The rise in jet-setters and other high-end tourists along with the boom in upscale residential projects has fuelled the growth of the luxury market in Phuket.
Central Pattana (CPN) has seized the opportunity by offering an upscale shopping experience through Floresta, the luxury zone of Central Phuket, located in Muang Phuket.
"We opened Central Festival some 15 years ago. Its renovation along with the connecting Floresta wing will put Central Phuket on the map as a luxury and leisure resort shopping destination," said CPN deputy CEO Wallaya Chirathivat.
The colossal shopping mall makes Phuket even more complete as one of the world's top beach destinations, joining the likes of the French Riviera, Miami and Hawaii,
Equivalent to Central Embassy in Bangkok, Floresta has attracted 10 luxury houses, such as Bvlgari, Gucci, Hermès, Louis Vuitton and Salvatore Ferragamo, to open stores on the country's largest island.
Prestigious watch retailer PMT The Hour Glass joins them in CPN's world-class project.
"We are honoured to have the luxury brands here. They share the same vision as CPN and perceive the marketing potential in Phuket, driven by affluent local and tourist customers," said Wallaya.
Besides a shopping spree, visitors can experience three major attractions and enjoy themselves under "The World Comes To Play" theme.
Tribhum: The Mystical Three Worlds is the world's first-ever 3D walk-through adventure theme park.
Set to open later in the year, Aquaria will be Thailand's largest capacity aquarium featuring more than 180 species of marine life and 15,000 species of fish from around the world.
With a replica of a floating market as a highlight, Tales of Thailand gives an introduction to the four regions, and their different architecture, culture and handicraft.
"Tourists may only visit Bangkok and Phuket. So they can learn of other parts of the country through Tales of Thailand, as well as taste local cuisine at Central Phuket," she said.
Thai culture and literature along with Phuket's identities further inspire Floresta's contemporary interior design.
The island's way of life, traditional craftsmanship and Sino-Portuguese-style architecture are reflected in the "Cocoon" curved ceiling.
The luxury stores surround The Enchanted Garden, whose centrepiece is designed by award-winning Thai artist Korakot Arromdee to evoke Dawadueng, the second of the mythical heavens.
A terra-cotta sculpture of Rama in battle with Ravana from the Ramayana epic towers above an escalator that goes down to the entrance, where in front of the Tourist Lounge, the Rakang installation is a modern interpretation of an ancient bell.
"Local art and culture," she said, "have been integrated into the architecture and interior design of Central Phuket, which aims to be a magnet that attracts the island's residents and tourists alike. They can spend the whole day here, and under one roof, enjoy shopping, dining, watching a movie, or experience the attractions."
