PHUKET: Phuket has been nudged into second place in the Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards for 2012 by its frequent rival, Bali.
The two familiar names slugged it out across seven categories for the Top 10 Islands in Asia with Bali eventually coming out winner with 81.8 points ahead of Phuket with 79.6.
Scenery (80.4/90.4), Friendliness (81.8/90.9) and Ambience (75.9/87.8) were clear wins for Bali with Phuket Beaches the island's single clear win (76.8/68.4).
Activities (76.6/77.0), Lodging (83.2/86.9) and Restaurants (77.6/76.7) were more difficult to call.
Just weeks back, AirAsia axed the regular flights between Phuket and Bali that enabled travellers to make their own paradise to paradise comparisons.
Luzon, Langkawi, Samui, Hokkaido, Cebu, Malaysian Borneo, Lombok and Mindanao rounded out the Top 10.
Bangkok led the 10 Top Cities in Asia with Hong Kong, Kyoto, Singapore, Chiang Mai, Ubud, Tokyo, Hoi an, Shanghai and Luang Prabang trailing.
Of the Top 15 Hotels in Thailand, Bangkok and Chiang Mai basically shared the list.
Of 121 properties on the 2012 Hot List of best new hotels, Casa de la Flora in Khao Lak, north of Phuket, scored position 102 with W Retreat and Spa Bali at 50 and Hansar Bangkok at 100 with St Regis bangkok one position further back.
The best resort in the world, according to the views of the 46,476 Traveler readers who bothered to vote in this year's 25th annual tribute: Qualia, Hamilton island in Australia, which scored a perfect 100.00.
Among the world's airlines, Singapore (86.5) topped Emirates (84.2) followed by Air New Zealand, Etihad, Virgin Atlantic, Korean Air, Cathay, Asiana, All Nipon and Qatar.
The two familiar names slugged it out across seven categories for the Top 10 Islands in Asia with Bali eventually coming out winner with 81.8 points ahead of Phuket with 79.6.
Scenery (80.4/90.4), Friendliness (81.8/90.9) and Ambience (75.9/87.8) were clear wins for Bali with Phuket Beaches the island's single clear win (76.8/68.4).
Activities (76.6/77.0), Lodging (83.2/86.9) and Restaurants (77.6/76.7) were more difficult to call.
Just weeks back, AirAsia axed the regular flights between Phuket and Bali that enabled travellers to make their own paradise to paradise comparisons.
Luzon, Langkawi, Samui, Hokkaido, Cebu, Malaysian Borneo, Lombok and Mindanao rounded out the Top 10.
Bangkok led the 10 Top Cities in Asia with Hong Kong, Kyoto, Singapore, Chiang Mai, Ubud, Tokyo, Hoi an, Shanghai and Luang Prabang trailing.
Of the Top 15 Hotels in Thailand, Bangkok and Chiang Mai basically shared the list.
Of 121 properties on the 2012 Hot List of best new hotels, Casa de la Flora in Khao Lak, north of Phuket, scored position 102 with W Retreat and Spa Bali at 50 and Hansar Bangkok at 100 with St Regis bangkok one position further back.
The best resort in the world, according to the views of the 46,476 Traveler readers who bothered to vote in this year's 25th annual tribute: Qualia, Hamilton island in Australia, which scored a perfect 100.00.
Among the world's airlines, Singapore (86.5) topped Emirates (84.2) followed by Air New Zealand, Etihad, Virgin Atlantic, Korean Air, Cathay, Asiana, All Nipon and Qatar.
Conde Naste is know for it's emphasis on upscale travel. To be toppled in their survey would suggest the policy of attracting more "high-quality" travellers to Phuket is failing.
Perhaps the inability to provide an all-round high-quality experience on Phuket is the reason.
It's like recommending people with a Ferrari to take it for a spin on a dirt track.
Posted by Andrew on October 17, 2012 20:34