After 6 months spent on this beautiful island, Phuket has proven itself to be a delicious destination and hold many culinary gems. Here is a list of  places in and around Rawai I recommend you to visit if you happen to visit the island.

Living Food Cafe, Saiyuan
 A raw vegan cafe open 6 days a week offering eat-in and takeout food. Try the zucchini lasagna, flaxseed bread and dip platter or their tostada. It is a little more expensive than the average restaurant in the area due to the preparation of raw vegan cuisine and the nature of the ingredients used.

Salaloy, Rawai beach
This amazing seafood restaurant located at the south of the island is my favourite view for a relaxing lunch. Don’t be put off by their slightly worn concrete benches and tables opposite the restaurant. The fresh, fragrant and diverse food is simply divine. Try their Thai appetiser platter to share or the spicy cockles with lemongrass with a side of crab rice. The steamed fish with lime sauce is also worth the 30 minute wait. Wash it down with fresh young coconut water or a cold Chang. Prices are very reasonable.

A Spoonful of Sugar, Saiyuan
A little gem on the busy Saiyuan road. This cafe, opened by a former Bangkok accountant, first stands out for its atypical architecture. Originally the home of the owner’s grand parents, this cafe brings to mind the architecture of Southern America. The ambience is relaxed and the cakes are homemade. Try their pain au chocolat with a fresh mango lassi. They also have an extensive range of hot and iced coffee and chocolate drinks. The staff is welcoming and smiley.

Promthep Cape restaurant, Promptep Cape
Possibly the most breathtaking view of the island. A popular destination at sunset, Promthep  Cape is located at the Southermost tip of the island. The eponymic restaurant is perched on a cliff-top facing the tiny island of Ko Kaeo Yai. Try their seafood platter of rock lobster, crabs, mussels, squid and the tastiest marinated grilled fish. A feast for the eyes and tastebuds.

Soi Namjai market
Open Wednesdays and Sundays, this market is a delight for lovers of fresh exotic fruits. Juicy and sweet alfonso mangoes, papaya, pineapple, bananas, durian, loganberries, lichis are among the many fruits sold by local merchants. When it comes to buying seafood there, follow your instinct and your nose. Go for the stalls with no flies flying around. A sure bet!

Body and Sole, Viset Road
A travel guide of Thailand wouldn’t be complete without the inclusion of a recommended Thai massage salon! Run by a small and friendly team of masseuses and reflexologists, Body and Sole on Viset Road is a secret worth knowing. The practitioners are professional, welcoming and highly skilled. The competitive prices are an excuse to indulge. Thai massages can be painful but will leave you feeling loose and relaxed. No wonder some call it “yoga for lazy people”!