Wine Diva Deb

This is an example of a typical itinerary for our Thailand trip. However, no two trips are ever exactly the same; one of the greatest things about being on a sailboat is the flexibility to change our minds and our route to suit personal preferences, prevailing wind conditions, etc. The start and finish points are fixed, of course – but all else is changeable according to the whims of the wind gods and those on board!

February 2 Rendezvous at the Peach Tree Hill Hotel or Kata Delight Villa (depending on availability) in Kata Beach. This little hideout is an amazing gem we found only a few years ago; tucked away in a very unlikely looking side-street. Walking through it's welcoming arch is like stepping into another universe of total calm and tranquility; trickling streams and fountains everywhere… an enormous, lake-like swimming pool (with of course the requisite jacuzzi jets and terribly decadent swim-up bar !).

To help recover from jetlag, there are an array of herbal spa treatments, massages, all sorts of ways to be pampered ! Pina coladas at the pool bar are a most effective way of relaxing too, so we have found…

February 3 Explore Phuket ! There are many possible options - we can organize a very fun elephant trek - we even get to ride the "local" way on the elephants' neck (not just like total tourists!). The temple at Ao Chalong is well worth a visit to get a taste of the calm and peaceful Buddhist philosophy which pervades all Thai culture and life. There are incredibly intricate golden spires and statues, a fantastic pictorial tale of Buddha's life; most of the visitors are Thais, not western tourists.

For a taste of the more modern aspect of Thailand - there are the street markets in Patong, and it's very diverse night life and bar scene! All these possibilities - and many more, if we but had more time! - are all very accessible via tuk-tuk or perhaps renting a jeep for the day.

February 4 Time to go sailing ! Breakfast over, we'll transfer to the yachts in Ao Chalong or the marina - about 15 mins from Kata Beach or 45 mins depending if the yacht is in the bay or at the marina. It's a bit of a time-consuming process transferring bags to the yachts, as there is no dock - it's all done via dinghy; so a few fruit-shakes in the famous Jimmy's Lighthouse will no doubt keep us all happy in the meantime.

As soon as we're all aboard and settled in - it's off north to the weird and wonderful seascapes of Phang-Nga bay! It feels like sailing into some sci-fi movie set; the limestone formations are so sheer and gravity-defying. Our destination for the evening is Ko Hong - "hong" being the word for "sea cave" - and yes, there is indeed a very impressive one there to swim and kayak around! Our first sample of our Thai chefs' gourmet cooking on board the yachts - it has to be tasted to be believed.

Our first night on the yacht we will have our impromptu Wine Tasting party from the bottles you choose to bring. We will even have a few bottles of local wine.

February 5 A relaxed morning's cruise southwards again, past more impossibly-balanced rocks, cliffs & islands - lunchtime stop at Bamboo island. Swim, eat, swim (a familiar pattern-to-be! ) - then head off for an evening at the famous (and totally stunning) Railey Beach. Sheer, palm-covered mountains rising vertically from the ocean, it's a well-known spot for those who like to scare themselves silly scaling these cliffs. There are even beginner's rock-climbing opportunities, for any adrenalin-addicts amongst us! Dinner ashore, there's dozens of fun little beach bars and restaurants.

February 6 Chance to take a bus trip into the main town of Krabi - about 25 mins ride away. Besides getting a glimpse of a very "local" town (quite non-touristy), the main aim is to visit Tiger Cave and Temple - an active monastery still, with a deeply spiritual and calm ambiance. There's a shady hike through an enormous and ancient forest… an impressive temple… and mischievous monkeys galore!

The trip to Krabi is a 1/2-day event - it will be around 2-3pm by the time we get back. Just perfect for a quick swim, then anchors up, and a short 30mins motor away is Chicken Island A quiet, tranquil contrast to the day's activities, and usually a beautiful sunset to accompany our infamous Pina Coladas!

February 7 A lovely downwind sail to Ko Lanta - a long island of many white sand deserted beaches. Tucked away at the northern end is Relax Bay - a collection of a dozen or so beach bungalows, and - incongruously! - a French guy running a superb little beach bar and restaurant. Hammocks on the beach, boats at anchor in the background….it's a totally idyllic little spot.

There is also our very scenic waterfall hike. The water flow is not exactly huge at this time of year ! - there's been little rain since Nov. But still, the water is clear and cold, a well-earned treat after a sweaty scramble up the river stream.

February 8 A very early start - yes, we are talking sunrise here ! We have a truly stunning spot to visit; the Lost Lagoon of Ko Muk. To find it, we have to swim through a totally pitch-black sea tunnel (it's ok, we do have flashlights!). It's a spooky and thoroughly exciting feeling - especially when one emerges the other end into a 'Lost World' in the center of the island !

Unfortunately, the local daytrip boats from Phi Phi have now discovered this spot too - but we have it all to ourselves in the early morning hours before they arrive… !

As soon as they do - we're off ! A beam reach to the Rok Nok islands - a national marine park, teeming with multi-coloured fish & coral gardens. This is one of the most amazing snorkelling grounds in the area; and for our experienced scuba divers, there are some impressive dropoffs too.

For the evening, we'll have a beach barbie - with any luck, we'll have found a local fishing boat to trade with, and have buckets of totally fresh fish, prawns and whatever else was the catch-of-the-day !

February 9 Early start the next day to get to Phi Phi island - one of the livelier spots ! It's a fun contrast to all those quiet tropical islands! - chance to do some great bargain-hunting, another of those muscle-melting Thai massages, and lots of very decadent, fruit-filled cocktails! It's also a top spot for a night on the town; great music and much dancing…

February 10 We'll be spending most of the next day in Phi Phi - time for more shopping or Thai massages to recover from the night's celebrations. Then later in the afternoon, we'll be setting sail for Phi Phi Li ( "Little Phi Phi"), whose recent claim-to-fame is the Leonardo di Caprio movie "The Beach" . It's a spectacular little island - it's dramatic limestone cliffs, pure white sands and unbelievably pale turquoise waters are made for picture postcards. And being there late in the afternoon/early next morning, we can totally escape the daytrippers, and have the place just about to ourselves…

February 11 As soon as the day trip boats arrive - we'll be off. It's about a 3hr sail back to home base on Phuket, where we'll transfer back to the decadent luxuries at Kata Beach Delight - a lazy afternoon around the pool would seem a fine idea !

February 12 Last chance for one of those amazing spa treatments… or perhaps grabbing some final bargains at the bazaar ….and sadly, it will be time to wave farewell to our Land of Smiles.