Tell me something I don't know about Phuket and Langkawi. Debbie: Its combination of accessibility from the UK, laid- back but professional hospitality, great weather and beaches makes Phuket a fantastic place to get married – at a fraction of the cost of a UK wedding. You can have baby elephants at the ceremony for good luck, exquisite food and romantic spirit balloons for the entire wedding party, and you can choose from a Buddhist or Western- style ceremony. Jason: While Langkawi is famous for its beaches and 99 islands, the jewel in its crown is its flora, fauna and wildlife. There are 237 different bird species, 354 recorded species of butterfly and more than twice the species of trees in one hectare of our rainforest than in the whole of North America. The only flying primate in the world, the flying lemur, is found in Langkawi. And if that isn't enough to for all those discerning nature lovers Langkawi also has giant squirrels, flying squirrels, whales, whale sharks, dolphins, sea otters and giant monitor lizards. Of all its great beaches, which is the best? Debbie: My favourite is Cape Panwa on the island's southeastern tip. Protected by the longer west coast of the island, the sea is always calm and the sand is soft and white. There's a coral reef for snorkelling and it's a quiet beach, as only Cape Panwa and Kantary Bay hotel guests have access to it. Jason: My personal favourite is Pantai Cenang, a fine powdery beach that stretches for over a mile and is dotted with coconut trees and casuarinas. Sitting on a lounger at sunset sipping a Bubble Martini, I would be happy to debate this with anyone. If they're still not convinced we could move on to Casa del Mar's house bellinis until I change their mind! What can I expect from the hotels? Debbie: The standards are much higher than in Europe. If a Phuket hotel says it's three- star, then it will be the equivalent of a European four- star. Across Asia generally, you will pay a fraction of the price for accommodation you would pay elsewhere, but your lasting memory is likely to be the people. The genuine warmth of the welcome in Thailand is hard to describe and the service is outstanding. Jason: For that true Langkawi rainforest and beach experience, there's The Datai, The Andaman and the Berjaya. For a peaceful beachside ambience, the Four Seasons and Tanjung Rhu are quite beautiful. If you want a beach location close to local bars and restaurants, consider the Pelangi, Frangipani, Holiday Villa and of course, the Casa del Mar. Looking for an exotic beach holiday, somewhere to party ' til dawn or a family friendly, action- packed break? Our experts tell us what two of Southeast Asia's most popular islands, Phuketin Thailand, and Langkawiin Malaysia, have to offer Head Head Our Phuket expert is Debbie Haw, UK sales representative for Cape Panwa Hotel in Phuket. A Phuket resident from 2003- 7, Debbie has been a regular visitor for the past 15 years. Sea canoeing, Phang Nga Bay Pool villa, Cape Panwa Beachside, Cape Panwa Private jetty, Cape Panwa to 32WINTER2008/ 09 www. travelmood. com head to head

Is there any nightlife, and where's the best place to spot celebs? Debbie: You bet! You can hit Patong beach, which has everything you need for an all- night party, but I prefer the more refined Phuket Town. After a few cocktails on Siam Indigo's tropical patio, I'll order dinner. Set in an 80- year- old Sino- Portuguese- style building, Siam Indigo is one of the island's most funky and stylish restaurants. Afterwards, head to Timber Hut for a late- night boogie to a live band. Kate Moss loves to hang out at Amanpuri when she is on the island, while the Cape Panwa Hotel is popular with Leonardo DiCaprio, Pierce Brosnan and the Thai royal family. Jason: There are numerous beach bars that are perfect for watching the sun set over the ocean while you sit with your feet in the sand. For late- night fun, go to Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah where there are some unique and quirky bars. I have seen some interesting Lear Jets at the airport, and there have been reported sightings of Tony Blair and numerous film stars. Rhu Bar is the place to be seen for cocktails at sunset, or any other time after that. I'm a shopaholic – what can I buy and where? Debbie: Patong beach has lots of shopping opportunities and plenty of art galleries, too. Phuket Town has a large shopping centre and there is also a boutique shopping area selling clothes and jewellery in original Thai designs. Don't miss the new weekend market where you can pick up bargain clothes and souvenirs. Jason: You can get some great electrical bargains in Kuah, the main town and transit point for the island. Cameras and iPods are a good buy here, as well as a huge variety of chocolates. Will I like the local cuisine? Debbie: Thai food is delicious – it's one of the tastiest cuisines in the world. Most dishes contain the freshest ingredients, whether it's the spices, vegetables or fresh- from- the- boat seafood. If you don't like it too hot avoid the chillies and fish sauces you'll find on the table, or order Pad Thai, a mild and popular dish. Jason: Malaysia offers a variety of Asian cuisines including Thai, Indian and Chinese. Local food is tasty and cheap. There is an Irish bar as well as other café- style venues and if you are looking for comfort food there are several options around Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah. Are Phuket and Langkawi family friendly? Debbie: Thai culture embraces children whole- heartedly so kids of all ages will find themselves the centre of attention. As well as all of the water sports on offer there are plenty of activities for families, including zip- wiring, elephant trekking, mountain biking and visits to the gibbon centre. Jason: Langkawi is blessed with some excellent resorts offering great facilities for children and parents. However, Casa del Mar caters particularly well for couples. If you can, leave the children at home so you can enjoy a well- earned pampering break. What's the dress code – sarongs and flip- flops or labels and dark sunglasses? Debbie: Both. That's the great thing about Phuket: anything goes. You can be as relaxed or as dressy as you like. Jason: Langkawi is casual – flip- flops and sarongs are the norm. However, there are some nice restaurants that are worth dressing up for. If you are sightseeing at the mosques, it is advisable to observe the appropriate dress code. Jason Kruseis general manager at the 29- room Casa del Mar Hotel in Langkawi, an intimate beachfront hotel that in Spanish means ' home by the sea'. PHUKET: rooms at the Cape Panwa start at £ 65 per room per night including breakfast ( five nights for the price of four for stays between April 1 and October 31). Book by January 31, 2009 and receive free return boat transfers to Coral Island. A half- day Island Tour costs from £ 26 per person and sea canoeing in Phang Nga Bay from £ 93 per person. Flights on Thai Airways start at £ 690 and are valid for travel from April 1 to June 30. LANGKAWI: pool- view rooms at Casa del Mar start at £ 122 per room per night with breakfast. Receive two free one- hour massages when staying 10 nights or more from April 1 to June 30, 2009. Island hopping costs from £ 13 and a Pulau Payar Marine Park trip £ 52. Flights on Malaysia Airlines lead- in at £ 757, valid for travel from April 12 to June 15. BOOK IT NOW Your ' home by the sea' Poolside, Casa del Mar Comfortable elegance at Casa del Mar Pulau Payar Marine Park www. travelmood. com WINTER 2008/ 0933