If you are looking for an active holiday, and some different ways to stretch your legs in beautiful surrounds before returning to a desk job, here we look at Phuket's energetic day activities, and soothingly tranquil hotel rooms in Phuket for night time.



If you are stuck at a desk all day long, like many of us are, the thing you will no doubt find most exciting about a luxury Asian holiday is the chance to stretch your legs! Horse riding is a lovely natural way to do that - and will leave you with stronger muscles than you knew were possible in those areas that normally waste away on a swivel chair.

There are courses for both beginners and experienced riders at horse clubs in Phuket: one on Patak Road, another on the Hat Nai Han route in Ban Sai Yuan, and the third at Laguna Phuket at Bang Thao. If you are lucky, you'll be able to ride with a partner with the sea breeze in your hair along a beach, blowing away Phuket's humidity!

Snorkelling and scuba diving are some of the more popular activities once you have left your hotel room in Phuket. Most of us live hundreds of miles from a snorkelling reef, but there are hundreds of great spots around Phuket. Hat Patong, Hat Kata and Hat Karon are some of the best, and you can rent fins, masks and snorkels from shops around the island - ask at the guest services desk of your luxury Phuket resort and spa.

Dive boats leave daily for 1 day to 1 week expeditions around Phuket, if you are looking for a 'deeper' connection with this magical island!

When your days are filled with activity, no matter how many months you have spent sitting at a desk you still need some intense relaxation at night! One of the best Phuket resorts and spas to provide this relaxation is yet to arrive; Shangri-La resort phuket will offer both a luxury experience, and easy access to Phuket's active natural activities.

It will be located on Bang Tao Bay beach on 20 hectares of gorgeous lush rainforest land. Blue lagoons, landscaped gardens and natural rivers complete the otherworldly experience at this Phuket resort.

Many of the villas at Shangri-La Phuket resort will be suspended above lagoon waters, for a peaceful and soothing experience. Others will have private plunge pools, and many have private gardens accessible from large terraces. Setting the Shangri-La apart from other hotel rooms in Phuket will be inspired features like the 3,000 square meter, three tier cascading swimming pool.

The Banyan Tree Phuket is another Phuket resort and spa that offers private gardens, along with its relaxing king size beds. The open air bathtubs offer you the chance to feel the cool sea air on your body without offending at the local beaches, while 46 of the villas at this Phuket resort have their own private swimming pools. If golf is your guilty pleasure, the Banyan Tree is situated across the road from an 18 hole course.