The venue: Twinpalms Phuket
Location: Surin Beach, Phuket, Thailand
Under a canopy of swaying palms, this exclusive Phuket resort features luxurious accommodation and an über-glam pool. Just 25 minutes from Phuket International Airport, Twinpalms Phuket sits on the golden sands of Surin Beach and is a picturesque spot for saying “I do”.
The Wedding Planner: Budsaba Thongrot
With more than a decade’s experience in organising weddings, Budsaba has helped more than 100 happy couples tie the knot and has been involved in all kinds of celebrations – from the most intimate of ceremonies to the grandest of weddings (we’re talking 1,000+ guests). Having worked at some of Thailand’s most glamorous resorts, she loves showcasing all that Twinpalms Phuket has to offer.
Describe Twinpalms Phuket in five words:
“Phuket’s most stylish (and) contemporary resort.”
What are the main reasons people choose this venue for a destination wedding?
“Our seamless service, heavenly cuisine and water views are what we take pride in. With exquisite rooms and facilities, Twinpalms Phuket is the ideal venue for a destination wedding.”
What’s your favourite spot at Twinpalms Phuket for a gorgeous wedding photo?
“The terrace at Palm Lounge. It’s a gorgeous venue that offers stunning views of Bangtao bay and is where you’ll see local fishing boats, the turquoise Andaman sea and an assortment of small islands. It’s a spot like no other!
And what’s the most Instagrammable spot at the resort? One sure to make people back home jealous!?
“Just a step from the main lobby, down to the main swimming pool – its a signature shot to show the world that you have arrived at a modern-day Garden of Eden.”
What’s the best room or suite for the wedding night and why?
“The one-bedroom penthouse! It was designed with romantic occasions in mind. A stay here is always personalised and couples are looked after by a private butler. The room also features a private rooftop pool, a fine wine cellar and Cuban cigar humidor!”
What’s the one thing you get at Twinpalms Phuket that you’ll get nowhere else on the planet?
“Twinpalms Phuket is a privately-owned resort featuring sleek minimalist interiors, exquisite food orchestrated by talented and creative chefs, fashionable beach clubs, restaurants and lounges, plus the ultimate in intimate seaside sophistication. Our enormous swimming pools, lushly landscaped tropical gardens are also major draw-cards. We also offer 100 per cent pure and natural products at our world-class spa.”
What are some of the chef’s specialities for a wedding menu?
“Our most requested dish is the Phuket Lobster Thermidor – a flavoursome dish with fresh lobster and garlic and brandy sauce.”
What’s the strangest request you’ve ever had for a wedding – and did you deliver?
“We once helped organise a proposal and secret wedding ceremony. The bride was told before the trip by her fiancé and family that this trip was for a relative’s wedding in Phuket. She walked out of her room dressed as a guest and when she passed the pool, she saw the groom (to-be) on bended knee, with a ring. After the most beautiful “yes”, she was brought to the ceremony area where the wedding had been set up and they tied the knot!”
What’s the one thing wedding couples always forget to bring or do?
“The wedding song! Most couples are ware of it but always forget to pick their favourite song in advance.”
What’s the most glamorous/luxurious thing couples get to do at Twinpalms Phuket?
“The private romantic dinner after their wedding day. Couples have a choice of some of our most romantic locations, whether it be the Thai Pavillion in the middle of the resort’s pool, the edge of the terrace in the Palm Lounge or on the private rooftop of our one-bedroom penthouse.”
What’s the best piece of advice you’d give a couple planning a destination wedding?
“Go with your heart! Choose a location that you want, not what others would like. It’s your day and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
What’s the most memorable feedback you’ve ever receive from a happy bride and groom?
“A couple that married at Twinpalms Phuket emailed and said that their guests were pleased and very happy, and that we did a great job with amazing heart. They also said that they will always remember the smiles and attention-to-detail that our staff had.”
To book your destination wedding at Twinpalms Phuket or make enquiries, email Budsaba Tongrot; budsaba@twinpalms-phuket.com; events@twinpalms-phuket.com.
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