Forever Smiling Koh Samui
Part II TAT Amazing Thailand - Romance Trade Meet Feb 2017
The sun was about to pop up and greet us to say "smile, I'm back" as we entered the bus at 6:00am to head towards the Airport. I could see the Thai people already set up with their little stalls and bike stands, steam & flavours coming from hot pots, ready to serve for breakfast.
Our 7:30am flight with Bangkok Air from Bangkok to the Island of Koh Samui was shorter than my conversations and the view of dotted islands out the window generated a warm smile of anticipation.
We were at Koh Samui.
The Land of Smiles!
( one hour flight only)
We were welcomed by our hosts and ushered to an awaiting private yacht" named so appropriately "dreamcatcher".
We sailed the varying blue seas, heading to the Island of Koh Phangan, with no motor on, we cruised calmly, letting the warm waters flicker up under the trampoline netting to cool you down, lying in the sun. OK, after a while, some people got sick, majority, well everyone except myself and the two crew. Obviously they are land lovers! Had the yacht to myself - Heaven!
As we came into Cocohut Resort on Koh Phangan just around the corner from where they have full moon parties, the calmness of the island and sheer natural beauty is overwhelming. Postcard Perfect!
The waters were warm and the palm trees are appointed perfectly on the beach, ready to have hammocks, shade and a must have SWING!
With a walk around the resort, we were delighted with the beach front villas, some in front of the pool, others with their own pool. The view and beach was perfect, the sand soft under foot and the Bar & Spa not more than 20 steps away. What more could you want!
A lot of couples enjoying the sun and water, perfect Honeymoon Destination!
We had a swim & complained to our TAT rep Nang that we did not want go and we refused to leave the ocean's warm water. We were only coaxed out of the water by the promise of Thai food at the finest Resort Restaurant in Koh Samui.
Heading back to Koh Samui, motor running (because of sleeping people inside) I sat at the front of the yacht, by myself and captain jack sparrow navigating, yes, he did look like him.
I felt the cooling breeze, smelt the salt air and witnessed natural beauty in all its glory. I saw some dolphins, or big flying fish, either way, they were playing in the warm waters, enjoying the day.
We arrived at the Glorious, highly traditional and luxe Resort Nora Buri Resort in Chaweng Beach. The detailed entrance lounge was WOW and our traditional Coconut drink was cool and waiting with our aromic lei made of orchids. Purple seems to be a reoccurring colour in Thailand.
We were taken down to the beach area where the sister resort is also located called "Nora Beach Resort" and we were treated to the most incredibly well presented, delicious Thai food that I have ever seen. I personally believe we had everything on that menu sitting on the table infront of us. Seafood from every crustacean to well presented gourmet extravaganzas culminating into a feast for the Gods! Yes, I was in Heaven.
After lunch we were placed on a buggy to a vertical ascend to an oasis called our villa. Upon entering the wooden gates, I was gobsmacked by the view, the room and decor, the bathroom and outside shower. But the view from my very own infinity pool just off my bed (5 steps, yes I counted) overlooking Chaweng Beach and the outer islands blew me into the water literally. I'm not going back home. Room 804 stole my heart.
The little things in the room made it so welcoming. Homemade biscuits in a large jar, dried paw paw beside the bed, fresh flowers on the table.
But that view and pool! Why leave your room? This is the place for Honeymooners. They will even deliver breakfast to Honeymooners because why would couples want to get up early to get to the breakfast dining. You want time together, you got it!
Massages had been organised at Chaweng Beach Regent Resort for
2 hrs. I had Annette from Thai the knot weddings in the same room as myself and her loud snoring was testament enough to say how relaxed she was and how good they were.
A stroll along the lively Chaweng walking street where the shopping, bars and nightclubs are buzzing with fun and frivolity.
The ladyboys are dressed provativatly but are very friendly and are always at ready to pose for a photo.
The next day we headed to Bo phut Beach for some lunch overlooking the beach & Yachts. Walking along the Beach Bvld, we had a quick look at Hansur Resort, absolutely stunning position, with their pool and location.
We headed to the TAT Amazing Thailand Trade meet at the stunning Anantara Koh Samui Resort. The rain fell and the outside setup was moved indoors.
The trade meet was productive and worthwhile. Speaking with over 40 5 star resorts from Koh Samui and surrounding Islands on their products and services for the Australian market.
Anantara Resort is perfectly positioned on Bo phut Beach and offers that most amazing pool area and a very funny weather station.
The beach was setup to show what you can have for a beach wedding, compliments of Bliss weddings.
After a long day, we were invited to W hotel for a site visit and try their original cocktails and dinner while listening to cool tunes by renowned DJ's that own their label. They have a $60,000 speaker that can isolate areas for the music to play, even in the open area. However, sitting in their seating area, in a pool was an experience. Very hip, stream line and pop cultured hotel. It is the intrinsic details of art, the quality of furniture and stylistic high end look that is attractive. Gay friendly resort and for anyone the travel with a little suitcase just for your expensive watches to match your outfit. I know these people!
The following day, we headed for the Thai inspired, I say this as it felt more like a museum of past history, Restaurant called 'Happy Elephant' in Bo Phut Beach.
Beautiful food, great location with the water lapping up to the restaurant and relics of the past and of course, Elephants everywhere.
Heading to the Airport, we did not want to leave such a beautiful place.
The land of smiles is a warm hug wrapped up in endless awe.
Koh Samui was kind to us and I felt privileged to have met her and the people that care and nurture her.
Make it your mission to visit, it is truly the place for couples and lovers of life!
Thankyou to Annette Fyfe, Anita Gatley, Nang, Hayley Gough
Some pictures were taken by the talented Nang, who was fantastic travel guide/professional photographer. Thankyou!