Northeastern winds swept in mid-October, enveloping Thailand in refreshing coolness. Heralding the dawn of a new season, we had the opportunity to interview Gulu Lalvani, a passionate traveler captivated by yacht cruises across the seas, and who was introduced to the allure of Phuket over three decades ago. Phuket inspired his decision to establish a milestone there, giving rise to Royal Phuket Marina—his visualization of the ideal yacht berth. This achievement earned global acclaim from TripAdvisor as a ‘leading lifestyle destination’.
Gulu was born in India, but grew up and resided in England. He started his business by selling costume jewelry before becoming the UK’s first importer of portable transistors. Later, he shifted to electrical appliances and telecommunications through ‘Binatone’. At one point, it was regarded as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of digital wireless phones.
‘Royal Phuket Marina’, commonly known as ‘RPM’, originated from a leisure activity of Gulu before evolving into a landmark covering nearly 200 rai of Phuket, enhancing the extraordinary experience for travelers who love yacht and super yacht cruising, which are currently popular in the Andaman Sea. RPM is equipped with luxurious facilities, such as Aquaminium, condominiums with the world’s first private yacht parking, as well as magnificent hotels and luxurious villas within the marina, etc.
“1991 marked a significant turn when my love for sailing introduced me to the mesmerising beauty of Phuket.” The seasoned traveler expressed with eager eyes, much like a young man always ready to embark on a worldly adventure.
GoodConversation : What was your first impression of Phuket like? What sparked your desire to settle down or establish significant projects in Phuket almost 20 years ago? Was the marina the first business opportunity you saw in Phuket, or did you have other visions for its potential?
Gulu : I have travelled all over the world and love to visit new places. I travelled to two or three new destinations each year until I first came to Phuket. That was quite a long time ago. The first time I arrived. I stayed at Amanpuri and during my time in Phuket, I fell in love with both Amanpuri and the island.
Even though I have sailed to many destinations around the world, my first time on the water in Phuket was magical. The cruising grounds around Phuket’s stunning, which is less than 30 minutes away, are truly world-class. I can say that having sailed in all the leading marine destinations worldwide, Phuket is absolutely the best.
It wasn’t just the picturesque landscapes of Phuket that captivated me; it was my profound passion for sailing that genuinely made me appreciate its allure.
Sailing has always been close to my heart. I’ve always sought destinations that harmoniously blend the Four ‘s’ s: sun, sea, sand, and sublime sailing conditions. It was during a visit to the newly inaugurated Amanpuri resort in Phuket that I chartered a yacht for my family. The splendid islands surrounding Phuket unveiled before us were breathtaking.
That maiden voyage was a revelation. So enamoured was I by its scenic beauty that I promptly invested in a villa at Amanpuri. It soon became our cherished family holiday retreat.
Phuket, to me, was an untouched paradise with a melange of its intrinsic beauty and enriching Thai culture. While the rising wave of tourism had begun to mark its presence, I envisioned a goldmine of possibilities in the maritime arena, particularly yachting. The inception of the Royal Phuket Marina was not merely a commercial pursuit; it symbolised my desire to augment Phuket’s multifaceted growth. The strategic geographical positioning of the island, coupled with its natural bays, accentuated its potential.
GoodConversation : How does Phuket differ from other coastal cities in that it has the potential to become a lifestyle waterfront destination in Asia? Do you have any marinas in the world that serve as models for development, or is all of this driven by your own vision and inner confidence? Do you still believe that Phuket is the best vacation destination in the world?
Gulu : Having cruised in the Thailand area for some years now, I can tell you that my favourite aspect of cruising in this area is the beautiful natural landscape. Pristine beaches and the bluest of blue waters, are also much less crowded in terms of tourists and other boats than the hotspots elsewhere in the world. The Thai people are also just the warmest and most welcoming – service is always with a smile. The weather in Thailand definitely plays an essential part of my love for this region, too, because there is no particular time to avoid it. The East coast of Phuket allows cruising all year round which is a very unique and much-treasured aspect, something that not many parts of the world can boast.
Geographically, Thailand is easily accessible to many scenic cruising grounds and countries. Destinations include our very own, the Andaman Islands, as well as Myanmar, Langkawi, India, Vietnam and Singapore. There is simply so much to explore, be it en route to various destinations or just around Thailand. Going cruising in Thailand is easier with many direct non-stop flights internationally.
Today, as we all know, Phuket is really a sailor’s dream, whether you love motor or sailboats, and I am absolutely certain that it will become the best destination for yacht cruising in the world in due course. With the support of the Thai government, boating is on a steady increase. It is also easier to bring yachts into Thailand.
I single-handedly convinced the Former Prime Minister of Thailand to reduce the import duty on boats from 220% to 0 in 2004 and, in return, I built the purpose-built and award-winning Royal Phuket Marina in Phuket to help make Phuket the Riviera in Asia for yachting.
Owners who travel to Thailand will find that they keep coming back. I am a big fan of this area, and yachting really is excellent here. We are generally low on natural disasters and hardly any piracy so making it safe to cruise with a piece of mind.
GoodConversation : We have read a brief story about you through the media. We understand that you were born in India and grew up in England. You began by importing jewelry, then moved on to electronics and telecoms in Hong Kong before establishing the marina in Thailand. What causes do you believe lead you to establish a strong interest and skill in such various industries, including the jewelry, telecommunications, and coastal and maritime tourism, and to achieve success in all of them?
Gulu : Thank you for framing the question so thoughtfully. I founded the company in 1958, went on to consumer electronics and to telecoms in 1983 when telecoms became deregulated in the UK and Europe, at that time, the company was based in London, UK, but I moved the HQ to Hong Kong for two reasons: for tax reasons and also to design, develop and manufacture the products in China for export all over Europe.
1991 marked a significant turn when my love for sailing introduced me to the mesmerising beauty of Phuket.
Reflecting on my journey, what has consistently fueled my ventures is the ability to spot opportunities and act on potential. Each domain I immersed myself in came with its unique set of challenges. However, a few foundational principles and intrinsic interests steered my successful navigation through them.
First and foremost, innovation and novel solutions have been my primary drivers. I never perceived challenges as obstacles; instead, I saw them as prospects to innovate and introduce fresh perspectives. My stint with jewellery imports was a fascinating dive into aesthetics and value. In contrast, my endeavour with electronics and telecommunications via Binatone was influenced by my zeal for contemporary technology, aiming to embed it into daily life.
Another guiding principle has been my staunch belief in crafting a long-term vision for both products and services. It’s always been more than achieving instantaneous success. It’s about conceptualizing and nurturing ventures that withstand the test of time, remain adaptable, and evolve. This foresight, be it in telecommunications or the marina, was pivotal in sculpting sustainable strategies.
On a personal front, my interests have profoundly influenced my business forays. The allure of travel and yachting made me cognizant of Phuket’s untapped potential in the global yachting scene. Royal Phuket Marina wasn’t just a business proposition but a dream to carve out a niche facility that resonated with my passions and catered to a global community with similar affinities.
To sum it up, my odyssey across myriad sectors has been an eclectic mix of personal inclinations, sharp business acumen, and a relentless pursuit of innovation. The underlying theme has invariably been my knack for envisioning the long game and curating products and services that cater to the present and are also future-ready.
GoodConversation : How does RPM stand out and differ from other marinas, making it the only 5 Gold Anchor Marina in Thailand?
Gulu : The Royal Phuket Marina, often known as RPM, is more than just a physical entity. It’s where our aspiration to mold Asia’s leading sustainable yachting sanctuary comes alive, forming an all-encompassing destination for living, working, celebrating, and experiencing the essence of marina life. Beyond its maritime facilities, RPM extends its grandeur through elegant residences, commercial hubs, health and wellness centers, and even tennis playgrounds.
Proudly, RPM is Thailand’s singular marina graced with the 5 Gold Anchor Certification and the International Clean Marina accolade. Our recent recognition, the esteemed Letter of Recognition (LOR) in association with the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO), underlines our eco-initiatives. Furthermore, our pioneering step as the initial marina in Phuket to earn the Carbon Footprint for Organization (CFO) certification showcases our commitment to curbing carbon emissions, thus championing sustainability at every operational phase.
In essence, RPM isn’t just a mooring point. It encapsulates a dream, a remarkable odyssey, and is a beacon of unwavering dedication and vision. The legacy we’ve crafted here evokes deep pride within me.
GoodConversation : RPM aims to phase out single-use plastics by the year 2024. How close is the plan to achieving its goal, and what are the results of transitioning to solar energy? Is there anything you would like to share regarding sustainability as a marina?
Gulu : Thank you for the opportunity to discuss Royal Phuket Marina’s sustainability achievements. ‘Thailand’s Leading Sustainable Marina’ is proud to share our ongoing commitment to sustainability, encapsulated in our tagline: “Sustainability Is Our Key Priority.”
Our journey towards eliminating single-use plastics by 2024 is progressing well. We have implemented a comprehensive plan that includes replacing single-use plastics with sustainable alternatives and educating both our staff and visitors about the importance of reducing plastic waste. While we’re not yet at our goal, we’ve made substantial progress, and we’re confident in our ability to achieve it.
Transitioning to solar energy has been a game-changer for us. By installing solar panels on our rooftops, we’ve not only reduced our reliance on traditional power sources but have also significantly decreased our carbon footprint. These panels, with capacities of 31.7 and 98.45 kW, have enabled us to generate up to 60% of our daily energy needs from solar power. This achievement aligns perfectly with our commitment to environmental excellence and sustainable practices.
Regarding sustainability as a marina, it’s about more than just our environmental initiatives. It’s about fostering a culture of responsibility and awareness. We’ve taken leadership by becoming the first marina in Phuket to be certified in the Carbon Footprint for Organization (CFO), which emphasizes our role in reducing carbon emissions. This certification demonstrates our dedication to sustainability in all aspects of our operations, and we hope it sets an example for the industry.
But sustainability isn’t just about certifications and technology; it’s also about partnerships and community engagement. We actively collaborate with organisations and businesses like Wawa Creations, Oceans 4 All, License To Clean, and Disabled Sailing to promote sustainable practices within the local community and the marine industry.
In summary, Royal Phuket Marina is making significant strides in achieving its sustainability goals. We’re on track to phase out single-use plastics by 2024, and our transition to solar energy has been a resounding success. Sustainability is at the core of our mission, and we’re proud to lead the way in promoting environmental excellence in the marina industry.
GoodConversation : A “Super Aged Society” is emerging in Thailand, where the elderly comprise more than 20% of the population. Would you like to share anything with persons in your age group or those who are getting ready to retire?
Gulu : Certainly! Age is merely a perspective. In today’s era, seniors are more active and involved than ever. My philosophy? Maintain your curiosity, embrace continuous learning, and don’t let age define your boundaries. Recently, I had the privilege to attend the INSEAD/YPO Real Estate Seminar. Interestingly, while the average age of participants was around 45, I, at 84, found it equally enlightening. It’s a testament to the idea that age shouldn’t limit one’s drive to learn and engage.
GoodConversation : Do you have retirement plans for yourself, and if not, what motivates you to continue working? Have you faced any challenges related to the generation gap in the workplace, and do you have any strategies for working with people from different generations without conflicts?
Gulu : I don’t see myself ‘retiring’ in the conventional sense. I’m fueled by passion. The generation gap does present challenges, but it’s about mutual respect. I learn from the younger generation’s tech-savviness, while I hope they glean wisdom from my experiences. Communication and mutual mentorship are key.
GoodConversation : Do you have any advice for people in their 20s, 30s, or 40s based on your experiences and journey through various stages of life?
Gulu : Absolutely. To those in their 20s: Be fearless and seize every opportunity. For the ones in their 30s: Consistency is key; stay committed to your goals. And to those navigating their 40s: Embrace change and continuously adapt. At every age, stay curious and cherish the journey more than the destination.
Story Sasikwan
Photo Royal Phuket Marina
Royal Phuket Marina Thepkasattri Rd., Kohkaew, Muang, Phuket. Thailand
