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

Includes • Return flight with Emirates and transfers • Seven nights' half- board accommodation The Serendib is the perfect choice for those wanting to combine activity with relaxation. Just a stroll away from the bustling village of Bentota the Serendib is spread across extensive gardens and offers a relaxed and informal ambience. During your stay take advantage of the luxurious spa, numerous bars and restaurants and the on- site sports activities. Receive two FREE nights when staying between May 14- 17, 2009. SERENDIB BENTOTA 7 NIGHTS THE BLUE WATER, WADDUWA 7 NIGHTS Includes • Return flight with Emirates and transfers • Seven nights' bed- and- breakfast accommodation Just a short walk from the charming fishing town of Negombo, The Beach is perfectly situated on a beautiful golden- sand beach. Laze in the sunshine by one of the two swimming pools or unwind and revive yourself in the resort spa. If you're feeling more active explore the local town and go deep- sea fishing, catamaran sailing or kayaking. Stay seven nights and pay for six when staying April 1- 30, 2009. THE BEACH, NEGOMBO 7 NIGHTS from £ 957 per person from £ 882 per person Includes • Return flight with Emirates and transfers • Seven nights' half board • Access to the gym, spa and shops, and evening entertainment Set in 14 acres of coconut groves on the golden sands of Wadduwa Beach, the Blue Water is located on a quiet stretch of coast close to a small fishing community. Soak up the sea views from your balcony, relax on one of the endless golden beaches or at the spa, use the tennis courts and enjoy the resort's contemporary comforts. Stay seven nights and pay for six when staying May 1 to October 31, 2009. from £ 889 per person All holidays need to be booked by January 31, 2009 OFFER OFFEROFFER 34WINTER 2008/ 09 www. travelmood. com SRI LANKA