May / jun 2016.

Run For It

The annual Four Seasons Cancer Care Charity Fun Run.

Mystic Mountain Up in Samui’s hills, the Magic Garden is a place where myths have literally become rock-solid.

A Warm Welcome

Editor

Graeme Malley graeme@siammap.com

Graphic Designer

Jit-anong Sae-ung - Zign

Photographer

Akaphon Phongninlaarphon - Don

Feature Writer Rob De Wet

Feature Writer Dimitri Waring

Feature Writer Karan Ladd

Webmaster

Seksak Kerdkanno - Klauy

Sales & Marketing Director Nipawan Chuaysagul - Ning 0 898 783 891

ning@siammap.com

Financial Director

Kasper Bjørk kasper@siammap.com

Managing Director Henrik Bjørk henrik@siammap.com

Siam Map Company Ltd.

52/6 Samui Ring Road, Moo 3 Bo Phut, Koh Samui, 84320, Thailand Tel: 0 7742 2201 Fax: 0 7741 3523 E-mail: info@siammap.com www.siammap.com

A very warm one – because this is the hottest time of the year on Koh Samui. The sea is cool and tempting, but do take care; lots of sun-block is the order of the day.

Many of you will know all about this anyway. Because the excitement has been building for a while now and, on 21st May, Samui will burst into action around the coast and on the water. This is the occasion of the 15th annual Samui Regatta, and it coincides with the final leg of the Asian Yachting Grand Prix. All over Southeast Asia, points have been building throughout the year, and this is the event which decides the overall winners.

And then, for something totally different, keep your ears open! May sees the annual Samui Bike Week.

And the roar of long processions of hogs, choppers and superbikes will be in the air, as they tour around the ring-road. Hundreds of people will travel from all over Thailand and from Singapore and Malaysia, all in aid of charity.

Another very important event is happening in June, but of quite a different sort altogether. On May 20th it’s the Solstice. And this, according to Buddhist tradition, corresponds to the birth of the Lord Buddha. It also happens to be the point, years later, when he attained enlightenment, and then also the day upon which he eventually died. The temples will be the centre of activity for a week, with street processions and even orange candles burning in your hotel – watch out for them!

All Rights Reserved

Reproduction or use of editorial or pictorial content in any manner is prohibited without written permision from Siam Map Company Ltd. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this publication, Siam Map Company Ltd. assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.

Siam Map Company Ltd. 2016

Distribution at Bangkok Airport courtesy of Bangkok Airways.

Reservation Center: 1771 Samui Chaweng Office: 0 7760 1300 www.bangkokair.com

Please recycle or pass on to a friend.

soak up the serenity

1 & 2 Bedroom Villas starting from 2,490THB

Escape to Boujis Boutique Resort, an intimate cliffside retreat of 14 luxury villas with unparalleled ocean views of Chaweng.

Located Cliffside between Chaweng & Lamai - call 077 448 544

Mediterranean Cuisine Cuisine Mediterranean Amidst Amidstaapanoramic panoramicdreamscape dreamscapethat thatoverlooks overlooks the the pristine pristine Crystal Crystal Bay, Bay, The TheCliff Cliffwarmly warmlyinvites invitesyou youtotoaatruly trulyunforgettable unforgettable dining dining experience experience on on Koh Koh Samui.

Samui.

www.thecliffsamui.com

Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2014 & 2015 2014

2015

HAPA 2011 - 2013 Most Exquisite Dining Experience Most Trendy Casual Dining Restaurant Of The Year

2005

2006

2007

2009

2011

2013

2014

2015

"Thailand's Best Restaurants" 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2014 & 2015

Reservations Essential For reservations please call 077 448 508 Bar daily 12pm - 2am

www.thecliffsamui.com

Kitchen opens 12pm - 10pm.

Choeng Mon

OPEN DAILY 09:30 AM - 06:00 PM Pink Elephant Samui Waterpark Maenam Soi 1, Koh Samui, Suratthani 84320 Tel: 077423548, 077270809

Email: samuiwp@gmail.com samuiwaterpark@gmail.com Web: www.samuiwaterpark.asia Facebook: www.facebook.com/waterparksamui IG: samuiwaterpark

Nathon

Chaweng

Maenam Soi 1

Immigration Office

Kwankao Restaurant

Kirikayan Luxury Pool Villas & Spa

Avanta Condominium

Samui Quads Buffalo Raceway

Paintball

CONTENTS 54

82

18 Mystic Mountain

Up in Samui’s hills, the Magic Garden is a

60

place where myths have literally become rock-solid.

66

72

32 Tip of The Iceberg

Samui Aquarium & Tiger Zoo offers a great alternative to the beach.

All About The Mall

A look at why the practice of Thai Buddhism seems to range from saintly to strange!

A favourite Italian restaurant, Prego, gets a complete makeover.

54 Tank up with Wildlife

106 Run For It The annual Four Seasons Cancer Care Charity Fun Run.

112

82

88

Getting married on Samui is a lot easier than you think – and more fun.

124 Top Spot Narai Kiri offer unparalleled holidays in a unique hilltop location.

Out of This World This special spa package at Hansar’s LUXSA Spa will lift you right out of your body!

94

118 Saying ‘I Do’ in Thailand

Travel Fare RockPool’s brand new chef, Lucas Varin, is rewarding diners with enticingly good food.

Big, Bold, Brash Abidingly popular, Maenam’s weekly night market is guaranteed to pull in the crowds.

Impiana Translated You might not know the name, but the Impiana Resort is right up there with the best – and offers a lot more than you might expect.

78 A Life of its Own

36 Transformers

Next time you’re in Lamai, slow down for a treat – Waterline is easy to get to but not easy to spot!

Samui with Sa-ard’s Watersport Center.

It’s always time to relax at Central Festival Samui – whether you’re there to shop or not.

Social crutch or sheer generosity? Tipping turns out to be fiendishly complex.

48 On The Line

Beach Chic

Water World Explore the extraordinary world surrounding

Beach Republic - not quite a country, but certainly a state of mind.

Eranda Herbal Spa, the spa with a view.

A guide to health and fitness options on Samui.

100

It’s all going on at Morya Pharmacies.

26 Magical View, Magical Hands

42 Aerobics to Zumba

New Stores, New Concepts, New Products

118

130

No Pain, Plenty to Gain Profit from your holidays and let Bangkok Samui Dental Clinic’s professionals improve your teeth and your looks.

134 The Last Leg Bigger and better each time around – a look at this year’s Samui Regatta!

T H E

H O M E

O F

I N S P I R E D

I N T E R I O R S

Phuket 424 Srisoonthorn Rd. Cherngtalay Tel/Fax: +66 (0) 76 325 419

Samui 9/18 Moo1 Maenam Tel/Fax: +66 (0) 77 247 675

info@oriental-living.net

www.oriental-living.net

Island Insight An overall guide to Samui’s towns, villages, beaches and hotspots.

Samui is an idyllic tropical paradise. A blend of traditional Thai hospitality and remote island life has joined hands with modern traveller expectations. But the towns, villages and interior are home to much more than just luxury resorts, restaurants, bars and retail shops. And whilst the main beaches are recognised as some of the best in the world, there are also secluded coves and magical hideaways around many corners – if you know where to look. And this quick guide will point you in the right direction.

Chaweng

Chaweng’s main beach is five kilometres in length and is lined with 5-star luxury resorts, boutique hotels, budget accommodation and great oceanfront restaurants.

Behind the resorts, the Chaweng Beach Road is filled with restaurants, bars, spas, shops, street stalls and mobile food vendors. The lake sits to the rear of them and is a wonderful place for an early morning walk or jog. Near the southern end of the lake is the Soi Reggae entertainment area which also has two Muay Thai boxing stadiums, a temple guarded by carved monkeys and the huge Laem Din market complex. All manner of fresh produce is delivered here every day and the adjoining Dow Seafood market is a hive of activity from the early hours.

Lamai

Samui’s second most popular beach is around four kilometres long and the waters are perfect for swimming. There’s plenty of choice in accommodation, restaurants, bars, spas and health resorts. It also has a free Muay Thai event every Saturday and just off the Beach Road there’s a children’s water park. Wat Lamai is home to a cultural centre and museum that houses artifacts of Samui life before the advent of tourism. On Sundays there’s a ‘Walking Street’ along part of the Beach Road.

And just outside of Lamai town on the ring-road is the famous Hin Ta-Hin Yai rock formations that has dozens of small local Thai restaurants around it.

12 l www.samuiholiday.com

Mae Nam

Nestled on the northern shores of the island, Mae Nam Beach stretches for several kilometres and overlooks the neighbouring island of Koh Pha-Ngan. High-end resorts and beach bungalows are dotted along the coast and many visitors love it for its peacefulness, soft golden sands and wonderful views. It has seven side streets that meander into the mountains: from Soi 1 you can follow the road over the mountains all the way to Lamai; Soi 4 has a ‘Walking Street’ every Thursday from mid-afternoon and also houses an ornate Chinese temple overlooking the beach and a large Buddhist temple set a few hundred metres back from the ringroad; Soi 5 has a tree-top canopy adventure theme park a few kilometres into the hills; there’s a buffalo fighting stadium a couple of hundred metres off the main road between Soi 5 and Soi 6; an early morning market is also in Soi 6; an evening market near to Soi 7; and the world-class Santiburi Golf Course in the hills above Soi 7. There’re dozens of bars and restaurants in Mae Nam, many of which are on side roads that lead down to the ocean. And at the western end of the beach the Lomprayah ferry takes passengers to the neighbouring islands several times a day.

NathoN

This is the island’s main administrative centre and the major ferry port for boats to and from the mainland. There’re some hotels but it’s more a town you would visit for an afternoon rather than stay in. Beside the terminal, there’s a local food market every day from mid-afternoon until late in the evening. Along what is known as the ‘middle road’ there’re old teak shop-houses and small businesses and a ‘Walking Street’ on Saturdays. And on the one-way road that goes through the town there’re dozens of shops and restaurants. Just off the main road there’s an ornate Chinese temple and garden in Soi 4. And near the far end there’s a renowned open-air duck restaurant – just follow the crowds around lunchtime.

Bo Phut

Bo Phut is best known for Fisherman’s Village. It’s a single narrow street that still has authentic wooden houses that Samui folk have lived in for generations. Parts of it have been modernized but it’s still awash with local foods, international restaurants, bars, shops and market stalls. It becomes one huge ‘Walking Street’ every Friday and you’ll find lots of local delicacies that few other restaurants have. Along with small hotels, there’re several 5-star luxury resorts at the far end and the beach curves around a large bay that also overlooks Koh Pha-Ngan.

And small speedboats leave from the village pier heading for the Full Moon parties that take place there every month.

Big Buddha and Plai Laem

The magnificent golden Big Buddha statue that watches over the island from the north-east corner of Samui is one of the first things you see as you fly into Samui Airport. Built on a tiny island (Koh Farn) with a connecting causeway, it’s the most iconic image of the island. Many Thais pray at the temple so dressing and acting appropriately is expected when you enter the site. There’re some very good Thai restaurants and small stores around the temple. It also affords some beautiful views and along the road from it you’ll see another large Buddha image at Wat Plai Laem. Half-way along the road between the temples is a side road that cuts through to Choeng Mon. Down this road there’s access to some quiet secluded beaches, although some of them are through resorts.

Choeng Mon

Choeng Mon lies just 15 minutes or so from the middle of Chaweng but it seems like worlds away. There’s a small town that the road runs through with a couple of dozen restaurants and bars. The beach is a favourite for many locals as it’s quiet, picturesque and safe for swimming most of the year round. There’s every class of accommodation with some old-style beach bungalows at one end. And they all overlook the tiny deserted island of Koh Farn Noi which you can walk out to if the tide is low.

www.samuiholiday.com l 13

Bang Rak

In between Fisherman’s Village and Big Buddha is where you’ll find Bang Rak. There’s a few very good resorts and some private villas for rent along the beachfront that stretches around for several kilometres and has stunning views.

Bars and restaurants line the main street and there’re two piers. The one nearest to Big Buddha has daily ferries to Koh Pha-Ngan, Koh Tao and on to the mainland port of Chumpon, from which a VIP bus takes passengers to Hua Hin and on to Bangkok. Start to finish, it’s a 12-hour journey with about half of it on the boat.

Just beside the ferry terminal in Bang Rak is one of the busiest fish markets on the island. Local fishermen drop their catches here and the place is bustling with people all day long. At the other end of town there’s a short-cut into Chaweng on a road called Soi Bond Kai (which the locals refer to as the ‘Ghost Road’).

Taling Ngam and Lipa Noi

The south-west part of the island is known as the ‘Virgin Coast’. It’s largely unspoiled with lots of secluded bays, although most of the shoreline tends to be rocky. The west coast overlooks the famous ‘five islands’ and some of the closer islands of the Angthong National Marine Park (which is a perfect getaway for a day’s boat trip excursion). In this part of the island there’re some hotels, private villas for rent, up-market and local restaurants and several temples of note, including two that house a mummified monk. A second car ferry terminal is located in Lipa Noi and, like the one in Nathon, boats to and from Donsak on the mainland arrive and depart every hour from 5:00 am until 6:00 pm (check for details). And inland on the island’s main ring-road there’re several large waterfall sites and a safari park with elephant trekking, animal shows and adventure tours. Further along, next to the Ford and Mazda dealers is a new Butterfly and Insect Kingdom Park.

14 l www.samuiholiday.com

Hua Thanon

This predominately muslim village is home to the descendants of some of the island’s earliest settlers. There’s still a thriving fishing fleet and fish market and a natural coastline that’s survived the ravages of time. Just after the village (coming from Lamai) you can turn off the ring-road to the left and signs will direct you to the nearby Tiger Zoo, Aquarium and Sea-life Show, the Butterfly Farm, the Snake Farm and the local Rum Distillery.

Thong Krut

With its brightly coloured fishing boats and backdrop of small islands to the one side, and coconut plantations to the other, Thong Krut is a picturesque little village.

Located in the southwest corner of the island, this is where you’ll come if you’re after a long-tail boat to take you to the nearby islands of Koh Tan and Koh Matsum.

Lining the shore you’ll find a selection of simple restaurants offering Thai food, and particularly good seafood, as well as tour operators offering trips to the islands.

The Interior

Samui predominately consists of hills, mountains and coconut plantations. And few visitors make the time to appreciate its hidden beauty. One way to do so is to take the turning into Mae Nam Soi 1. A new road has recently been constructed that goes over the mountains all the way to Lamai. The drive is only about 20-25 minutes over 15 kilometres with a couple of stopping off areas that offer fabulous views. Another way to really get the full picture of Samui is from Tar Nim’s Magic Garden at the top of one of the island’s highest peaks. Built during a 25-year period by a local farmer the stone statues in the garden were sculpted by hand and sit over 2,000 feet above the beaches below.

AS FEATURED IN

AS FEATURED ON

CHILL DIFFER ENT

Reservations: 077 458 100

/ BeachRepublic

MYSTIC MOUNTAIN Up in Samui’s hills, the Magic Garden is a place where myths have literally become rock-solid.

18 l www.samuiholiday.com

www.samuiholiday.com l 19

Have you ever been to Iceland? It’s very common there for people to believe in elves; many people say they’ve seen them. In one case, a new road that was being built had to make a small detour because local residents were worried that elves lived at that spot and shouldn’t be disturbed by traffic. So the road was duly re-routed to keep the locals, both people and elves, content. To hear such things might cause some people to raise their eyebrows in mirth. But for every sceptic there’ll be a dozen or more people who believe in the mythical world. In the case of Thailand, it’s the majority of the country.

Once you’ve arrived here, you’ll see that most people really do believe in spirits and other-worldly beings; just look at the spirit houses that you see everywhere. Even as Thailand rushes forward to embrace the modern world, it still equally embraces the unseen one. Legend and myth are still crucial to the country and its people, and it’s up to the individual to decide exactly how real that unseen world is.

On Samui, retired farmer Ta Nim, decided that the myths and legends of his country deserved to be portrayed as realistically as possible. Books

20 l www.samuiholiday.com

and films described them, so why not entire landscapes? He had a plot of land up in the mountains, and spent the last years of his life seeking to create a wilderness garden filled with carvings from the Ramakhian, the cycle of legends that’s based on the Ramayana. An entire mountain valley has been given over to mythical beings. You don’t need to simply imagine that they’re there; you can go see them and touch them. The experience is a mysterious one and is completely different from anything you may have so far seen on Samui. The sculpture-filled valley is generally known as the Magic Garden, but you’ll also hear it referred to as Heaven’s Garden.

Ta Nim, though old, had immense determination. The valley is high up in the mountains and is a remote spot. Difficult enough territory to turn into any kind of garden at all, let alone one that’s given over to countless statues. Yet he persevered, making the statues right until the end of his life. His creativity was matched by his technical skills as a sculptor – the statues are incredibly detailed and life-like. Though fixed in place, they give the illusion of being full of movement. Some seem to be on the point of beginning an archaic dance, while others resemble the animals

seen in some mad dream, contorted and too large for life, and just about to shake their wings or flex their claws. You won’t see all of the statues unless you look very, very hard, as some are camouflaged by the greenery around them, while others are found in out of the way places that the eye simply misses. You’ll have to come here a good few times before you can say you’ve seen everything.

While you’re in the garden, you’ll want to take plenty of photos. The statues are works of art and have a mesmerizing quality about them.

And there are so many that they greatly outnumber the visitors that have come to see them. In the garden you always have the uncanny feeling that your movements are being watched and that you’re not alone. You’ll maybe want to spin round just to check that the statue behind you hasn’t somehow inched closer or assumed a different position. It’s that sort of a place. It’s bound to bring out the child in you and stimulate your imagination. The photos you’ll take, however, will also have a sense of the real about them, something poignant, too, that suggests a world just out of reach of our own that has suddenly, and for just a moment, become visible.

www.samuiholiday.com l 21

You’ll ask yourself at some point what exactly Ta Nim really believed in and saw. Was he simply recreating in stone some favourite legends? Or was he so driven to sculpt them because he wanted to drive home the point that these beings – or something like them - really existed and still exist? It’s a hard question to answer. Conveniently, if you so wish, you might dismiss him as mad, and his garden no more than a bucolic folly.

Whatever you end up thinking, the garden remains an enigma, a monument to the unseen world. It’s a pleasure to come up here, and there’s nothing earnest or ponderous about it. Though the statues are made of stone, there’s a lightness about them, at times a sense of merriment. Even some of the more warlike representations seem extremely spirited. It’s a joyous place. Even the journey there turns out to be more fun than it should have a right to be.

To get to the Magic Garden, you’ll first need to go to Ban Saket, in the south-west of Samui. It’s on the ring-road and you’ll need to aim for the turn-off to Ban Taling Ngam. Almost right by the turn-off you’ll see a Chevrolet showroom, and here you should turn off the ring-road in the direction of the hills and follow the concrete road. After a while you’ll come to a military camp and a checkpoint, but don’t be alarmed; you’ll simply be waved through, as this is a public road. It’s also one of the few good roads that allow you to get to the heart of the island. Continue on up the road until you come to the signs for the garden.

The Magic Garden is one of the most unusual sights you’ll see on Samui, but sadly it seems to be left out of many guidebooks, or only mentioned in passing. With its lively depiction of Thai mythical beings, it’s definitely worth a visit. It’s an experience that is quite beguiling, and will also be an introduction to the interior of the island, something that few visitors ever see. It can also be combined with a visit to neighbouring Paradise Park Farm or the south of the island. But whatever you decide to do, the Magic Garden is definitely not to be missed.

Dimitri Waring

The magic is real, naturally.

.

.

rock pools herbal steam cave superb massage 080 569 6654, 098 963 6449, 084 469 4042

.

www.tamarindsprings.com koh Samui thailand Sparadise Ltd. ºÃÔÉÑ· Ê»ÒÃÒä´« ¨Ó¡Ñ´

26 l www.samuiholiday.com

MAGICAL VIEW, MAGICAL HANDS Eranda Herbal Spa, the spa with a view.

Eranda Herbal Spa is set high on a breezy mountainside, amongst more than 7,000 square metres of palm trees and beautiful tropical gardens, with views over the turquoise blue waters of the Gulf of Thailand. The location is truly exceptional, and epitomises the luxury of a natural spa experience. Here you enter a magical garden of cascading and tinkling waterfalls, stunning architecture made of natural materials with thatch-roofed circular salas, as well as air-conditioned treatment rooms, stone walkways and stepping stones leading you up through the spa grounds and gardens, graceful, polite and attentive staff and of course, those spectacular ocean views. All this adds to the atmosphere of calm, peace and tranquillity at this very special and extremely serene spa.

Eranda Spa has been running since 2002, so they have had plenty of time to perfect and enhance their trade. Only natural products are used, together with traditional treatments, and only the most qualified, friendly therapists are chosen to be part of the Eranda team. The masseuses are all trained at Wat Po in Bangkok, the Thai authority for massage. After qualifying, they undergo a six-month probation period, when they practise only on other members of staff and learn to blend the Thai massage with western techniques. In a final exam, they have to give a massage to the spa owner. If they pass, and not everyone does, only then will they be certified by Eranda to work with their guests. You may think that it is relatively easy to get a massage on Samui, which is true, but what is not so easy is to find a fully qualified, experienced and exceptional masseuse.

There are many different body and facial massages and treatments to choose from, as well as the herbal steam cave and plunge pool or Jacuzzi experience. Prices are all very affordable and excellent value for money.

You can choose from many different massage styles: ancient Thai, hot stone, luk pra kob (hot herbal compress), as well as Eranda’s own signature massage. This is a whole body oil massage and is extremely relaxing and very therapeutic. There are also body wraps and scrubs along with facial treatments such as the Pure Gold Eranda Facial. The sublimely blissful packages will ensure that you are relaxed and pampered for anything from two and a half hours up to five hours, depending on which one you choose.

Holiday experiences don’t get much better than that. If you are unsure what to choose, the spa manager is always on hand to help you decide which treatments or package would be best for you.

www.samuiholiday.com l 27

The most popular package is the Samui Sensation. It is three hours of total bliss (including 25 minutes for changing and drinking tea afterwards) and includes; 30 minutes in the steam cave and plunge pool area, a 90 minute full body oil massage (Eranda’s Signature Massage) and an additional 35 minute facial or foot massage at an open air sala or in an air-conditioned room. So what should you expect if you book this package?

Firstly you will be asked if you require transport to the spa. Eranda offers a free round-trip pick-up service from your resort or villa in the surrounding areas of Chaweng, Bophut and Choeng Mon. Please check that they can accommodate if you are in another area of Samui. The driver will arrive in the Eranda branded mini-bus and deliver you safely, calmly and directly to the spa, all ready to de-stress and unwind. When you arrive at the reception sala, you are greeted by friendly staff that will welcome you and greet you by name, as well as offering you an iced and deliciously cooling ginger and tamarind drink. Take a look around here; it is a beautiful round and thatched open area, with a fantastic view over the trees to the ocean. Your serene and relaxing Eranda experience has already begun. A number of different oils will be presented to you, smell them all and decide which one appeals to you most, this will be used in your massage. You are then presented with a natural woven bag containing everything you need for your spa experience; a key for your locker, two sarongs (which you are shown how to wear), disposable underwear and a towel. You don’t need to bring anything of your own. Everything is explained in a clear and concise way as you are shown through to the changing area, where you will find your locker, shower area and toilet. When you emerge on the other side, comfortably dressed in your sarong, you are given a pair of sandals to wear around the spa.

Now you are attired perfectly, and your masseuse will lead you up to the herbal steam cave and plunge pool area. She will explain that the recommended time in the steam cave is five minutes, followed by five minutes in the plunge pool and then repeat. She will be waiting nearby in case you have any problems or lose track of the time. The steam cave is beautifully scented with lemongrass and lime, and the temperature rises to a maximum of 43 degrees. Inside, there are wooden benches at different heights, sit high if you like it hot, or stay low if you are unsure of the heat. When you have had enough, emerge and take a dip in the cooling plunge pool whilst admiring all the tropical gardens that surround you. When you are ready, head back to the steam room. After you have had your last plunge in the pool, it is time to shower and get really clean before your massage. But first, enjoy relaxing in your fresh and dry sarong with a cup of tea or glass of water and some delicious local-made pineapple jam cookies. Now you are really ready for that massage.

Your masseuse will lead you to your chosen massage area for two hours of blissful serenity. There is very low-level music playing in the background to set the atmosphere, but the main sounds you hear are the natural, harmonious sounds of waterfalls tinkling and birds tweeting. The Eranda Signature Massage from your trained and experienced masseuse is a truly magical experience. The best of western and Thai techniques are employed with a whole body oil massage. Your masseuse will adapt the pressure until it is just perfect for you. So just relax, give yourself permission to feel the calm and blissful serenity that is experienced with a well-trained and expert masseuse. After 90 minutes, don’t worry, you still have another 35 minutes of either a facial or foot massage to enjoy.

www.samuiholiday.com l 29

When it is time to begin descending slowly from your cloud of tranquillity, you are led back to the changing area. You can decide to leave the natural massage oils working their magic on your body or take a shower. All shower, hair and body gels, lotions and potions are available for you to use if you wish. When you are ready and there is no rush here, you emerge back into the reception area and are served with honey tea, and more of those delightful little pineapple jam biscuits. Just take your time to bring your senses back to the real world. The reception area also sells the same products that the spa uses. On display are natural soaps, shampoo, massage oil, tiger balms and even mosquito repellent. When you are ready and able, the driver will deliver you safely and calmly back to your resort or villa, where maybe a session by the pool is now called for.

This package is currently on promotion at an extremely fantastic price of 3,100 baht per person! Every treatment is listed on the Eranda website, along with detailed information. You can ask questions or book by phone or through their website. All queries are answered quickly and proficiently by fluent English speakers.

Eranda actively promotes green awareness, and prides itself on its 30 l www.samuiholiday.com

natural setting that is only available at the best spas in the world. It has won various awards including “The Award of Outstanding Performance for Health Tourism� from the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The spa is also a proud and dedicated member of the Thai Spa Association and the Samui Spa Association.

So where is this award winning, calm and tranquil green environment, with that magical view and ocean breezes, with those highly trained masseuses with their magical hands? It is located in the very north of Chaweng. If you are travelling from central Chaweng, stay on the beach road for about a kilometre after Samui International Hospital. You will find the entrance on the left-hand side before going up the last part of the steep hill that then leads down into Choeng Mon. Opening hours are from 9:00 am until 9:00 pm, and the quietest time is in the morning.

Relax and enjoy the magic!

Karan Ladd _______________________________________ For reservations or further information, telephone 0 7730 0321-4. www.erandaspa.com

Welcome to Morya Pharmacy, your one-stop healthcare destination on Samui. 欢迎来到苏梅岛度假胜地之一的 Morya Pharmacy The new definition of a full service pharmacy. 以全方位服务理念为新定义的药房

The best and largest range of healthcare and organic products, gifts and souvenirs on Samui. 是苏梅岛规模最大，产品最优的生产有机产品、 礼品和纪念品的制造保健中心

OF THE ICEBERG Social crutch or sheer generosity? Tipping turns out to be fiendishly complex.

The steak was being borne across the dining room on what looked like a roofing tile. The waiter was frowning with concentration, and I could see why: the steak came with gravy. A big, glutinous, wobbly dollop of it that seemed ready to slide off the tile. Maybe the chef had miscalculated on the glugginess of the gravy. Maybe the waiter just wasn’t skilled enough to keep the tile 100% horizontal (who would be?) and it really was a roofing tile. As he placed it on the table, I watched the gravy make a dash for the edge, burst through the skin that held it together and splatter into my lap.

Between plate and trousers it seemed magically to have tripled in volume. The waiter was aghast and was soon joined by the manager. We got some complimentary desserts that night, and enthusiastic apologies.

At the end of the meal, as I usually do, I left a tip for the waiter. I walked around with the gluggy trousers on for the rest of the evening, a reminder of what had happened. This was the United States, and tipping was expected. Regardless of that, I tend to tip anyway. I was sure that the incident wouldn’t happen again to anyone else, but besides, it wasn’t my job to teach anyone a lesson concerning the usage of roofing tiles.

But wearing cold trousers for an evening, and seeing passers-by look in disgust (that gravy could not have been browner) did make me question the custom of tipping. And years later, as I write this article, I still haven’t really formulated a definite opinion about it. Strange that. After all, it doesn’t appear to be a complicated issue, but it turns out to defy analysis.

Is tipping a gift of money to say thank you, or is it simply part of a payment for services rendered? Then of course, it all depends on which country you’re visiting and what kind of establishment.

back. And apparently in the United States, some consumers confessed they tipped more if the waitress was attractive. (Waiters, by the way, don’t get tipped extra for being handsome, it appears.)

And there’s no doubt about it, tipping is a very, very grey area. Some people say that the very act of tipping – supposedly a generous gesture – fosters poverty, because employers can get away with lower, and in some cases unfair wages, and tell the employees that they’ll be making large tips.

You might be as surprised as I was to learn that in the Soviet Union (surely at the forefront of class struggle) that tipping was really frowned upon. You were definitely not helping anyone by tipping. Gratuities were a vestige of the old capitalist system – the very system that had caused so much unrest.

Instead everyone deserved a fair wage.

But what, you’ll want to know, is the situation here in Thailand? The first thing to be aware of is that wages in Thailand are low. Most people work very long hours and for little remuneration. It’s quite common for workers to have no days off at all during high season. But despite the low wages, it turns out that tipping is a relatively new custom in Thailand; there’s no mandate to give a tip to anyone. However, in all restaurants it’s usual to leave behind any loose change in coins. In more upscale restaurants, if the service is good, it’s customary to leave a larger tip of 5%-10%.

Nobody has ever managed to eradicate tipping. It’s been around since the Middle Ages, when the British, staying as guests in someone else’s house, would give money to the servants who had helped them. In those days, there were a lot of servants, and each had to have a tip, called a ‘vail’. Over the years, the tips were given to fewer of the servants. And in today’s world, when tips aren’t given to all and sundry, the mystery is why some professions have been left out of the tipping programme. Waiters and waitresses all expect to get a tip in many parts of the world, but what about those who’re slaving away behind the scenes – the cooks, for example.

Are they really on a good wage? And what about the person washing the dishes? Definitely a low-paid job, that, and usually no tips find their way to the person slaving over the sink.

Recent research showed that nearly 15% of America’s 2.4 million waiters and waitresses live in poverty, compared to 7% of all workers. That’s an enormous number. Yet, despite this, tipping was once considered demeaning and anti-American. In modern times some media outlets have slated tipping, and have called it an abomination. The New York Times’ restaurant reviewer, Pete Wells, said the current tipping system in the USA “is irrational, outdated, prone to abuse and sometimes discriminatory. The people who take care of us in restaurants deserve a better system.”

In saying this, he’s backed up by research. Tips are arbitrary, and some people get more than others. Studies show that diners tip more when a waitress wears ornamentation in her hair, or when the server repeats orders

34 l www.samuiholiday.com

Whatever, the truth is, it’s outweighed by the fact that waiting staff don’t generally earn well. In many countries, tips are really desperately needed because workers just aren’t paid a decent wage by their employers, and it’s only because of tips that they can get by.

It’s certain that if you give a tip, it will be greatly appreciated. If you’re in a hotel, for example, the waiting staff will be very happy if you leave a tip.

So too will the person who carries your bags to your room. Similarly you can leave money under your pillow for the cleaning staff – it can take, after all, up to 45 minutes to thoroughly clean a room. Many restaurants and hotels on Samui already include a 10% service charge in the bill. The idea is that this extra money is pooled and shared between all employees.

Some people, knowing how low wages are, give tips to just about everyone. Occasionally, a Thai will try to give you back your tip, simply thinking you have made a mistake. It’s certainly become customary to tip some people more substantially, for example, hairdressers and masseuses, who may well earn only a small wage. It’s up to you how much you leave but many customers will add in another 100 Baht if they’re happy with the service.

Tipping is part of the global culture, and despite occasional efforts to ban it in places, it always bounces back. It’s here to stay. And in Thailand, it’s gaining ground. With the country’s abysmal wages and the fact that all workers are expected to help support their families by sending money home, your tip goes a long, long way both metaphorically and physically.

On Samui most workers come from the poorest part of the country, Isaan, and they’re usually a life-line for the rest of the family. You can be sure that your tip always counts.

Dimitri Waring

36 l www.samuiholiday.com

TRANSFORMERS A favourite Italian restaurant, Prego, gets a complete makeover.

www.samuiholiday.com l 37

In 2003, a top-notch Italian chef, Marco Boscaini, came to Samui and helped set up one of the island’s first Italian restaurants, the simply named Prego. Given his passion and dedication, people knew it would be successful, but they had no idea to what degree. In its first nights it exceeded expectations, and very soon became one of the first restaurants on Samui to raise the culinary flag for quality Italian dining.

Prego’s success has continued ever since, and the restaurant has made a name for itself as an excellent place to eat, drink and enjoy all things Italian.

Recently however, it closed its doors. Not because it had fallen out of fashion or favour. If its lights went dark, it was only because after a dozen years in operation, it was being given a total makeover.

And total means precisely that. Everything changed. Marco and the Prego team have transformed the lot. From floor to ceiling, the entire restaurant has been redone. Its tables, seats, colours have all been changed, as well as all the plates and cutlery – right down to the tiniest teaspoon for espresso. It’s still in the same place, opposite Amari Koh Samui on Chaweng’s beach road, in the northern part of town. Opening

38 l www.samuiholiday.com

hours are incidentally slightly changed - from midday to midnight, daily.

It’s decidedly bigger and better. There’s a nice bar and lounge facing the road, and as a new part of the dining room, an air-conditioned section for those nights when the temperature soars. All other areas are agreeably cooled by fans, and the entire restaurant is open to the breezes. The kitchen has also been totally changed, and is now in a new area, with all the equipment having been especially imported from Italy.

Marco is still at the helm. He’s still cooking the same types of dishes that his diners love so much, and you’ll find all the favourites have been kept, while other dishes have been fine-tuned. And naturally there are plenty of new ones that have been added. The staff continue to be extremely welcoming, and offer top-notch service throughout the meal. They are discreetly on hand should you need them, and they’re very skilled at anticipating your wants and needs.

Prego has improved itself across the board in one massive step. And now it’s opened its doors again, you’d expect the trumpets to come out for the occasion, with some sort of fanfare. But it’s been a quiet affair,

and Prego has let its diners judge for themselves. The feedback is all good. People like what they see. The restaurant is sophisticated and its atmosphere is, as ever, extremely cosy and relaxing. You can bring your family or hang out here with friends. You’ll find it a very convivial place – after all this is a restaurant that’s Italian and definitely carries the laid-back cachet of the entire Mediterranean.

The menu is extensive and covers everything you’d hope to find in an Italian restaurant. The fact that this one is far from home gives it even more kudos. Expect the best imported meats and foodstuffs, though wherever possible chef Marco relies on home-grown products, especially the vegetables and spices.

But start off with a drink, perhaps one of the unique cocktails here, that Prego had a mixologist invent. Try the Bumblebee Bruiser, a creation that sounds enigmatic but which is definitely on the ‘I’d-like-another-one’ list, or the Pomelo Caipirina, all Latin charm and Asian indulgence. There’s a range of traditional cocktails, too, of course.

www.samuiholiday.com l 39

The menu itself starts with antipasti and various salads and it’s hard to give particular recommendations as the list is exquisite. But try the burrata cheese on marinated tomato, for a savoury taste, or the Insalata Mediterranea with the sheer green of its lettuce, combined with artichoke, olives and topped with mozzarella. There’s also a delightful Salsiccia in Insalata comprised of grilled Italian sausage with fresh rocket, dried tomatoes and pinenuts. You’ll also love the Cippino, a chunky fresh seafood soup with tomato, white wine and herbs.

Next on the menu, you’ll find a select range of pasta and risotto, including Marco’s own Lasagna Bolognese. He also makes an excellent hand-rolled type of pasta, simply called ‘pici’, which you can enjoy with a Chianti wine beef ragout. A slightly richer dish would be his Saffron Pappardelle, with a ragout of roast lamb and porcini mushrooms.

Dishes like these are hard to resist. There’s more lamb on the menu with an oven baked rack, along with fresh herbs, pecorino polenta and a vegetable caponata. Fish comes in the form of a grilled seafood platter with authentic Mediterranean tastes, or pan-roasted sea bass fillet. You can also have baked salmon or lobster, which comes with garlic chilli linguine and parmesan basket.

If you’re not in the mood for mains such as these, you’ll love the pizzas, which you can order either small or large. There’s an entire array of these, including the folded variety, known as ‘calzone’. Be adventurous and build your own out of a host of ingredients with sauces, meats, seafood, vegetables and no less than seven different cheeses, all imported from Italy.

No feast at Prego can be considered at an end if you haven’t ordered one of the remarkably good desserts. Try Marco’s very own tiramisu or the deliciously orange-flavoured Panna Cotta, just to mention a couple of options.

40 l www.samuiholiday.com

With its flexible menu that oozes a love of Italian food, everyone who comes to Prego will find something to enjoy. The dishes are the creations of a maestro, and exude the traditional much-loved tastes of his home country. And with the re-opening of the restaurant, Prego looks set to head for further culinary heights.

Dimitri Waring

_______________________________________________________ For reservations or further information, telephone 0 7730 0317. www.prego-samui.com

AEROBICS A guide to health and fitness options on Samui.

So you have arrived on the sun-drenched (most of the time), tropical, palm-fringed island of Samui. You have relaxed, sunbathed on a number of the islands’ gorgeous beaches, and swum in the warm, clear waters that surround this idyllic picture-postcard destination. You have been spoilt for choice with dining options, and eaten at a number of the excellent restaurants, serving a huge variety of fantastic local and international cuisine. You may have followed this by exploring the bars and night clubs on offer. You have toured the island, visiting temples, waterfalls, viewpoints and the heavily forested island interior. You hopefully had the opportunity to ride an elephant and climb the steep steps to the top of Big Buddha temple, where you delighted in ringing the bells around its summit. You are feeling rested from your crazy busy life that seems so far away right now, but maybe, just maybe, something is missing. Ah, maybe your physical body is not feeling too thankful for all the relaxation and overindulgence.

Luckily, there are an increasing number of health and fitness options on Samui to help you out. Doing just a bit of exercise each day is guaranteed to benefit your heart, overall disposition and fitness. Samui has this covered with a variety of water and land-based activities.

Consider the water; after all this is an island. Kayaks are available at most hotels and resorts. If you take a boat trip to Angthong National Marine Park, there is normally a kayak option when you arrive. SUP, the common acronym for ‘stand up paddle boarding’, is the latest craze to hit the water, and there is even ‘yoga on a paddle board’ sessions available. Kite surfing is popular, but check out the location as it changes twice a year as the prevailing wind swaps direction. Of course, you can always don a pair of goggles and go for a swim in the ocean or pool. Even if your resort or hotel doesn’t have a pool, you can often jump into one elsewhere for the price of a drink, or a small fee. Swimming teachers are also available on the island, catering for private or group lessons.

44 l www.samuiholiday.com

Back on land, you can walk or run along one of Samui’s gorgeous beaches. Sunrise and sunset are fantastic times for striding or strolling, whilst marvelling at the deep oranges and reds often seen in the skies at these times. Chaweng Lake has a wide and flat paved area on its eastern shore, where you can join with many others who are walking, running, cycling or skateboarding to get their daily exercise. If you are a serious runner, there is also a running club on the island. You can meet up with experienced runners and learn about the more challenging routes or distances. If speed is your thing, you will find Namuang stadium, a 400m running track in the south of the island, near Hua Thanon. Koh Samui Hash House Harriers meet in different places most weekends. All runners or walkers are welcome, and there is always an organised social session afterwards.

The continued resurfacing and improvements to the roads in Samui have led to a huge rise in the popularity of cycling. Individuals, clubs and families take to the roads every morning before the temperature rises. Mountain bikers can also venture up some of the back roads and find many off-road tracks that link up across the island. Some resorts have bicycles available, or you can hire them locally. Do check the quality before venturing out, as this is highly variable. A few companies also offer organised tours, a great way to explore the island and get off the beaten track.

If you prefer your exercise in cooler temperatures, then gyms and fitness studios are opening up at a rate of knots, catering for most tastes in fitness exercise. Many, but not all, are air conditioned, some have personal trainers you can hire for an extra fee, and some offer classes such as spin, step aerobics, boot camp and cross fit. Some studios specialise in areas such as dance, including ballet, hip-hop, street dance, Salsa, Zumba and even pole dancing. Muay Thai gyms are also springing up all over the island, offering group or private classes in the Thai national sport; some

chef’s dinner specials

Overseeing the culinary team at Hansar Samui, born and raised in Montreal, Canada, Chef Stephen began his culinary career at the famed restaurant Les Halles in Quebec, one of the most outstanding independent restaurants in Canada.

A unique opportunity to be the Private Chef to His Majesty the King of Jordan became a turning point in his career and he spent the next two years catering for the Royal Family.

Stephen spent the next five years at the Lebua at State Tower Bangkok (known as the Dome) and within a few years became the Executive Chef at the Sirocco restaurant.

also offer mixed martial arts (MMA). So if you are experienced, or just fancy giving it a go, get those gloves on and start punching and kicking. Most gyms offer daily, weekly or monthly rates.

At our beachfront H Bistro restaurant, Stephen has created a unique epicurean experience for guests where they can appreciate the authentic taste of French Mediterranean Cuisine, in addition to a Thai menu.

For those of you who would rather have a slightly more relaxed environment for your exercise, yoga studios are plentiful on Samui.

They can be found in spa resorts or private enterprises all around the island. Many different styles are available, such as Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Hatha or Bikram (hot yoga). Some studios also offer Pilates classes, and many teachers will be happy to arrange private sessions for individuals or groups.

If you are more into team or partnered sports, then you can find facilities that cater for football, tennis, squash, badminton and golf.

Stephen Dion “an epicurean experience one shouldn’t be missed”

“Well that’s all great,” you may say, “But what if I just want to be pampered, eat healthy food and maybe do a body detox whilst I am here.” Well Samui has that covered too.

Massage is available on almost every street corner and beach.

But if you want something altogether more specialist, then there are many spas or private practices that offer an array of intriguing services. Holistic medicine and healing therapies available include Chinese medicine, acupuncture, osteopathy, homeopathy, counselling, colonic hydrotherapy, hypnotherapy and a wide range of specialist massages. There are steam rooms and saunas; you can even find a floatation tank where you can experience the peace of floating weightlessly in complete isolation with absolutely no distractions.

H Bistro at Hansar Samui 101/27-28 Moo 1, Bophut, Koh Samui +66 77 245 511 www.hansarsamui.com

46 l www.samuiholiday.com

The last few years have seen a definite increase in personal knowledge, understanding and desire to eat more healthily. In response, many cafes have opened to cater for that market. Some offer 100% organic ingredients, with vegetarian, vegan, and raw food options. You can organise a detox through a spa, or one of a host of new ventures cropping up. They will design and deliver your personal program in the form of fresh juices or shakes, direct to your door every day.

So, if you can steal yourself away from lazing by the warm blue ocean waters, admiring the awesome scenery, grazing on gorgeous tempting food and cocktails in snazzy locations, or indulging in some expert pampering, then there are plenty of health and fitness options to keep your body ticking over, and give you a thankful, guilt-free and now very calm and relaxed mind.

Karan Ladd

48 l www.samuiholiday.com

ON THE LINE Next time you’re in Lamai, slow down for a treat – Waterline is easy to get to but not easy to spot!

www.samuiholiday.com l 49

If you’re staying on the island for more than just a day or so, then it’s guaranteed that there are two places you will visit. Sure, yes, you’ll possibly head off to marvel at the Mummified Monk, cool off at a waterfall, or even catch a temple or two. But every single soul seems magnetically moved to Fisherman’s Village. And then, wherever you’re staying, there’s one place more. Well, I confess it’s not actually a venue as such. But unless you’re a dyed-in-the-wool pool potato, then you’ll most certainly pass through Lamai in one direction or the other – probably on your way to somewhere else.

Which is a shame, because one of Samui’s unsung stars is just sitting there waiting just for you!

The jewel here is known simply as ‘Manathai’. This is not a name you’ll be familiar with. In fact, there are only three other such resorts in Thailand (all of them beachside) which bear the name of this very forward-looking Thai company. Admirably, Manathai Hotels & Resorts isn’t working to a blueprint or a tried and tested formula; each of their resorts has been designed and architected along different lines. And happily they’ve avoided falling-back on the easy option of ‘traditional Thai design’. The resort here on Samui is refreshingly elegant and styled with a smooth colonial theme. It’s imposing, spacious and thoughtfully laid out, spanning a long U-shape with old cobbled tiles in the wide central parking area, and the hotel itself presiding regally at the top end of this.

Although the hotel is all very lovely, the high quality of the accommodation and service here is not what I’m trumpeting about. Even though you might not know what it is, this imposing broad avenue is noticeable – it’s something of a local landmark, in fact. No, what I’m winding up to is what’s right across the road from it. You can’t actually see it, other than the tall wall outside. But it’s the other part of – the secret side of – Manathai. And there’s

Welcome to Sa-ard’s Watersports Center on Koh Samui. Where everyday can be an aquatic adventure – above and below the crystal clear blue waters of the Gulf of Thailand.

Join us and discover what r eally makes these islands so very special.

Our brand new catamaran Fountaine Pajot Belize 43 “Kindred Spirit” can comfortably take 15 people on a day trip and sleep 6 people on over-night excursions.

no simple way of saying what it is. It’s a very good restaurant.

There’s a really pleasant pool that edges onto the beach. The beach that fringes this is generously-scattered with sunbeds and brollies, plus some laid-back sand-sofas with tables and brollies, too. On the other side of the pool, opposite the spacious, modern and airy restaurant area, is a low and unimposing block – and more of this in just a moment!

So what do you call this ‘thing’? It’s much more than merely a (top-notch) restaurant. There’s the pool and super beach-area, plus quite a bit more. Owners with less flair and pedantically less imagination might be tempted to slap the words . . . something-orother ‘beach club’ up on the wall outside. But not here – they’re far too savvy. So, for the foreseeable future at least, it goes by the unpretentious title of ‘Waterline’.

So now you know! The next question is of course ‘. . . so what’s it got to do with me? Why should I bother looking out for it and making the effort to haul myself inside?’ Good point. There are a lot of nice places you could go to. But this one is a) right next to where you’re passing anyway, b) has easy parking, c) super food and two sets of Happy Hours (mid-day to 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm) with everything at 2-for-the-price-of-1, d) complimentary Wi-Fi, e) a beach-massage but with air con in a room at the edge of the beach (and at a sensible price), f) a supervised kiddies play room plus playground (in that low block) with arty activities such as finger painting, batique and plaster-ofParis fun (yes, really!).

The starboard hull has a double stateroom with ensuite bathroom and living area. There are also two double state rooms in the port hull with a shared bathroom. You’ll also find a large galley and a living area with CD/DVD player and a 28 inch colour TV. All the cabins and living areas are fully air-conditioned.

Sa-ard’s Watersports Center also offers Private Speedboat tours to the beaches and snorkeling destinations of the surrounding islands.

Manager and Skipper is Sa-ard, one of Thailand’s most celebrated windsurfers. He took part in the Olympics 1984 in Los Angeles and 1992 in Barcelona, was a long time member of the Thai National Windsurfing Team, has been Asian Champion and 5 times Gold Medal Winner in the South East Asian Games. You simply could not be in better hands!

In a nutshell: make it a shady stop-off for an hour, grab a drink in the sunset happy-hour, loaf about and do your email and Facebook. Or – make a point of heading to Waterline for a day trip. You’ll know this place is special as soon as you weave around the wall: a smiling staff member will greet you offering big fluffy pool towels. Settle by the pool or on the beach, relax for a while, then send the kids off (only about 30 feet away) to get entertained while you relax some more. (Note: If you come for the whole day there’s a small charge of 500 baht which can be taken in food and/or drink.) Or, come here first and do either of these things. Then come back and have a whole different experience at night.

The Executive Chef here is Khun Daeng (more formally known as Jintaporn Phialamkhaek). She’s shy and smiley, but her 5-star pedigree is to be admired, if not envied. She’s not only put together an unusually exciting compilation of adventurous international cuisine with a quirky Italian bias, but also conjured a number of exciting Thai dishes with a twist. She’s an inspirational chef. So much so, that there’s a bit of a competition going on in the kitchen. Each meal is preceded by an ‘amuse-bouche’ – a palette tickler. And the sous chefs are pushing each other out of the way to make each one better than the last. And, trust me, this is something to be looked forward to – if you glance around you may even see the chefs peeping around the kitchen door to try to catch your reaction!

52 l www.samuiholiday.com

The food is simply fab. But there’s the added attraction that on each Monday, Tuesday and Thursday there’s entertainment, too. Monday is laid-back on the beach with a live modern jazz trio. The next day is at the tables around the pool, featuring the female vocalist of the ‘Aria Band’. But every Thursday it’s the special treat of ‘Movie Night’ too, featuring modern classics – check the restaurant’s Facebook page to see what coming up next.

Every resort, and its restaurant, is only ever as good as each of its links. The freedom to innovate comes from the owners. The general manager – and here it’s the energetic and capable Australian-born Natalie Kamolwattanasoontorn – needs to put a shape the vision of this scope. And the staff on the floor and in the kitchen need to be sparkedup and motivated by everything that’s happening around them. And this is the reason that everyone here is putting everything on the line – very successfully – at Waterline!

Rob De Wet

_____________________________________________________________ For reservations or further information, telephone 0 7745 8560-4. www.manathai.com

HAND-MADE JEWELRY MADE TO ORDER. GOLD, SILVER, LEATHER, PRECIOUS AND SEMI PRECIOUS STONES. TWO LOCATIONS IN CHAWENG: 1ST: CHAWENG BEACH ROAD, PHONE: +(66)0 7742 2594 2ND: CENTRAL FESTIVAL SAMUI 2ND FLOOR, PHONE: +(66)0 7796 3811 WWW.THAILAND-JEWELRY.COM

54 l www.samuiholiday.com

TANK UP WITH Samui Aquarium & Tiger Zoo offers a great alternative to the beach.

www.samuiholiday.com l 55

As much as you like spending time on the beach, you just know that Samui has more to offer than beautiful coastlines. There are trips to take, places to go and things to see. Sometimes they’re quite unexpected and if you’re looking for the distinctly unusual and memorable, a visit to Samui’s own aquarium will guarantee a special time: you can spend a wonderful few hours checking out a plethora of tropical marine life – a whole world awaits you. And not just undersea creatures... there’s a lot more besides. You can also see lions, tigers and an array of other animals.

Located in Hua Thanon, in the south on the island, the aquarium is easily to find. Drive though Ban Hua Thanon (heading towards Nathon) and turn off the ring-road just after the village onto Route 4170. This takes you a couple of kilometres further south, then just turn left at the signpost marked ‘Samui Aquarium’. If you don’t feel like driving; the aquarium offers several packages that include hotel transfers, which is highly convenient. Just phone ahead and you’ll be picked up at your desired location and afterwards, dropped off again.

If you have a car, though, you can continue on after your visit to the aquarium taking the extremely scenic road along Route 4170 and then 4174 as it takes you in a longish loop through the less developed south of the island and back up to Nathon and the north. It’s very beautiful and wins over even the most jaded of drivers. But this is for afterwards.

For now, there’s plenty to see and do at the aquarium itself.

You go in through some doors into a world that’s suddenly dark apart from the tanks that are lit by natural light from above. It’s also a lot cooler here than outside and can feel like a real escape from the torpor of the day. The fish come in all shapes and sizes and are from the local regions. In other words, these are tropical fish; if you’re from the west, they may appear to be very exotic, but they’re all maritime locals. You’re bound to see some fish that will amaze you with their size or strange features.

After the aquarium you can wander through to the animal section. You’ll find Royal Bengal tigers and young leopards in a zoo-like area. A caged walkway takes you through the tigers’ territory and you’ll be able to see them close-up, just metres away. Naturally this is one of those occasions where you’ll be glad you have brought a camera along with you. You don’t need to worry about security either, as there’s no chance of getting mauled – the staff have been careful to make 100% sure that their human and animal guests remain apart.

Once you’ve walked round both the aquarium and the zoo area, you’ll find yourself in a gift shop which then opens onto a cafeteria – a good place to stock up on a snack or ice-cream. You’re free by the way to go round and see the fish and animals again.

However, it’s not just a question of walking around the aquarium and going home. You’re also invited to see not one but two shows, each quite different. The first, starting daily at 1.30 pm, features sea-lions, who are remarkably versatile and perform some quite amazing tricks.

Their trainers explain at breakneck speed what’s going on the entire time – keep up with them, if you can. There’s a fair bit of action. Afterwards you can take photos with the sea-lions. Even the coolest of older children will enjoy being close-up with these animals.

After the show, there’s time for a dip in the swimming pool and then you can enjoy the next one, starting at 2.30 pm, which features very large cats doing various tricks. (Don’t worry, they’re behind bars for this, and it’s only the trainers who have to face those long, bared fangs.)

Immediately afterwards, a bird show starts with parrots, hornbills, sea hawks and eagles putting on some amusing displays for their audience, flying low across the open-air auditorium in impressive swoops – if you’re close enough you can feel the wind from their wings.

You can also have your photo taken with a tiger. Eh? A tiger? Indeed. A real one. And it’s fairly massive too, about a hundred times bigger than any pet cat you might have at home. The tigers by the way are used to being around the public and will let you drape your arms around them.

Even so, it’s a bit of an adrenalin rush. According to the management, the animals aren’t tranquillized or on drugs. Sitting quietly with a worldclass predator isn’t everyone’s idea of a holiday snap, but it’s surely something you’ll always look back on with wonderment.

By the time you’re on the way out of Samui Aquarium & Tiger Zoo, you’ll have seen a good many fish, animals and birds that you’d never otherwise see, even if you spent years in Thailand and the surrounding regions. For children, in particular, it’s a great way to get closer to animals. They’ll always remember what they’ve seen here, be it giant tropical birds winging their way through the air, or giant stingrays smoothly sweeping and undulating through the water – not to mention all the other sights from giant cats down to the tiniest and brightest of tropical fish.

Dimitri Waring

____________________________________________________________ For further information telephone 0 7742 4017. www.samuiaquariumandtigerzoo.com 58 l www.samuiholiday.com

treat yourself at least once the dining room

Probably the most beautiful restaurant on the island and definitely the best food. Dine outside on the rocks by the sea or inside the open air ‘dining room’.

Our exceptional chef and his team present a wonderful cross-over of Mediterranean and delicious French cuisine.

The Dining Room is open every day for lunch and dinner.

We hold regular events and often live music.

Rocky’s Boutique REsort, Koh Samui.

Reservations 077 233 020 dining@rockyresort.com www.rockyresort.com.

On the ringroad just south of Lamai.

60 l www.samuiholiday.com

NEW STORES,

NEW CONCEPTS, NEW PRODUCTS It’s all going on at Morya Pharmacies.

Did you pack everything in your medicine cabinet before you left home?

No of course not. So which pharmacy do you go to if you find there is something you need? A big success story on Samui is Morya Pharmacy. The first branch opened its doors to customers along Chaweng Beach Road, in 2001. Since then, the young and dynamic team behind the scenes have been listening to customers, and providing a caring and responsive service.

This approach has earned them a lot of respect, and has been so successful that stores have since opened around the island. The brand that has continued to increase customer support and trust now has 22 branches.

Eighteen of the stores, including the snazzy new, glass fronted head office on the ring-road in Chaweng, opposite the PTT petrol station, near Bangkok Samui Hospital, employ full time fully qualified pharmacists. These people are trained to offer more than just pharmaceutical advice. They can refill prescriptions, offer advice and refer you to a hospital if required. They are also able to offer health and beauty information including, which products may be best for your personal requirements. They all speak at least two languages, normally Thai and English. If you cannot speak either of those, they will use Google translation services to try and help you. The head office store is also the main retail and distribution centre for all the stores on the island. Morya also supply products such as coconut oil, aloe vera and tiger balm to other pharmacies, shops, spas, hotels and resorts on the island. If you need anything at all, they will usually have it, or can get it for you. If the store you visit has run out of a product you require, staff can arrange to transfer it from the head office store to any Morya store of your choice, or you can simply visit the head office store yourself.

www.samuiholiday.com l 61

Morya stock more than 4,000 conventional medicine items alongside pharmaceuticals; traditional and herbal medicines, vitamins and supplements, cosmetics, insect repellents, sun care lotions, baby food, special foodstuff for diabetics or those with liver problems, elastic support bandages for limb or joint injuries and injury prevention (especially good for motorbike riders) as well as medical instruments and equipment.

Everything from aspirin, lipstick and vitamin C, to electric toothbrushes, wheelchairs and walking frames.

Customers started asking about more natural and organic products. The managers listened, considered and developed the idea. The other four Morya stores are called Green Health. They don’t employ pharmacists or sell pharmaceutical drugs; they focus on natural and organic ingredients.

Here you can buy skin care and other health products for your body or home. This includes natural sun protection lotions, soap, toothpaste, massage oils and gift packs for example. They sell many different brands, but have also developed their own brand - Oriental Nature Products. The Morya team oversee the production and packaging of

Located on the tropical stretch of golden sands and turquoise waters off Koh Samui’s up market Bophut bay, Beach Bar offers wide variety of cocktails, champagne, wines, snacks, delicious home made ice cream and freshly blended fruit drink Come and join our happy hour as day turns to dusk before strolling down to the quaint cobblestone ‘Bophut Fisherman village’ Good things come in three, enjoy our Happy Hours daily at

01:30 - 02:30 pm 06:30 - 07:30 pm 09:30 - 10:30 pm

- buy one get one free -

HANSAR

these products, ensuring high-quality natural or organic ingredients are used. They even ensure that premium natural and recycled packaging is used.

There is one Green Health store located in Tesco Lotus Chaweng, two at Central Festival and the fourth at Samui airport, very useful for those last minute requirements or gift packs.

Many of the newer Morya stores are a combination of the original pharmacies, plus the Green Health stores. They employ a pharmacist and can be located by the blue Morya Pharmacy sign but with the addition of a large green cross. The newest Morya stores to open are the Big Buddha branch located in Bangrak opposite the fish, fruit and vegetable market near the junction with airport road, and Ban Saket branch in the Lipa Noi area near the buffalo fighting stadium. There are also plans to renovate some of the older stores into the new combination stores - watch this space.

HANSAR SAMUI

101/27-28 Moo 1, Bophut Koh Samui 84320 Thailand +66 77 245 511 | www.hansarsamui.com

One of Morya’s bestselling products is the Oriental Nature Coconut Oil. It is a premium 100% organic, cold-pressed, coconut oil. The health benefits of ingesting coconut oil are numerous and include; weight loss, prevention of heart disease and high blood pressure, protection for the liver and kidneys, reduction of inflammation in the body, boosting the immune system, improving memory and brain function, giving energy and endurance and improving digestion and gut health. It is also great for building muscle, balancing hormones, and is anti-ageing. Externally it moisturises hair and skin, even acting as a low level (around factor 4) of sunscreen protection. It is certainly something to try if you are not already a fan.

Morya really is the people’s pharmacy. There is something for everyone in their stores. They also offer a loyalty card, which gives you discounts of 10% on all Morya brand products, and 5% on everything else, except promotional items and some special products. Many loyal customers already take full advantage of this.

The main opening hours are either 8:00 am until 10:00 pm or 9:00 am until 11:00 pm. The store at Lamai beach is open from 10:00 am until midnight, and the new Green Health store at the airport conveniently follows the first and last flight times, opening at 5.30 am and closing at 9.30 pm. They also sell a limited range in the duty-free shop at the international gate.

‘Mor’ means doctor in Thai, and ‘ya’ means medicine. Morya provides a doctor of medicine, the pharmacist, but also excellent customer service and so much more.

Karan Ladd ___________________________________ For further information or advice, telephone 0 7741 3298.

64 l www.samuiholiday.com

Baan Haad Ngam Boutique Resort & Spa 154 Moo 2, Chaweng Beach, Bophut, Koh Samui, Suratthani 84320 Tel: +66 77 231 500 Mob: +66 81 751 6073 Fax: +66 77 231 520 Email: info@baanhaadngam.com, booking@baanhaadngam.com, www.baanhaadngam.com

Romantic views, soothing sounds and classic Italian fare with a modern approach combine to please the most discerning diner.

Olivio - a must for visitors and locals alike.

Olivio ~ beachfront at Baan Haad Ngam Boutique Resort Chaweng Beach.

Free round trip transfer from Chaweng, Bophut and Choeng Mon. For reservation please call 0 7723 1500

www.samuiholiday.com l 65

66 l www.samuiholiday.com

BEACH CHIC Beach Republic - not quite a country, but certainly a state of mind.

www.samuiholiday.com l 67

When Beach Republic opened, in 2004, it certainly hit the ground running, and quickly acquired a name as the place to go if you wanted to chill out and enjoy the beach. It’s certainly stood the test of time. It offers anything you want from a snack all the way up to luxury vacations.

Drop in for a coffee or come and stay for a month, the choice is yours.

And there are a great variety of them at this über-relaxed resort.

Even if there’s no border control to get into Beach Republic, it’s a place apart, a chic destination that, as its name suggests, is focused on the sea and all the pleasures it has to offer. Though it falls short of being its own country, you certainly will feel different once you enter its territories; 68 l www.samuiholiday.com

you’ll start to feel very relaxed and your cares will drop away from you.

In short, it’ll give you a greater sense of wellbeing.

You’ll find Beach Republic nestling into a small promontory at the eastern edge of Lamai. (Look out for the signs as you drive along the ring-road.)

It’s well away from the town itself, and is a few hundred metres up a small track. It’s close to nature and you’ll find palm trees, white sand and everything you’d expect of a tropical coastline.

Whether you want to relax by the pool for the day, sit on the sands, or experience lavish spa treatments from around Asia, Beach Republic

ensures that everything is geared to relaxation and enjoyment. The restaurant is very open air, and is as close to the sea as is humanly possible. Whether you’re seeking shade after swimming in the chemicalfree pool or have dropped in for a guest DJ or live performance, the food is on tap, so to speak, and is excellent. The staff are on hand to make sure that everyone is having a great time. They’re a great team, always welcoming and never obtrusive.

The food here is quality casual dining at all hours of the day. In addition to the very eclectic menu, there’s also a theme for every day of the week. It’s worth checking out Beach Republic’s Sunday Brunch, which

operates from 11:30 am until 3:30 pm, with the DJ playing till sundown.

The brunch features dozens of dishes, with fines de Claire oysters, Scottish salmon, Maine lobster, Spanish ham, roast beef and lamb, foie gras skewers, sea bass, canapés, sushi and a range of cold meats.

There’s also plenty of Thai food, a barbecue station, desserts and an international cheeseboard. It’s a generous affair, so come hungry, or better still starve yourself for a few days in advance. It would be a feat to taste everything that’s on offer. At the same time, there’s access to the swimming pool and changing facilities, making this a great day out and one that’ll leave you feeling incredibly chilled.

www.samuiholiday.com l 69

On Wednesdays you’ll find Beach Republic’s Seafood Barbecue, running from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm, with the bar naturally remaining open afterwards. Just pick the seafood you would like and have it weighed.

There’s a choice of prawns, squid, sea bass, blue crab, green mussels and Phuket lobster. You then decide how you’d like your selection cooked. Barbecued, with green or red curry, stir-fried in various ways, tom yum or tom ka – it’s up to you. In addition, you can enjoy the beef, pork and chicken skewers. There’s also a salad bar, corn on the cob and jacket potatoes with sour cream and chive dressing. The Sunday Brunch and Wednesday Seafood Barbecue are popular with just about everyone, including the island’s many ex-pats who like to drop in and sample what’s on offer.

In addition, on Monday nights there’s three hours of free-flow drinks (anytime you wish), on Tuesdays buy-one-get-one-free cerveza corona, all day happy hour and tapas discounts, on Wednesdays buy two bottles and get one free, a seafood grill on Thursdays, mojitos on Fridays, and again with three hours of free-flow drinks, anytime. And on Saturdays an all-day DJ party with two-for-one on all shots. And every day from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, enjoy the Sundown Salute, with two-for-one offers on bubbles, beers, wine and signature cocktails.

It’s not necessary to reserve for any of these events, and Beach Republic offers everything at a very attractive price. Everyone’s welcome.

70 l www.samuiholiday.com

Many guests come to Beach Republic for a manicure and to get gel nails. There are ten colours to choose from and the process takes 90 minutes. And if you need a break from the beach, drop into Escape Break – a chance to play adrenaline-pumping games, where you and your partner or friends test your wits in live escape games and try to crack all the clues.

For those who want to stay on, this is also possible. Beach Republic The Residences offers both hotel-style accommodation all the way up to luxury private villas with lush tropical gardens and private, chemical-free fresh water pools. The Residences are ideally situated, directly adjacent to Beach Republic and the sands of Lamai beach. Each villa has a lounge, kitchen and dining space, and luxurious bedrooms with luxury en-suite showers. The villas are serviced and offer relaxed days and nights, just the kind of easy living that holidaymakers seek on a tropical vacation.

There are always plenty of reasons to visit Beach Republic, but whatever brings you here, you can thoroughly relax and soak up the heady atmosphere, knowing that you’re in extremely professional hands.

Dimitri Waring

____________________________________________________________ For reservations or further information, telephone 0 7745 8100. www.beachrepublic.com

ALL ABOUT

THE MALL

It’s always time to relax at Central Festival Samui – whether you’re there to shop or not.

72 l www.samuiholiday.com

Say the word ‘mall’ to almost anyone and ask them to describe what goes through their minds, and in all probability they’ll come up with an indoor experience. Blank, windowless boxes. Indeed, this was the way that the first malls were built. In the USA, in the 50s, when they first started popping up with the ease of corks on a lake, they were all indoors, with their backs turned to the outside. One of the main reasons was the entirely obvious one: climate. The cold, the snow and the rain were to be banished forever from an idealized, weatherless interior. On a tropical island like Samui, that doesn’t make so much sense. Gentle breezes blow across the land; the sun shines most days of the year.

When Central Festival Samui opened its doors in 2014, it was already a rather different sort of mall. Just from the exterior alone you could see it was an outdoor experience. It didn’t have any maximum security walls, and from the Chaweng lake road, you could actually see inside it. It wasn’t boxy on the outside and blinding with fluorescent lighting on the inside.

It’s run by those who built it, CPN Property Development & Investment, a group that is one of the nation’s foremost developers. They’re responsible for the entire Centara brand and you may well have stayed in one of their hotels. When they envisaged the mall they wanted to have, they thought

74 l www.samuiholiday.com

about how it should fit into the island environment here. It shouldn’t look like an anonymous shopping centre, for a start, and it shouldn’t be on a geographical limb, miles out of town and accessible only by car.

Knowing that many holidaymakers would visit – precisely the people who wouldn’t have cars – they chose as their location the densest part of the island’s main town, Chaweng. What stood here before was a tight mass of buildings, tiny lanes and an impromptu zone of shops. What came next was a vast, uncluttered space as the mall was born; it let in light, was a great place to walk around in, and for many it simply scored points as there were no cars to get in the way of shoppers. It slotted like a jigsaw piece into the areas around it, yet had borders that define it.

Once the design was decided on, the mall sprang up with unbelievable speed, and quickly became a fixture in Chaweng’s urban landscape.

Today it still looks brand-new and unlike many a mall, people are in favour of it and it has a likeable presence. Nobody’s ever referred to it as an eyesore. Neither does it tower into the sky and aim to be visible for miles around. For a start, it only has a ground floor and a first floor, along with plenty of space right underneath for a subterranean-style car park. As malls go, it’s low-key and easy to move around in.

You can walk right in from Chaweng Beach Road or the lake road. If

RockPool Samui Holiday Magazine March-April 2016

you’re coming by bike or car, then parking is free – you won’t even have to make a minimum purchase. The mall is open from 11:00 am until 11:00 pm, so it fits in easily with most people’s timeframes.

Once you’re inside you’ll find yourself in a relaxed haven. The bustle of Chaweng has magically gone, along with the cars, bikes, vans and trucks. There’s plenty of space, so it never feels crowded. It’s on the big side, almost 200,000 square metres. Its centre features a green area with a small labyrinth of bushes, and elsewhere there are trees and vegetation, including entire palm trees.

It’s also child-friendly and has its own small area for children to play in, complete with climbing frame and sand pit. Children seem to enjoy coming here, and will certainly want to go on the bright carousel that’s close by. As with most places in Thailand, children are never left out. You’ll also find that there are special events every month, and again these tend to include all the family. In the heart of the mall on its ground floor there’s a special performance space and there are plenty of music, shows and other events.

REFINED DINING, COCKTAILS & MORE Are you ready for a brand new dining experience?

Join us at RockPool, Kanda Residences' spectacular beachfront restaurant and bar situated just 5 minutes from Chaweng.

Daily happy hour with buy one get one free on selected drinks from 2pm until 7pm.

For reservations or more information call +66 77 234 500 www.rockpoolsamui.com Facebook: rockpool.kohsamui

Eating and drinking are always prime mall activities, and here you’re spoiled for choice. If you just need a snack or dessert, there are sandwiches a-plenty, along with pretzels, ice-creams, doughnuts and very yummy cakes. There are coffee shops and plenty of restaurants where you can enjoy a full-scale meal any time of the day. Cuisines range from Thai through Japanese to western. You’ll also find a food court and a Tops Supermarket. In the evening, if you fancy a glass of wine or a beer, then this is also no problem – you can take a seat at one of the bistro-style establishments and watch the people go by.

On the upper floor, you’ll find chemists, such as Green Health, along with a small clinic run by Bangkok Samui Hospital and beauty parlours. And there’s entertainment too with a 3D XD theatre, a cinema and a games arcade. There are also phone shops and internet providers, and on the ground floor, Banana IT, where you can go and buy the latest phone or electronic gadgets.

Clothing is equally well-represented, with a wide range of attire ranging through the casual to the über-urban designs at Psylo. You’ll also find a full-size department store, Central, offering a whole range of delectable goodies, from perfumes through to children’s toys.

Central Festival turns out to be a lot more than the average shopping mall. Hours go by with ease. There’s plenty to do and no rush at all. And chances are that you’ll be back, as it’s such a relaxed experience being here in the first place.

Dimitri Waring

__________________________________________________________ www.facebook.com/CentralFestivalSamui

76 l www.samuiholiday.com

Let Waterline’s menu take you on a journey. Globally inspired, highlighting seafood, meat and poultry the menu is infused with our chef’s worldwide culinary passion. The menu will delight the palate while evoking words, thought and memories.

Come and visit Waterline to experience a journey on a plate.

Manathai Koh Samui Samui Ring Road Lamai Telephone 0 7745 8560-4 www.manathai.com Serving daily between 11:30am – 10:30pm

www.samuiholiday.com l 77

A LIFE OF ITS OWN A look at why the practice of Thai Buddhism seems to range from saintly to strange!

The Thai nation is a proud one. It’s one of only three countries in the world that have never been colonised. It has however, been ‘infused’ a few times along the way, and the origins of the Thai people remain cloudy, even to this day. There are three or four Thai ethnic sub-races that can be determined by facial features and skin tones. Thais are a part of the ethnic group known as the ‘Tai’, which includes Lao, Burmese ‘Shan’, Vietnamese and the ‘Zhunag’ people of southern China. And, somewhere around 800 years before the birth of Christ, this bubbling mix had already begun to settle down, gradually emerging with a new ethnic identity.

The earliest national religion to emerge, around two hundred years later, was a form of Hinduism, traces of which can still be seen in Thai religious practices today. But it was absorbed into a young and primitive nation, in which the people were struggling for everyday survival. The daily reality of ghosts and spirits, both unworldly (ghosts) and animistic (places, trees, rivers), dominated everyone’s lives and needed to be placated and subdued. Superstitious aspects and bad omens were thought to be real. It was into this context that Sri Lankan holy men introduced Buddhism, around 600 BC. And this was the base that Thai Buddhism was built on, with many fragments of its original beliefs and practices remaining even today.

78 l www.samuiholiday.com

www.samuiholiday.com l 79

It’s important to keep this in mind. Because to Western eyes, the ‘Theravada’ form of Buddhism found in Thailand is sometimes confusing in the way it’s observed. John Entman is an American scholar, anthropologist and philosopher, who has spent many years in Thailand, coming and going over the years, working mainly with schools and voluntary community projects. “Thai people find it perfectly normal to follow the path of The Buddha,” he told me, “but to also keep the spirits happy at the same time. For example, Domkai is a 10 year-old boy living in Khon Kaen. Every morning before school, he bows before the altar in his house, lights the candles and three incense sticks. He sits up still and very straight, then bows in the recognised formal ‘ben-jang-khapradit’ manner, forehead, palms and knees flush with the floor, while he chants respect for the ‘Triple Holy Gems’, and bows low again. All very right and proper.”

“Then he observes ‘Ziam Zee’, involving a small pot with coloured sticks.

While still kneeling, he shakes the pot until a stick falls out, checks the number of the stick against a chart, and reads his fortune for the day.

If the prediction is unhappy, he will repeat his prayers again, this time praying for good luck and protection against bad spirits. Even the most rigorous and devout of Thai Buddhists, keen to make merit in every way, will go about this in the belief that ghosts, spirits and fortune are a part of it all and need to be addressed and appraised.”

The form of Buddhism here in Thailand, is known as the Thai Forest Tradition, and is a recognised branch of Theravada Buddhism, which is alternatively known as the Southern School of Buddhism. ‘Theravada’ 80 l www.samuiholiday.com

means ‘The Way of the Elders’, and is so named because of its strict adherence to the original teachings and rules of monastic discipline expounded by The Buddha. Buddhism is a non-apostolic religion, seeking not to preach or convert, and regarding the Guatama Buddha not as a god, but as the ultimate example of a human prophet whose life was dedicated to attaining spiritual purity and perfection.

All Buddhists believe in the concept of karma, whereby any good action leads to merit (positive karma) and any bad action leads to demerit (negative karma). This is very important in the minds of Thai people, because one’s store of karma, positive or otherwise, determines not only your success and happiness in this and future lives, but also determines your standing in the afterlife. And this gives monks a prominent place in society and in peoples’ lives. By giving food or money to monks, or by donating to a monastery, you can acquire beneficial karma. Helping monks in some way is thought to generate a great deal of merit. This not only helps you have a better life on this earth and the afterlife, but also gives you instantaneous protection and good luck, here and now.

You may have noticed the little ‘spirit houses’ that are everywhere – out and around houses, bars, banks hotels, hospitals and so on. Even though Buddhism itself does not recognise superstition, Thai Buddhists are keenly aware of the supernatural. An indication of this is that spirit houses have become household items in addition to images of The Buddha.

And monks from the local temple will readily come and bless these little houses on request. Many people, before improving their own homes, will improve and enlarge their spirit houses first. People routinely pray to

the spirits for better jobs, greater wealth, good relationships, and protection from ghosts. They believe that as long as they treat them with respect, the spirits will be good to them. In the same vein, they feel that if a person ignores these spirits they are asking for bad luck.

Spirits and ghosts are woven into the fabric of Thai life and its religious beliefs. But there’s a difference. Spirits are more powerful and pure; they can be ancestral or tied to trees and rivers. Keep your eyes out for huge old trees festooned with ribbons and offerings of food and drink, to show respect to the spirit of the place. Ghosts on the other hand are generally mean and nasty and can even cause you physical harm – just check out Thai TV shows and movies to see how real these things are to very many people.

Thai Buddhism is unique, and it’s hardly surprising that when a Buddhist Westerner comes here seeking further enlightenment, they are sometimes surprised. The old pagan belief in animism still exists, along with some of the deeply rooted superstitions of years long gone by. It’s like so many other facets of life over here, intense, intriguing, and very much one of a kind, and with a life all of its own!

Rob De Wet

82 l www.samuiholiday.com

TRAVEL FARE

RockPool’s brand new chef, Lucas Varin, is rewarding diners with enticingly good food.

www.samuiholiday.com l 83

The lure of large kitchens and the thought of getting creative with fine quality ingredients is something that’s irresistible for many an aspiring chef. Daunting as it may seem to reach top-notch status, such people enrol in cooking school, graduate and go on to realize their dreams.

But it takes inordinate energy and skill to go beyond that. Relatively few chefs decide to go round the world, sink their teeth into as many different cuisines as possible – then start cooking them.

But that’s just what Lucas Varin has done. Rather than just honing his skills, he’s broadened them as well, and is now at proficient in a variety of different cuisines. Here’s his story.

Lucas was born in Brazil and grew up there. Early on he realized he 84 l www.samuiholiday.com

loved cooking and studied at a prestigious culinary school. And almost as soon as he’d graduated, he started out on an epic journey that has taken him pretty much around the world. But he didn’t go as a tourist, but rather as a chef, with a professional eye on learning the next recipe.

Lucas worked in Brazil, the Caribbean, France, Corsica and Australia, before coming to Asia and seeing Vietnam and Japan. He’s visited 20 countries in all, and has emerged as someone who’s expert in cooking all manner of foods in different ways. He seems to know what tastes go together, and can put ingredients together that come from such farflung places that they seem like culinary paradoxes. For example, he particularly enjoys melding the tastes of South America with those of Japan. His love of trying new elements and flavours gives him a sort of

relaxed curiosity – he’s hardly the person to settle for the usual. Yet he’s entirely professional. He’s worked in Michelin-starred restaurants where, as he puts it, “You have to learn to not just do the very, very best, but also to be creative. Not just that, there are trends in cooking, just as there are fashions in clothing – and you have to keep up.”

If you haven’t been to RockPool for a while, you’ll find it now boasts a new and improved terrace, that’s perched above the impressive rocky coastline. Sitting watching the ocean, you have two separate views: north to Choeng Mon and all rocky bays, and south, to Chaweng, with a coastline that gently sweeps away into the distance with the white sandy beaches. It’s a beautiful and very romantic setting.

RockPool, incidentally, is located at Kanda Residences. You’ll find it three kilometres north of Chaweng. Simply drive along the beach road and keep on going northwards until you see Kanda Residences on your right.

Once there, hop into a buggy and you’ll be driven to the restaurant itself.

Many guests come here just for a sundown tipple. They can also take advantage of the daily happy hour which actually starts at 2:00 pm and goes right the way through till 7:00 pm. During this time, it’s a buy-oneget-one-free system, which includes classic cocktails, beers, soft drinks and spirits – it could hardly be more generous. The setting’s superb and there’s plenty of shade, should you need it. But once you know about Lucas, you’ll probably want to stay and try the food. He’s managed to improve on the already excellent reputation that RockPool had. www.samuiholiday.com l 85

Lucas has upgraded the all-day menu and divided it into two, so there’s one for lunch and one for dinner. The lunchtime menu is lighter and casual, though substantial. A lot of restaurants don’t really bother so much with their daytime menu, but this isn’t the case here. It’s truly delicious and brim-full of treats. You can always find traditional dishes, but you may well want to opt for some that are more creative. And they’re not just creative for the sake of it – this isn’t a case of a chef showing off his skills – these are tastes that are beautifully intricate and always highly tasty. Some of the dishes may strike you as strange, but as soon as you tuck in, you’ll be seduced by the flavours and nuances.

Take, just one example, Lucas’ version of risotto, Risotto Green Mango with Goji Berries. It comes as two dishes, firstly an oval plate of crudités with dips, and then the dish itself, which looks exactly like a risotto, but which tastes way more delicious than you’d imagine. The ingredients complement each other and don’t clash in the slightest. It’s the sort of thing you might end up wishing you could make at home, but of course to do so, you’d need to be the well-travelled chef that Lucas is. You can of course always opt for something more traditional, such as a seafood set, sandwiches, linguini or a steak – you’ll find much to tempt you.

Now that Lucas is here in Thailand, he’s experimenting with the abundance of foodstuffs that are to be found. “Perhaps one of the best things,” he says, “is that all the Thai food is very fresh. The herbs and spices are wonderful and always add to the dishes. In particular I love using lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves.”

Some of his favourite dishes that he recommends include a massaman curry using lamb, a Thai beef salad with Australian beef and tiger prawns and a real treat for any lover of meat, a confit of pork belly.

If you come to RockPool in the evening you’re in for something special. It’s time to enjoy some extraordinarily good dishes. Lucas says of the evening menu, “It’s contemporary fine dining, with plenty of raw, organic accompaniments, and above all, food that’s fresh.”

There’s plenty of space at RockPool, but if you want to sit on the terrace, closest to the sea, then it’s highly recommended that you book. The main dining room is a tented sala that lets in the breezes and gives a light and airy feeling to dining here. Seating and ambience are cosy whilst being contemporary. No matter where you choose to sit, this is a wonderfully romantic place to bring your partner.

A lot of love and thought has gone into everything here in order for guests to experience complete delight. With his mixture of classic techniques and global twists on the food he cooks, Lucas is definitely a chef who’s bringing new and vibrant tastes to the island. Highly appreciated by RockPool’s diners, you’d be hardpressed to improve on the dishes he’s offering.

KHAO SOK

The Cliff and River Jungle Resort

Come and Relax with us at The Cliff and River Jungle Resort in magnificent Khao Sok. Enjoy the natural beauty and fresh air at this Scenic Riverside location.

Sightseeing Info - Canoeing - International Restaurant Luxury Recreation Facilities - Elephant Trekking

for more information and reservation please call 0 872 718 787, 0 812 721 221, 0 7791 3050 Fax. 0 7791 3099 www.thecliffandriver.com

P. CHAWENG GUEST HOUSE

100 ISLANDS RESORT

Located at the end of Soi Colibri, opposite Centara Grand Beach Resort.

Thai owned and managed, offering the beauty of Thai style architecture combined with European comforts.

The first boutique hotel in Suratthani.

Reasonably priced with friendly service and a family atmosphere. Relax by the pool or ease your tensions at the luxurious spa.

Dimitri Waring

_______________________________________________________ For reservations or further information telephone 0 7723 4500. www.rockpoolsamui.com

Recommended by Lonely Planet

Tel.: 0 7723 0684

Tel.: 0 7720 1150-8

OUT OF THIS WORLD This special spa package at Hansar’s LUXSA Spa will lift you right out of your body!

www.samuiholiday.com l 89

90 l www.samuiholiday.com

There are all sorts of spas. Some will offer a sauna, a facial, and you can get a manicure or massage, too. Others are more esoteric, touching onto ancient Chinese or Ayurvedic approaches, proclaiming to be aware of your whole body, not just your aching feet, and promising to re-energise and balance your chakras. The thing is – what to believe. Just check the number of roadside massage shops offering ‘reflexology’ when all they’re really doing is a foot rub. Sacro cranial therapy? A head massage. But not at Hansar.

Hansar Samui is a 5-star resort, located on the beachfront at Bophut, at the far end of the popular Fisherman’s Village. It’s one of the new wave of luxurious holiday resorts, where the old-school gold-leaf and marble has given way to expensive understatement. Natural timber and fabric abound, tastefully complemented by quiet and elegant ethnic artwork. There’s a gourmet restaurant with a world-class chef, but you’d walk right past it unless you were aware; the entire resort has a quiet confidence that doesn’t need shouting about. And that applies to its world-class spa, too.

The Hansar Hospitality Group is a small and independent organisation, with just six such exclusive resorts and hotels in Thailand. The emphasis is on the quality of service, the refined luxury of their rooms, the tip-top restaurant, plus each has its own spa, all of which go under the brand name of ‘LUXSA’. This prompts the assumption that all the spas are the same, use the same products, and offer the same kind of programs. This just couldn’t be further from the truth!

Khun Jern has been the spa manager at the Samui LUXSA ever since it opened. And it’s a measure of her integrity (and that of the entire resort and the way it all works) that when I asked her about the superlative new combined treatment package and how it was put together, she modestly replied that it was all down to teamwork. This program isn’t something you’ll find elsewhere on the menu of the other spas. It’s been created by Khun Jern and her team, here on Samui.

And if you need any more affirmation of the excellence of the Samui spa, it not only won the World Luxury Spas Award for all of Asia in 2014, but it came in a runner-up position last year, only managing to be judged the ‘Best in Thailand’!

“This combined package of treatments lasts over two and a half hours,” Khun Jern explained. “It creates a flow of energy which begins with the foot reflexology, with nerve and energy centres on the feet being triggered, then continues into the ‘Stimulator’ massage of the intestine and stomach, releasing further stored tension and adding to the initial emotional release of the reflexology. Then finally there is a period of ‘Shirodhara’. This induces a semi-trance-like state where the mind releases fundamental emotional images stored in the limbic system of the cortex, allowing release and a purging of these trapped energies – the result is a tranquil sense of well-being and the restoring of the energy equilibrium that we all need to be centred.”

www.samuiholiday.com l 91

Right then! If you’ve never experienced an Ayurvedic treatment before, you’ll probably want to reserve judgement. And correctly so, because such claims are easily made. Beware of any place that simply brings you in and lays you down. You need to be assessed first. Your heart rate and blood pressure checked. Do you have any medical conditions? Allergies?

Injuries? Any areas of the body that are sensitive? Are you taking any medication? And then there’s a personality typing to determine what is your dominant element; earth, fire, earth or water. And properly done, it will not achieve this by classing you as ‘fire’ merely because you like the colour red!

At Hansar, this evaluation determines what mixture of essential oils will be used to harmonise your treatment. And it all begins in a cool, quiet room (ask to cut the pre-recorded spa tape if you want) with a highly capable masseuse. She’ll work gently to begin with, stroking and flexing your feet. You’ll relax. Then she’ll gradually vary the pressure, seeking out the pressure and nerve points, and your fingers and arms will twitch and tingle in response. Thai foot massage is a whole different thing, superficial and mechanical, and needing little in the way of sensitivity or 92 l www.samuiholiday.com

awareness. This reflexology treatment is mated with and complementary to what is about to follow.

Then to the energy centres in the stomach and gut. This is not relaxing.

This is the Ayurvedic equivalent of scratching hard at a really annoying itch. It’s a great relief, but it’s on the edge of hurting. Her thumbs will probe and locate tension points, then dig in and smooth them out. But, while your body is instinctively tensing, you’ll also find that your mind is starting to float.

And so to the Shirodhara. Done properly, this will send you to a mental place somewhere between your fondest memories and the stars above.

You won’t fall asleep; you’ll be aware of the hum of the air conditioning, the occasional voice outside and the whisper of clothing as your masseuse moves. But you’ll be having waking dreams at the same time, flashbacks to times in your past – the face of a forgotten lover, an image of your baby daughter’s toy – a flow of scenes melting into each other.

You’ll be aware of the feather-touch of her fingers on your head – then realise you can’t distinguish between this and the steady fall of body-

temperature oil that is thinly streaming onto your forehead. She’ll reach under you, from behind to direct the energy (from your gut, via your shoulders), sensing and working gently on the muscle knots, and co-mingling her physical touch with your psychic state.

All of this really works. It’s utter bliss.

And then into the steam room. The mental displacement continues.

Wrap your towel around you and you’ll suddenly be in warm, comforting sunshine. But don’t close it down at this point. Don’t go back and watch television. Don’t take a shower or scrub the oil out of your hair, or go on Facebook, or go to a disco, or drink cocktails in the bar. Leave that till tomorrow. Make the absolute most of finding yourself, for a time, totally out of this world!

Rob De Wet

______________________________________________________ For reservations or further information, telephone 0 7724 5511. www.hansarsamui.com

Fine Beachfront Dining serving Thai, Seafood & International Cuisine.

Chaweng Beach Road Chaweng North Tel: 0 7742 9400 Fax: 0 7742 9498 E-mail: reservation@norabeachresort.com www.norabeachresort.com

BIG, BOLD, BRASH Abidingly popular, Maenam’s weekly night market is guaranteed to pull in the crowds.

94 l www.samuiholiday.com

www.samuiholiday.com l 95

The Thais are known for their speedy martial art, or Muay Thai; fighting that’s all blink-of-an-eye and totally efficient, so fast at times that it’s hard to capture on camera. But Thai speed isn’t restricted to fighting, and you’ll see other instances of it while you’re on your travels in the country. On Samui, the night markets, known colloquially as ‘walking streets’, that have sprung up in towns on the island are prime examples. The markets are only held once a week in each town on a designated street. The rest of the week the street goes back to its normal routines. But come the day of the market, everything changes. And fast. Really fast.

Maenam’s walking street is held right in the heart of town; it starts at the new Chinese gate by the traffic lights, goes down the street, then bends round to make its way back up the street parallel until it ends at the other Chinese gate.

The market is held every Thursday, and the area starts off quiet and near empty. You’d think nothing out of the ordinary was due to happen here. It’s business as usual. But come mid-afternoon, all that changes. Pick-up trucks start arriving and unload chairs and trestle tables before driving off again.

For the next hour, more and more vehicles come down the narrow road, negotiating the Chinese gates and unload. Soon the street is filled with the click-click sound of tables, stalls and awnings quickly being erected.

The scene is repeated the entire length of the market, with a hundred or

96 l www.samuiholiday.com

so stalls being put up. Everyone has their own space, which is precisely delineated, painted and numbered on the roadway; everyone has access to electricity, but anything else they might need, they’ll have to bring it themselves.

It’s not an easy way to make a living, but one of the main things you’ll notice about the island’s night markets is the sheer conviviality of the participants. No matter how tired they may be, or how the weather might suddenly turn for the worse, there’s something admirable about the way nobody complains but makes the best of the situation. And that situation can get quite weird: sudden power-outs that may go on for an hour; walls of cloud that chase down from the mountains and dump buckets of water over anyone who’s not ready. Or the sudden squalls of wind that can send whole clothes rails flying. It’s all seemingly part of being a vendor and nobody is fazed by the challenges of the evening.

By 5:00 pm everything is set up. Police now close off the access to traffic; only if you’re walking can you now get to the market. Well, you’d have no hope anyway if you were in a vehicle, as by now, the street is packed.

Depending on the season, packed can mean simply crowded or virtually so dense with people that they’re more or less shoulder-to-shoulder. Not quite sardine level, but at times approaching it.

Nautilus X2 SH Sep -Oct 2015

I B E S A M U I NAUTILUS

INVEST IN A X2 RESIDENCE AND X2 (CROSS TO) A NEW DIMENSION OF LUXURY...

LUXURY BY DESIGN

APARTMENTS FOR SALE from 2,5 M Thb / 50 m2

· Private and common pools · Sun deck and rooftop garden · Bar, grill · Restaurant

· Fitness room · The most secure foreign ownership · Rental income · Hotel and rental management program

by Bespoke Hospitality Management Asia

on

2 Sp dis 0% a cou tr ea nt tm en ts

www.nautilussamui.com www.X2LOBBY.com peter.sule@nautilussamui.com +66 (0) 82 4274 888 +66 (0) 80 3274 358

The sheer number of people attending the market turns the walk through the duo of streets into the slowest of slow strolls. To say there’s so much to see is a bit of an understatement. The stalls are so many, and people just feel they have to look at each and every one, no matter how briefly, that time itself seems off-kilter.

Everyone seems to enjoy the market. It’s not just something that’s staged for holidaymakers; it’s equally popular amongst the Thais and foreign residents – many come every single week. Will they miss out on anything if they don’t? Probably not, as most stalls are in the same spot every time, but it’s a chance to meet people, catch up with friends and just have something to eat.

There’s all manner of food being sold. Most of it is typically Thai and the kind that is only suited to a makeshift kitchen. You’ll find plenty of fried foods – some of it will be cooked before your very eyes. Other foodstuffs are already on display, such as tod man pla, or spicy fish cakes, then spring rolls, pad Thai, chicken thighs with rice and that western staple that’s long since been hi-jacked by all Thai markets, hot dogs. You’ll also find western food, too.

Delicious pizzas – 100 baht for a large size – await the hungry at the bottom of the road, outside See Daeng.

Our Siam Ten Senses Treatment focuses on the ten main senses in human body.

Restoring body systems and improving the balance.

Green Resort Green Spa Detoxifying and Slimming Program Healthy Thai Restaurant Natural Wing Health Spa & Resort 11/5 Moo 6, Maenam, Koh Samui, Thailand Tel: 0 7760 2111, 0 7760 2112 Fax: 0 7744 7243 Mobile: 0 819 682 796 Email: info@naturalwing.com, www.naturalwing.com

By the way, the shops and restaurants on the street remain open as usual – to get access you just have to go around whatever stall is in front.

The street is a good place to try various Asian foods and has a both a Japanese and a Korean restaurant, and of course, Thai. Unfortunately, despite the Chinese architecture, there’s no Chinese restaurant here.

If you’re looking to sit down and have a relaxed drink and meal right by the sea, then try either Sea View at the end of the street or Café Talay, just round the corner. Meanwhile, mojito stalls sell cut-price cocktails that you can carry with you as you walk.

But walking street isn’t just about food and drink. You’ll also find cut-price clothes from dresses and tops, to T-shirts and swimwear. Some of the prices are fixed, some not – but it never hurts to bargain, and you’ll be bound to get a discount if you buy two items or more. You’ll also find handicrafts on sale, such as leather and soap carvings, leather bags and purses, and crocheted clothing. The market’s also a good place to pick up gifts and souvenirs. Incidentally, the market here has some of the best prices for the island’s walking streets.

Close to the sea, you’ll find an amazing Chinese temple, and it’s well worth spending time here, especially if its doors are open; it’s beautifully painted and a favourite place to take photos. Just by the sea, there’s a small Chinese pagoda, also certainly worth a photo. The temple makes a good meeting point should you lose the others you’re with.

Around 10:00 pm, the market starts to shut down, and if you’ve had a mojito or three, it’ll appear to be folding itself away before your eyes, as steadily as a time lapse film – the nimble vendors go into overdrive and pack everything away into large plastic containers, whilst tables, struts and awnings get flat-packed. Soon trucks start arriving to collect everything and for a half an hour there’s the most massive traffic jam as everything’s being loaded up.

By 11:30 pm the street is stone quiet. Uncannily so – it’s as if the hundreds of stalls, and all the people have simply de-materialized. And it’s quiet again. Really quiet. Just a residential street with hardly anyone about. For a repeat of walking street, you’ll have to wait another week.

Or you can go the very next day, Friday, to Fisherman’s Village, just along the coast. You’ll see the same stalls and the same cheerful vendors, and you may experience an uncanny sense of déjà-vu.

Dimitri Waring 98 l www.samuiholiday.com

100 l www.samuiholiday.com

WORLD

Explore the extraordinary world surrounding Samui with Sa-ard’s Watersport Center.

www.samuiholiday.com l 101

Blue waters. Palm-fringed beaches. Endless summer days. The fact that Samui is surrounded by sea probably has something to do with why you’ve chosen to come on holiday here. There are beautiful beaches aplenty, and the sea is warm all year round making it an ideal place to unwind. Most people have come a long, long way to be here, and once they arrive on the island, they’re more than content just to stay put and soak up the atmosphere and all the beauty. And why not? With dozens of beaches within driving distance, is it really necessary to step foot off Samui? Certainly not … but that means missing out on some truly amazing experiences.

Looking out from Samui at the intriguing islands that lie just offshore, you may already feel a bit tempted to go exploring. Many a resident regret that they don’t have a boat that would enable them to regularly spend more time at sea discovering what’s out there.

102 l www.samuiholiday.com

If you’re here on holiday, you can easily spend a day or longer at sea exploring, thanks to a myriad of companies who offer trips. There’s a bewildering variety of packages and it can be hard to decide between them. Amongst the companies there are some who go the extra nautical mile to offer the very, very best and who have a captain and crew that have exceptional knowledge of the area. They aren’t just professionals, they are experts to boot. The least of their knowledge is that they know where all Samui’s secrets and those of her sister islands are to be found: the white sand beaches that few ever get to see because you need a boat to be able to access them – these definitely aren’t the tourist beaches, beautiful as they are.

One of the stand-out companies is Sa-ard’s Watersport Center, which was founded by Khun Sa-ard Panyawan, more usually known as Khun Lek. He’s one of Thailand’s champion windsurfers, and took part in two

Olympic Games. He’s won gold medals at the South-East Asia Games no less than five times. He’s also a long-time member of the Thai National Windsurfing Team. As you can imagine just from reading the above, he’s a very dedicated person. He’s at home not just on a windsurf board, but also on most kinds of boats, his other passion being sailing. He started off working for the prestigious Santiburi Resort before deciding to buy his very own boat, along with his brother, who runs the company with him.

The company became increasingly popular and went from strength to strength, steadily adding more boats.

It’s a bit of an understatement to say they know the local waters. Over the years Khun Lek and his brother have invested a lot of energy and enthusiasm to seek out what’s best in the Gulf of Thailand and beyond.

They have an uncanny knowledge of where the bluest waters are to be found, and can take you swimming and snorkelling in some of the

best spots in the country. They’re also extraordinarily good at weather forecasting, and thanks to the modern technology they have on board, they also know what’s beneath their boats – they’re able to see undersea maps of whatever’s in the immediate vicinity.

Sa-ard has various tour destinations for you to enjoy. To start with, there are tours round Samui where you’ll be able to appreciate the beauty of the island as you sail past. You’ll also stop off at the small island of Koh Taen, right in the south, and experience a nature trail that takes you through a mangrove forest. On another trip you can head up to Koh PhaNgan, stopping to snorkel at beautiful Koh Ma, and then explore some of Pha-Ngan’s best beaches. If you’d like to go further afield, there’s a separate trip to delightful Koh Tao, justly famed for its dive sites. From there onwards, a speed boat takes you to the small island of Koh Nang Yuan, where you can swim, snorkel and wander to your heart’s content. www.samuiholiday.com l 103

Khun Lek can also take you west of Samui to the enigmatic Angthong National Marine Park, an archipelago of almost 70 islands, some big, some tiny, but all enchanting. With their contorted karst shapes – the same kind of topography that you’ll see in the Krabi region – they’re amazing to look at and also have to-die-for tropical beaches. As if that’s not enough, you can also see something quite unusual – it’s on one of the larger islands; you climb up over a rocky lip to gaze down on an emerald green stretch of water entirely enclosed by cliffs.

It goes without saying that on day trips there’s a delicious lunch included, so nobody will go hungry. This is definitely not one of those companies where you feel you’re roughing things in the least. Sa-ard also offers day fishing trips in the local waters and a romantic sunset cruise along the northern shore of Samui, taking in Tongsai Bay and Big Buddha.

You can also opt for something even more special: a charter speed boat trip or other itinerary that you can talk over together with Khun Lek and his team. And there’s also the possibility of doing overnight trips thanks to the types of boat that he has.

Impiana Samui Holiday May-June 2016

Daily Theme Nights From 7pm.

Monday Classical Thai Night Buffet - THB 590 Tuesday Catch of the Day - from THB 250 Wednesday Italian Night Buffet - THB 490

Recently launched, there’s a brand-new catamaran, ‘Kindred Spirit’, which can easily take 15 passengers on a day trip, and can sleep six. It’s a luxurious way to travel as there are two staterooms and a living room, all of which is air-conditioned. There’s also the extraordinarily fast touring boat, ‘Sting’ which is the quickest way possible to reach any maritime destination, short of flying. There are other boats too, and all of them are fully licensed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand and have complete international-standard insurance.

Once you’re on board you’ll have this whole feeling of being on a trip that will live up to expectations. You’ll be in very professional hands and with Sa-ard, and you’ll be able to discover just what makes the islands here so different and so wonderful. A world awaits you just beyond Samui’s idyllic bays and tree-clad hills, and it’s absolutely worthwhile taking the time to explore it.

Dimitri Waring

_______________________________________________________ For further information. telephone 0 7724 7656. www.saardswatersport.com

Thursday Steak Supreme - from THB 300 Friday Beach BBQ Buffet featuring live music and a fire juggling show - THB 690 Saturday Surf & Turf - THB 790 Sunday Roast Chicken Sunday - THB 390 Daily Happy Hours at Beach Bar Buy 1 get 1 free beers and cocktails from 12pm - 2pm l 5pm - 7pm l 9pm - Midnight Sentinel Band Enjoy music from the Sentinel Band - Monday to Saturday from 7pm – 10pm Dining on the Beach Moonlight beach dining with your own private chef, from THB 1,500 per person

Chaweng Noi Beach For reservations please call: +66 77 448 994 http://samuihotels.impiana.com.my/

RUN FOR IT

The annual Four Seasons Cancer Care Charity Fun Run

106 l www.samuiholiday.com

www.samuiholiday.com l 107

It all started in 1980, when a plucky young Canadian man named Terry Fox, who’d had a leg amputated in order to stop his cancer spreading, decided to run across Canada to raise money and awareness of this growing and often fatal disease. With his prosthetic leg, Terry ran and hopped in his own style, along highways and roads, through cities, towns, villages and countryside. Continuing even in the pouring rain, he just kept going with his aptly named ‘Marathon of Hope’.

Isadore Sharp, the founder of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts was among those inspired by Terry’s dedication and commitment that summer.

As he followed Terry’s progress, he became more and more convinced that this disease needed so much more research done in order to find a cure. Research is time-consuming and costly, so he personally pledged $10,000 to support Terry’s cause, and wrote to another 999 Canadian corporations urging them to do the same. Before long, Terry’s route through Canada was lined with supporters, waving flags and cheering him on. Sadly, Terry succumbed to cancer before reaching his goal to run across the entire country.

108 l www.samuiholiday.com

After Terry’s death, Isadore Sharp committed himself to continue the work Terry had started. He began working closely with the Canadian Cancer Society and other sponsors to ensure Terry’s legacy lived on, and the Terry Fox Foundation was created. The first Terry Fox Run was organised and held the following year, and more than 300,000 people participated, raising $3.2 million. Today, the Terry Fox Run is held every September, in more than 50 countries, and is the world’s largest one-day fundraiser for cancer research. To date, close to $500 million has been raised worldwide, and much developmental work has been able to proceed in the continuing fight to try and halt a disease that has devastated, and will continue to devastate, so many lives, unless we work together relentlessly to find a cure.

Since Terry’s run more than 30 years ago, Four Seasons has been deeply committed to the cause of advancing cancer research. A one-time event inspired by a local hero, all those years ago, has led to fundraising activities spreading throughout all the company’s hotels and resorts around the world, raising millions of dollars annually to benefit dozens of local research and care facilities. Supporting Terry’s dream is just one

SAMUI’S BEST DETOX Luxury Living Magazine Awards 2015

HERBAL DETOX & WEIGHT LOSS

3 Programs

Detox Weight Loss Ultimate Detox

for 7, 14, 21 or 28 days 100% natural organic handcrafted herbal formulas Cleanse and Restore • No colonics necessary Easy and simple to do Take the potent herbal formulas daily am and pm.

Stay in a beach villa and do the program or buy the program and do it anywhere at anytime Lose 2-5kg in 7 days - starts at thb 9,000 Read our media reviews online “Our favourite Detox Center” - TATLER 2015 “Recommended -Best Detox Resorts” - VOGUE 2014 Start your journey to better health and vitality now...

www.TheSourceSamui.com info@sourcesamui.com

The Source

Herbal Detox & Weight Loss Centre 179/12 Moo 4, Lamai, Koh Samui (near Tesco Lamai) Mobile: +66 (0)89 0679 856

SCL International School International Education from Pre-school to Secondary Educating the Mind Nurturing the Soul

way Four Seasons employees strive to advance cancer research.

Every Four Seasons hotel and resort actively supports local and regional efforts to find a cure for cancer. Through annual runs, golf tournaments, food and beverage promotions and other activities, they spread awareness and raise money.



 Small classes  Individual education plans Fully qualified teachers  A family atmosphere

With these qualities, it’s not hard to see why the children at SCL are achieving so much A warm welcome is extended to anyone who wishes to visit the school

This year, Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui are organising their 9th Cancer Care Charity Fun Run in association with The Thai Red Cross Society. All proceeds will go to the Cancer Research Centre at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. This year’s run will take place on Saturday, June 4th, 2016, at Nathon Pier. You can choose to run or walk the two, five or 10 kilometre routes, and you don’t have to be an expert athlete to join the run – everyone is welcome to join in the fun. Many families come, with all ages participating. Just join in and be part of this fantastic local event and help raise money and awareness for a cause that has touched so many families.

SCL International School

127/40-50 Moo 3 Maret, Lamai, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84310, Thailand Phone: 0 7741 8789 Mobile: 0 810 910 714 Email: emma@sclinternationalschool.com www.sclinternationalschool.com

Registration starts at 6:00 am on the morning of the race, and a group warm-up activity gets the blood pumping and sets the atmosphere and excitement. The starter horn kicks off the race at 7:00 am. Tickets are 250 baht, including a race T-shirt, or 400 baht with a Polo shirt.

All tickets include a free breakfast box for after the race, and a lucky draw ticket for some great raffle prizes. You can pre-register for the race by phoning or emailing the contact details below. All revenues from this event are entirely dependent on sponsorship and donations, so Four Seasons would be extremely grateful for your support and any contributions to this very worthy cause. All support and donations, large or small, in the form of cash or goods, are welcome. Every contribution will help them to raise as much as possible for the continuing pledge to find a cure for cancer.

In 2013, the Samui event raised 999,998.38 baht, and in 2014, that figure increased to 1,067,892.71 baht. Last year the trend continued and 1,406,907.17 baht was raised, with approximately 700 people attending the event.

There are trophies and prizes for the first male and female runner over the finish line in each category, and for the company, hotel or school that has the most participants. So come on all you Samui visitors and locals, get training, set the alarm clock, lace up those running shoes and head over to Nathon on Saturday 4th June to join in the fun and help the local community continue with Terry Fox’s last wish. Together, let’s help push the Four Seasons Samui Cancer Care pledge over that 1,500,000 baht mark.

See you there...

Karan Ladd

__________________________________________________________ For further information, telephone 0 7724 3000 or e-mail cancercare.kohsamui@fourseasons.com

110 l www.samuiholiday.com

The Beauty Secret Perfection is Closer Than You Think

IMPIANA TRANSLATED

You might not know the name, but the Impiana Resort is right up there with the best – and offers a lot more than you might expect.

It’s not a new idea. You’ll come across several like this. They really stand out from the crowd – although you have to know where they are. Most resorts really can’t carry it off. But when it’s done well, it’s sheer joy.

I’m talking about those few 4-star resorts that have got everything right.

They’ve geared up to the 5-star ethos and have risen to the challenge in all but those final few, fine twists that the ratings demand. More often than not it’s a matter of measure – maybe room volume is just that teensy bit out. But those few that are bold, and have flair, steam right on ahead, becoming 5-star in all but the name. And one of the most established of these is Impiana Resort, just a little way around the corner from the main strip of Chaweng Beach.

The other thing about staff is that they tend to move-on fast – with so many international 5-star hotels here now, there’s plenty of scope. But with the right incentives, they’ll stay. And that applies to all levels, including the general manager. And if a resort’s management staff keeps moving on and changing . . . David Xavier is the GM here at Impiana.

He’s been here for more than five years now, and his awareness and management style shows through as soon as he speaks. “I could do nothing without a top-line team,” he told me. “Our staff are super. They are all valued and appreciated, and every voice is listened to.” David is a pleasantly modest man; the fact that he personally takes the time to overlook every applicant won’t be something he’ll stress!

It’s not an easy thing to do this, to buffer yourself up to these standards, right across the board. Staff are a resource that is often downplayed, but not here. It’s just so easy to put in a spa, a fitness centre, or buy quality cutlery. But it takes an ongoing investment in time and continual training – thus costing so much more to do it right – to assemble a team with confident English skills, an awareness of international standards, the ability to improvise and the initiative to know when to do so, and the pleasantly relaxed politeness that rises out of experience. And there is simply no substitute.

Impiana is one of those resorts which, at first glance, doesn’t give much away. The frontage, on the ring road at Chaweng Noi, doesn’t grab your eye, even though it’s substantial. And what’s tucked away behind it can’t be seen. Unlike most of Chaweng Beach, the coast here is rocky and steep, descending steadily downwards to the beach below.

The resort follows this path, but being so gently and subtly graded into several sets of descending terraces that you aren’t really aware of this as you explore. There’s a wide range of accommodations, some layered in the main block, others as cottages, plus one Seaside Suite, but all of

114 l www.samuiholiday.com

Lamai Beach: 0 7723 0855 & Lamai Valley: 0 7742 4666, 0 7725 6615

them are super-pleasant, modern and fresh, and impeccably kitted out with all mod cons, such as private balconies, mini-bar, and satellite TV. There are no fewer than three places to eat: two restaurants plus a beach bar. ‘Tamarind Bar & Lounge’ is a cosy, open-sided dining area with an elevated outlook, neatly divided into a games room, lounge and bar, plus a terraced outer dining area that’s intimate and relaxed. Then, on a lower level there’s ‘Sabai’, the shady all-day restaurant that’s on the fringe of the sand. The menus are Thai and International, offering pizzas and pasta, plus a mains selection featuring sea bass, salmon, duck, lamb and several cuts of imported Black Angus beef from Australia.

And then, right on the sand itself, there’s the ‘Beach Bar’, a humble name, but this is a dramatic 2-floor construction with huge fruit trees growing up through the middle, and with the shady upper deck having enough space for most wedding parties – of which it sees its fair share! Oh – and talking of keeping up with the times, all the menus are now in English, Russian and Chinese.

This is the original health destination on Koh Samui offering only the best Vegetarian, Raw and Healthy Thai Food. Listed as one of the 50 best restaurants in the world.

Over 17 years serving the freshest mouthwatering healthy food.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Daily @ both locations 7:00 am until 9:30 pm.

Radiance is a part of The Spa Resorts.

Lamai Beach: 0 7723 0855 & Lamai Valley: 0 7742 4666, 0 7725 6615

And very cleverly architected in-there, hidden away around to one side, shrouded in lush greenery and at the edge of a velvety lawn, there’s the spa, and it’s got an atmosphere all of its own. Swasana Spa has to be one of the most relaxing you’ll come across. It’s not that big, but there’s a tangibly tranquil atmosphere as soon as you step inside. They offer beauty, therapeutic, and rejuvenating treatments, as well as a range of massages. And right now there’s a special set of packages and discounts being offered – too much detail to list here in full. But contact them or check on their Facebook page for full details!

Or, if you are interested in any of the things above, ask to speak to Khun Mas (Khun Juthamas Sawangrat), the Guest Experience Manager. Yet another 5-star feather in Impiana’s cap – a friendly, open and outgoing person who is there full time for everyone, resident guests or interested visitors alike. “It seemed there was a gap, somehow,” David explained.

“Guests didn’t like to mention small things, like a dripping tap or air-con that was hard to control, and they didn’t really know who to speak to anyway. So we created a position for someone to be constantly on hand to help out in these situations. She’s been invaluable with helping out with the details of the many weddings we arrange. And she’s just so friendly and approachable, liaising seamlessly between guests and departmental heads, a real Miss Fixit!”

Of course, it all depends what you want. Hopefully the misplaced and lingering hesitation that Joe Public used to have about walking into unfamiliar resorts has become a thing of the past. Resorts and their often unparalleled facilities are there for you, too, if you know where to look. And whether it’s a really special evening dining experience, a superb beach buffet with entertainment, Swasana Spa with its pampering, rejuvenating or beauty treatments – or even arranging your entire wedding ceremony and reception – this place takes a great deal of beating. The name is simply ‘Impiana Resort’. But if you translate that into real day-to-day terms, then it means, across the board, you’re getting 5-star service at a 4-star price!

Rob De Wet

____________________________________________________________ For reservations or further information, telephone 0 7744 8994. www.samuihotels.impiana.com.my

116 l www.samuiholiday.com

S A M U I

ENJOY THE VIEW • FEEL THE QUALITY • LIVE THE LIFESTYLE

SIX SENSES SAMUI HOTEL

SUNRISE

17 17

PLOT 2

.47

3m

.47

47 .64 5m 47 .64 .

5m .

965.60 sq.m.

40 .73 40 .73 5 m.

5m .

9m

.

.

3m

.

PLOT 3

.

PLOT 4 705.20 sq.m.

m.

22.058

.12

8m .

22

.

34.3 00 m

22.060

16

359.20 sq.m.

.

844.00 sq.m.

9.214 m.

.

PLOT 5

1m

1m

769.20 sq.m.

43.0

.62

.62

9m

21 .6 21 84 m .68 4m . .

D 09 m

17

47 .43 0m 47 .64 .

5m .

.09

PLOT 6

369.20 sq.m.

17

PLOT 1

.

SERV ITUD E R OA

16

.18 8 m 8m . .

17 .73 1m .73 .

1m .

17

AD

.

.27

9m .66

20

21.0 41 m.

21.0 41 m.

m.

RO

1m

PLOT 7

394.00 sq.m.

.18

m.

18 .7 47

72

6.1

.

.

.51

21

6m

PLOT 8 386.80 sq.m.

22

.4

30

BEACH

BLIC

17

22

.44

m.

TO THE

PU

WATER SYSTEMS

19

m.

21.080

m.

TO

THE

BEA CH

SUNSET

EXCLUSIVE BEACHFRONT AND SEA VIEW LAND, TOTALLY 8 PLOTS FOR SALE

S A M U I

PLOT 9 PLOT 17 PLOT 10

SOLD

SOLD

PLOT 6

SOLD

PLOT 12 SOLD

PLOT 15

SOLD

PLOT 13

SOLD

SOLD

PLOT 2

PLOT 4 PLOT 3

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

PLOT 16

PLOT 1 PLOT 5

PLOT 11

SOLD

SOLD

T 19 PLO PLOT 7 er PLOT 8 SOLD form Tran

Canal

SOLD

PLOT 18

PLOT 14 SOLD

19 SEA VIEW PLOTS FOR SALE (16 SOLD), 5 BEDROOM VILLA & SEPARATE GUEST VILLA FOR RENT OR SALE

18.746 m.

18.751

m.

m.

5.6

64

m.

.

5.54

.

DE

1.829 m.

.

01

29.1

m.

ROA

17.324

PLOT 6 491.60 sq.m.

PLOT 1 582.00 sq.m.

11 m 15.9

0 m.

VITU

.

9.69

6m 2.73

15.4

SER

4m

91 m.

69 m.

15.3

20.627

1m

2.80

DEN

ER

ITUD

SERV

m.

OAD

88 m.

32.9

Plai Laem Soi 8, Choeng Mon, Samui, Thailand

14 m.

11.8 14 m.

11.8

32 m. m. 2.8

m.

GAR

27.080

16.9

m.

11.459 m.

11.459

40 m.

4.49 25 m.

18.7

95 m.

5.557

346.40 sq.m.

2.738

360.80 sq.m.

376.80 sq.m.

4 m.

4 m.

21.42

PLOT 5 428.00 sq.m.

PLOT 3

21.42

m.

23.034 m.

23.034

PLOT 4

PLOT 2

4 m.

18.82 4 m.

18.82

m.

17.050

19.100 m.

m.

15.410

m.

Contact : Mr. Yo 081 537 3088

D

sales@naraikiri.com yochaweng@hotmail.com www.naraikiri.com

o

HILL TOP PROJECT 6 360 SEAVIEW PLOTS FOR SALE

BIG

BUD

DHA 00 m

.

62 m

0 m.

PL

0 sq

2.0

80

10

m.

17.007

26.1

23.262

m. m.

20.423

62 m

0 sq

3.2

60

29.6 31 m .

29.6 31 m .

5 T2 .

PLO.80 sq.m 46

.

30 STUNNING SEA VIEW PLOTS FROM 400 TO 802 SQ.M. OVERLOOKING CHOENG MON BEACH. ROAD AND ELECTRICITY ALREADY IN THE PLACE. EASY AND AFFORDABLE TO BEGIN CONSTRUCTION.

.

m.

4 T 2 .m.

PLO

27.5 5 45 m

22.203

23.2

PLAI LEAM PARADISE

PUBB

8.00

m.

6

72

NARAI KIRI RESIDENCES

.

m.

26 OT .m.

22.062

22.100 m.

22.100 m.

m.

m.

3 T2 .

PLO.00 sq.m

0 m.

m.

.

8.00

58 m

22.8

33.1 99 m .

33.1 99 m .

21.2

7

58

8

65

.

7 T2 .

PLO.20 sq.m

2 T2 .

PLO.00 sq.m

21.469 m.

21.469 m.

6 m.

25.930

HILL TOP PROJECT

.

59 m

m.

49

m.

SAMUI ROYAL HOLDINGS

.

59 m

3.000 m.

0 6.8

22.92

21.161

59 m

LD) (SO T 20 .

LO sq.m P

1

59

32.3

AD

8 m.

22.96 8 m.

PLO.40 sq.m 32.3

19.697

0

3.6

17

sq.m

CH

.

1 T2 .

19.697

m.

21.675

PUBBLIC

19 .

G BEA

48 m

LIC RO

m.

22.210

22.249 m.

6 M. ROAD

22.185 m.

23.068

23.2 20 m .

23.2 20 m .

22.96

21.945

22.245 m.

22.245 m.

22.181 m.

22.181 m.

23.688 m.

23.688 m.

6 M.

5 m.

sq

50

T PLO

WEN

23.2

21.2

m.

4

0 7.6

3.000 m.

5

7 T1 .

PLO.00 sq.m

18.14

PL

CHA

.

m.

PLO.20 sq.m 54

.

41

m.

.

54 m

m.

8 T2 .

22.390

54 m

47 m

18 OT .m.

m.

m.

m.

21.536

22.238

. m.

AD 6 M

21.556

PUBBLIC RO

21.036

40

18.2

23.2

17.008

m.

3

44

ROAD

6 T 1sq.m.

0 PLO 0.0

18.2

4 T1 .

PLO.20 sq.m

18.144

.00

0 40

34.015 m.

21.675

PUBBLIC

P

28.861 m.

9 m.

4 54

0

.

(S T 1 .m.

LO sq

28.861 m.

17.99

m.

9 T2 .

PLO.80 sq.m

T .

PLO.00 sq.m 40

8

45 m

D) OL 5

18.2 00 m .

18.2 00 m .

13

24.729 m.

0

48

40

49 m .

18.2 49 m .

m.

24.546

m.

m.

0 T3 .

PLO.00 sq.m

24.724 m.

24.724 m.

m.

.

24.829

0.0

55

24.829

PLO 0 sq.m 21.339

22.923

sq

SOI

18.1

m.

5

53

0 0.0

m.

27.169

PLO.60 sq.m

PL

18.2

m.

1 T1 .

.

12 OT .m.

18.1 97 m .

18.1 97 m .

22.175 m.

PLO.10 sq.m

19.688

2 m.

.

0 T1 .

18.12

T5

.

35 m

EAM

44 m

24.729

m.

18.9

PLAIL

18.1

27.316

22.044 m.

22.044 m.

21.814 m.

21.814 m.

27.943 m.

27.943 m.

8

50

18.150

.

OAD

35 m

19.274 m.

19.274 m.

m.

PLO.80 sq.m

0.0

40

2

m.

27.947

T8

.

T9 .

PLO 0 sq.m

11

m.

LIC R

00 m

m.

24.546 m.

m.

m. .0

0 40

PUB

18.0

18.9

.

23.832 m.

23.692 m.

.

T7 .

PLO 0 sq.m

18.286

11.693

T4 .

PL2.O40 sq.m

91 m

91 m

18.286

m.

18.0 54 m .

18.0 54 m .

6 M.

PUBBLIC

ROAD

22.249

22.474

0.0

40

17.832 m.

m.

T3 .

PLO 0 sq.m

17.9 m.

m.

m.

21.972

18.1 38 m .

18.1 38 m .

21.951 m. m.

.m.

0 sq

0.0

0

17.9

.

2 OT

.

40

.

00 m

40

14.298

00 m

18.0

00 m

T 8.m. sq PLO .00

22.237

0.0

40

18.0

PL

18.0

22.237

T1 .

PLO 0 sq.m

22.341

22.237 m.

18.0

23

www.samui-ultimate-samui.com

KOH SAMUI www.samuiholiday.com l 117

SAYING ‘I DO’ IN THAILAND Getting married on Samui is a lot easier than you think – and more fun.

118 l www.samuiholiday.com

www.samuiholiday.com l 119

120 l www.samuiholiday.com

Photographs courtesy of Akaphon Photography www.akaphonphotography.com

When Jodie Anderson and her boyfriend Mark decided to get married, they were faced with so many possibilities that it seemed a daunting process. At home in Ireland, a wedding meant having to invite a huge number of friends and family. That in turn meant the wedding would be very expensive. But it was more than that. “We weren’t sure exactly who to invite,” said Jodie. “We were afraid of leaving anyone out. Friends, family, acquaintances – we didn’t want to offend anyone.” It’s a problem faced by many couples. Jodie and Mark decided to hold their wedding on Samui. Just the two of them. They combined it with their honeymoon, and for the couple this was a great solution. As Jodie said, “We saved an astounding amount of money, even by travelling thousands of miles to come here. And no-one got offended. Everyone was very understanding.

On top of that, we had this wonderful holiday. If we’d stayed at home, we’d never have had anything like that. We had a brilliant time.”

Weddings like Jodie and Mark’s, without guests, are called ‘elopements’ but have nothing to do with a couple running off in a clandestine way; it’s just an intimate ceremony, usually on the beach or perhaps up in the hills, where two people can join together in marriage. As a wedding celebrant myself, I can safely say that weddings are incredibly varied on Samui. Some, as we’ve mentioned are so low-key that they really are minimalist. Many of these tend to be vow renewals, where couples come to exchange promises and rings all over again. Such ceremonies may be very quiet but that means they tend to be intimate and are just as filled with happy emotions as any large wedding.

You can have your ceremony in a variety of languages, too, including not just Thai or English, but also French, German, Russian, Chinese and Japanese. The ceremony, by the way, is only legally binding if a Thai registrar comes to the wedding and signs all the appropriate paperwork.

Many brides and grooms actually get officially married in their home countries, before or after coming to Samui.

Some weddings are on the large side, involving perhaps a hundred or

more guests. Really, there’s no upper limit, but since most guests will be coming from outside the island, if not the country, then there’s only a certain number who’ll want to or be able to make a long-haul flight. It’s quite surprising just how many friends, family and even work colleagues will make the effort to come to Samui. When they realise what the island has to offer and that they’ll be taking a vacation as well as attending a wedding, there’s usually a lot of enthusiasm – after all, if guests can afford the time and have the finances to travel to Thailand, they’ll be happy to come here.

Samui also acts as a kind of geographical half-way house when it comes to families. If, say, the bride’s family is from New Zealand and the groom’s are from Europe, it makes sense to meet up in the middle. And rather than being a vague no-man’s land and simply a convenient stopover point, the island is packed with natural beauty and there’s plenty to see and do.

All sorts of services are offered, and these are as professional as anything you’d find in the west. Take flowers, for example. Florists turn up on the beach where the wedding will be held and put up all the floral decoration needed. These can be arches, entire gazebos complete not just with flowers but diaphanous curtains. They’ll also make an aisle in the sands, first raking it smooth and then strewing it with petals before lining it with flower stands. And of course, all the flowers are sure to stand out against the wonderful backdrop of the sea and sky. The florist also provides button holes for the groom, a bouquet for the bride and whatever other flowers are needed, perhaps a floral centrepiece for the reception dining table. It’s basically whatever you wish for.

And that pretty much sums up what the island’s weddings are all about – making your wishes for the day come true. That leitmotiv runs through everything. It applies to all the services, and Samui’s providers turn out to be very professional indeed.

www.samuiholiday.com l 121

There are, for example, many highly skilled photographers on the island; they work with the clients to provide exactly the style of photos required.

(Some examples of which illustrate this article). After the wedding’s finished, they’ll process the raw files and then send you a selection of the best shots. And it’s no problem if you need to film the wedding, as there are videographers working on the island, too, and they’re mostly focussed on weddings. You can even now have aerial shots.

That doesn’t mean you’ll be buzzed during your ceremony by low-flying aircraft, but your event will be cunningly and almost silently monitored by a drone that’ll take shots from some unusual angles.

Once the ceremony itself is over, the reception’s next, of course. You can opt for Thai or international menus, or a mixture of both. The dinner could be a sit-down affair at tables with white cotton covers or a buffet where you help yourself to a variety of delicious food. Music and dance completes a reception and you can book a top-notch DJ who’ll play exactly the kind of music you want. And you may want to stage something a bit different during the evening. You can have fire dancers perform an amazing and unforgettable show right in front of you on the beach or maybe have fireworks and light up the sky.

If you’re a nifty user of Google, then you could just about arrange your own wedding yourself, contacting all the different suppliers you’ll need and hoping you’ve picked the right people. Probably it’ll all cost you

KAYAKING Explore the caves and beaches of the Angthong National Marine Park Offices located behind Bondi Pub in central Chaweng and on Chaweng Lake Road opposite Lake View For reservations please call 0 7730 0615 or 0 878 866 097

www.bluestars.info

in terms of stress – organizing your own wedding in your home town is one thing, but doing it in a foreign country that you may well never have visited before is another. Most couples go through a wedding planner – and there are many of them on the island.

The planner’s job, same as it is everywhere, is to pull everything together and make sure your day goes brilliantly well for you.

The service needn’t be expensive, either. Most hotels also offer weddings and have their own in-house planner, who will be happy to help you.

To give you an idea of what’s possible, it’s easier to say what isn’t. The only service that is currently difficult to arrange is a helicopter. However one island wedding planner acknowledging the difficulties simply said the chopper would first have to fly in from Phuket. “Sure, it can be done,” he ended up saying. “Why not? It’s just nobody’s ever asked for it – so far.”

If you’ve dreamed of having a dream wedding on a tropical island, it may seem like a hard-to-achieve goal and a very exotic one at that, but it’s easier to do than you think. It doesn’t need to be expensive and it’ll certainly be a very memorable way to get married.

Dimitri Waring

TOP SPOT Narai Kiri offer unparalleled holidays in a unique hilltop location.

124 l www.samuiholiday.com

www.samuiholiday.com l 125

Imagine sitting in a Jacuzzi, perhaps casually enjoying some champagne, and gazing out at a view so mesmerizing that it engages the eye no matter which part you care to home in on. You can see offshore islands set in a blue sea, a forest of jungle palms that leads all the way down to the coast and a beautiful temple. There’s a whole sweep of scenery that no camera can catch in a single shot. If you look left you can see Bangrak beach almost directly below you, and then just beyond the mysterious islets of the Angthong National Marine Park in the distance. Directly in front of you, there’s the Big Buddha complex and Plai Laem Temple just a little further away, this time to the right. Needless to say you can also see Koh Pha-Ngan as well. And then there are the planes. They’re every bit as eye-catching as the rest of the view: you can look down on them as they come in to land.

Look down? Indeed, you’re so high up that you don’t look up at them; they’re actually flying below you. It’s a perspective that takes a little getting used to. So does the setting itself. Unless you’re really used to living on the tops of very, very high hills or you own a penthouse suite in a high-rise, then all of this will be a brand-new experience for you. It’s a great one to have. There’s something very liberating about being high up over everything else. It tends to lead to a certain sense of well-being.

You’re lifted up, literally.

This is the world of Narai Kiri Hill Top Villa, one of Samui’s prime villas. It’s part of Narai Kiri Project, a series of villa properties, all of them high above sea-level, which can be rented or purchased.

The villas are extremely popular with holidaymakers and are a great substitute for hotels.

Some people mistakenly imagine that if you book a villa for a holiday, there will be no services provided. You’re simply provided with the keys and everything’s up to you. Nothing could be further from the truth. The same attentive services that you’ll find in a hotel are also present. The only difference is that there won’t be any other guests, allowing the staff to concentrate on your needs and wants. And they really do. Firstly, as in a hotel, they also provide a daily maid service, and you can opt to have your own chef who’ll cook for you. Unlike hotels where you might at best hope to find a mini-bar with the usual favourite drinks and snacks, the villa manager can also stock up the villa fridges in advance of your arrival – but with exactly what you would like to have. Similarly, the manager can arrange any excursions you might like to go on and give you help and advice with activities. It’s really up to you which services you would like to choose.

The villa manager is an expert in customer service. Khun Pinyo Khumprom is a native islander, and manages not just the properties at Narai Kiri, but also two resorts on the island. He’s had many years of experience and knows everything there is to know about Samui.

He’s happy to help with all guest requests and in addition, as project manager, he rents out the properties that have already been purchased.

As he puts it, “Renting out a luxury property gives buyers an idea of exactly what’s possible, and the lifestyle they could easily become accustomed to. And for holidaymakers, deciding on renting a villa instead of booking into a hotel makes an enormous amount of sense; hotels simply can’t hope to compete with a private, luxury villa, offering a full range of services.”

Apart from all the services, renting a villa means you’ll get much more living space, a far greater amount of intimacy, and for a group, it’ll be cheaper than staying in a 5-star resort. As you can imagine, each villa is luxurious throughout and comes with all modern amenities. Lighting is remote-controlled, all air-conditioning is whisper-quiet, and everything from walls, to floors to ceilings is kept in pristine condition. The villas are completely contemporary and set in beautiful well-maintained surroundings. Each comes with a swimming pool, allowing you to relax and enjoy the views even more. There’s no real sense of a divide between the indoors and outdoors, thanks to enormous windows that can be slid back, allowing cooling breezes to circulate throughout the villas. All the bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms and air-conditioning.

Samui Discover authentic Indian Cuisine

Noori India Restaurant - Chaweng Center Chaweng Beach Road, opp. Chaweng Buri Noori India Restaurant - Chaweng South at Chaweng Cove Resort Noori India - Central Festival at Chaweng Beach Road Noori India Cooking Center - Chaweng South Soi Colibri, opp. Centara Grand Beach Resort

2012 WINNER

2013 WINNER

2014 WINNER

You’ll find double beds and everything you need when it comes to luxury living. The kitchens are well equipped with modern international-standard ranges and appliances, so if you decide not to have a chef and you want to cook for your friends or family, you’ll really enjoy the experience. Large supermarkets selling both western and Thai food are just a 15-minute drive away, incidentally.

Narai Kiri is just off Soi 8 in Choeng Mon. Keep going north through Bangrak and follow the road as it takes you past Plai Laem temple. Continue until you see on your right a sign announcing Soi 8. Turn right here and follow the road up the hill and you’ll come to Narai Kiri.

Once you arrive, you’ll see for yourself how beautifully secluded these villas are, and how they’ve raised the bar when it comes to sumptuous living, sheer space and wonderful facilities. As a get-away spot, Narai Kiri is ideal. And in addition, offers its guests a range of sophisticated amenities, worthy of a luxury hotel.

Dimitri Waring

____________________________________________________ For further information, telephone 0 815 373 088. www.naraikiri.com

For reservation (English) 0 867 407 873 or 0 7730 0757 For reservation (Thai) - 0 839 687 912 E-mail: nooriindia_samui@yahoo.com www.nooriindiasamui.com

130 l www.samuiholiday.com

NO PAIN, PLENTY TO GAIN Profit from your holidays and let Bangkok Samui Dental Clinic’s professionals improve your teeth and your looks.

It might seem strange to combine visiting white sand beaches with improving the state of your teeth, but the two actually go hand in hand. Or they can do. Thailand sees some million or so medical patients jet in to the country every year for treatments they either couldn’t afford back at home, or because they choose to recuperate in the best of all surroundings – on those same sandy beaches. It makes sense, doesn’t it? Hmm ... but you might still not be convinced. Aren’t those people naive and taking an enormous chance? Isn’t it a bit risky to put your trust in medical facilities in a country you’re unfamiliar with?

But if you do just a little research you’ll soon see that Thai doctors and dentists are renowned for their excellent record, their experience and training, and sheer dedication to patients’ well-being and safety. Over the years their attitude and performance has led the country to being a major destination for medical procedures, both big and small. Naturally, the widest range of procedures is to be found in the capital, Bangkok, where there’s the greatest concentration of hospitals and clinics.

So, it might come as a surprise that Samui, which after all is a smallish island, and one that a few decades ago was very obscure, should boast a clinic that can perform sophisticated dental work. It’s proof that world-class procedures aren’t just offered by doctors in Bangkok, but also their counterparts in an exotic holiday location, Samui.

Precisely because so many patients are looking for treatments outside their home countries, it’s become ever more crucial that medical institutions should undergo stringent checks and screening to make sure that they’re in line with international standards. Bangkok Hospital Samui, which the clinic is part of, is accredited by the Joint Commission International. This commission is both the oldest and largest accrediting body in health care in the United States; it evaluates more than 20,000 organizations and checks that they provide effective and safe care. To get the accreditation isn’t easy; it means that a hospital is on par with international benchmarks of medical safety, quality and excellence. Thailand has the highest number of JCI-accredited hospitals in Asia.

www.samuiholiday.com l 131

The dental clinic is run by Dr Supaporn Metheethakerng, DDS. A graduate of the prestigious Chulalongkorn University, she trained in a government hospital on the mainland, before practising at Samui International Hospital and has now been at Bangkok Hospital Samui since 2009. Her team has an orthodontist, periodontist, prosthodontist and endodontist. That’s a pretty impressive range of specialities, and between them they can cover most people’s needs. Anything from a simple filling can be done, right the way through to major reconstruction work. In the most severe cases, where the patient has for example had a motorbike accident, surgeons at the hospital can repair the jaw prior to Dr Supaporn and her team repairing the teeth.

Taking care of aesthetic and restorative procedures, as well as implants, you’ll find Dr Pawak Tungthangthum, BBA, DDS. He has a whole range of treatments on offer that can improve your smile. One of the simplest procedures you can undertake is a regular cleaning of the teeth. He uses an airflow technique that effectively deals with tartar, leaving the teeth free of habitual discolouration. Already you’ll feel better once the plaque’s gone, and you’ll be helping to protect your gums from periodontitis.

A popular procedure that the clinic often does is whitening. It literally makes your teeth on average nine shades whiter, and is both long-lasting and effective. Simply having the above two treatments done will give you more confidence, and make your teeth look better.

But there’s of course a lot more that you can do. Dr Pawak deals with many patients who have more serious problems. Missing teeth, loose teeth, inability to bite properly and chew food, as well as ill-fitting or worn-out dentures – all of these problems are well-known to him, and he has the expertise to deal with them. Dr Pawak says, “Our goal is for the patient to go back to the well-being he or she knew before any of these troubles came along, to experience once more the ability to chew food, to have a strong bite, not be afraid to smile, and, of course, to look younger again.”

It’s a mix of aesthetics and the medically necessary.

Once an evaluation has been made, the clinic can get to work and help the patient. How’s it done? Depending on the type of problem and the nature of the teeth, gums and bones, there’s a solution. It could be putting in implants, or making dentures, veneers, caps or crowns. In some cases, implants are used along with dentures – the combination strengthens the

Nora Buri SH Sep - Oct 2015

B a r g e & Te r r a c e

mouth. It’s impossible to generalize what the procedures are going to be. One thing is, however, completely sure, no matter what procedures are chosen: these are surgeries that are pain-free.

There’s a lot that can be done in a single holiday, and for a good number of patients, no more time’s required than this. Dr Supaporn says some 50% of her patients are repeat visitors from abroad, who schedule visits to Samui and book in with her at the same time. Initial contact is usually by email and she and her team can quickly set up appointments.

People who are already on Samui can simply phone for an appointment. Crowns, bridges and veneers can all be dealt with in the space of a holiday, but for implants, these will require the patient to come back to the island. The first stage for implants, says Dr Pawak, is to put in the implant itself. Then you have to wait for the healing process to finish. If you’re exceptional, then it’ll take just a month, but this is unlikely; in general it takes between four and six months. Then, in the second stage, the tooth is placed on top of the implant. You might wonder what happens between the stages and the basic answer is that if the implant is anywhere that’s visible, a temporary tooth can hide it.

Fine Beachside Dining at The Rice Barge & Terrace Authentic Thai Cuisine Daily A La Carte and Thai Set Dinner No visit to Samui is complete until you have dined at The Rice Barge & Terrace

Bangkok Samui Dental Clinic is very easy to find: it’s on the ringroad in the south of Chaweng, about a five-minute drive from Tesco-Lotus as you head towards Lamai. You’ll see Bangkok Hospital Samui on your right.

The clinic has an excellent reputation and you can afford to relax, knowing you are in very professional hands. And if your treatments require more than one visit, then it’s a chance to have a second holiday on Samui. With the possibility of combining professional treatments with a beach holiday, you can now improve your dental health along with your tan.

Dimitri Waring

Rice Barge & Terrace Nora Buri's Signature Restaurant Chaweng North For Reservation Tel: 0 7791 3555 E-mail: ricebarge@noraburiresort.com www.noraburiresort.com

_______________________________________________________ For further information, telephone 0 7742 9500, ext 2500 or email bshdental@bgh.co.th www.samuiholiday.com l 133

THE LAST LEG Bigger and better each time around – a look at this year’s Samui Regatta!

134 l www.samuiholiday.com

www.samuiholiday.com l 135

Samui is only little. There are not that many people here. It’s been described as sleepy – a place to come to get away from the mad dash and bustle of life. World events are things that happen elsewhere; we’ll give them a look on TV now and then. And our little island doesn’t see truckloads of sport – apart from a quiet spot of fishing, maybe! And so it comes as a shock that we’re on the map. The international sporting calendar. We’re all set up for one of the biggest events in the world – because we’re an island. And it’s the waters all around us that draw people in. Yes, once again, this month of May, it’s time for the annual Samui Regatta.

To those not in the know, some background is needed. This isn’t just a bunch of islanders sculling about with boats, bunting and booze for a week. This is one event, the final one in fact, in an international series of races which have been going on for the best part of a year, as part of the 12 stages of the Asian Yachting Grand Prix (AYGP) – a series of competitions and races that take place in the seas between Hong Kong and Singapore. It starts every June with Phuket Race Week. And then over the next ten months (with a break for the monsoon season) moves on to Penang and Langkawi (Malaysia), The Philippines, Vietnam, back to Phuket again (for The King’s Cup) then Singapore and, finally, Samui.

This is interesting. Both Hong Kong and Singapore have reputations as being millionaire’s playgrounds. Ocean leisure and sport plays a big part in this, with exclusive marinas in place to cater for all that sea-going traffic. Phuket has three fully-equipped marinas. But, for lots of different reasons, Koh Samui hasn’t got even one. Not even one solitary little marina. But, despite this fact, any time

B Smart B Smart Sys. Co., LTD has been providing top level security solutions, lighting control systems, CCTV systems, access control, fire alarms and WiFi solutions since 1999.

B Smart has quickly earned the reputation for being one of the most progressive and innovative system integrators in Thailand.

Along with high quality products and a very knowledgeable work force, you can be confident that B Smart Sys. Co., LTD will meet and exceed your expectations.

Hotline: 0 815 631 685 Email: bsmartsys@gmail.com For Taxi: ร้านตั้งอยู่ตรงข้ามโรงแรมนภาใส แม่น้ำ�

If you are looking for something wonderful and different, Zazen restaurant is the place for you to discover. Zazen is truly one of the most romantic and serene beachside dining restaurants on the island. Every night this charming establishment lights up over 100 candles to set the ambiance for you to experience.

Tel: 077 425 085, 081 737 8771 Email: fb@samuizazen.com Website: www.samuizazen.com

gain ove r a e all t v n o a l r u n a i st Fall Zazen Re at

Samui Every conceivable Indian dish is on offer here – and they are all delicious! Conveniently located in Central Chaweng, the restaurant is open from 11:00 am – 11:30 pm.

For further information, reservations, and take-away orders (free delivery in Chaweng area), telephone 0 7741 3315.

Asia Travel now there are going to be in excess of 100 different sailing boats of all shapes and sizes appearing almost overnight in Chaweng Bay. A good number of these will have sailed here directly. Some of the top competitors’ vessels will even have been transported here by ship; one of the freight transporters which are specially designed for this purpose. (In some instances it’s actually more cost-effective to do this and have the crew fly in separately). But, one way or another, over the course of just a few days, the area in and around the host resort and base of Centara Grand Beach Resort will expand to the tune of around 500 new visitors – even more this year if things continue to expand as they have done in the past.

We might be only small and sleepy, but Samui’s got a couple of big things in its favour. First is the location: we’re just about slap bang in the middle of the AYGP area, making it an ideal spot for the last race, after which everyone heads off back home again.

And the other winning point is that Samui’s got some of the best hospitality anywhere. Some of the best resorts, chefs, restaurants and cuisine in the world. First-class nightlife and clubs. Top shops and facilities. And no monsoons to mess everything up! Thai friendship and care is something to be looked forward to, and the quality of our accommodation and the associated wining and dining is up there with the best – making us a compelling venue for all involved.

Asia Travel is the most popular travel agency on Koh Samui. Established 15 years ago, they are well known to provide updated travel information reasonably priced for all international and domestic needs. Their second to none consultancy service will help you with all aspects of long or short stay requirements such as visa, work permit or company registration and finances. Asia Travel is well known for their quality services as mentioned in The Lonely Planet.

Tel: 0 7723 6120, 0 7742 1342 Fax: 0 7742 1185 Email: asia_int@samart.co.th For Taxi: ร้านตั้งอยู่ที่ถนนหน้าทอน

Simply the best

Invisalign takes a modern approach The Original BriteSmile Centre from to straighten your teeth without using a Hollywood’s Professional Teethbraces, Whitening. series of custom-made aligners created for Oneand Hour you only you.

One Visit One Dazzling Smile Virtually invisible Smooth andnew comfortable Offering other services: Painless dentistry, Removable for depigmentation easy cleaning with laser andEat dental implants, well as a wide range whatever youas want of dental hygiene and care. ing my teeth, e to straighten ign When it cam s clear: Invisal the choice wa

Bangkok Samui Dental Clinic Open Daily 9.00 - 19.00

Tel: Tel:007742 77429500 9500 Website: Website:www.DentalSamui.com www.samuidentalsolution.com www.samuidentalsolution.com For Taxi: ร้านตั้งอยู่ในโรงพยาบาลกรุงเทพ ถนนรอบเกาะ ตง้ัอยใู่นโรงพยาบาลกรงุเทพ For Taxi: รา้นเฉวง

ถนนรอบเกาะ เฉวง

“Samui is a great favourite,” noted Simon James, the regatta’s Race Director and founder of ‘Regattas Asia’, the event organisers that manage Asia’s leading regattas. “Every year – and this is now the 15th annual event to be held on Samui – more and more sailing enthusiasts have been coming here for a holiday break timed to coincide with the Samui final, even though they’re not actually competing. This is a huge boost for the island economy, and not just short-term for the period of the regatta. People love Samui. It’s not just a nice place to be, it’s easy to get to – Bangkok Airways has direct flights from Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Phuket, and Firefly Airlines fly direct to Penang and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. It only takes a couple of hours to get here from just about anywhere in the region. And one of the direct results of this is that a huge number of people who have been introduced to Samui in this way have fallen in love with the place, and now regularly take holidays here. Plus I must personally know of a couple of dozen who have now brought property here, too.”

Most of the racing itself actually takes place a little way offshore and isn’t easy to see, unless you know the routes and where to be. If you’re keen to get out in amongst it all, then you can book a place on one of the spectator boats which are readily available. Other than that, it’s worth knowing that the competitors come in close to the land at the start and finish points, off the coast of Chaweng and Lamai. And so the high viewpoints on the rocky road between Chaweng and Lamai are all a good bet. Look out for the action between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm each day, starting on Monday 23rd May.

PROPERTY CLASSIFIED

The Estates Samui An exclusive and private collection of ultra luxury homes, cradled on a hillside overlooking one of the most pristine stretches of beaches on the island. A mixed-use development, including villa residences and the Four Seasons Hotel. Each villa features a private infinity pool with large sundeck, sunken dining pavilion, spacious living and dining areas, state-of-the-art entertainment and technology, indoor & outdoor bathrooms. Price starts from THB 150 million Website: www.theestates-samui.com Email: propertysales@minornet.com Telephone: +66 (0) 8 5484 8752

Registration for the race takes place the day before this, and you’ll start to notice Chaweng Bay, in the area off the coast of Centara Grand, starting to fill up with boats for several days in advance.

The format is for six straight days of racing, although excitement builds considerably as the days wear on. The way that the overall points and rankings work is that competitors are graded on their six best performances of the overall tournament. And because of the high cost of it all, not every vessel takes part in all 12 of the season’s events. This means that the overall winner often doesn’t emerge until the final day, giving rise to some knuckle-biting final races.

Private real estate with incredible 180-Degree views The actual view from this house is the picture above. This 4-bedroom house has been built according to European standards on 972 sqm. It is centrally located near Nathon and only 500 metres from the main road in a small, warm and tidy community. Priced very competitively, this house is ideal for couples or young families ready to live in paradise.

Price: 8 Million THB only Tel: 0 819 709 632 Email: asiatravel_international@yahoo.com

The full program for the week can be found on the website below, and contains all the information about the classes and competitors, together with reports and race leaders of earlier events in this year’s AYGP season.

Rob De Wet

_______________________________________________________ www.samuiregatta.com

Chaweng - Bar for Rent / Sale Bar for rent in Soi Colibri, opposite Centara Samui Resort. Includes apartment on 1st floor with 2 ensuite bedrooms and seperate access.

Price for rent : 29,000 Baht per month

3 months deposit

No key money Price for sale: 4.9 million Baht Contact Khun Na: 0892914747 (English and Thai)