Phuket, Post Tsunami

With the negative media coverage that wronglyCurrently demand for luxury villas is equally mixed
portrayed the post tsunami situation on the islandbetween families, honeymooning couples, and
of Phuket, people assumed that the propertyretirees, however the older age group is set to
industry would crash, prices would fall and demandbecome the most significant market in the
dwindle. Quite the contrary has happened.industry and this is being shown with new
The reality is just 5% of the coastline wasdevelopments centered around golf courses and
damaged and educated investors realized it was amarinas, with the East coast in particular seeing a
freak of nature and an unprecedented naturallot of development as this is the site of the Royal
occurrence. In 2005 prices remained stable and inPhuket Marina. The developments in this area are
2006 they continued to grow again on the sameset to rival that of popular resorts in Spain,
level as pre-tsunami - 100% every three yearspopular with the older age group, not just in
(according to local property industry sources). Theterms of excellent amenities and accommodation
statistics are almost identical to that of Bali afterbut the relative costs too. Why rent out a hotel
the bombing. In the longer term there is a lotroom in Spain when you can rent out a luxury
more potential in Phuket than Bali to, as there aresecluded villa in Phuket?!
more facilities and choices of accommodation.Property style various tremendously, Europeans in
Phuket is more advanced in terms of gettingparticular are fond of the traditional look with
there than Bali too.quality local natural finishes, traditional Thai roof
The market in Phuket is very buoyant anddesigns, but like incorporating this with every
demand for luxury holidays on the island ismodern amenity one could desire. Other
growing significantly. Lured by the attraction of aproperties offer sleek aluminum and glass finishes
strong economy, Phuket being the wealthiestgiving an ultra modern feel. From Phuket's
province in Thailand, an International airport thatnorth-west coast to the length of the east coast,
has direct flights to Australia, Hong Kong,private villa estates are increasing in popularity,
Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Indonesia and Europewith international variations of villa design
and an abundance of beautiful natural features,attracting a discerning guest. There is a desire to
people from all over the world are renting outhave a holiday of a lifetime in a unique property,
lavish dream properties, which cater for theirtotally distinguishable from everything else and
every need.Phuket has this in abundance.
Marinas, world class golfing and excellent shoppingEach beach resort in Phuket has it's own
all adds to appeal of this island. Hong Kong anddistinctive atmosphere which is reflected in the
European markets continue to drive demand;property design. As 2006 comes to an end,
however there is a strong increase in Americanproperty developments of note drawing to a
visitors. Positive images of the booming propertyclose are around Cape Yamu on the east coast
market are filtering through the worlds media,and another upcoming area, Chalong Bay at the
combined with the coverage of Phuket just afterNorth East point again demonstrating the incredible
the tsunami means that Phuket is firmly on thechoice for visitors to have an incredible Phuket
world map.vacation.