Portfolio David Leck Has Written for a Wide Range of National and Regional Papers, Consumer Magazines, Specialist Titles and Websites
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Portfolio David Leck has written for a wide range of national and regional papers, consumer magazines, specialist titles and websites. He specialises in travel and, as a qualified fitness instructor, also writes extensively on sport, exercise and wellbeing. In addition, he has written and edited across corporate publications from annual reports, newsletters, magazines, websites and advertising copy and has also “ghoste d” thought leadership articles for senior management and those at board level. 2 CONTENTS Travel Sport Lifestyle David Leck has travelled David Leck has written features on The increasing rise in popularity of extensively and put those a wide-range of sports from tennis, the “minimoon”, spa breaks for the experiences to good use as a horse riding, hang gliding and bride and groom to be, and “out travel journalist and guidebook boxing to cricket, Nordic walking, of the ordinary” honeymoons are contributor. He has written for archery and Muay Thai. just a few of the lifestyle features national and regional newspapers, David Leck has written. travel websites, lifestyle and Health and Fitnes specialist titles (include the A qualified fitness instructor and a The Arts and Celebrity Emirate’s inflight magazine Open Boxercise® coach, David Leck has David Leck spent six years as an Skies) and, for the AA/Fodor written numerous articles on health arts marketer and publicist imprint, has updated its city and fitness from general consumer working with talent from the worlds guidebooks, including those for pieces on adopting and of comedy, drama, pantomime, Bangkok and New York. maintaining a healthy lifestyle to opera, dance and musical more specific and in-depth theatre. As a freelance journalist Corporate features on issues such as the use his commissions include interviews David Leck has written and edited of regular exercise to help those with West End and Broadway across corporate publications suffering from depression. legend Elaine Paige and with the from annual reports, newsletters, rising young star of Les Miserables magazines, websites and and the 2013/2014 UK national tour advertising copy and has also of Evita, Madalena Alberto. “ghosted” thought leadership articles for senior management and those at board level. 3 TRAVEL Qatar Airways In-Flight Magazine – Krabi Feature thailand thailand thailand thailand 56 57 58 59 CONSIDER IT A COURTESY Dotted across the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, this kingdom’s portfolio of islands Thailand is steeped in tradition. Despite an outward sense is a thing of wonder. Breathtaking in beauty and seriously family friendly, world-class hotels, of sanuk (fun), Thais can be shy, so mastering a few of the hospitality, and indulgent pampering abound. The only inconvenience is in deciding where to start. kingdom’s practices can add much to your enjoyment. The wai is the formal greeting and is delivered by placing the palms of the hands together in front of the face, accompanied SETTING SAIL TO PARADISE However, the introduction of more FORGET THE FLASH by a slight bow. The head is considered sacred in Thai culture, There’s an expression in Thai – sabai international flights is unlocking this Devastated by the tsunami in 2004, Koh while the feet are deemed ‘unclean’, hence you’ll always sabai – which roughly equates to part of the world and providing such a Lak – on Thailand’s southwestern shore see a Thai taking off shoes before entering houses and other ‘everything’s chilled’ and is a state of choice – you’ll be plotting your next – had to be almost entirely rebuilt. It buildings. Thais revere their late king, the world’s longest- tranquillity said to perfectly define the adventure before you’ve barely has now acquired something of a reigning monarch – a fascinating man whose life shaped Thai lifestyle. set sail on the first. reputation as the more refined modern Thailand immeasurably. counterpart to its bigger, brasher sister Sabai Sabai You’ll find plenty of sabai sabai strewn CROWD CONTROL Phuket. Aside from the natural charms With soon-to-be-launched flights to Krabi – we look at the perfect across the country’s extended family of There’s no getting away from the reality that are easy to take for granted around gateway to Thailand’s southern coastal treasures. David Leck, a visitor islands. And while many are now well that Thailand is a long-established here, this is a spot devoid of the excesses to the country for more than 20 years, o!ers a guiding hand. trodden, there are still unspoiled gems magnet for travellers. Koh Phi Phi Don seen elsewhere, making it ideal for ready to surprise and delight. is the jewel in Krabi’s crown, with waters families – not to mention offering access a swatch of turquoise and dramatic to the Koh Similan National Park. Typified by towering limestone mountainous terrain. The scenery is mountains, expanses of emerald water, stunning, and if you’ve a vision of a Thai Located between Lanta Yai and Krabi, and shaded, verdant forests, the Krabi island in your head, this is probably it. with a position that can make travel a (the word means ‘sword’) province covers With that natural beauty, however, challenge between May and October 4,709km2 with a coastline of famed come the people. when the weather is unpredictable, Koh beaches providing the starting point Jum is nevertheless one of this region’s to some 130 islands – large and small, Nick Pulley, managing director of quirkier options. It doesn’t do the whole explored and untouched (well, relatively). specialist tour company Selective Asia ‘flashy’ resort vibe, but a sedate (selectiveasia.com) and a traveller around ambience has seen many a visitor arrive Archaeological discoveries date back Thailand for two decades, says: “Given the for a day or two and be quickly to prehistoric times, making Krabi one choice is so alluring and the crowds can persuaded into staying longer. of the oldest communities in Thailand. run deep, a good option is seeking out an Mountainous geography is broken by island or two that appeal to your taste BEAUTY ABOUNDS the highlands and plains of the interior, and using them as a base. You can then Located around a vast lagoon, Koh Hong and a natural forest cover of mangrove easily hop between the others for a spot is a few kilometres off the coast and, and cassia trees, with agriculture of beachcombing or, for those rendered according to some, among the most centred on rubber, palm, coconut, restless by the sun lounger, there’s scuba impressive spots of Phang Nga. It’s one oranges, and coffee. diving, rock climbing, or kayaking.” of several hongs – secluded tidal lagoons within limestone outcrops often only A manageable base from which Two hours from Krabi, with a navigable in small kayaks. If it’s ‘soft’ to start your journey, Krabi town sits backbone of jungle sandwiched adventure you’re after, look no further. amongst the limestone karsts that are between an east coast edged with such a hallmark of this region and has mangroves and a sandy, palm-fringed The island of Koh Poda is 25 minutes a certain character together with a west, Lanta Yai has a definite charm. It’s from the mainland, and even the wide choice of guesthouses and an island equally beloved by families world-weary might concede it conjures numerous travel agencies. and honeymooners, where days up a Thailand of the past. The 1.1km revolve around relaxation, gentle stretch of sand, impressive coral reef, The area of Ao Nang – once the exploration, and the anticipation of and general air of tropical idyll make it default spot for tourists – has freshly caught seafood as afternoon worth a visit, and it can be combined succumbed to a commercialised feel. fades into evening. with smaller neighbours – Koh Tup, Koh © Iakov Kalinin / Shutterstock oryxinflightmagazine.com Qatar Airways oryxinflightmagazine.com Qatar Airways 4 T: 01322 528580/07710 326256 E: [email protected] W: davidleck.com thailand thailand thailand thailand 60 61 62 MY THAI ISLANDS 63 Words by David Leck Mor,r, and Koh Kaii – wwhich can be FAMILYY ACTIVITIESA THAIT ISLAND HOTELS walked between at low tide. Tup is the key player and boaasts lovely views across the archipelago. THATTHATAT OLD FFAVOURITEAVAVOURRITE Whether you arrivee ono Koh Samui (located in the Gulf of Thailand, on the opposite sidee ofo the peninsula) at its delightful airport or by ferferry, the island remains sommething of a gem despite the marchh oof development. While the main towwn of Chaweng is now popular withth holidaymakers,h Samui still has manny quieter corners brimming with atmmosphere and Thai authenticity. In fafactt, if you head to Experienccing the majesty and wonder WithW exotic ingredients and a holy THE RAYAVADEE RAYAVAVADEEE THE SPORT OF KINGS Bophut in the northth, you can enjoy a of the world’s largest land animal while quartetq of sweet and sour,r, spicy and Situated on the Phra Nang Peninsula and spread acrooss 10 hectares of tropical Muay Thai isn’t merely the national sport; it’s also rooted in centuries of tradition flavour of the Thailand of old – and be travellingg canc be a controversial subject, salty,s Thai is one of the world’s greaat landscapes surrounnded by towering, jungle-topped limestone cliffs on the edge and embedded in culture and respect. As well as being an adrenalin-fuelled utterly charmed inn theth process. but the luuxury tented Elephant Hills cuisines,c and joining a cookery class can of Krabi’s nationall mmarine park, The Rayavadee blends a sense of community with spectacle, a fight is an opportunity to understand something that’s so much camp (1388km from Krabi; transferfers bbe both infoformative and entertaining.