpuri partners with three charities that closely the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary and the Gibbon align with these aims. Rehabilitation Project. We support them through volunteering, raising awareness of their work with guests, and fundraising. 48 49
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