Enjoy an Enchanting Escape in Phuket
With two beautiful Club Resort Properties to choose from, Phuket should be on your to-visit list in 2016. Whether you stay at Marriott's Phuket Beach Club or Marriott's Mai Khao Beach – Phuket, you'll enjoy the perfect home base for exploring everything this gorgeous region has to offer.
As you explore this island paradise, not only will you discover the spectacular beaches Thailand is known for, but you'll also be surrounded with opportunities to experience the country's rich culture and delectable cuisine. Here are some ideas to get you started on planning your Phuket itinerary:- Delve into Phuket's culture and local life by participating in a guided walking tour with Phuket Heritage Trails.
- Marvel at the stunning sea caves of Phang Nga Bay during a sunset kayak tour that you can book at the resort via John Grey Sea Canoe.
- Enjoy a day of island hopping, swimming and snorkeling by chartering a boat.
- Learn the secrets of Thai cuisine during a cooking class. Check your resort activity calendar for classes offered on-site.
- Enjoy panoramic perspectives of Patong Beach and Chalong Bay from several viewpoints on Radar Hill.
- Shop for souvenirs and handicrafts at the bustling weekend night market outside of Phuket Town.
- Try the local street food like barbecue corn on the cob.
- Go monkey watching at Toh Sae Hill – just make sure to keep an eye on your belongings!
- Visit the awe-inspiring, 45-meter-tall Big Buddha, one of the most famous landmarks on Phuket Island.
- Step back in time at Phuket Old Town, home to historic architecture and quaint shops and cafes.
- Take a trip to Wat Chalong, a popular Buddhist temple where a splinter of Lord Buddha's bone is housed at the Grand Pagoda.
- Explore by motorbike for a unique perspective on the area's natural beauty (and remember to wear a helmet!).
- At the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project, see the playful and acrobatic monkeys being rehabilitated so they can survive in the wild.
- Dine on fresh seafood at off-the-beaten-path restaurants that are popular with locals, including the seaside Bang Pae Seafood and Mor Mu Dong, a collection of bamboo huts hidden amid a mangrove swamp.
View more Thailand travel tips, and when you're ready to reserve your Phuket holiday, contact Member Services.
Accommodation at Club Resort Properties is subject to availability. Booking windows & cancellation rules are in accordance with Third Amended & Restated Disclosure Document & Club Guidelines (as may be further amended). Seasons vary year to year. Multiple check-in days available.
Advisory Committee Update
Dear fellow Club Members,
I hope you have all enjoyed or will soon be enjoying your stay at Marriott Vacation Club®, Asia-Pacific (the "Club"). I also hope you found my previous report of interest and that your vacation experiences with the Club have been up to your expectations.
Unfortunately, my mid-year report following the June 2015 meeting was not published as planned, so this report includes information about both the November 2015 meeting and the June 2015 meeting.
Following my report published in April 2015, several Club Members contacted me and other members of the Advisory Committee with various questions and issues. In most cases, I have liaised with management through the Marriott Vacation Club Regional Vice President of International Operations, Rance Ryan, and we made timely replies. Some of the questions were relatively easily answered whilst some have required more intensive research. In some cases, issues were resolved and in others, clarification of the rules confirmed the situation.
Before our meeting in June, it was also necessary to appoint a new Trustee for the Club, First Names (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. The Committee, having reviewed the process of selection and the reason for the final choice, were happy to support management with the proposed change, necessitated by the withdrawal of HSBC, the Club's then Trustee. Management communicated the change of trustee with all Members at the end of the process of transfer.
At the June meeting, we also saw photos of upgrades at Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club and Marriott's Waiohai Beach Club. We reviewed the unaudited figures for 2014 and despite a modest yet significant surplus we, the Members, could not benefit from this, as we still get a subsidy from the developer. The Committee felt that the sooner the subsidy could be dispensed with, the better we could control the Club Dues fee, and any future surpluses to budget would be for the benefit of the Owners. Eliminating the subsidy requires a combination of cost cutting (without having a negative impact on our vacation experiences), gaining more Members and increasing Club Dues. We were informed that as the developer would also like to cease the subsidy, we could expect a proposal from management at the November meeting.
Also in June, management took the opportunity to update us on the progress of the reserve fund projects as well as obtain our support for projects that were not previously included in the reserve study, but were being proposed by management due to negative feedback from Owners or as cost-saving projects. After receiving full explanations of these proposed projects, the committee was unanimous in its support of them, and the projects will be completed during 2016.
In early November 2015, we convened the annual budget meeting with management. We were able to view progress and provide more feedback on the projects supported in June. During our resort walk at Marriott's Mai Khao Beach – Phuket, we also saw several of the finished upgrades which have enhanced the facilities at the resort. The committee members were impressed and pleased to confirm continuing support. During that meeting we were also able to review Guest Satisfaction Survey results, which I am pleased to say have continued to ascend.
Additionally, at the November meeting the committee was presented with a budget for 2016 which included a zero subsidy. This was somewhat quicker than the committee expected but took advantage of the current favourable exchange rates. The Club Dues increase was originally presented at over 4.86%. After a request by me and my fellow committee members to look at ways to reduce the increase, management reviewed the budget. A rise of 4.15% was then presented and the Committee, being satisfied that our holiday experiences would not be affected by the reduction, agreed to the new figure. You may feel confident that the committee made sure the best interests of you and us (the Members) were maintained whilst this process was initiated and implemented. Your committee ensured that only a budget which was fair, workable and equitable for both management and us, the Members, received our support and approval. By now you should also have received your annual Club Dues notice, which will further explain the increase.
At the November meeting we were also advised that there was to be a redenomination of Club Points. This was explained in some detail, and provided that the implementation and its results are in line with the presentation, your committee could not see any detrimental effect on us, the Members. By now you will have received a communication on this subject, and I would urge you to let management know if you have any questions. You can also email the Committee at: OwnerBoard.AsiaPacificClub@VacationClub.com or you may contact Member Services.
I would like to briefly update you on personnel moves in Phuket. In July, we heard the news that the Resort Manager in Phuket was to transfer within the company. Whilst I know he was pleased with his transfer, it will leave a big hole to fill. Mao, as he liked to be called, has been an excellent manager. In November we were also informed that Martin Divenosa, the General Manager of Marriott's Mai Khao Beach Resort – Phuket and Marriott's Phuket Beach Club was to transfer to the Marriott Vacation Club resort in Mallorca, Spain. Martin has been instrumental in maintaining and improving the Phuket resorts and driving up standards, a commitment that has been reflected in the guest satisfaction results. Martin has been replaced by Ignacio Munoz whom many of our Members are familiar with from his last term in Phuket. I am sure you will join me in wishing both Ignacio and Martin every happiness and success in their new positions.
The November meeting marked the end of my second term of 3 years as a member and Chairman of the Advisory Committee. Two terms is the mandatory maximum, although I will be eligible to stand again at a future election. During my 6 years I have worked closely with the Marriott Vacation Club management whom I have found considerate, customer focused and always willing to listen. Suggestions from the committee have often been implemented by management and issues raised by Members are fully followed up. Your responses to the Guest Satisfaction Surveys also provide management with valuable feedback, and I urge you to complete one after your stay. Your input makes a difference!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for allowing me the privilege of representing you for the past six years. I would also like to thank not only management, but also my fellow committee members who worked with me as a team to engage positively and productively with management to the benefit of us, the Members. I have no doubt that with the newly elected member, James Shepherd, the remaining committee members will continue to effectively represent our best interests to management in the future.
Kind regards,
Michael Oppenheimer
Chairman (2009 – 2015)
Advisory Committee
Marriott's Vacation Club, Asia-Pacific
Back by Popular Demand!
Recipe Spotlight: Jau Gok
Lunar New Year, commonly referred to as Chinese New Year, begins on February 8, 2016. What better way to celebrate than with a traditional Cantonese treat? Our associates recommend Jau Gok, or Crispy Triangles - sweet and savory crispy dumplings that are fried until golden.
Here's a recipe for this favorite delicacy that you can try at home!Jau Gok
Ingredients:
640g flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup lard or butter
125g water
320g fried or plain shelled peanuts
80g fried or plain white sesame seeds
240g white sugar
2 tbsp desiccated coconut
Method:
- Grind peanuts and mix with sesame seeds, sugar and coconut to make filling.
- Sift flour onto tabletop and make a well in the middle.
- Add eggs and lard or butter and mix. Gradually pour in water, kneading at the same time until a soft dough is formed.
- Cover dough with a damp cloth and set aside for 30 minutes.
- Roll dough out with a rolling pin and cut rounds with a saucer or cup. Spoon filling into dough round and fold edges in a zigzag pattern.
- Deep fry on low heat until golden brown and the pastries float to the top.
If you've enjoyed a delicious dish at a Club Resort Property and would like to know how to make it at home, let us know! We may feature your requested recipe in a future issue of The Insider.
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