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OT Interview: Club Med President Henri Giscard d'Estaing Talks About What Indian Travellers Can Expect At The Phuket Property
The newly renovated Club Med in Phuket is an oasis of wonder. From multiple activities to keep guests of all ages engaged to a thriving social scene and delicious food, the Phuket property offers a well-rounded holiday experience. In an exclusive interview with Outlook Traveller, Club Med President Henri Giscard d'Estaing spoke about everything the new property offers, why travellers, especially Indians, should choose Club Med Phuket, and also recommended some must-visit places around the island.
What makes Club Med different from other brands? If an Indian traveller is coming to Phuket, why would you recommend they visit Club Med?
Club Med Phuket stands out for several reasons. First, we offer the largest natural beachfront on the island of Phuket, a rare find. The environment here is beautiful, which isn't always the case across the island.
Second, our resort provides everything needed for a successful family holiday in one location. We cater to all age groups, from babies as young as a month old to teenagers. We also have tailor-made activities for elderly members, which makes it ideal for multi-generational Indian families. Our offerings include a spa, yoga sessions, and a wide range of sports activities, from flying trapeze and tennis to paddle and Thai boxing, which has a local touch but is quite fashionable.
Phuket is centrally located, so guests can explore the island's natural beauty from our resort. It's an ideal place for an Indian family to discover Phuket.
Have you explored Phuket yourself? Do you have any recommendations for travellers?
Unfortunately, I haven't had much time to explore Phuket extensively, but we can certainly provide great advice. One of the most popular activities that we provide from our resort is visiting the nearby Elephant Sanctuary. It offers an educational experience about these beautiful animals.
Local communities and night markets are also very popular. Additionally, we're fortunate to have one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand right at our doorstep. Kata Beach is perfect for water sports, with its gently sloping entry into the sea making it accessible for all ages.
Another great way to discover Thailand is through our Thai cooking classes, which guests can participate in during their stay.
Club Med puts a lot of focus on families, but are there unique experiences for solo travellers?
Absolutely. We cater not only to families but also to active couples and solo travellers. There are numerous activities, especially around sports, that offer unique experiences. There's plenty to do for solo travellers or couples seeking an active holiday.
The resort also has a vibrant nightlife with remarkable shows and events, so it's not just a family-centric atmosphere but one that offers fun for everyone.
I believe you must travel a lot for work. Any memorable anecdotes or experiences you'd like to share?
I do travel quite a bit as part of my role. One memorable experience was a few months ago in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, where we visited a future Club Med location. I encountered a local band there whose music combined Pacific Hawaiian sounds with Spanish songs, reflecting the area's unique history. It's always fascinating to discover such surprising and enriching cultural experiences.
One last question: What's your favourite Club Med resort?
(Laughs) Ah! This is a tough one. Choosing a favourite is difficult because each Club Med location is unique. Unlike traditional hotel chains, each resort has its distinct climate, architecture, and design inspired by local culture.
If I had to pick, I'd say that the Club Med resort in the Maldives, particularly the one on an island in front of Malé, is exceptional. I also love the Mauritius resorts—one is more rugged with big rocks and hills, while the other features a classic lagoon postcard view.
For skiing enthusiasts, our resort in Val d'Isère is one of the world's top destinations and offers an absolutely beautiful experience.
