Phuket has become an International destination for not only tourists but also a large number of ex-patriots from Europe and from Asia living permanently or for a good proportion of the year.
Friendships are made easily in the ex-patriot community with a number of clubs, golf, sailing, Rotary and the International Womens Club being some.
Retail stores can supply almost all you may need and the local workshops will make and repair almost everything. Global brands are easy to find in the myriad of modern shopping malls as well as local silks.
International standard Golf clubs are accessible from all parts of the island by the excellent infrastructure.
Marinas
Marinas are first class and at least two more are to be built on the island in the near future.
Restaurants, Bars, Pubs
Restaurants, bars and pubs are too numerous to mention and range through the spectrum of noisy and boozy to chic and very comfortable. Most types of cuisine can be obtained here as well as the local Thai food, especially the southern seafood which is world renown.
Boating and water sports opportunities are plentiful at Boat Lagoon, Chalong Bay and 200 metres from the villa in Ao Yon. Swinging moorings are still available in Ao Yon.