Cruise Phuket on board luxury 137 Pillars Spirit

Floating off into the sunset on board 137 Pillars Spirit

Sail into the Phuket sunset onboard the sleek 137 Pillars Spirit, a luxury yacht just launched by 137 Pillars Hotels & Resorts.

The motor yacht is based out of Yacht Haven Marina in Phuket and offers family-friendly half- or full-day cruise options, overnight sailings and onboard staycations. And with the Phuket Sandbox programme now offering quarantine-free arrival in Phuket to vaccinated holidaymakers, sailing away on the Andaman Sea could become a reality.

The luxury yacht can accommodate up to 12 people for day charters and six guests overnight. Sleep spaces include two double cabins and one twin and the master cabin offers an ensuite.

Captain Boonchom can arrange personalised cruises as well as scheduled trips. He will be ably supported by an experienced Asia Marine crew.

The stunning Phang Nga Bay

The sunshine island of Phuket is blessed with a plethora of blissful island-hopping opportunities. Its pristine waters, particularly so following the pandemic, are perfect for snorkeling and diving. Kayaks can also be rented from local suppliers to explore further.

The area boasts rich pickings for stunning scenery - think sparkling lagoons and limestone cliffs overhanging rock formations.

Fishing and diving opportunities abound. Head over to the stunning Racha Islands, just south of Phuket, with their secluded coves, clear waters and heaps of marine life, including giant barracudas, reef sharks, manta rays and even the odd whale. The marine life is attracted to the area’s coral reefs and granite boulders.

Or sail to the off-the-beaten-track private island of Mai Ton, with its idyllic powder white beaches.

Racha Island off Phuket's south coast

Further afield is Krabi and the Phi Phi archipelago, a cluster of islands with some of the bay’s most stunning backdrops. Drop anchor at Bamboo Island, Monkey Beach and Rai Leh, with its remarkable limestone cliffs.

Sailings run from May to the end of October and cost from US$508 for a half-day cruise and US$569 per person for a full-day cruise for eight people. This includes return transfers to and from the marina from one location, soft drinks, ice, water and a set number of beers, fresh fruit, national park fees, beach towels, life jackets and safety equipment, water, snorkelling and fishing equipment, set lunch for the full-day cruise. Two-day, one-night cruises start from US$1,817 per person.

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