I’ve just returned from a blissful week’s holiday spent on Kata Noi beach in Phuket. We keep going back there because it’s a sure thing. And when all you want to do is flop on the beach with a good book, eat ridiculous amounts of good food and catch up on sleep, a sure thing is better than disappointment.

But what I really love about Phuket is how anything goes. I’m not talking about the sleazy bars in some parts of town - they are definitely best avoided. What I’m referring to is the way everyone on the beach lets it "all hang out" - literally. Thailand is actually a pretty conservative country and its countrymen are known for being shy and gracious. What they must think of the bronzed and sunburnt folks of all shapes and sizes parading around in very brief bits of lycra I have no idea, but somehow visitors continue to get away with it. Must be the tourist dollars…

And while I prefer not to look too closely at my fellow sunbathers in all their glory, what I love about the flesh flashing is how it equalises us. Whether you’re a wealthy industrialist or a globetrotting backpacker, the majority of your "armour" has been reduced to a swimsuit - or lack thereof - revealing you. While some ladies with zero body confidence hid their taut and toned limbs behind neck-to-knee shockers, others with a love handle, roll or dimpled thighs boldy strutted about in a skimpy g-string bikini, oozing a love of life. I saw one lady with severe anorexia timidly stepping over waves breaking on the shoreline and silently cheered when she plunged in to dive beneath one. Then there was the man taking a gazillion shots of his wife striking poses on a rock - I can only hope that at 60+ years my husband will still be as enamoured with me! The only thing letting the scene down was the lone guy - of which I spotted two - in a g-string. I’m all for equality, but there’s something decidedly "ewww" about a single man walking around in a bit of dental floss - particularly when he’s hairy all over, but has taken the time to shave his butt cheeks…. double ewww!

Booked your next break? Check out the NATAS Travel Fair on this weekend from February 26 to 28 and pick up a hot deal…