Hifzur Rehman, F&B manager for the Horizon Group, talks to Phuket Post about the group?s new resort at Karon. The resort offers 63 rooms in the main wing and 57 in the adults-only Privilege Club wing and ? while the outlook and facilities are new ? there are a few new touches to this resort that will warm those familiar with the Patong Horizon.

"When we first opened in Karon, we noticed that people were looking for Indian food. Everybody who loves Indian food knows our Baluchi restaurant in Patong. So we decided that once we had finished building the new [Privilege Club] wing, we would open a Baluchi here. Everything is the same as in Patong ? the same dishes, the same menu, we even have the same type of tandoor oven.

"Next to Baluchi?s we have opened Bordertown. In Karon, there aren?t many places where a family can come out to have dinner or just a drink. We have a live band and people can out and dance here until 1 o?clock. The menu is mostly Mexican, steaks and we have some pub grub too.

"We built the Privilege Club wing, because we wanted to do something completely different. This is an exclusive adult wing only and all the facilities on this side of the door are only for the club ? we have an exclusive swimming pool for them and some of the rooms open up straight onto the swimming pool. The wing also has a private Jacuzzi.

"The Privilege Club Lounge is also very special. It?s open first thing in the morning so guests can have continental breakfast and during the day they can come in and check their email. We have Wi-Fi if they want to bring their laptops. There free coffee, tea and juice all day and we open a bar in the evening because sometimes guests just want to relax, have a drink and watch a movie.

"Having two resorts offers our guests more flexibility. Sometimes they will book into Patong without knowing what it is like and they will say: ?Oh, it?s too busy here, we need somewhere quieter.? So we can move them over to here to Karon. Then some come here, but say: ?It?s too quiet. We want to go to Patong.? And so we can move them there. Whatever suits our guests."

Horizon Resorts are also offering a limited edition Privileges card and pocket guidebook to its guests at both reosrts. The 60-day card will give them full access to all of the Privileges outlets on the island.

Horizon Karon Beach Resort & Spa
Patak Road West, Karon
Tel: 076-284 555
Email:horizonkaron@horizonbeach.com