MANY who move to Phuket in search of the good life end up working harder and longer than they'd ever imagined.

Six-day work weeks are the norm for most workers, while seven days of toil are often never enough for business owners.

The chefs of a few resort dining spots around the island have recognised the value of those precious few weekend hours, and have created Sunday brunch festivals of food and wine that are sure to fortify most for their working week ahead.

And perhaps tickle the palates of the odd tourist, for whom every day on Phuket is a Sunday.

Prices are certainly more than a dish of warm curry, ranging from 399 to 3490 baht.

With wine and use of the resort's facilities included in most brunches, those searching for a special Sunday meal are likely to find them a good-value escape and indulgence.

Phuketwan checked in with five Phuket resorts to see what they had on offer.


Time: Noon-3pm
Menu items: Starters, tapas, soups, salads, cold cuts, caviar, truffles, seafood, selection of cheeses.
Specialties: Unique sea view brunch with a selection of five main courses.
Seating: 76
Entertainment: Background lounge music
Reservations: Required.
Price: 1199 baht net/person for food only. Food with half-bottle of wine each, 1499 baht net/person. Special offer: 20 percent discount for Phuket residents.
Comment by Jorge de la Torre Koch, F&B Sales and Marketing Manager: Great food, nice wines, stunning view, nice choice of main courses, delicious dessert.
Contact: food@capesienna.com; 076 337 300.


Time: 11am-3pm
Menu items: Antipasti with cold cuts and vegetables, smoked salmon platter, cheese platter, a variety of salads, fresh seafood, Thai hot appetizers, soups, pasta, sushi counter, Chinese dim sum, Peking duck, roast beef, lamb chops, duck curry, seared salmon, roasted chicken, potato gnocchi.
Specialties: Variety of Asian and European Menu plus special for little guests, Kidz Corner.
Seating: 80
Entertainment: Trio Jazz Band and Balloon Making for children.
Reservations: Required
Price: 950 baht per person including a bottle of wine per couple booking; 475 baht per child up to 12 years old. Price excludes tax and service charge.
Comment by Hilton spokesperson: The Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa's Hilton Family Sunday Brunch is the best way to enjoy a lazy Sunday afternoon with family and friends. All the younger ones are being entertained by clowns and games, while the adults enjoy the food and wine, and catch up on the week's happenings.
Contact: reservations.phuket@hilton.com; 076 396 433 ext 2230


Time: 11:30am-3pm
Menu items: Wide choice, five themes rotating, continental brunch, seafood brunch, BBQ brunch, Italian brunch and Belgian brunch.
Specialties: Vary on availability, chef purchases freshly for the brunch every week.
Seating: inside 40, outside 25
Entertainment: Live music during brunch, use of swimming pool allowed.
Reservations: Would be good and guests save 100 baht per person.
Price: 499 baht and if table booked one day before, 399 baht per person; children under 12 pay 50 percent. Price includes tax and service charge.
Comment by Hajo von Keller, Mangosteen owner: The Mangosteen Brunch is certainly the best deal on the island. Large selection of salads, imported meats, seafood, cheeses and more. Simply really nice value for money. The Family Sunday Brunch is ideal if you would like to enjoy Sunday afternoon, first with good food, wine and live music entertainment and then for a swim in our beautiful and large pool. Kids are welcome, of course.
Contact: reservation@mangosteen-phuket.com; 076 289 399


Time: 12pm-3pm
Menu items: Freshest and finest selection of seafood, oysters, smoked salmon, roasts, cheeses and much more. Sweets include the chocolate fountain with a selection of fresh berries, mangoes with sticky rice, creme brulee and more.
Specialties: Weekly specials Japanese Counter, Alaskan King Crab Lag with Mushroom Risotto, US Scallops Risotto with Morel Sauce, Rock Lobster with Mushroom and Swiss cheese, Beef Wellington, Norwegian Scallop Himalayan Truffle Sauce, Pan-Fried Duck Liver.
Seating: 120
Entertainment: Cooking classes and 'live' demonstrations of the weekly specials.
Reservations: Strongly advised.
Price: 3490 per person with a bottle of champagne per couple; 1490 baht per person with a bottle of wine per couple; 1190 baht per person, brunch only. During brunch Moet & Chandon Champagne at 3490/bottle. Tax and service charge not included.
Comment by Randy Sum, F&B Manager: Hip and much talked about Phuket restaurant and bar with its own street entrance. Perfect for hotel guests and locals. Delectable Thai or Oriental/Western fusion menu. Stunning double height space with original contemporary Thai art. Air-conditioned wine cellar. Long, open-plan martini bar. Serious cocktails. Electric atmosphere with a brilliant buzz. Keep abreast with our weekly specials on our website or newsletter.
Contact: Ms. Oranut, Restaurant Manager, orientalspoon@twinpalms-phuket.com; 076 316 577.


Comment: The Indigo Pearl's ''En Rose'' Sunday brunch launched in December was well received by island residents and visitors. While there's no brunch on offer this month, Assistant F&B Manager Calvin Teo says the F&B team is putting together a new brunch concept that will relaunch in the first week of July. The previous brunch was priced at 1290 baht or 1490 baht with wine, excluding tax and service charge.
Contact: info@indigo-pearl.com or 076 327 006.