Don't let a few dark clouds and the occasional downpour fool you, summer is definitely here. And, like everywhere else in the world, summer in Phuket means beaches means bikinis.

According to Phuket’s own specialist swim wear design company, Phuket Mermaids, this season’s trendy beach babes will be wearing natural, cool colours. Flashy is out, and casual and plain is in. Phuket Mermaids’ latest collection is inspired by the Rambagh Palace in Jaipur, the former residence of the Maharaja and comes in the traditional hues of India, including ochre yellow, olive green, cherry red, sky blue, royal purple and
simple black, The distinctive designs are brought to life in delicate fabrics, sequined embroidery and detailed prints.

And this year, they will be very, very brief.

Summer in Phuket is also the season of the surf competition and regatta racing, so now is the time to invest in a new look that will set you apart from the wave-riders of Kata, Kalim, Surin and Kamala, and give you figurehead status on the bow of a sail racer.
With global warming and a staggering economy, the simple, natural look is what everyone is going for.

Summer is also the surfing season in Phuket and the island’s waveriders are gearing up for the Quicksilver Thailand Surf series.The competition kicked off earlier this month with the first rounds of the Monsoon Riders shortboard and longboard heats.

The King of the Jungle contest will be held at Kamala Beach from 14 to 16 August and the Island Crown competition will be contested on Kata Beach from 4 to 6 September.

On the sailing scene, Phuket is putting on its party hats in readiness for Six Senses Phuket Raceweek, which has become one of the region’s favourite yacht racing events. Last year, the event attracted a record 44 entries, and this year, organisers are expecting even more. Now coming up to its sixth year, the Phuket Raceweek organisers have raised the level of both the racing and the 5-star regatta social scene each year.
This is the only one of Thailand’s many sailing regattas to be broadcast on international television.

The racing action runs from 22-26 July, with not-to-be missed after-race parties every night.

For further information, visit www.phuketmermaids.com, www.phuketboardridersclub.com, www.phuketraceweek.com, or www.summerinphuket.com