Nai Harn Beach sits in stark comparison to the busy and bustling Patong Beach on Phuket's west coast. Quiet and tranquil, this curving stretch of powder sand, which reaches just under one kilometer in length, is one of the island's most underrated havens. Framed by the Royal Phuket Yacht Club to the easterly side, and a natural rocky outcrop to the west, Nai Harn is undeniably beautiful and is among the best places on Phuket to truly get away from it all.

Although relatively quiet, Nai Harn is anything but boring. There may not be the excess of jet skis and other such water activities as elsewhere on the island, but opportunities to enjoy the quieter aspects of the sea are plentiful. Windsurfing, kayaking and snorkeling are all popular, and can be easily arranged from the tour agency at the front of the beach.



Many guests of The Sands take advantage of the spirit of fitness that fills the early morning air, when temperatures are cool and few are about. Condo balcony runners, cyclists and walkers head to the beach to join joggers and yogis. Martial artists and Tai Chi practitioners regularly make Nai Harn Beach their chosen site to practice.

Throughout the day, sailing boats pass the beach on their way to the Royal Phuket Yacht Club. Many anchor in time for sunset, when dramatic reds and oranges reflect off sails and bounce off the calm waters of the bay. By twilight, the beach is virtually deserted, and nighttime strolls are framed by the twinkling lights of distant fishing boats sparkling on the horizon.

Thailand's traditional massage differs from European massage for its emphasis on stretching, and on focused pressure work on certain points across the body. It is an effective way to loosen muscles, release tension and simply relax and be pampered in a way that not only feels fantastic, but also produces a range of health benefits. To increase the positive effects of Thai massage, many therapists recommend that you spend some time in a herbal steam sauna. This can warm muscles and loosen joints before a massage, or can aid the body in releasing the toxins already kneaded out during your massage. Particularly popular is the nearby Sauna Bar, situated in the heart of Nai Harn Village. This herbal, wood-fired steam sauna is open late into the evening, and reasonable prices mean that many make visiting it a part of their nightly ritual.

Atsumi Healing, only a 10-minute drive from The Sands, offers a total body detoxification package for those looking to make detoxification, cleansing and weight loss a part of their vacation. Programs are available for 4, 7, 10, 14 or 21 days. Most popular is the 7 day full fast and detox, which comes at a fraction of the cost of similar style health retreats across Europe. Fasts are accompanied with supplements and specially formulated drinks to help speed up the detoxification process and maintain strength. Thousands from across the globe have travelled to Nai Harn to take advantage of the relaxing surroundings while participating in the programs offered by Atsumi Healing. Readily available local transportation, along with the Atsumi car make it easy to reach the retreat center and participate in daily activities such as yoga and meditation, which supplement the cleansing programs.

In addition to Astumi, healing and detoxification packages are now being offered at the recently opened Atmanjai Center. Founded by Michael Massey, a Kiwi with many years of experience in fasting and detox, the Atmanjai Center is located around 5 minutes from The Sands at Friendship Beach. This small beach faces a number of offshore islands, and its quiet and peaceful location makes it popular with those looking to enjoy a drink during sunset or to listen to live music on a Friday evening.

Atmanjai offers three fasting programmes, each suited to a different degree of detoxification. The raw food program is a mild cleanse, which is ideal for those looking to modify their eating habits, or for people who may wish to begin the fasting process at a gentler pace. The power cleanse is the mid level detox option, and providing the most health benefits is the master cleanse program. All programs can be undertaken for a 7, 10, 14 or 21 day period, and all include a fully comprehensive medical check at Phuket International Hospital.

For more information about Atsumi and Atmanjai write to info@thesandsphuket.com

The option to have a metabolism boosting fitness vacation during your stay at The Sands is available by enrolling in a program at the world famous Rawai Muay Thai Boxing Camp. The camp is a mere 5- to10-minute drive from The Sands and offers training programs to people of various fitness levels. Sessions with a personal trainer last for three hours each day, and a number of one off sessions throughout the week are available for those who would like to try this unique martial art in a single lesson. A background in Thai boxing and a strong fitness level are not required to enter the program.