This year, I boldly went wherever couple have been prior to.

To Thailand, sober. And I’ve by no means experienced a extra enriching journey expertise.

When the believed of Australians in Thailand might evoke visions of questionable tattoos and Chang-fuelled island hopping, the calming environment and predominantly-Buddhist spiritual influences make it the best location to dip into the wellness vacation pattern, which encourages holidaymakers to truly reset, rest and detox.

So for 10 days in Thailand starting off in Phuket, just an 8-hour immediate flight from Melbourne via Jetstar, I decided to forego the common airport beer to mark the beginning of the journey, and swap cocktails for mocktails by the pool on arrival.

Four of Thailand’s major-tier resorts had been central to building the problem a accomplishment: Melia Phuket Mai Khao, Banyan Tree Krabi, Melia Chiang Mai and Banyan Tree Koh Samui. All of them experienced their possess unique twists to supply an all-encompassing expertise of the space without a hint of tipsy FOMO.

And although the hangovers stayed at bay, there was absolutely no absence of indulgence thanks to the multitude of culinary delights Thailand has to provide, curated and plated by world-class cooks at each resort.

Days 1 – 3 at Melia Phuket Mai Khao

Just after a seamless Jetstar flight from Adelaide to Melbourne (1 hour and 20 minutes) then on to Phuket (8 hours and 50 minutes), our team of 6 stepped off the airplane to a wall of the telltale perfumed, humid air of the tropics that elicits an fast feeling of quiet from major to toe. Owning not travelled internationally because pre-pandemic times, it was surreal to be in a diverse nation, not to mention a relief to escape the wintertime chunk back again house.

Arriving late to the sprawling oasis of the Melia resort, we had been taken to our rooms by the friendly staff, exactly where a platter of healthful treats were swiftly gobbled up ahead of bed.

Geared up with an indoor-out of doors shower, a personal plunge pool, a large freestanding outside bathtub that created me…