“Phuket Declared ‘Best Place in the World for Expats’ as Royal Phuket Marina Launches New Family Condo Development’

 as Royal Phuket Marina Launches New Family Condo Development'

Mediterranean-style Royal Phuket Marina has received unreserved endorsement for its new ‘La Reserve Residences’ tailored especially for families – with Asia's most popular holiday island declared ‘best place in the world for expats to live'.

The accolade for Phuket is in a new survey by HSBC Expat Explorer, based on a poll of over 4,000 expats in more than 100 countries.

Phuket and Thailand ranked high in all categories from ease of setting up finances and work-life balance to entertainment and ease of integration with local culture. Thailand also ranked most popular among retired expatriates.

Phuket is meanwhile emerging as the uncontested yachting playground and gateway to Asia for the world's rich and famous, with more than 200 direct international flights weekly from major tourist markets in both Asia and Europe – plus 19 daily flights from Bangkok.

The island’s astounding resilience against economic downturns is also reflected in a 30% increase in visitors last year with 4.2 million arrivals at the international airport.

Amid Phuket’s acclaim and boom, Royal Phuket Marina is internationally renowned as one of Asia’s most desirable yachting and lifestyle hubs, reminiscent of world-class marinas in Monte Carlo or St.Tropez in the South of France.

Phuket’s latest accolade coincides with Royal Phuket Marina’s recent launch of the branded ‘La Reserve Residences’ – 40 one and two-bedroom apartments each with their own infinity-edged rooftop ‘Sky Pools’ with stunning views over Phang Nga Bay.

Also available are a limited number of luxury villas and unique ‘Aquaminium’ condos with their own private boat berths.

As Phuket has become an increasingly popular investment choice among expats for homes, second homes, investment properties and retirement villas, Royal Phuket Marina is a premium choice – not only for its state-of-the-art boating facilities and Mediterranean-style community, but also its proximity to international hospitals, schools and golf courses.

Royal Phuket Marina is the island’s premier haven for owners of luxury yachts and cruisers. It was recently voted one of Asia's Top 5 Marinas, as Phuket was voted favourite sailing venue and best regatta location in Asia in a survey of sailors at the last 2011 Phuket King's Cup Regatta, Thailand’s signature annual international yachting event.

Maintenance facilities are internationally recognised as world-class and a cut-above anywhere else in South-east Asia, with the prestigious “Five Gold Anchor” accolade from the Yacht Harbour Association.

The community’s appeal continues to grow among expats in Hong Kong and China, where air pollution continues to be a problem.

Founder and developer Gulu Lalvani, a retired Hong Kong telecom tycoon, said: “Expat residents of Phuket have never needed a survey to tell them why they have found the best place in the world to live – especially if you love boating and golfing.

“Phuket is blessed with a beautiful year-round climate providing idyllic cruising and yachting in a true tropical paradise of deserted tropical islands in the Andaman Sea. You can leave the waiting lists for berths in Hong Kong behind.”

Royal Phuket Marina’s world-class facilities extend to a Fisherman’s Wharf of restaurants and bars, floodlit tennis courts, exercise classes and ‘new generation’ personal training at Phuket's largest and best health and fitness centre, beauty and wellness spa treatments, Thailand’s leading holistic healthcare center and Phuket’s largest Convention and Banquet centre.

 “It is the 'paradise' island's premier lifestyle destination for sailing, sports and leisure, luxury residences and stylish shopping,” added Mr. Lalvani.

For more information about Royal Phuket Marina, please visit www.royalphuketmarina.com

Web: www.royalphuketmarina.com