Northstar

JAN-FEB 2018 51 meetings & conventions • mcmag-asia.com alternative to the curvy main pool. An hour's gentle asana practice was followed by Elements restaurant's spectacular buffet breakfast. While there's plenty to do within the resort and its beachy surrounds – watersports, team building games and competitions – island hopping is a great incentive for team treats. Phang Nga and its karst mountains and floating villages are a popular draw. However, we zipped southeast for a morning aboard a catamaran, swimming and snorkelling near Coral Island. Back on dry land, the historic Blue Elephant restaurant in Old Phuket Town is where culture and cuisine collide. With the option of learning to rustle up local dishes ourselves, we enjoyed the exquisite food served family-style within an eclectic interior of antiques. Post-lunch saw us strolling around Old Phuket Town where we discovered some gems of cafés, tiny art galleries and artisan studios, gelato shops and souvenir stalls behind the facades of colourful Sino-Portuguese architecture. The day of fun and team bonding wrapped up with a local dinner at a floating raft restaurant and we feasted on lobster sashimi, roasted fish and crab in curry sauce. We returned to the hotel to find a creative turndown treat in our rooms, a speciality of the resort. A granite slate held a glass jug of camomile tea on the left, a miniature of vodka with a shot glass, salt and lemon on the right. The words "Pause" and "Play" were written below. Early night or get the party started? After the day's team bonding there was only one way to go… FAST FACTS ARCADIA BALLROOM – The 390sqm ballroom can hold 450 delegates for a cocktail party, 250 for dinner and up to 320 in theatre conference formation. FLOAT DECK – The Float Deck is 102sqm, which easily accommodates 60 guests for cocktails or 50 for dinner, to the sound of the waves and under a ceiling of stars. Team building activities can take place here during the day. ANDAMAN SUNSET DECK – The Deck is 195sqm, making it a larger alfresco space that's good for 90 for cocktails or 70 for dinner. During the day groups can use it for team building or meetings, depending on the weather. VERO ITALIAN TRATTORIA & WINE BAR can be taken over for a group of up to 60 for a private function inside, while the decking can add another 40. The outside space is a popular place for stylish dinners, inventive lighting and personalised tableside service by chefs. Dhatri Spa From bottom: Cosy sunken lounges with a captivating view make it a perfect selfie spot; the large pool will entice delegates with fitness sessions.

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