May / June 2018

Secrets Of Style

We riffle through the pages of a resort called The Library!

THE GREAT INDOORS

Escape Break offers a totally different holiday activity.

A Warm Welcome

Editor

Graeme Malley graeme@siammap.com

Graphic Designer

Preeda Tuajob - Pui

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

In many ways, this is generally a serene time of the year for Samui. The fun of Songkran has passed once again, and Easter is over for another year. But that only means that there’s even less to think about – and that’s just what you need for a quiet and relaxing break.

Managing Director Henrik Bjørk henrik@siammap.com

And the weather is just about at its gentlest right now. The harsh, dry days back in February and March have merged into cooler temperatures, a scattering of clouds, and the occasional light shower which passes pleasantly after half an hour or so.

This is the perfect time to take a leisurely trip around the island, and although Samui has become more up-market than it used to be, there is still a plethora of things to do and see. And once you get a little way off the ever-present ring-road, there are still deserted beaches and little fishing villages to be found.

This is what is so unique about this island. It may have been fun being a hippy back in the 1970s, but the price to pay for that was electricity that went off all the time, no hot water, no bread, coffee or dairy products, few banks and no ATMs. At least today, you can throw yourself into party-town or retreat into the unspoiled wilds of Samui. That’s the choice you now have – and that can’t be bad!

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

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. 2018

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.

Maenam Bophut Nathon

Chaweng

Samui

Lamai

7

www.BoujisSamui.com

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

CONTENTS

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

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Paradise Portfolio Private Escape Samui offers brilliant days out on the water.

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40

Pure Azur One of the island’s most exciting developments, Azur Samui, moves closer to completion.

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62 Seasons In The Sun

Always A Classic Hard Rock Cafe Koh Samui plays to an ever appreciative audience.

56 Rockin’ Rocky’s Head to Lamai and one of the island’s best dining experiences at Rocky’s Resort!

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A brief look at Samui’s climate.

A look at the Samui Regatta.

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Topping Out For a truly exceptional dining experience, it’s hard to beat Tree Tops at Chaweng’s Anantara Lawana!

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94

100 Sublimely Satisfying One of the island’s most tranquil spas is right on the edge of Fisherman’s Village – at Celes

Smartest Way To B!

Secrets Of Style

Expat Living The basics of ‘real-life’ living on Koh Samui – Part Two.

On today’s bustling Samui, security is more important than ever before.

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Fabulous Pharmacy You don’t need to be sick to visit Morya Pharmacy – this full-service chemist offers more than medications.

68 Maritime Scene Stealer

Italian Idyll Chic yet solidly Italian, Coco Tam’s X Peppina is pulling in the crowds at Fisherman’s Village.

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32

Beachfront Resort!

106 The Great Indoors Escape Break offers a totally different holiday

We riffle through the pages of a resort called The Library!

activity.

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Buddha’s Not-So-Secret Garden It’s still marvellous, but thousands of tourists don’t help!

BEACHFRONT DINING & COCKTAILS RockPool at Kanda Residences is a spectacular beachfront restaurant and bar situated just five minutes from Chaweng

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

Daily high tea from 12pm and happy hour with buy one get one free on selected drinks from 5pm until 7pm.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

RUN FOR IT

The annual Four Seasons Cancer Care Charity Fun Run.

This year, Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui are organising their 11th 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 2nd, 2018, 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

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of this fantastic local event and help raise money and awareness for a cause that has touched so many families.

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 300 baht, including a race T-shirt, or 450 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 at the end of this article.

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.

Over a decade since Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui first staged its Charity Run, the event has so far raised an amazing10 million baht for cancer research projects in Thailand. Last year saw a record participation of over 900 people at the run and raised 1.4 million baht – a landmark project of Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts. The Haematological Cancer Research Centre and the Genetic Cancer Research Centre at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital under the auspices of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, President of the Thai Red Cross

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Society, will receive all proceeds from this charity event to further their vital work in the field of cancer care.

In his remarks, Jeff Rednour, General Manager Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui said, “We are grateful to all the families, individuals and companies who have generously set aside their time to participate at this charity run. It is our pride and privilege to host this event annually and we look forward to your support in its continued success in the years to come.�

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 20 l www.samuiholiday.com

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 June 2nd to join in the fun. Together, let’s help push the Four Seasons Samui Cancer Care pledge. See you there!

Karan Ladd

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

PARADISE PORTFOLIO Private Escape Samui offers brilliant days out on the water.

Known for its sun struck beaches and jungle interior, Samui is an amazingly beautiful island. So much so, that many visitors are simply content to spend all their time on it, without ever leaving. Yet its surroundings are every bit as stunning as the island itself. There are many that would say even more so. Bays, coves, beaches, entire islands await your discovery, and they’re all within easy reach. Private Escape Samui provides a safe and reliable bespoke service to all the attractions.

Private Escape helps you explore Samui’s maritime charms and secrets in ways that leave many of their competition behind. It’s the brainchild of Cyndie and Sandy, a French couple who recognized the need for a service that would provide great trips, but with more input on the customer service side, as well as comfort. In addition, they noticed a growing number of trips involve various boats docking at the same locations. They wanted to avoid all that and bring their customers originality – after all, there’s no shortage of islands around Samui.

Private Escape provides half day and full day excursions as well as half day fishing. There’s also a sunset cruise with either wine or champagne.

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But it’s up to you precisely how you would like to customize your trip.

Private Escape gets innovative when it comes to pleasing its guests. If you would prefer to spend longer than a day out, it’s no problem at all; you can spend up to a week travelling, and overnights are no problem – Private Escape can help select great hotels for you.

Rather than opt for a slower cruise, Private Escape offers a speed boat service. Everything you need is on board. You’ll find both a shower and a toilet, thorough maintenance throughout the boat and insurance for each and every guest. With an experienced captain who knows the local waters inside out, and Sandy to look after you for the duration of the trip, you’ll be in safe hands. When you book a bespoke day out with Private Escape, Cyndie can visit you prior to your trip to go through the itinerary with you if needed. Private Escape has contracts with hotels and resorts, guaranteeing a seamless service, and though relatively new on the scene, their popularity is growing.

Trips are limited to just eight customers maximum, allowing you to enjoy the surrounds of nature without feeling you’re in a cramped and crowded

space. Your day out is all about having fun, rather than being squashed up and just waiting to get to the next destination on the list.

As we’ve said already, Private Escape offers more than just a modicum of comfort. Towels and orchids are ready and waiting as soon as you step on board. Everything has been thought out, right down to the sun-tan cream. There are also wakeboards, inflatables, full snorkelling equipment and a sound system that allows you to connect your own playlist. You won’t even need to spend too much time recording your day on your camera – Sandy will do this for you, and will later email you the album of your day out. GoPro recordings are all part of this too.

Whenever possible, they will pick you up by boat at the beach you’re closest to, allowing your day to begin and end on the boat. You’ll be offered fresh fruits (twice a day) along with soft drinks, soda and beer. You can also opt to order in advance from a wine list or perhaps share a bottle of champagne. Lunch will be at a restaurant where the boat will dock while you eat, or perhaps a gourmet picnic, thanks to a professional chef. None of this is over-priced and is a great way to www.samuiholiday.com l 27

have lunch, without any need to fire up a wok at the back of the boat!

Incidentally, Private Escape, if given 36 hours’ notice, can arrange a barbecue on a secluded beach or a sushi meal on board, also at a very reasonable price.

Discuss with Cyndie how you would like your day to look and she’ll have plenty of suggestions. Whether it’s a stopover on an atoll near Samui or a visit to a mangrove swamp on Koh Tan, where you can go on a jeep tour too, or a trip to the amazing marine park with its beautiful white sand beaches, Private Escape has you covered. They can also arrange just about any kind of extras you can think of. Planning a proposal?

They’ll help set it up for you with music, flowers and anything else you might care to think of. They can take you to a deserted beach for the wedding of your dreams or simply provide a cake for a child’s birthday party.

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Whatever you decide, Private Escape Samui offers wonderful and memorable times, all whilst guaranteeing safety. With affordable prices, this is a great way to see what so many visitors miss out on – Samui’s aquatic neighbourhood.

Dimitri Waring

_______________________________________________________ For reservations or further information, telephone 0 622 122 864 or 0 622 123 214. www.privateescapesamui.com E-mail: privateescapesamui@gmail.com Facebook: PrivateEscapeSamui

AS FEATURED IN

AS FEATURED ON

CHIL L DIFFERENT

Reservations: 077 458 100

/ BeachRepublic

ITALIAN IDYLL

Chic yet solidly Italian, Coco Tam’s X Peppina is pulling in the crowds at Fisherman’s Village.

Guests are flocking with great enthusiasm to a stylish yet affordable restaurant set on the beach road in front of The Wharf in Fisherman’s Village. It’s unmissable, thanks to its chic design, but it’s not just the structure that wows, it’s the food and drink too, all of it served up in an extremely relaxed setting. Coco Tam’s X Peppina is a combination that works, and the meld is exactly right; you’d have to go a long way to find something similar.

start with the downstairs part. This is a proper full-scale dining room, but it’s totally open-sided, ideal for the tropics. Even more so as it opens out quite dramatically over the beach. In fact, if you like you can eat directly on the beach itself, just a few steps away from the water. Just choose one of the dining tables placed on the sand. Another very popular option is to sit at the counter that runs almost the entire length of the restaurant and which also directly fronts the beach.

If you’re coming by car, then park for free at The Wharf and simply walk up to the beach. The only real difficulty is deciding where to sit. Unlike most restaurants on Samui, there are two floors to choose between. Let’s

The view from the upper level is just as amazing, and you can see not just the ocean, but also what’s going on in the street below. Not only are there no walls up here, there’s no ceiling either, making everything open-

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air. However, if the weather’s bad, a canvas roof neatly slides into place.

Guests sit on comfy chairs and enjoy the lounge-like atmosphere here. It’s also a place to stage parties and events of all kinds; it’s exactly right for this as it’s quite separate from the downstairs area and is accessible via a private staircase.

But no matter where you sit, as the evening takes over from the day, you can enjoy the usually spectacular sunsets. Then, as darkness falls things get even more laid back. There’s a range of beers, wines and cocktails to be had. Enjoy them too at the small thatched beach bar adjacent to the restaurant.

Most of the time though, guests come up here to relax and enjoy drinks while gazing out to sea. You can, if you want, enjoy the same fare as downstairs, so if you prefer to eat up here, just make your wishes known to the staff. They’re here to help and are very welcoming.

The food is authentic Italian, and nothing but. Many of the ingredients are imported directly from Italy as you won’t find them in Thailand. For example, if you start with the enticing and moreish cold cuts and Italian cheese (don’t order it if eating alone, however, as it’s on the large side) you’ll find a selection that’s stepped directly out of its home country,

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along with house pâté, olives and anchovies. Likewise, they use only the finest seasonal toppings for the pizzas, which remain true to the exacting standards of Neapolitan cuisine – think hand-rolled dough that’s allowed to naturally ferment for at least 24 hours. The kitchen is open-plan, so you can watch your pizza being quickly fired in the utterly efficient pizza oven, which also hails from Naples. Choose between the signature Coco Tam’s with San Marzano tomatoes, crudo ham, Italian basil and burrata, or the 417, a delightful mix of spicy salami, red peppers, capers, anchovies, olives and garlic. Plenty of spaghetti and pasta also graces the menu, and you can enjoy dishes like linguini with crab sauce or pasta with ragout of pork cheek.

The restaurant excels in grilled meats, and offers a great selection; the chef and his team believe in drizzling meats with premium olive oil, and then rubbing them with salt, pepper and a medley of herbs. Lamb rack, grilled pork ribs and the pollo baby chicken are all great choices here. Finish off with one of the great Italian desserts – choose between chocolate lava cake, tioarta caprese or panna cotta.

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The atmosphere is very laid-back, and in the evening there’s soft lighting thanks to candles on the beach. In addition, guests are wowed by a nightly fire show from 9.30 pm each night, and a live DJ every Monday and Friday evening.

Coco Tam’s X Peppina is open daily from midday until 1:00 am, with last food orders at 11:30 pm. It’s not really necessary to make a reservation as there’s so much space – simply drop by, which is what everyone seems to do. It’s definitely worth heading here for dining that won’t break the bank, and yet is always delectable and Italian to the core.

Dimitri Waring

_____________________________________________________________ For reservations or further information, telephone 0 7794 5269.

Facebook – Cocotamsxpeppina

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 Nature Art Gallery Central Festival Samui CHAWENG BEACH ROAD

The Cutting Edge Paul’s Fashion Paul’s Fashion is the longest-running bespoke

tailor on Samui, having been established since 2005. For men and women, from formal business suits to cocktail wear, in summer or winter fabrics, in quality cashmere or satin, silk, chiffon or pure cotton, we can custom-fit you with anything that you can think of.

You pay nothing if you are not fully satisfied.

But this has never happened!

Still not sure? Then spend time with us on TripAdvisor. There are no problems, no complaints – not even one negative comment – just praise and congratulations.

With 40 full-time pattern-cutters and machinists, we get things done fast if necessary! The first step is for you to choose the style and the fabric in our shop and for us to take your exact measurements. The next stage is the fitting.

Two or three fittings may be required to obtain the perfect fit, and this can be done wherever is most convenient for you, either at our shop or at your hotel.

We will only be happy when you are completely satisfied!

We keep your pattern, measurements, and details on computer for four years.

We’ve got an established mail-order system – if you want another suit, shirt or dress, then we’ll make it and mail it to you anywhere in the world, recorded delivery, at cost price.

95% of our first-time customers come back again on their next holiday here. And every one of our established customers orders at least one more item by email and mail-order – that’s how reliable we are.

Listen to what people say.

Be safe. Be smart.

With Paul’s Fashion!

2016 & 2017

CERTIFICATE of

EXCELLENCE

Free Pick-up Service, Please Call Mr.Paul : +66 (0) 84 627 3812 E-mail: info@ks.paulsfashion-samui.com I www.ks.paulsfashion-samui.com Chaweng Beach Road, opp. Mc Donald’s next to Baan Samui Resort

PURE AZUR One of the island’s most exciting developments, Azur Samui, moves closer to completion.

There has been huge progress at this stunning hillside development in Maenam. Azur Samui has been designed by award-winning architects, and sits in a most idyllic location in the hills above Soi 2 in Maenam, affording it simply breath-taking views, out over coconut plantations and across the Gulf of Thailand to Koh Phangan, where the whole of the southern coastline of Samui’s immediate neighbour is stunningly framed.

stunning location (being just a 10 minute drive from Fisherman’s Village and 20 minutes from both Chaweng and the island’s airport). With the help of an international firm of architects (who had already worked on the design of the renowned and eminently fashionable Beach Republic), Tim set about drawing up an equally spectacular design for a hillside community in this magnificent location.

Azur Samui was the inspiration of property and hotel developer Tim Dean-Smith, who in 2006, recognised the beauty and potential of this

There are now seven completed villas, all sold and occupied, with a further three currently under construction. In addition, what will be the

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centrepiece of this ‘village in the hills’, The Clubhouse, is now almost complete; indeed four apartment owners are already in residence.

The central part of The Clubhouse development consists of a 26-metre swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, a yoga and fitness studio and café offering beverages and snacks.

As the new Managing Director of Azur, Adrian Lawson (who has worked alongside Tim on a number of other ventures, including Beach Republic and various property development projects in the UK) says, “Our aim

now is to really propel the project forward with a new momentum. Azur Samui is the best development on Samui bar none.”

“The Clubhouse includes a central reception area, herbal steam room, private massage rooms, a convenience store, and fully equipped locker room, a further five apartments, and a stunning penthouse occupying the entire top floor of the west wing. It not only provides amenities for all our property owners, but creates a focal point for the entire development, and will, with the further addition of a tennis court in due course, put in

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place all the amenities to create a self-contained village of stunning villas and apartments.”

there is 24 hour security, constant patrols, and a state of the art CCTV system.”

In addition to being beautifully designed, and with every villa and apartment facing north and therefore having the same spectacular views, the properties themselves are built to the highest standards you will find on Samui. The exacting standards and attention to detail of the management are clearly visible in the exceptional quality and finish of all the properties at Azur Samui, with many materials being brought in from as far afield as Australia and Europe.

Ownership couldn’t be easier, with straightforward contracts in plain English. Developer finance is also available at up to 60%, with repayment plans customised to suit each buyer’s specific needs.

Another critical consideration is security. As Adrian says, “It is of paramount importance that security is taken seriously. We have a large number of owners who come here a few times a year, and want the peace of mind that when they are not here, their properties are totally secure. To that end, in addition to there being only one road in and out of the development, where there is a gatehouse and security barrier,

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With the financing packages available, coupled with the fabulous location, superb design and build quality, plus the amenities and security, Azur Samui is surely one of the most affordable and desirable developments on the whole of Koh Samui.

Rob De Wet

_____________________________________________________________ For further information, please telephone 0 7733 2990. www.azursamui.com

ALWAYS A CLASSIC

Hard Rock Cafe Koh Samui plays to an ever appreciative audience.

Located in the centre of Chaweng, Hard Rock Cafe Koh Samui announces itself with a giant neon-stringed guitar, pointing out over the main beach road. Opened just over two years ago, it is not just another venue amongst so many on the street. It’s a travel gem in itself, with lots to offer those who stop and visit: food, drink, music and memorabilia along with a great vibe.

The staff are friendly, outgoing, personable and attentive. They’re not overbearing, and take the time to share their local knowledge and tips with you, or guide you through attractions on the maps to be found in the cafe. They clearly love their jobs, and love to spend time with their guests and are very child friendly. There is also an ever-present manager there to accommodate any requests you may have.

Once you step inside, you’ll find a beautiful restaurant with mirrored ceilings, plush furniture and a design that can allow any sized group of guests to feel intimate in their surroundings. Rock memorabilia adorns the walls, featuring classic artists dating back to the 60’s, such as Jimi Hendrix, Rolling Stones and The Who, right up to current pop culture – there’s even a Taylor Swift dress hanging on the Rock Shop wall. The music being played perfectly matches this theme, with a mix of current, retro and classic hits. And you are welcome to make requests if you have something in mind.

The renowned Hard Rock fare is available on the menus. From the world famous Jumbo Combo (as a starter for a family, or a meal for a couple), to the Legendary Burger that’s so big that eating it is a feat in itself. And of course, there’s the ever popular Hot Fudge Brownie that comes served in a margarita glass so large that it’s impossible to finish alone. All the portions are huge. Even the salads are massive. Don’t plan on coming half full; even if you arrive desperately hungry, you’ll find the food a magnificent challenge. The Kitchen Manager, Khun Yai, has been here since pre-opening, and has a passion for culinary accomplishments

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stretching back 12 years, and is possibly the friendliest, most outgoing Kitchen Manager to ever work for Hard Rock. He’s totally dedicated to guest satisfaction, and has a ‘never say no’ attitude when it comes to special requests – so feel free to make your wishes known to the staff.

Hard Rock Cafe Koh Samui features the worldwide best-selling Hard Rock cocktails, local and international bottled beers, along with some cold refreshing draughts and some uniquely Samui cocktails. A must to try is the Full Moon Mojito, a local specialty with Thai rum and some great bonuses if you are drinking during the “Loony” hours.

The outside terrace is a refreshing open area with plenty of tables and chairs allowing you to enjoy the spectacular arena stage.

During the day, few people venture outside, except to take a dip

in the swimming pool, or have a game on the free pool table. However, at night, the outside seating is a prime spot for watching and interacting with the live band, and to simply enjoy sitting at the gorgeous bar. The bands themselves are generally considered to be the best on Samui, and are brought in from other locations, such as Indonesia, to ensure the Hard Rock image is maintained as an entertainment destination.

Bands start from 8:00 pm, with sets of classic rock, pop, soul and then building into whatever the crowded terrace urges them to play. You guessed it; they also take requests, and have a huge repertoire of artists they can perform. If you love live music, you’ll love Hard Rock Cafe! The restaurant is open from 11:00 am until 3:00 am daily.

What is a Hard Rock Cafe without a Rock Shop? On Samui, the Rock Shop is located at the front of the café, and is beautifully designed and stocked. They have a large number of collectible pins to select from, along with souvenir glassware, should you want to make your own

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cocktails, and super cool selections of apparel, ranging from bikinis to fleece jackets. The staff in the Rock Shop have outstanding product knowledge, and are also familiar with all size conversions, no matter what part of the world you are from. They’ll be happy to tell you about any specials they may be featuring on that day. It opens at 10:00 am and is definitely a place where you can pick up a quality souvenir.

No matter what you are looking for on Samui, Hard Rock Cafe has something for everyone, and is definitely worth a visit or two whilst you’re here on holiday.

Dimitri Waring

_____________________________________________________________ For reservations or further information, telephone 0 7790 1208. www.hardrock.com/cafes/koh-samui

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.

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!

ROCKIN’ ROCKY’S Head to Lamai and one of the island’s best dining experiences at Rocky’s Resort!

There are some lovely little resorts on Koh Samui. And there are some wonderful restaurants, too. But it’s rare that you’ll find these two aspects in one place. However, if you head over to Lamai, not far away from the famous Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks, you’ll find a dream come true. Because not only is Rocky’s Boutique Resort one of the most delightful boutique resorts anywhere, but it also has some of the finest dining on the island, too.

Coming into Rocky’s in the daytime is interesting – the land is densely wooded with big mature trees, with a central path between them that drops downwards. And, fringing this, running alongside the main body of the restaurant is a lower terrace of rock that holds more dining tables plus a little thatched bar.

It’s attractive enough in the daytime, but walking down the path to ‘The Dining Room’ restaurant at night is a fairy-land. Big red Chinese lanterns glowing in the trees are offset with a myriad of tiny white fairy lights,

and hidden lamps throw pools of light onto the path. That red theme continues in the restaurant, with three gigantic lanterns hanging from the ceiling, smaller versions lining the borders, red candles and glasses on the tables and red cushions scattered everywhere.

The Dining Room is an elegant space: there’s a massive rock wall with a water feature at one end, and the side is open to the sea below.

The furniture is refined and cosily classical, and the tableware pristine.

A lot of thought has gone into the lighting: if you look carefully you’ll discover five or six different kinds of illumination, all of them together creating a warm and intimate dining space. The menu here is FrenchMediterranean, with the accent on fine-dining.

Not only is the setting superb and the cuisine top-notch, but that other vital element, the quality of service, is also second to none. The wait staff are attentive and polite, yet friendly, and their English is excellent. At The Dining Room this level of staff sensitivity is nowhere more important

than with the two featured set menus, the five-and seven-course ‘Chef’s Degustation Menu’. These are favoured by a great many diners, and come with the option of paired wines, too.

And with a choice of mains such as ‘Poached lemon sole, Scottish smoked salmon mousse, beetroot, caviar and Champagne sauce’, or ‘Roasted Australian striploin, potato presse, sugar snap peas, baby carrots and red wine reduction’, you can see why an informed winepairing is important. The à la carte menu also features items which are not quite so usual, such as the Salad Ceviche (that’s marinated with avocado) or the Samui Crabcake (with its honey mustard dressing).

The Executive Chef here is Khun Ton, who has a wealth of experience that reaches back for over 22 years. He previously worked in Phuket, and since being at Rocky’s has had the benefit of working with internationally-renowned award-winning chefs, before assuming executive status. And, working together as a part of the team in mutual support,

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there’s the energetic and forward-looking Khun Junya, the resort’s General Manager, whose enthusiastic involvement helps to shape the wonderful ambiance here at Rocky’s.

However, Rocky’s boasts not one super restaurant, but two. As well as The Dining Room, on the other side of the path and raised on a higher level, there’s The Bistro. This is a laid-back space that’s mostly open-air, with a gigantic outdoor show kitchen and a state-of-the-art imported Italian stove and grill. Here you can dine at one of the set tables inside, by the pool with sunshine tables under big umbrellas, or even on a comfy daybed. The menu is contemporary Mediterranean and Thai, although there’s also a super election of tapas, too.

But Rocky’s isn’t just about fine wining and dining – it also has a deserved reputation for quality entertainment. There have been events which range from live jazz, to beach buffets and parties and even a cabaret show – the pool area at The Bistro is an alternative setting that’s ideal for this. These feature-programs include Thai Night and BBQ Night, to name just a couple. The best way to keep on top of them is to follow Rocky’s presence on Facebook, where forthcoming events are regularly updated.

A magical ambiance, some of the best dining on the island, and a variety of entertainment to go with this. What could be finer? No wonder word on the street says that ‘Rocky’s Rocks’!

Rob De Wet

____________________________________________________________ For reservations and further information, telephone 0 7733 2888. www.rockyresort.com 60 l www.samuiholiday.com

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SEASONS IN THE SUN A brief look at Samui’s climate.

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It’s why you’ve come here. To enjoy hot, sunny days and swim in warm seas. And to get away from the grey skies back home. But when exactly is the best time to visit? And what should you pack?

Samui has probably some of the best weather in Thailand, it being neither unbearably hot nor too cold. It’s a tropical climate however, so that also includes rainfall, and during the rainy season there can be a lot of it. Temperatures all year typically vary only from 25°C to 33°C. So while in Bangkok and Chiang Mai visitors will be suffering 40°C weather during the hot season, it won’t reach such peaks here. In fact, you may be surprised to learn that the highest recorded temperature for Samui is 36.5°C. Some foreigners jokingly refer to the three seasons of Thailand; yes, Thailand has only three seasons not four, and people speak of the ‘hot 64 l www.samuiholiday.com

season, the even hotter season and the hot and wet season.’ Samui also has just 3 seasons, but since the region has something of a micro-climate, they can be more correctly called the dry season, the rainy season and the hot season.

So when is the best time to visit the island? The dry season is roughly from December until the end of February and during this time you may experience a few rain storms but these generally last for only an hour or two at the most, and then you’re back to enjoying the wonderful sunshine and the refreshed sense that the rain has brought. For those of you who enjoy swimming in the sea, the maritime conditions at this time are quite calm, with gentle breezes to cool things down on the beach. If you are worried about protection from the harmful rays of the sun, then this is a great time of the year to be on the beach. This doesn’t mean you should leave your sun protection at home, though; you will still need it along

with a sunhat and sunglasses. Coming as it does during Christmas and the turn of the year, it’s also a great way to celebrate the festivities.

After the cool start to the year things start to heat up, quite literally, in March, with a rapid rise in temperatures. April and May are the hottest months on Samui, and if you’re not the kind the kind of person who tolerates the heat very well its best to postpone your visit until later in the year. It’s in April that Thai school children have their summer holidays.

It really is too hot for them to spend their days in sweltering, stuffy classrooms. So many Thais also take their holidays at this time of year.

It is generally dry most days during this period, with a few light afternoon showers, especially in May, to cool things off a little bit. But you can always take shelter under the eaves of the hotel pool-side bar, or sit it out in one of the many cafes dotted around the island. This is a great time

of year to visit Samui, the calm waters are perfect for swimming and it’s just great time to laze on the beach with a good book. But, as always, you’re still going to need that sun protection.

Samui starts to wind down with the rainy season which is generally about four weeks long, and coincides with the month of November, though it can start early and finish late. It’s rarely that bad here, there have only been a few years that there was such torrential rain that the island was seriously flooded, and a lot of that was caused by poor road drainage, which has since been mostly rectified. Most years the rainy season means comfortable temperatures and a few days of continual rain season means comfortable temperatures and a few days of continual rain in a row. It may not be everyone’s choice to come at this time of year and if you truly want a break from miserable weather a home you may be lucky and have good weather. It’s a risk, but one that many people are www.samuiholiday.com l 65

willing to take as they enjoy the cheaper prices that the low season offers and the quieter streets. This time of year, next to your sun protection, you’ll need to buy a plastic poncho that you can get from just about any convenience store. But it is something to bear in mind that one main attraction off the coast of Samui, The Angthong National Marine Park is closed each year between November and mid-December. It’s also not the best time to be out and about on a motorbike. Apart from poor visibility in the rain, once the skies have cleared, you’ll see that there are swathes of mud and sand in places on the roads, caused by run-off.

The rains during this time however are welcomed by the locals as a respite from the heat of the rest of the year. The whole island benefits from the showers. The flora and fauna thrive, wells fill up to the maximum, and the waterfalls come back to life. So this is a time for renewal as it were. The green of the island takes on an intensity of colour and freshness. And you never know what will happen. One year I was walking down the main street in Nathon during a flash flood, when a large fish went casually swimming by!

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However, people on Samui say that over the last few years, they’ve been witnessing that the seasons are no longer quite so predictable. For example, recently, freakish rains flooded the island and neighbouring parts of the mainland. And this was at a time when it was supposed to be sunny and dry. Similarly, in 2002, there was virtually no rainy season at all – just endless sun.

But no matter, Samui is still one of the best climates to live in: an enormous amount of sunshine and – especially when you consider its tropical location – relatively few days of continuous cloud and rain. So when is the best time to visit? Well that’s up to you. But whenever you decide to come you’ll be guaranteed to have fun. In the sun or in the rain, Samui’s synonymous with pleasure.

Natalie Hughes

MARITIME SCENE STEALER A look at the Samui Regatta.

It comes as a surprise to many that Samui has its very own regatta, drawing in huge numbers of both sailors and spectators. The Samui Regatta is one of the island’s calendar fixtures, highly anticipated by yachting enthusiasts, while for others it’s the biggest social event of the year!

Those doing the actual sailing often find it a hair-raising experience, but for casual onlookers any regatta can seem almost genteel – from afar there’s little sense of those powerful winds, or the split-second decisions, the mistakes that can capsize a boat and, along with it, a fortune in just minutes. Watching through binoculars from the comfort of the shore, a regatta resembles no more than that old cliché: yes, it really does look like a handful of coloured quills scribbling across the sea. But once you’re on the water and close up, the action begins to thrill; on board it’s pure adrenalin, driven concentration and the hope of a win.

The regatta maintains is prime position as the final event in the season-long Asian Yachting Grand Prix championship, at which the 2017/18 Skipper and Yacht of the Year are awarded based on scores from the best regattas around Asia. The 17th Samui Regatta will take place from 26 May – 2nd June, 2018 off Chaweng Beach. Hosted by Centara Grand Beach Resort, the event is organised by Regattas Asia, in conjunction with the Samui Yacht Club Regatta, under the auspices of the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, the Municipality of Koh Samui and the Sports Authority of Thailand.

In addition to the on-water activities, Samui Regatta is famous for its on-shore hospitality, with a spectacular opening party, daily prize presentations on the beach and a gala dinner. Strictly limited, entry tickets can be bought in advance at the regatta office at Centara for the opening and closing dinners or at the gate for the daily events.

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Back to the sailing itself. “We are expecting a very competitive line-up this year,” says Simon James, Race Director. “As well as the 50-plusfooters in IRC 0, we have a strong class of 40-footers racing in IRC 1 and a strong turnout of sailors from around Thailand.” This year sees the introduction of hydrofoil kiteboards during the final three days of the regatta. It’s a fast-growing sport, and spectators will be able to watch directly from the beach.

The Samui Regatta has always been committed to developing youth sailing in the region, and Simon is happy to confirm that events include Youth Dinghy Sailing during the opening weekend (26th - 27th May), with children competing from Samui, Koh Pha-ngan, Hua Hin, Songkla and Phuket. Prizes will presented by the Governor of Suratthani at the opening party.

The regatta guarantees excitement and competition. Simon’s expecting some 500 sailors to take part, with participants coming from some 20 countries. He adds, “We actively encourage tourists and Samui residents to come out and enjoy the regatta.” For those who want to view the on water activities, limited spaces can be booked on a daily spectator boat that will leave from the beach in front of Centara to view every race day, and will allow guests to enjoy the spectacular sailing up close. Bookings can be made at the regatta office during the regatta week. All the events are well-attended by the media, and co-sponsors are pitching in with some great support.

The action will kick off again next year, and hearts and minds are already engaged in future battles for victory. Meanwhile, take the chance if you possibly can to see this year’s Samui Regatta; it’s not just yacht enthusiasts who love regatta week!

Dimitri Waring

____________________________________________________________ www.samuiregatta.com

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TOPPING OUT For a truly exceptional dining experience, it’s hard to beat Tree Tops at Chaweng’s Anantara Lawana!

This is Thailand, it’s warm and tropical. People dine outside under the stars. But Tree Tops restaurant, at Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort in north Chaweng, is unique. It’s actually a series of eight little tree houses, way up in the branches, each of them able to seat up to six people, and all of them linked by a sturdy wooden path. In fact, Tree Tops runs along an elevated aerial pathway, in and around the branches of the trees, each at a different level, and linked by the rising and falling walkways.

And this, if you think about it, means that you can enter the ‘restaurant’ from either end. Over to your right are the kitchens and the steps up to the first ‘dining room’ in the trees. But, at the other end, the walkway drops down into a small and charming circular space, with a group of intimate tables, and a round thatched bar – the Tree Tops Bar. This is a welcoming area with a super ambiance, and it’s exactly the place you need to come for an hour in the afternoon, to experience the majesty of it all, and to scout it out for a later and unforgettable evening dining experience.

The Executive Chef here is Azizskandar Awang, who’s a warm and modest man, despite the fact that he’s won international awards and run the kitchens in 5-star resorts for names such as Marriott and Hilton, in Malaysia and Thailand. His dinner menu needs a full story on its own (which you can read online!) as it’s one of the finest you’ll find anywhere. And there’s now a whole new and exciting evening menu that’s just come into play.

This menu is impressive and chef Aziz is truly a master of his craft. The starters are simply super – each one is not only a sublime harmony of textures and interplay of flavours, but each is beautifully presented, too. The ‘French Quail’, for example, is a little symphony of a quail leg stuffed with forbidden rice, roasted quail breast, grilled yellow corn and finished with Jerez Sauce. And this is also one of the gourmet dishes you’ll find on the Tapas Menu at the Tree Tops Bar, by the way.

There is a tantalising Main Course section, and this is engaging in the simple sense that it’s almost impossible to select just one of the featured feasts. There’s imported Scottish salmon, Australian grain-fed beef, scallops from Japan and Canadian lobster. But what’s significant are not the ingredients themselves, but what chef Aziz does with them. Take the Canadian lobster: it comes with pasta alla chitarra in lobster bisque sauce, together with avruga caviar, green asparagus and bottarga, and is simply out of this world!

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But what makes this superlative menu stand out from the crowd are the two exclusive ‘Candlelight Degustations’. These are five-course compilations with carefully matched wines for each, served in the ethereal and romantic setting of one of the lovely little tree houses. (A tip here is that house number seven has the best sea view, but will positively need booking in advance!)

The two degustations follow a consistent presentation, but with the difference being that the ‘Premium Candlelight Degustation’ is the offering with the mostexclusive imported ingredients and premium wines, as the title suggests – such as, for example, the delicate Hokkaido Scallop (with orange and celery salad, compressed green apple and Mandarin caramel) or the Australian Wagu tenderloin (with roasted garlic puree, parsnip, crispy artichoke, baby spinach and beef reduction). You’ll also have your own personal ‘butler’, plus a sommelier on hand to assist you – and there’s the further indulgence of a ‘salt guru’ and also a knife menu of five different blades, according to what you are eating And, as mentioned, it’s Chef Aziz who’s also put together the menu of litebites and tapas that you can sample at the Tree Tops Bar. The best time to appear here is just before sunset, as the sky above cycles through oranges and gold into the pastel hues of salmon and azure. Sit and sip at one of the super range of cocktails and dip into a couple of plates of exquisitelycrafted gourmet tapas. And make sure your phone has a nice clean lens on its camera – although a wide-angle lens is really needed to do justice to the drama and scale of the attached Tree Tops restaurant, not to mention its unique intimacy.

It’s exceptional. It’s Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort. It’s hard to beat. So now all you have to do is come here for a while and ‘top out’ for yourself!

Rob De Wet

____________________________________________________________ For reservations or further information, telephone 0 7791 3900. www.lawana-chaweng.anantara.com

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SMARTEST WAY TO B! On today’s bustling Samui, security is more important than ever before.

Things are changing all the time. Back at the turn of the century, breakins, robberies and muggings were almost unheard of on Koh Samui.

Crimes against property just never happened. Even just ten years ago, these things were rare. But it’s all quite different today. Now there are people of many more nations living here. There’s been a huge increase in private property ownership and villa construction. Hundreds more small businesses have appeared. And burglary, planned crime, and organised car and motorbike thefts have begun to happen, along with petty crime, muggings and impetuous theft. In this new climate, everyone really needs to take precautions. Which is where B-Smart comes into the picture.

B-Smart is a long-established Samui security service, specialising in alarm systems and video monitoring installation. In fact, to the best of our knowledge, it’s the only such business on the island which offers a complete range of systems, from a video door phone, to an internet linked video camera system, right through to what looks like the nerve system of a Star Wars battle cruiser.

There are many people reading this who will right away say “. . . but we don’t need this! We bought a really good IP video camera which works off the internet, and we can watch the house wherever we are, even when we are abroad!” Well, yes, that’s true. But in reality, all that means is that you can watch the thieves at work while they strip your house, whereas B-smart’s installation also gives you the option of a silent alarm feed to the nearest police station too – some technology is more practical than others!

Khun Bee runs B-Smart, and he started his company in 2004. Back then, alarm systems were far less sophisticated. There were no integrated internet systems, and video cameras and imaging were still in their comparative infancy, with crude, low-resolution feeds that were mostly in black and white. Today everything has changed – and very much for the better!

Let’s go back to a simple domestic system for your house or villa. There are basically two kinds of intruder-warning system: the ‘local’ sort or the external alternative. In the first, a system of pressure pads or other electro-mechanical trip sensors (infra-red beams and/or mechanical

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triggers) can sound alarms or turn on exterior lights. The external type adds a further layer; a warning that gets sent out of the house, too. And this can be to wherever you want – a neighbour, the police and to your smart-phone via the internet if that’s what you want, it’s your choice.

And if you still have the idea that you can put all this together on a DIY basis and save money, then just you try rigging three or four video camera feeds together via one online telephone-based app. One camera is usually not so bad, although even a short power cut can reset the system, so that it doesn’t work as you programmed it and needs setting up all over again. But add more bells and whistles to this – more cameras – and it can become totally unreliable and stop working completely. Not so with the systems from B-Smart. These systems are professional, and run on purpose-written software, not a free app that’s downloaded from Google Play or the App Store.

And it’s not only household systems that Khun Bee has been installing.

His systems are in place all over the island, from small condos to 5-star resorts, shops, wholesalers, warehouses, the major hospitals, numerous petrol-filling stations and a lot of the convenience stores. And you can also ask for a panic button that’s triggered manually in an emergency, sending a silent signal to a local security agent or the police – which is ideal in a potential robbery.

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Plus he has equipment from Fujiko, Kenpro and Bosch, representing varying levels from budget to professional. And he’s also a stockist for the entire range of Italian ‘bticino my home’ integrated systems, which is the Rolls Royce of the security world; all top quality names and systems.

B-smart runs a full-service interface, with 24-hour callout for repair or maintenance. The main shop is out on the north coast at Ban Tai, almost directly across from the signposted turn to Napasai Resort, and right next to the gasoline station. There are several clerical staff, plus a team of engineers on call-out, along with vans that are used around the clock for emergencies and maintenance, as well as installations.

But, the best thing of all – Khun Bee is friendly and very easy to talk to. He’ll listen and then give you a sensible choice of different ways of doing things. All in all, it’s the smartest way to B!

Rob De Wet

_______________________________________________________ For further information, telephone 0 815 631 685.

Facebook: Bsmartsys Fujiko Samui

SECRETS OF STYLE

We riffle through the pages of a resort called The Library!

I’ve seen theme resorts in Thailand that were styled around a medieval castle or ‘The Wild West’. But here, at The Library, I’m talking about something far more subtle than this brash Disneyland approach – note the difference between ‘theme’ and ‘concept’. The Library is a concept resort and, indeed, one of the best-known in Thailand. It’s stylish. It’s uber-cool. The visual ideas here are super-subtle, and the conceptual statements are always fresh.

An example (and probably the most immediately noticeable one): The Library has dubbed all its rooms and suites ‘pages’. And the exclusive ‘secret’ villas are ‘chapters’. Whimsically, their very laid-back and upmarket restaurant is ‘The Page’. Then there’s ‘The Lib’ and ‘The Fit’, the first being a real library and the other the fitness room, both housed in minimalist cubes of glass.

That last one also gives you a hint. This is the centre of Chaweng. All around are resorts that have contracted architectural experts to find ways of cramming the maximum amount of accommodation into the space available. But as soon as you turn the corner, pass through the car park and enter under the screened gateway to the grounds of The Library, you’ll come to a halt. There’s a gigantic green lawn which runs in a straight swathe to the sea. And the neat, white, cuboid blocks of the rooms and suites are tucked along the edges (spaced well apart) under the shade of a fringe of mature and spreading trees.

And then the next thing that’ll stop you is the deep red swimming pool. All of these things are visual, so far. But where this effortlessly-stylish resort goes on to score more and more points is that the whole place is crammed with very gentle, almost whimsical, little statements – most of which you’ll only come to notice after you’ve spent a little time there. Take, for example, the furniture in some of the areas. It doesn’t all match. There might be four types of table and several styles of chairs in one room – and each one is an individual custom-made work of art. But they all go together perfectly.

Think of an old-time court jester with bells on his cap, walking a tightrope. Then ask yourself, “is this person a highly-skilled tightrope walker or is he a jester?” Anyone can fool about with superficial jokes and gimmicks. But having the skill, the flair and the authority to walk a high-wire is a different matter. And this is The Library. Behind those lovely little visual statements and gently-conceptual gestures is an established, competent and very upmarket getaway, with standards and a quality of service that are the equal of many a 5-star resort.

Take the restaurant: The Page. The open-sided and L-shaped area conveys a sense of freshness and straightforward expertise. The furniture is quiet yet sturdily functional – no surprises here. The

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surprises come with the direction that the menu takes – it’s ‘Rare Old Kingdom Thai Cuisine’. The chef, Khun Chortip, has combed the whole of Thailand for ‘grandmother recipes’. This goes way beyond the usual ‘pad Thai-style’ offering of so many restaurants who feel the need to play it safe – to simply offer dishes that are proven favourites. You can get that sort of thing on every street corner. This is rare fine-dining, Thai-style.

I’d love to list all of the diverse and intriguing dishes here, but that’s beyond the scope of this story. But take for one example ‘Goong Krob Phad Prik Khing’ (stir-fry crispy shrimp in red curry). Back at the turn of the last century, Thailand’s most revered monarch, Rama V, was constantly traveling outside of Thailand as an international ambassador. Seemingly

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this was his all-time favourite dish. And everywhere he went he made sure that his chef carried a big jar of this special curry paste.

And unlike most ‘Thai restaurants’, The Page uses only the freshest and most tender of ingredients, including Wagyu beef from Australia and mussels from New Zealand: you’ll enjoy these particularly in the ’Samrab’.

The concept of Samrab is “to combine dishes that complement each other and share them on the table”. In a way this is similar to the idea of pairing a wine with a particular dish. But in this case it’s a pairing of four dishes chosen from four main groupings! It’s usual for a guest to pick one

dish from each group – a set of four dishes is perfect for two people sharing. This is a unique approach and it’s the first time I’ve come across it.

The Library seems to have more secrets than Harry Potter, and there’s a lot more yet to be told. But right now you’ll have to settle for a superb restaurant and just a few of their many ‘secrets of style’!

Rob De Wet

________________________________________________________ For reservations or further information, telephone 0 7742 2767-8. www.thelibrarysamui.com

FABULOUS PHARMACY You don’t need to be sick to visit Morya Pharmacy – this full-service chemist offers more than medications.

First time visitors to Thailand are often a bit worried about how they’ll cope out here. In most cases their worries are quite unfounded. But what about medications and sickness? What then? Luckily, there’s a chain of pharmacies on Samui, collectively known as Morya Pharmacy, which are well-established and follow the guidelines of their peers in the west.

Morya has branches throughout the island, so unless you’re somewhere really remote, there will be one near you. Step inside any of one them and you will be in a bright, totally clean area that’s not just professionally run, but easy on the eye, too.

At Morya there’s always a fully-trained pharmacist ready to serve you.

The staff speak reasonable English, and are able to answer your queries.

For example, they will find out if a new medication you’re asking about is compatible with one that you are already taking. All too often in pharmacies you’ll see a blind pulled down over the dispensary which bears a sign to say that the pharmacist will be back later. You won’t find

this happening at Morya – there will always be someone who can help you with prescriptions and medicine.

The Morya pharmacists are also quite used to dealing with medications that go by different names in different countries. It’s a complicated situation, but they seem unfazed by it and can easily look up the name of your medication and check the other international names. The stock at Morya is vast, so it’s likely that you’ll find what you are looking for. You can also buy cheaper Thai equivalents of your medication. Very often when you ask for medication, Morya will have several different products that have the same effect. If one is too expensive for you, they’ll probably have something similar and cheaper. If any branch doesn’t stock the medicine you require, they will simply phone their headquarters and it’ll soon be delivered. They also stock a range of alternative medicines, as well as holistic and organic products and remedies.

In a few years, Morya will be celebrating its 20th birthday. It was opened in 2001, just as Samui was becoming really famous. Back then, there were fewer pharmacies, and most of them weren’t as well run as Morya. There was a great need for a professional pharmacy, and Morya filled the gap, going from strength to strength ever since. It’s the brainchild of Khun Kwanchai Patpaen, a fully trained pharmacist himself.

His pharmacists have all completed a 6-year Doctor of Pharmacy degree

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program, are qualified in both biochemistry and organic chemistry and can read, speak and write English. If you wish to communicate in another language, they’ll use online translations in order to serve you. This works quite well in most cases, and with so many different nationalities visiting the island, it’s a must.

You can also drop into Morya for all your sunscreen needs, mother and child goods, as well as toiletries, soaps, shampoos and so on. The stores also carry a full range of anti-mosquito products, along with all the various creams and lotions for skin problems of most kinds.

Khun Kwanchai realised that there was a need not just for medications, first aid products and routine pharmacy offerings but something much more intangible – beauty and wellness products such as facial packs, herbal compresses, scrubs and more. You will now find all these in the Morya stores, but he’s gone further and has two stores called Green Cross Morya. These have a wealth of spa and health products along with herbal offerings. You will find the Green Cross stores at Central Festival and at Samui Airport.

And you certainly don’t need to be ill to drop into Youreka, a gift shop that’s also part of Morya. There are two of these shops, one of them at The Wharf, in Fisherman’s Village, and the second in Central Festival.

Here you can find spa, beauty and skin-care products, cosmetics, fragrances, baby and child products, toiletries, sun-care, plus insect repellents, together with dried fruits and snacks. These are also ideal places to go for souvenirs as well, or for something to take your friends and family back home.

Last but not least, Morya is always expanding. Since December, they have managed to open up no less than three new stores.

You will now find a Morya close to Starbucks Coffee at Central Festival Samui, then another in Chaweng Noi, near First Bungalow Beach Resort and lastly, one at newly-opened Sala Samui Chaweng Beach Resort on the beach road close to Samui International Hospital.

Morya is more than just a full-service pharmacy; it really is your one-stop healthcare destination on Samui.

Dimitri Waring

_______________________________________________________ For more information, telephone 0 7741 3298-9.

Facebook – Morya Pharmacy

EXPAT LIVING The basics of ‘real-life’ living on Koh Samui – Part Two.

Following part one in the last edition of Samui Holiday Magazine, you may have already made the leap of faith and be living on Koh Samui, or you may still be considering the change of location and lifestyle. Here is some further information to ease you into the transition or to help your decision.

Culture shock. Moving to a new country can be exciting, but also unsettling, and can take some adjustment. Not everything works the same way, and the way you may normally react to a situation at home, may not be appreciated here. One example is confrontation. Thai people do not confront each other with accusations, no matter how mild or inconsequential, neither will they tell you if you are doing something wrong. This is because the majority of Thai people are Buddhists, and a major philosophy of Buddhism is tolerance. It’s advisable to get a good book on Thai culture in order to familiarize yourself with the local customs and culture. You really don’t want to unintentionally offend your new neighbours soon after arriving. If you are relocating with children, don’t forget that they also need to be made aware of local customs.

Children are creatures of habit and may feel overwhelmed by their new environment.

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Speaking Thai. With Samui being a tourist hotspot, you can get away without really learning Thai, as many of the locals have at least a basic level of English. But it is appreciated if you make the effort, and can be helpful in some situations. Learning a new language is never easy for most of us, and Thai is so different from English and the other European languages in terms of tones and the written language, that it can seem a bit daunting. The best way to learn Thai is to take beginners’ course from a reputable language school. This will help you understand how the grammar differs and to master the pronunciation. Then go out and practice, use it in restaurants and shops and make new friends. One school that has been on the island for many years now, and has a good reputation, is Mind Your Language, located in Bophut. Find further information here; www.mindyourlanguagethailand.com Social Groups. Samui does not have the same ‘hard-core’ expat community as some other places, but with social media readily available it is not too hard to search out groups of friendly, like-minded people.

‘Sisters on Samui’ (SOS) holds monthly meetings for ‘ladies who lunch’ at different venues in order to chat and raise money for different local charities. Find out more here; www.facebook.com/kohsamuicharity.

There are numerous gyms, yoga studios and a few sports arenas as well as a tennis club, badminton club and dance studio. Some local bars and restaurants organise weekly or monthly quiz nights or live music events.

There are lots of ways to meet other people. If you have children enrolled at one of the international schools, you will be sure to meet other parents either there or through your children making new friends.

If you want to bring a pet with you, this is possible. All the information can be found at the Department of Livestock Development’s website www.en.dld.go.th, and Samui does have a number of good veterinarians to take care of them.

Shopping. There are two big Tesco Lotus shopping centres, both on the ring road, one in Chaweng, the other in Lamai and a Big C Supercentre in Bophut. They sell most things that you really need; food, clothing, personal, household and electrical goods, toys and stationery. These shopping centres also have other shops inside them, selling a variety of consumer needs such as clothing, sportswear, pharmaceuticals, mobile phones, books, watches and glasses as well and bank outlets and food centres. Central Festival in Chaweng is the latest shopping

attraction with Tops supermarket, a department store, bank outlets with longer than standard opening hours as well as specialist shops and restaurants. They all have ample and free car parking. Makro stores can be found in Bophut and Lamai. They supply restaurants and resorts with fresh and dry food plus anything else required to run a hotel, resort or business. Anyone can shop there, and it can be cheaper than the other stores, especially for meat, fish and vegetables. The supermarkets carry a selection of imported goods, although it can be a bit hit and miss with certain items not always in stock! There are some speciality shops stocking imported wines, cheeses, meats and other goods. Thai people tend to shop for food at the fresh markets which can be found in most areas. Here, fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and fish arrive daily. Chaweng Beach Road has become a haven for clothes and jewellery shops, with some upmarket brands, but also market stalls selling genuine copies!

Nathon has some great shops and is worth an afternoon of browsing for all sorts of knick-knacks.

If you can’t get to the big stores or shopping centres, you will find a 7-Eleven, Family Mart or Tesco Express on most street corners and often

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two right next to each other! Most are open 24 hours a day providing all your basic provisions.

Dining. There are currently hundreds of restaurants in Samui. From fine dining, if you really want to splash out, middle-of-the-road Thai, Italian, French, Austrian, Australian, American, Indian, Mexican, Korean, Japanese, Chinese and everything else. Don’t forget the basic Thai kitchens and make-shift restaurants dotted around, where you can eat for around 40 to 120 baht. And street food, found literally on the side of the road or at a walking street venue can be found somewhere in Samui nearly every night of the week.

Pork, chicken and seafood feature heavily in Thai cooking. If you want to avoid a lot of monosodium glutamate (MSG), sugar or chilli, be sure to ask if they can cook without it. If you want good imported meat or produce such as beef, lamb or lobster, expect to go to a more up-market venue and pay a lot more. There are a growing number of healthy, organic and even vegetarian or vegan restaurants in Samui. These are not cheap, but you can rely on them for great juices, smoothies, snacks and meals.

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Activities. Those in search of action or relaxation won’t be disappointed.

There are plenty of beachside places to go diving, parasailing, rent a jet-ski, kayak, stand-up paddleboard or take a boat trip around Angthong National Marine Park. Venture into Samui’s mountainous interior to visit the many breath-taking waterfalls, take a wire zip-line trip above the treetops, stay on ground level on a quad bike or bicycle or visit the magical garden or temples atop the mountains. You can also get competitive on a go-cart track go rock climbing, ride quad bikes, play golf or mini golf, and for the kids, there are also water parks.

For those who want to relax, head to the beach and lose yourself in a good book or enjoy a Thai massage right on the beach or at one of the many massage shops or spa’s around the island. Enjoy a sundowner cocktail and watch the sunset transform the daytime time sky into a myriad of gorgeous colours.

Fitness. There are a number of gyms around the island, from basic outdoors setups to all singing and dancing with indoor spaces with air conditioning. Many have basic gym equipment, but the newer ones also offer classes such as CrossFit, Muay Thai, as well as yoga and Pilates.

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

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There are also specialist Muay Thai gyms, Taekwondo, yoga, Pilate’s and dance studios offering everything from ballet and hiphop to pole dancing. Gyms don’t tend to have swimming pools, but a number of resorts and schools will allow you to use their pool for a small fee.

As you either consider the move or ease into your new life here on Samui, know that most things are possible, but not always easy!

If you have any burning ‘where to’ or ‘how to’ questions for the community, you can always ask at Facebook’s ‘Community Online Pin Board Koh Samui’ page. Ultimately, just relax, breath and enjoy…

Karan Ladd

_______________________________________________________ For further information visit www.siamdir.com, a complete business directory for Samui.

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

SUBLIMELY SATISFYING

One of the island’s most tranquil spas is right on the edge of Fisherman’s Village – at Celes Beachfront Resort!

Samui just keeps getting better! First of all it was restaurants; today we’ve got some of the best in the world. And then spas began to appear, too.

To begin with resorts just added a massage room for their guests. Then this expanded and treatments began to appear. Now, there are worldclass spas drawing-in visitors from all over the island. And one of these is at Celes Beachfront Resort.

Celes is a name you’ll probably not be familiar with. But this beautiful resort appeared last year, sitting quietly on the beach in Bophut, only a few hundred metres from the ever-popular Fisherman’s Village. It’s 5-star, super-luxurious, but it also has a quiet air of sublime chic about it. It’s unassuming. The style is clean and modern, but doesn’t attempt to declare itself ‘minimalist’ in any way – it has too much flair for that.

There are lots of bright white walls and surfaces – even the pathways are pale – but the usual blockiness has been sidestepped by using lots of curves and rounded corners, giving the whole resort an elegant embryonic feel. And, unlike so many design options which take the easy way out and fill every inch with rampant tropical foliage, the overall effect here is a series of bright, modern spaces and buildings, with the

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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

thoughtful positioning of the green of the trees, bushes and lawns complementing this harmoniously.

The villas themselves are varied, some on one level and others with two storeys, and with the prime-pick right on the sand itself, and with a clever design that allows guests to step from their private patios down onto the beach. This is sheer indulgence, with a pillow menu, a choice of top-brand shampoos, shower gels and foams, and even an aroma option that allows you to set a hint of specific fragrances. Not to mention that there’s the option of an opulent eight foot-wide bed, complete with custom-made bedding.

I could continue to enthuse about more aspects of the villas, or indeed the very excellent restaurant. But the one aspect of the resort that needs more information and explanation is their super Celes Spa. The reception area at Celes is wide, crisp and airy, and you’ll be forgiven for not noticing a small doorway which sits unassumingly in the wall opposite. I said ‘doorway’ as it is, in fact, a space without a door. But it leads to a rectangular area within, which is almost breath-taking in its simplicity and clarity.

There are textured concrete floors and walls and a delicate infinity-edge pool, with seven plain wooden doors around the edge. The pool itself (the herbal steam bath) is mysterious, being totally still and clear, but with a series of eight gigantic teardrop-shaped coloured bottles around the edge. There are no windows onto this inner space. But rather than being dark, it’s glowing with light, due to a big open panel in the roof itself – and this is fringed with growing plants! The effect is ethereal – otherworldly, immediately endowing all of this area with a gentle and timeless aesthetic that just couldn’t be more appropriate for a spa setting.

Before you finally decide exactly what treatment you’ll settle on, just take a look inside all the rooms – they are beautiful; spotlessly clean with not a speck of dust, gently air-conditioned, fitted with quality couches, beds and tables, and with a soft shift of colour-key and décor between them that’s just right . . . everything’s elegantly and expensively under-stated.

There is a wide and varied range of treatments available, ranging from massages, scrubs, wraps and facials, and grouped into a menu which covers the aspects of de-stress, calming, energising and detox, and includes the complementary areas of reflexology and herbal steam, and all connected with the benefits of essential oils.

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Interestingly, and very happily, all of the treatment rooms are designed to accommodate couples. This isn’t immediately obvious until you look into the reflexology room, where there are two matching chairs. These are state of the art electro-adjustable posture chairs, and this is the first spa I’ve been in where it’s recognised that total all-body relaxation is necessary for an effective reflexology session.

This super new spa is actually having its soft opening this month.

And as a special one-time offer to readers, there is a 30% discount on all massages and treatments across the board. And that adds a further layer of meaning to “. . . Celes – sublimely satisfying!”

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179 Moo 4, Lamai, Maret, Koh Samui 84310 (near Tesco Lamai)

Rob De Wet

_______________________________________________________ For reservations and further information, telephone 0 7790 0999. www.celesresorts.com Facebook: celesresorts

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THE GREAT INDOORS Escape Break offers a totally different holiday activity.

If you like your holidays lively, Escape Break offers a strong adrenaline rush all whilst being in a totally safe environment. Luring the competitive set with some amazing conundrums, where couples and groups of friends solve seemingly impossible problems against the clock, the world of Escape Break is just as much a state of mind as a physical venue.

Places like Escape Break have exploded on the market in the last few years. It’s something different to do, and a break from reality even if it’s the carefree one of bars, beaches and constant sunshine. Whether you’re looking to tax your brain with some truly awesome enigmas or just to hang out with friends in a situation that mimics white-knuckle scenarios, then consider adding Escape Break to your island activities.

In Ghost Ship, you and your companions find yourselves locked inside the abandoned Marie Celeste with a cyclone bearing down on you.

Can you get out alive before it’s too late? The room you’re trapped in has plenty of objects that may or may not provide the solution to your predicament. Use your wits to get out or perish in the attempt. Outbreak is a radically different scenario and belongs to the near-future. Here, you’re in a laboratory and have to combat a deadly virus that’s about to kill off the entire human race. Relic Rush takes place in a jungle temple, where you have to find a golden artefact that belonged to lost civilization or face defeat. Last but not least, a more sentimental situation,

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where you’re looking for a kidnap victim in a Hong Kong gang hideout, gathering evidence that will lead to the freedom of the abductee. Which game to opt for is entirely up to you; it’s a bit like being at the Cineplex and having to decide which of four thrillers to choose from – all are equally good.

How does it all work? All the games take place in mysterious locked rooms. You have an hour to play the game you’ve chosen and solve the problem. Once you solve the mystery, you find your way out of the room.

To get started, you’ll need to phone ahead and book a time and game and then go along to Escape Break, which located at Beach Republic resort on Lamai beach. Escape Break is open daily from 9:30 am until 8:30 pm, with the last game starting at 7:30 pm.

Once you arrive, you’ll be given a warm welcome by staff in a comfy lobby. They’ve been professionally trained to oversee the rooms, activities and to look after their guests. They can give clues if you reach desperation point, and can get you out of the room in the blink of an eye if you give up. But you’re not going to do that, are you?

When you go into the room, there’s a short introduction on the big screen TV on the wall, and then you have to try to solve the predicament that you find yourself in. Nothing is quite what it seems, to quote the old line

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from many a thriller movie, and it’ll take every ounce of savvy to solve the clues that lie before you. It’s a bit like doing a puzzle, except that instead of holding it in your hands or staring down at it, you’re actually inside it. That makes a big psychological difference. It makes it real. And when you finally come out of the room back into the world again, it’s a bit like leaving the cinema after watching a very good movie.

Increasingly venues such as Escape Break are becoming popular for corporate team-building, with entire groups coming to solve the seemingly insolvable together and in doing so learn how to co-operate and hone their mental agility. Whatever brings you to Escape Break, there are one or two added bonuses. If you’ve already had too much sun and fear going from walnut brown to lobster red, this is the place for you. Rooms like the ones they have here are every bit as enjoyable as time spent outdoors.

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EXPERIENCE SIGNATURE CHAR GRILL DINING AT ITS BEST. Dining on an al fresco deck on the west end of Fisherman's Village, overlooking our charming Lily Pond garden and shoreline infinity pool. Savour fresh seafood and tender meats grilled to perfection, enhanced by tableside preparations and expert salt guru seasonings.

Every day for lunch and dinner 12.00 noon – 10.30 pm For reservations or more information, please contact our Guest Service Centre at +66 77 428 300 or email bophutsamui@anantara.com.

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Full Moon

Fisherman’s Village

Lots of fun and never predictable, the enigmatic world of Escape Break awaits you and your friends or family. Suitable for the ages of eight years old and upwards, the four games here will provide more than enough mystery and mayhem for the average holiday.

Dimitri Waring _____________________________________________________ For reservations or further information, telephone 0 7745 8100 and ask for Escape Break. www.escapebreak.com

Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort 99/9 Moo 1, Bophut Bay, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320 Thailand T +66 (0) 77 428 300-9 F +66 (0) 77 428 310 E bophutsamui@anantara.com

BUDDHA’S NOT-SO-SECRET GARDEN It’s still marvellous, but thousands of tourists don’t help!

There’s a place on Samui that’s really very special. It’s a timeless place.

Somewhere the world stands still in its own little bubble. It’s isolated, peaceful, startlingly beautiful and almost mystical. It’s hidden away up in the mountains at one of the highest points on the island. And it’s generally known as the Secret Buddha Garden.

It’s been there for a good many years, being gradually added to and extended right up until the death of its creator, in 1989. It’s always been a sacred sort of place – and I mean that in a worldly way, not a religious one, as it’s one of the few places you can really believe that there are spirits drifting peacefully between the trees and streams. And even just a decade ago, it was truly magical; a place where you could immerse yourself in its beauty and lose yourself in its peace. But all things change in the due course of time.

At one time it was really hard to get to: it’s actually five kilometres up and away from the ring-road, but back then most of this was a rough dirt road. Today however it’s now all nicely concreted, making it an easy ride, even on a little motorbike, although it’s very steep in a couple of places. It’s right on the same side-road that’s used by the elephant trekking, Samui Shooting Gallery and that also has the Sky Fox Zip line, although that’s a lot further up the road. Look for the landmark of Wat Khunaram (with the Mummified Monk); the road you want is right across from it.

Of course, you could do it the easy way, along with the thousands of tourists who flock there every week, and take an organised tour. But I’d advise wholeheartedly against that. The tranquillity of the magic little place is completely wiped out by the grinning hordes with their selfie sticks – I counted 14 safari-tour tour vans, blaring Thai pop music, parked up and fighting to get in or out, last time I was there.

The way to go it is to get there early in the morning, before about 11:00 am – the place opens at 8:00 am – and that way you’ll have it mostly to yourself, as the bulk of the tourist vans don’t come until midafternoon.

The whole place was the inspiration and life’s work of one man, Khun Nim Thongsuk, a local personality and durian farmer, who began work on it full time in 1976, and continued to work obsessively each day until his death, at the age of 91. And when you get there, marvelling at the sheer inspiration of it all, you can almost begin to see how it all might have come about.

The plot of land here is on a mountain slope, in a cleft in the mountain side. A natural stream tumbles and glides through at the base, feeding the huge fruit trees which form a towering canopy above, in some places making a kind of leafy tunnel with a vault high overhead. It’s a place of almost startling natural beauty – a place of contemplation and harmony.

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And so the first few stages must have been a simple and joyful attempt to introduce a bit of terra-forming, to make a small dam with a pleasing cascade down and onto the rocks beneath . . . and then to shape and form some natural platforms and sitting stones that the tinkling water could turn around. And then a couple of statues in memory of Khun Nim’s mother and father. And then one of Khun Nim himself to complement them. Quite who the two drowned, stone figures in the water are (you’ll have to hunt for them) is a secret that died with Khun Nim! And then, over the following 12 years, all kind of heroes, monsters and symbols from Thai mythology began to appear – interestingly there’s no hint here of the Buddhist religion, despite the name. You’ll spot the maidens from the legend of the Kinaree, but the significance of the giant bird defeating the snake is obscure, as is the meaning of the courtly officials, scribes and musicians who are gathered around it in a ceremonial semi-circle.

Similarly, little cameos appear in groups, here and there, but nobody seems to know what they represent – although my feeling is that there is a great deal of very personal memory and nostalgia here; you’ve only 116 l www.samuiholiday.com

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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.

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got to look closely at some of the faces (particularly the maidens!) to realise at once that these are real people, not some kind of stylised representation. You’d think that some curious scholar would have done a bit of research and made up a nice little tourist booklet with photos and explanations. But this is Thailand, and as long as the tour buses and the money (80 baht a head admission) roll in then then everyone shrugs, smiles and says ‘mai bpen rai!’ (Never mind!)

Some final hints and tips. Go on a sunny day – the effect of the dappled sunlight coming through the trees and glancing off the water is ethereal, as it highlights textures and colours that you’d otherwise miss. Don’t wear flip-flops: hardly anything is on the level and they’ll keep slipping off as you pick your way over the rocks. And be prepared for wet feet, as the only way to cross to the other side of the stream is on partly-submerged stepping stones. But keep all this to yourself – it’s a secret!

Rob De Wet

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 7742 1342, 0 7742 1185, 081 970 9632, 081 396 0023 Fax: 0 7742 1185 Email: asiatravel_international@yahoo.com For Taxi: ร้านตั้งอยู่ที่ถนนหน้าทอน

Simply the best

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: 081 970 9632 Email: asiatravel_international@yahoo.com

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