June 13, 2007

Asia | Thailand | Phuket

Wet Dreams

By Newley Purnell

Phuket aims to become "Asia's maritime capital."

view map

Sailing aficionados may soon add Phuket to the rarefied list of the world’s top yacht spots. Bill Gates’ recent failure to dock his 177-foot vessel at any of the island’s existing marinas has prompted a proposal to build a huge deep-water construction off Phuket’s eastern coast. Designed by the same architects who dreamed up the Palm and the World, the Dubai-like “Zoran Island” would be home to a five-star hotel, 100 luxury condos, and room for 80 very, very large yachts.

But whether or not the project ever sees the light of day, Thailand’s touristed island is already angling to be “Asia’s maritime capital.” A raft of mega plans for the mega-yacht brigade includes Paradise Bay Marina Resort, whose developer sees Phuket as a future rival to the Caribbean. Meantime, the Royal Phuket Marina, near Phang Nga Bay, has just unveiled its new portfolio of “aquaminiums” — that is, waterfront condos built over private yacht berths so owners can pilot their motorboats right back to their own residence. Early sales have been brisk: the project’s two triplex penthouses were just bagged or $2 million per piece.