By Rama Gaind.
| Part two of an occasional series about planning for your next travel adventure – when it’s safe to do so again. |
Santiburi Koh Samui is a spacious, experience-driven luxury resort on the quiet north shore overlooking 300 metres of pristine sandy beach.
“Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” Confucius was veracious in this saying.
It’s tough going at present, but a time will soon come when the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown will be lifted on domestic and international travel.
Until then we can make concerted efforts by working on our travel dreams, through planning, with the realisation that it will become a reality in the future.
We need to continue to explore situations favourable for the attainment of these goals. It’s important we determine the veracity of individual circumstances so they can be converted into memories that will not only broaden our outlook on life, but also be long lasting.
These four, irreplaceable experiences in hotels and resorts in Asia should be considered for forthcoming trips.
Start by diving into one of the largest pools on Koh Samui in Thailand. Experience-driven, carbon-neutral beachfront retreat Santiburi Koh Samui features a huge swimming pool (50-metres-long and 25-metres-wide). The striking centrepiece of this high-end resort acts as a hub of relaxation, recreation and themed events and celebrations.
In fact, it’s so big you can do laps and not even notice games being played in other areas of the pool, or even a couple getting married on the ‘walk on water’ mobile promenade. This is a pool where you will find space to do ‘your thing’ and you won’t have to reserve your sun lounger before the sun rises. Nestled among 9.3 hectares of landscaped gardens, tropical foliage, shady trees, lotus ponds and coconut groves, it’s a few steps away from a 300-metre-long stretch of private sandy beach. This pool must be definitely added to your travel wish list.
Eco-conscious travellers can adopt their own ‘Nemo’ if they visit Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort’s Marine Discovery Centre.
The stylish suites and villas feature sleek, modern design blended with warm contemporary Thai décor. All villas are secluded havens with a minimum of 10 metres between them.
Spirited hospitality
Experience the spirited hospitality and savour epicurean dining at one of the five on-site culinary venues. Live life your way with the bespoke packages at Lèn Spa, maintain your fitness routine at the extensive on-site Sports Centre or chip away at your golf game at Santiburi Samui Country Club located only 10 minutes from the resort. Customise your experiences with the playful Lèn programme and create unforgettable memories, in the safe and hygienic confines of Santiburi Koh Samui.
Adopt and release clownfish at the award-winning Marine Discovery Centre on Koh Phi Phi. Eco-conscious travellers can adopt their own ‘Nemo’, being invited to visit the Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort’s Marine Discovery Centre. It is a unique environmental facility that is dedicated to the conservation of Hat Noppharat Thara -Mu Ko Phi National Park, the vast tropical reserve that surrounds the Phi Phi islands.
The centre houses a series of colourful, interactive displays explaining the life cycles and habits of many marine species endemic to the national park, as well as information on the area’s natural attractions. This unique environmental attraction also includes a special program to re-introduce clownfish and also harmless bamboo sharks back into the region’s once plentiful waters.
This eco hub operates many important projects, including coral preservation, breeding and a release program. For a special price per person, guests will be able to choose and name their clownfish, and when the fish is strong enough, travel out by long-tail boat to release it on the anemone coral reef. Each adopting parent will receive a certificate of appreciation and will be named on the donor recognition wall in the Marine Discovery Centre.
Take the time to relax at the Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort in Bangkok.
Verdant oasis
Take the time to relax in the only urban jungle located in one of the busiest districts of Bangkok. Nestled in the Thai capital’s central business district, just 10 minutes’ walk from Ploenchit BTS skytrain station, Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort puts guests in the heart of the action.
What makes this low-rise property truly unique, however, is its 0.4 hectares of lush gardens, shaded by century-old trees, and its free form swimming pool, ensuring the resort feels blissfully removed from the bustling streets beyond the walls. Within this verdant oasis, guests can unwind in a wonderful world of wellness, with a healthy-living concept that is woven through every part of the resort – including its contemporary restaurants and bars.
This resort offers the perfect harmony of comfort and recuperation at the heart of Asia’s most popular city destination. Relax, revive and enjoy your stay.
With the holistic concept of healthy living, the complex offers a variety of dining venues serving healthy options, from fresh organic smoothies at Sala Pool Bar to gluten-free pastries at Rim Klong.
The resort is directly connected to BDMS Wellness Clinic and is located only 45 minutes by car from both Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang International Airport and just a few minutes’ walk from Thailand’s most prestigious shopping centres.
Take the time to admire a spectacular view while dining organically at Seven Seas on Koh Lanta at Pimalai Resort & Spa.
Why not take the time to admire a spectacular view while dining organically at Seven Seas at the Pimalai Resort & Spa, an iconic five-star retreat on the shores of Koh Lanta. Seven Seas offers a spectacular view from its elevated vantage point above Kantiang Bay.
Surrounded by lush jungle and overlooking the azure Andaman Sea, Seven Seas serves up a level of cuisine that would not be out of place in any world-class restaurant across the globe. Key to the restaurant’s success is its focus on organic ingredients.
Pimalai’s owner, Anurat Tiyaphorn, believes strongly in sustainable farming and operates his own fruit orchards, herb gardens and vegetable farms. The resort also works closely with small-scale southern Thai producers, including Koh Lanta’s native fishermen.
This is where you’ll fall in love with nature – again. At Pimalai, the 900-metre-long beachfront and more than 40 hectares of paradise will rekindle your love for nature amidst lush tropical forests and the endless Andaman waters. Discover Koh Lanta’s best kept secret, nestled within the solitude and serenity of surrounding mountains.
Anticipation, some forethought and implementation will be well worth the effort!
DETAILS BOX
Santiburi Koh Samui
Seven Seas on Koh Lanta at Pimalai Resort & Spa
https://pimalai.com/Restaurants
Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort
https://www.movenpick.com
Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort’s Marine Discovery Centre
