Cover Maddy Barber on her lesser known recommendations for how to best experience Phuket
Maddy Barber on her lesser known recommendations for how to best experience Phuket
1 / 1
Founder of Madly Bespoke Jeweller and former radio presenter Maddy Barber has long-standing ties to Thailand, having lived and worked there for years. A frequent visitor to Phuket, she shares the quieter corners of the island she keeps returning to
Former radio presenter Maddy Barber spent decades behind the microphone before turning her attention to a different lens of storytelling—through gemstones. Best known to many Singaporeans as the familiar voice on English radio, including her years on Kiss92, Barber founded bespoke jewellery house Madly after an unlikely mid-career pivot, building what began as a passion into one of Singapore’s best-known names in coloured gemstones. Today, the brand marks its 10th anniversary, having grown from a homegrown bespoke jeweller into an international business with a presence in markets including Dubai and Munich.
Yet jewellery, it turns out, was never entirely separate from the rest of her story. “I’ve always loved jewellery,” Barber says, tracing the fascination back to her mother’s modest collection and a childhood spent gravitating towards “the more colourful pieces rather than the diamond pieces.” While jewellery felt like “such a protected trade” that she “never thought” she could enter, a chance opportunity to help market for someone in the industry eventually opened unexpected doors. Over time, she built the relationships and trust that would become the foundation of Madly.
In case you missed it: This is How Local Jeweller Madly Acquires Some of the Best Gemstones Available
Above Old Phuket Farm
Old Phuket Farm
1 / 1
Thailand, meanwhile, has been a constant thread running through Barber’s life. She lived and worked there for years—where she also met her husband, Wez Barber—and still returns frequently. While many travellers associate Phuket with beach clubs and nightlife, Barber gravitates towards a different side of the island. What she loves most is “being surrounded by green and nature and your coconut trees and your banana trees and your plantations.” Here, she shares the Phuket she keeps returning to.
When friends are in town, I take them to …
Old Phuket Farm. It’s an organic farm with paddy fields and buffaloes, where everything from pineapples to passion fruit [is grown on-site]. It’s a good spot for breakfast and lunch.
Above Timber Society
Timber Society
1 / 1
For coffee with a bit of character, I go to …
Timber Society, which is set on a rubber plantation. It’s a glamping resort that also houses Timber Bistro, a cafe with private glass-dome tea rooms. Alternatively, there’s Hideaway Cafe, tucked away in the hills near the airport, where I usually take friends when they arrive. It feels like you’re in the treetops, with excellent coffee and desserts, especially the apple and banana cakes.
Above Nai Thon Beach
Nai Thon Beach
1 / 1
A beach that feels quietly magical is …
Nai Thon Beach. It’s wide and gently stretches on, with incredibly soft sand and clear waters. Even when it’s busy, it still feels remote and untouched, free of rows of chairs and umbrellas. It’s got the right balance of shops, tourists and space.
To stay somewhere a little different, book …
Niran Farm. It’s part working farm, part equestrian centre, with stables to visit and horses to ride. The lakeside restaurant looks out towards the Phuket mountainside.
A small business I return to is …
Prodepran Restaurant and Bar. It’s in a popular tourist area, but tucked just behind an alley, so many people miss it. The setting is simple, by the lake, but the Thai food is amazing. The tom yum soup is the best I’ve tried. They also do a deep-fried sticky rice popiah that’s so addictive.
You can’t leave Phuket without having seafood at …
HoiZapp Seafood in Si Sunthon. It’s like our Jumbo Seafood for locals. My husband doesn’t eat shellfish, but he still enjoys the chicken dishes there.
A non-Thai restaurant I enjoy is …
Bella Ciao Italian Bistro. Thailand has a number of good Italian restaurants, thanks to expats who’ve made it home. This one is run by a couple. It’s cosy, and the food is wonderful.
Above Barber with her husband at Paresa Resort Phuket
Barber with her husband at Paresa Resort Phuket
1 / 1
Sundowner drinks are best at …
the Beach Restaurant by The Surin Phuket. Go early to catch the sunset over great Thai food. For clifftop views, head to Paresa Resort Phuket’s Talung Thai restaurant.
My guilty pleasure is …
Naka Night Market. It’s a massive weekend market that’s quite touristy, but I love the banana pancakes there. Be sure to hire a driver to drop you off and wait, as parking can be difficult.
