Phuket's first 21st Century championship course lies on the scenic north-east coast. A nine-hole night golf course, due to open in early 2005, is also close by in the foothills. The courses are 10 minutes' drive from the airport and 30 minutes from Phuket City.

Mission Hills has been carved from rubber plantations and sits among Phuket's environmentally-friendly mangroves. Great expanses of white sand beach bunkers have been added to contrast with the translucent blue hues of the ocean and the vibrant greens of the Sea Isle grassed fairways and putting surfaces.

It is accurately described as a piece of living art, the kind of pastiche that Vincent Van Goh would have created given half a chance and a love of a long drive. The ocean views are delivered at a price: water comes in to play at seven holes. The sea breezes also are a regular feature. What time of day you choose to play can turn a following zephyr into a stiff headwind.

While the spa awaits at the 19th hole, stress and tiredness are further banished with caddies and golf carts both being compulsory. It is not unknown for snacks to be delivered out on the course at lunchtime.