Located 862 kilometers south of Bangkok is Phuket, Thailand's largest island, which is often dubbed as the pearl of the Andaman, or the pearl of the South. Its natural resources- rocky peninsular, limestone cliffs, white powdery beaches, tranquil broad bays and tropical in-land forests contribute to making it the South's wealthiest, busiest, most visited and most popular island and province.

Nestled in the tropical zone off the west coast of the Southern part of Thailand in the Andaman Sea and the Indian Ocean, the province covers an area of approximately 543 square kilometers (excluding small islets). It is estimated that Phuket Province covers an area of approximately 590 square kilometers if its 39 other small islands are included. The islands total length, from north to south, is estimated at 48.7 kilometers and approximately 21.3 kilometers wide.

Staying on the island is easy, as there are only two seasons in a year - the rainy season (May to October) and the hot season (November to April). The low season of Phuket is between September and October as they are the wettest months. The best period for a visit, is from November to February, when it is possible to see the clear blue sky, feel the fresh sea breeze and marvel at the crystal clear water while lying on powdery, palm-fringed beaches. Average temperatures ranges between 23 and 33 degree.

Thailand's property outlook continues to remain very healthy, especially in the luxury villa rental market according to international property analysts. There are many factors that are supporting the growth of the villa rental market, such as increasingly wealthy professionals from Hong Kong and Singapore taking advantage of luxury villas at very competitive rates globally, as well as increasing numbers of expatriates around Asia with a high disposable income. As Thailand is just a few hours away from 2 thirds of the global population there is a huge potential market to tap into.

There is an ever growing choice of luxury villas for rent throughout Thailand, however it is Phuket that offers some of the best properties for luxury vacations. Phuket also has the most developed infrastructure with excellent roads, hospitals, and all the amenities one could need. Developers are recognizing a trend in that guests no longer just want to sit by the beach all day every day and now villa developments are appearing around Marinas, near golf courses and mountains throughout the island offering unparalleled choice for the guest.

Phuket has an impressive portfolio of first class resorts and hotels and serves as the perfect home-base from which to explore the other provinces and islands in the region. The waters of Southern Thailand are internationally renowned for their vitality of marine life, striking coral reefs and high visibility. There are numerous dive companies conducting trips around the Phuket and Andaman seas, especially the Similan Islands. Most of these operators offer the full range of courses, in many different languages, affiliated to the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). Whether you are an absolute beginner or an experienced diver, the Southern bounty of sea life will make your dive an event never to be forgotten.

Another favorite pastime for travelers to Phuket is sailing. The Andaman region holds a treasure-trove of lagoons and bays perfect for sailing and stands as a gateway to prime sailing spots such as Langkawi, the Mergui Archipelago and the Similan Islands. Yachts and motor boats may be chartered from the Phuket Yacht Haven Marina or the Boat Lagoon for day trips, overnight excursions and live-aboard adventure tours. A number of companies also conduct accredited sailing and dive courses. Managers of luxurious villas often can arrange everything for you too making the vacation as enjoyable and stress free as possible.

Other activities include golf. Dotted throughout the Southern provinces are a number of golf courses of international standard. Phuket Island alone boasts four prestigious courses, Phang-Nga and Surat-Thani are also home to some stunning greens. There are some great choices of villa rentals around these golf courses catering to the die hard fans of the sport.