Taking Thailand or Kai Thai

Many of my readers have requested that I do a travel segment on my blog. Initially I was hesitant to venture into the travelling realm as I don't consider myself much of a traveler (unless you count the many times I've traveled to the mystical and magical world offered by the tons of books that I read). It was only since I've got married that the travel bug hit and my inner traveler came to the fore.

My honeymoon was left a surprise and I only got told right before we left for honeymoon where we were headed to. Much to my excitement, my husband had chosen Phuket as the honeymoon destination. As much as Thailand is rich in seafood it is also known for its culture and dance and one can never been bored in this tourist hub.

The resort we stayed at was Centara Karon Resort. The resort itself was luxurious and surprisingly enough not so expensive. You can expect to pay about R 1 000 per night which is a considerable sum to pay for a hotel of such a splendid class.  The resort was an island on its own offering a buffet of breakfast options including Thai noodles, freshly made eggs (any way you like it), vegetable spring rolls and an array of cereals. Thai juice is a must have as they offer a refreshing yet different taste to the juices we used to back in South Africa. The resort itself is a holiday haven offering activities for kids to partake in during the day (plus an art center where you can leave your children while you tan near the pool) and different classes for those individuals seeking to learn a new thing or two. How about a Thai cooking class while on holiday?

The Cenvaree spa located within the Centara resort is one spa that makes its client feel welcome and appreciated. The spa staff are exceptionally friendly and do their best when communicating with their English home language guests even though speaking English may seem like much of a struggle for them. On arrival guests can expect to have their taste buds tickled with some fresh lemon grass tea. Thereafter formalities takes place along with the ritual de-robing process.  The massages are reasonably priced and awfully relaxing. Certain holiday packages like the honeymoon packages often come with massage vouchers that can be redeemed at the spa. Try the aroma therapy massage for relaxation that heightens your olfactory senses too.  Plus hotel residents gain free access to the spa's Jacuzzi and sauna.This can be arranged with the spa stuff so that you can enjoy the Jacuzzi in full privacy.

Thailand caters and thrives on its tourists. Needless to say hotel staff, shop keepers, tour guides and cab drivers all fall at your feet and are willing to help. Its cheap and easier to get from place to place The tours are all well planned and comprehensive and you can tour without breaking the bank. Thailand is for the honeymoon, the bachelors, the families and the retired couples.

If Thailand is your cup of tea but alas not within your budget, Kai Thai Rothbury which is based just upon entering the North West Province is a great alternative. The bumpy drive to get into the retreat offers the best landscapes that South Africa has to offer along with some animal sightings if you lucky. The retreat allows you to get lost in the wilderness with many a mosquitoes and wasps but is a relaxation experience of your life. Each room has a different name like the Jacaranda and Hibiscus. The rooms are spacious living spaces decked with mosquito nests and repellents to get rid of those pests while you rest. Each room has their own outdoor as well as in door Jacuzzi. The retreat is scenic offering Thai related statues which does allow one to escape to Thailand. Dogs roam freely in the retreat which is another feature that the retreat has in common with Thailand. The outdoor pool is never over crowded and well maintained. The menu similar to the one at Centara Karon Resort offers authentic Thai dishes and cuisine. However, guests are allowed to braai on the premises if Thai food doesn't tickle your fancy. Needless to say the Kai Thai retreat is ultimately a massage palace offering Thai massages at its finest. Do not be surprised however, if the massage is offered by our own Africans and not Thai people. The retreat allows you to be yourself as you embrace nature and the outdoors feeling. Be weary however, Wifi is non existent and neither is a television of working condition in the rooms. If you one who resorts to television and using your phone whilst on a retreat then certainly steer clear of this retreat. Tourist sites close by and also worth visiting is the Lesedi Cultural Village and the Lion and Safari Park.

Thailand or Kai Thai? I leave that up to you. Note Kai Thai does have a much better toilet than the one at Centara.