Lifestyle Magazine issue 21 by SAMUI PHANGAN AND TAO TRENDY POCKET MAG

WWW.SAMUILIFESTYLEMAG.COM

POLICE TELEPHONE NUMBERS

EDITOR NOTE Happy Holidays from the The Samui, Phangan Tao magazine Welcome to this month’s edition of the Samui Phangan Magazine, published by Optim Samui a company with a rich history of providing advertising and marketing communication services since 2002. If you are new to the area we would like to extend a friendly welcome and hope that you find our publication useful in helping you to get the very best out of your stay. Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao are all very unique islands with something special to offer every visitor. Koh Tao is a Mecca for divers and has plenty to offer those who do not choose to engage in sub aquatic activities. There are interesting reefs to snorkel, great restaurants and bars and many other attractions, although the beauty of the island makes it well worth a visit in itself. Koh Phangan is slightly more developed in the popular areas than Koh Tao but never the less, it is still retains its traditional charm. Home to the Full Moon Party the island has some incredible nightlife, off the beaten track spas and pristine beaches. Koh Samui is the most developed of the three islands and although it still retains deserted beaches and has hidden gems in the south that remain virtually untouched the island has world class sporting opportunities such as golf, world class cuisine, hospitality and shopping.

Marine Police

077 411 245

Tourist Police

1155

Police Emergency

191 or 106

Nathon

077 421 095-8

Big Buddha

077 425 071

Chaweng

077 422 067

Lamai

077 424 068

Maenam

077 425 070

Bophut

077 422 067

Hua Thanon

077 424 069

Taling Ngam

077 423 009

Samui Recue

077 421 444

Fire department

106 or 199

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS Samui Immigration

077 421 069

Bangkok Samui Hospital 077 429 500 Bandon Hospital

077 245 236-9

Thai International Hospital 077 245 721-6 Raja Ferry

077 414 400

Seatran Ferry

077 426 000

Airport Samui

077 425 012

Airport Bangkok

02 535 1111

LOST OR STOLEN CREDIT CARD Master Card /Visa

02 299 1990

Reservation Center

1771

Samui Chaweng Office 077 422 512-9 Samui Airport office

077 245 600

www.bangkokair.com Managing Director

The Samui, Phangan Tao magazine is one of Samui’s longest established publications. 30,000 copies are printed every quarter and a further 10,000 copy every month. Our market penetration and distribution network makes it an excellent vehicle for creating awareness for our advertising customers. We have a key distribution points at both the airport and the islands ferry piers and distribute to key 3 – 5 star hotels around the island.

Frederic Soulas

Our articles and editorials cover hotels, dining experiences, sightseeing, Samui lifestyle and useful maps to help newcomers easily find their way around the island. You will also find a list of useful phone numbers should you find yourself in need of assistance.

Graphic Design

Another key feature of our publication is that each and every business that advertises with us has been tried and tested by the Samui Phangan Tao. This ensures that the businesses this publication represent offer you the very best in value and customers service. We welcome your feedback on our recommendations, and any other businesses you may like to see featured in this magazine. We hope that this publication helps to make your stay here on Koh Samui a truly memorable one.

DESIGN & PUBLISHED

Asst. Managing Director Wanatsanan Pimwongsa | nong@optim-samui.com Sales Manager Olga Apostol | sales@optim-samui.com Tel: 086 900 7323 Graphic Design Leader Worawut Timwon Chanita Kasetpongsan Writer Contributor SB

1/33 Moo 6 Bophut, Koh Samui, Suratthani, Thailand 84320 Tel/Fax: 077 484 962 Mobile: 081 894 3250 www.optim-samui.com

WWW.SAMUILIFESTYLEMAG.COM

LE MERIDIEN KOH SAMUI RESORT & SPA T +66 77 960 888 lemeridien.com/ kohsamui

OCEAN PIER by

Dine under the stars on a 224-meter Ocean Pier while literally floating over the Gulf of Thailand.

4-course set “Starlight Dinner” Thursday Night BBQ Private 5-course set dinner

THB1,999 per person THB1,999 per person THB4,999 per person

N 09° 28’ E 100° 03’ DESTINATION UNLOCKED

©2014 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Preferred Guest, SPG, Aloft, Element, Four Points, Le Méridien, Sheraton, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, W, Westin and their logos are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates.

SUMMARY

14 NEW IN SAMUI

THE LARDER 8 THE NADIMO’S 10 JAPANESE MASSAGE 12 AT KI MO NO WELLNESS

THE HEALTH SPA 14 KOH SAMUI EXPERIENCE. THAI BOXING 16 EVENTS

W RETREAT 18

12 24

SHOPPING

THE NATURE ART GALLERY 22 TREND FASHION 24 6

WWW.SAMUILIFESTYLEMAG.COM

30 KOH MADSUM

ISLAND GEM PICNIC

DINING

KOH SAMUI ATTRACTS VISITORS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD.

LIVING

LIVING IN KOH SAMUI

34 PROPERTY

34 BHUMLAPA 56 GARDEN RESORT WEDDING PACATAS CONDOMINIUM 58 SAYING “I DO” IN PARADISE 40 WEDDING PLANNER 41 AROUND THE ISLAND

TEMPLES 42 SIGHT SEEING 46 KOH TAO 47 KOH SAMUI MAP 54 WWW.SAMUILIFESTYLEMAG.COM

58 7

Content | New in Samui

THE LARDER TAKES THINGS BACK TO BASIC, SERVING RUSTIC CASUAL DINING AND COCKTAILS WITH A TWIST. No fuss. No fancy terms. No pretension. Located in Chaweng, at the very top end of Chaweng Beach Road (opposite the Anantara Lawana Hotel), The Larder takes things back to basics, serving up rustic casual dining and cocktails with a twist. Chef Martin Selby and Drink Guru Damian Ahern offer up modern British and International cuisine with a mix of comfort food and classics that have been revived, remixed and reinvigorated by merging modern cooking methods and techniques. Their fresh take on foodie-favourites sit alongside cocktails that have been deconstructed into new liquid magic such as the infamous Inside Out Bloody Mary made with ice-cubes full of secret herbs and spices and garnished with vodka-infused cherry tomatoes or the Peanut Butter Martini with Larder infused peanut butter cup vodka, milk and chocolate.

For more information or reservations visit www.thelardersamui.com, email: hungry@thelardersamui.com or call +66 (0) 77-601-259

The food menu is a diners dream with house favourites such as the Scotch Egg served with asparagus for dipping and house-made pickle or the Pulled Pork Pleasure with rosemary-scented slow cooked pork with quince paste, adobo sauce and house-made slaw served in a fresh bun are a huge hit. Other bites you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go past are the Rack & Roller of slow cooked lamb spare ribs, rocket salad, kokkari dressing & chilli jam or why not try their Taco Belle, fresh tuna tartar in miniature tacos, avocado mousse & teriyaki sauce or for die-hard meat fans, the Wagyu Very Much â&#x20AC;&#x201C; wagyu beef and black beer pie served with buttered vegetables is what sets The Larder apart.

WWW.SAMUILIFESTYLEMAG.COM

Content

WWW.SAMUILIFESTYLEMAG.COM

Content | New in Samui

THE NADIMO’S RESTAURANT HOME THE TASTES AND SMELLS OF THE LEBANON.

If you are a lover of Lebanese food there is only one place you can indulge your senses and that is at Nadimo’s at the the Prana Beach Villas in Bangrak. The proud owners of the restaurant are Mr. Khatter and Mr. Richard Al Ghoul who first introduced their Thailand to their culinary visions in Bangkok where they have two restaurants and the duo are enjoying the same success on the island that they have enjoyed since 2009 in the nation’s capital. Overlooking the ocean with uninterrupted views Nadimos enjoys a superb location and boasts a vast and incredibly reasonably priced, menu has a fantastic selection of the most famous Lebanese dishes such as Tabbouleh – chopped parsley and tomatoes with a fresh, zesty citrus overtone, Baba Ghanoush – a smoky grilled eggplant dip, Hummus – silky mashed chickpeas with sesame paste and Kebab. Another aspect that makes dining at Nadimos so unique are the staff who are attentive but not invasive and have a vast knowledge of the menu that is extremely useful if you are not familiar with Lebanese cuisine. So what I on this incredible menu well from the starter menu it is hard to resist the Tabbouleh salad that is fresh and crisp and delivers mouthwatering flavors as well as other salads that contain clever combinations of fresh ingredients as well as herbs and dressings. For meat lovers the Kebbe Nayeh – minced filet of prime lamb, mixed onions, fresh mint and crushed wheat should satisfy your taste buds or perhaps the Kafta Nayyeh – prime lamb meat minced with fresh parsley, onions, spices and herbs. From the cold meza menu it would a crime not to choose the Hummus that is rich and creamy and hard to leave alone after the first taste. If you fancy a variation on this popular dish try it mixed with pickles, parsley, spring onions & garlic, or with sesame sauce and fresh spinach, with mixed nuts and chili or with sesame sauce and mushrooms. The musakaa is a rich and sumptuous dish and if you really want to treat yourself order a portion of Labneh – soft white cheese with fresh mint and olive oil, or if you can prefer you can enjoy garlic Labneh. Another excellent choice for cheese lovers is the Shanklish – aged cheese with herbs served with tomatoes and spring onions. The Warak Enab Dolma – Vine leaves stuffed with vegetarian rice will delight vegetarians and non vegetarians a like and the Mohammara – crushed walnuts with pomegranate sauce is a dish well worth trying. The hot mezza section of the menu is equally impressive and has mouthwatering spicy potato, Hummus topped with lamb or chicken shawarma, Makanek – pan fried sausages with lemon juice, Sujuk – spicy homemade lamb sausages with fresh tomato sauce, the falafel is out of this world and the assorted mixed puff cheese rolls with samusa meat, samusa spinach and vegetables are a great choice if you want to enjoy a variety of tastes and flavors. Anything from the grill will more than satisfy your desire for classic Lebanese dishes that are bursting with flavors, and have been grilled to perfection. However which dishes to choose can be difficult when you are faced with a choice of Chicken Tawook, Grilled lamb skewers, Kabab Kafta, Khachkhach, Orfaili, Ezmali or Istambouli. For lamb lovers the chops are a must. For a real taste of the Lebanon try one of the Shawarma dishes of either chicken or lamb or both if you can’t decide. Other traditional dishes that are well worth a try are the Daood Bacha meatballs, Lamb Ouze that is served with cardamom rice or Siayadieh – pan fried red snapper filet on a bed of brown onion rice. Of course no Lebanese dish would be complete without fresh pita or mankushe straight from the oven. The menu also has some superb fresh fish dishes and again if you can’t decide then there is a mixed basket option that has baby octopus, calamari, cuttlefish, shrimps mussels all pan fried and served with coriander basil sauce. And if you have any room left after that then why not finish your meal with a traditional Lebanese dessert. 12

WWW.SAMUILIFESTYLEMAG.COM

Content | New in Samui

EXPLORE UNIQUE AND SENSUAL JAPANESE MASSAGE AT KI MO NO You must notice that you can’t walk more than a few meters in Koh Samui without hearing the familiar call of ‘massage, massage’. There are a myriad of places to enjoy a massage in Samui, although some of the venues are not what you would call sophisticated, professional or in some cases even hygienic and the service provided is certainly neither sensual nor discrete. If you are looking for a really memorable massage experience in elegant surroundings then you will be please to know that Ki-Mo-No Massage are inviting residents and visitors to the island to enjoy the ancient art of relaxation and an experience like no other. The Ki-Mo-No Spa is home to traditional Japanese massage, a celebration of pleasure allowing your most intimate feelings to emerge and it is the only spa in Koh Samui dedicated to using Nuru gel. The word Nuru comes from Japan and means ‘slippery’.

road that links up with the ghost road. There is plenty of parking both in front and behind the building. Double doors adorned with the image of two Japanese ladies open into a cool, private, discrete spa with comfortable sofas and elegant and stylish Japanese decor. The greeting here is warm and welcoming and over a complimentary beer, whisky or soft drink one of the friendly, and highly professional masseuses will help you choose one of the sixty or ninety minute massage experience that best suits your needs. Once you have chosen your experience you will be taken to one of six suits in the purpose built spa. Each suit has a comfortable, beautifully decorated dry room with a relaxing bed and a large wet room, with a Japanese chair and air bed, where you can enjoy the full body Nuru massage experience with a highly trained, skilled masseuse.

Nuru gel is water soluble, colourless, tasteless and odorless. It is composed mainly of Nori seaweed, chamomile and natural minerals. When the skin absorbs the Nuru minerals its tone and vitality is restored and the gels deep moisturizing qualities leave your skin feeling fresh, soft and looking younger and healthier. During your experience at Ki-Mo-No every part of your body will be massaged with the utmost care giving you the pleasure and relaxation where you most need it. The Nuru gel is extremely slippery and delivers a unique sensation like nothing you will have ever experienced before.

The Ki-Mo-No experience can be enjoyed by males and females as well as couples. In the relaxing atmosphere of the spa it is impossible not to immediately feel at ease. Your every need is attended to by kimono clad, attractive therapists who are happy to answer any questions you may have if you are embarking on your first Japanese massage experience.

The Ki-Mo-No Spa is an experience not to be missed no matter how long you are planning on being in Koh Samui. The Spa is located on the Bandon Hospital

You can book by phone 0800 65 9000 or email: info@ kimono-samui.com

Although the Ki-Mo-no Spa only opened on the 26th of November it popularity has resulted in bookings being highly recommended. The spa is open every day between 12 noon and 12 midnight.

WWW.SAMUILIFESTYLEMAG.COM

Content | Wellness

Cyan Spa koh Samui

The Health Spa Koh Samui Experience. If you are in need of some rejuvenation, are suffering from a heavy work load, stress and lethargy it’s probably time get away from it all. Samui is one of Thailand’s major tourist destinations famous for its Thai cuisine, picture perfect beaches and luxurious hotels. For some, however, these are not the major reasons for their visit. A growing number of visitors choose to get away from it all and spend some time in a health spa. Detox and spa vacations are growing in popularity all over the world. The idea of spending precious vacation time having too much to eat and drink and going home feeling worse than you did before you left for many is certainly losing its appeal. A great alternative is spending a week or two in a health and returning home feeling rested, recharged and ready to take on life’s challenges. Health Spas in Samui offer laid back spa relaxation vacations, full on cleansing and fasting vacations and everything in between. If you are afraid to embark on a really intense cleanse and fast then choose a basic 16

package that will allow you to indulge in detoxifying scrubs, body wraps, massage and delicious healthy cuisine. Although most people are amazed how enjoyable the more hard core approach can be, even the basic spa experience in a beautiful location will leave you feeling pampered, relaxed and rested. Those who are up for the challenge should choose a more involved program. Taking a break from unhealthy habits and lifestyles and purging your body of harmful toxins and replacing vital vitamins and minerals can be a life changing experience. Detox programs include fasting, colonic irrigation, nutritional supplements and activities such as yoga. Many spas offer life coaching options that allow you to heal your mind as well as your body. Even a ten day vacation in a health spa in Koh Samui can return surprising results. Health spa vacationers notice fewer wrinkles, radiant skin, improved mental health, significant weight loss, brighter eyes and a significant rise in energy levels.

WWW.SAMUILIFESTYLEMAG.COM

Content: Culture

THAI BOXING

WWW.SAMUILIFESTYLEMAG.COM

MUAY THAI IS A COMBAT SPORT FROM THE MUAY MARTIAL ARTS OF THAILAND THAT USES STAND-UP STRIKING ALONG WITH VARIOUS CLINCHING TECHNIQUES. Muay Thai is Thailand’s national sport and a combat martial art. Muay Thai, that first became popular in the sixteenth century, is known as the ‘art of eight limbs’ because it is characterized by the combined uses of fists, elbows, knees, shins and feet. Muay Thai was originally called by more generic names such as pahuyuth from the Sanskrit bahu-yuddha that means unarmed combat. As well as being a practical technique for fighting Muay Thai became a sport where opponents fought for the entertainment of a crowd. The contests have become an integral part of local celebrations and festivals and fights often place at temples. King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) had a personal interest in the sport and Muay Thai progressed greatly during his reign. The country was at peace and it was used as a means of getting physical exercise and for self defense as well as for recreation. It was at this time, around 1868 that masters of the art started teaching in training camps where students were provided with accommodation and food, scouts would be sent by the royal family to organize contests between the different camps. In 1921 Thailand’s first boxing ring was built and during the reign of King Rama VII (1925 – 1935) codified rules were put into place. Referees were introduced and rounds were now named by kick. Fighters at the Lumpinee Kickboxing Stadium started wearing gloves and fights took place between Thai nationals and foreigners. Rope bindings were replaced by gloves and cotton coverlets over the feet and ankles after there was a death in the ring. In 1993 the International Federation of Muaythai Amateur, of IFMA was inaugurated. It became the governing body of amateur Muay Thai consisting of 128 member countries worldwide and is recognized by the Olympic Council o Asia. In 1995 the World Muaythai Council, the oldest and largest professional sanctioning organization of Muay Thai was set up by the Royal Thai Government and sanctioned by the Sports Authority of Thailand. The first commercial Muay Thai gym outside of Thailand

was founded in 1978 in Curitiba, Brazil today there are thousands of gyms around the globe. Like most competitive full contact fighting sports Muay Thai has a heavy focus on body conditioning. Training regimes include many staples of combat sport such as shadowboxing, body weight resistance exercises, rope jumping and running. Thai boxers rely heavily on kicks that utilize the shin bone. During training fighters often repeatedly hit a heavy bag with their shins to harden the bone. There are several Muay Thai camps in Samui if you have an interest in learning what is classed here as the ‘world’s deadliest marital art’ and ‘the number one sport of the world’ if you listen to the trucks advertising the fights at the various stadiums around the island and watching Thai boxing is always entertaining, not just for the fight but for the ritual dances that take place just before the boxing. Most skilled boxers learn the sport from ages as young as seven years old, and children develop the use of their body as dangerous weapons. The matches consist of no more than three five minute rounds with a two minute break between each one. The boxers are awarded scores by three judges based on factors such as fighting skills, strategy and behavior. Whether you are a big fan of boxing or not watching a Muay Thai fight is considered a ‘must do’ activity while here in Thailand. Photographer: Maythee Voranisarakul Contact: admin@addicted2photography.info

WWW.SAMUILIFESTYLEMAG.COM

Content

Come, Sip, Flirt and Indulge Taste. Sample local, regional, continental and international cuisine at The Kitchen Table. Epicurean at every turn, its original menu blends global favorites ranging from curry to gourmet pizza and salads. Or try Namu, where contemporary Japanese cuisine with a worldly twist is presented in a dramatic, creative fashion. Sip. Recline with a colorful cocktail at the W Lounge. Mix and mingle indoors and enjoy iconic views from the outdoor terrace. Or head to SIP to toast the island’s spectacular sunset. After dark, WOOBAR® alights with live DJ beats and custom concoctions. Of course, Tonic Bar offers innovative sake tonics along with health-inspired refreshments and snacks.

WOOBAR® WOOBAR® DJ Session As the day turns into night, crank up your evening with our DJ’s cool rhythm and mixes. Daily from 6:00pm. - 11.00pm. Girls Just Want To Have Fun! Ladies enjoy a buy-one-get-one-free deal on any WOOBAR® house pours and beer from 6:00pm - 9:00pm. Resident ladies will also enjoy a buy-one-get-one-free every Tuesday from 6:00pm until 12:00 am. (non-inclusive of wine and champagne). Mo-Hee-Toe Madness Energize yourself with the vibe of our DJ’s cool sounds while snacking on some of our innovative WOOBAR® nibbles and enjoying a free-flow of any one of our 7 signature mojitos. Every Thursday from 7:00pm. - 11.00pm. at THB 1,300 net/person 2-4-1 Friday Buy two beers and get the third one free. Every Friday from 5:00pm – 8:00pm

SIP Sunset Wowtini - Watch the sunset over Maenam and order one martini cocktail so you can get another one for free! A moment you can’t miss! Sunday - Friday from 4:30pm – 6:30pm and Saturday from 3:30pm – 6:30pm Beach Grill at SIP– Get more than just a BBQ at SIP, W’s beach bar where you laze around on our beachfront and feast delicious BBQ dishes cooked fresh from our new Beach Grill. Daily, 11am – 5:00pm Beach Bar-B-Q Reloaded – Experience the next level of beach Bar-B-Q at SIP Bar, where you lounge in lazy beach bean bags and sun beds, groove to house tunes and sip on white or red sangria, buckets of beer, drunken fruit and buy-one-get-one-free martinis. While enjoying our beverage specials, be sure to check out our new Beach Grill menus featuring BBQ favorites, such as Carolina styled pulled pork sandwich, New York-style hot dogs, Jamaican style jerk chicken and a variety of hand formed burgers. Guests arriving by boat receive a special 25% discount on food while your captain eats free. Every Saturday, 12:30 – 4:00 pm. (regular menus will be available after 4:00 pm until 5:00 pm.) Monday Night at the Movies - Monday night is the new movie night! From 8:00 pm onwards, the silver screen is set on the beach, welcoming moviegoers to enjoy underground, classic and blockbuster flicks amid an unparalleled chillax ambiance on the beach with W’s signature cocktails and nibbles from Namu or movie munchies from the Beach GRILL. Every Monday from 8:00pm onwards with free admission. After the movie, moviegoers can enjoy an exclusive buy-one-get-one-free deal at WOOBAR® until midnight! Terms & Conditions apply 20

WWW.SAMUILIFESTYLEMAG.COM

THE KITCHEN TABLE Inside the Kitchen Thai food Lover? Experience your own customized 4 course Thai sharing menu in the heart of the kitchen. It’s hot and loud but it’s the ultimate insider access to food from the wok to your plate. Monday – Friday at THB 3,500 net per person inclusive of wine pairing WOW Cooking Class Get behind the scenes and have a one-on-one cooking session with one of our chef’s and learn how to prepare food, W style. Monday – Friday at THB 3,800 net per person or 7,400 net per couple (24 hour notice period). • Certificate and photo • Lunch after class with a complimentary glass of wine and the food you worked so hard to prepare. Lazy Breakfast Laze in our super-soft bed and stay worry-free about missing breakfast; the W’s signature breakfast is ready to serve your feast till noon! Every Sunday from 6:30am – 12:00pm.

NAMU Namu Lunch Delivering memorable dining experiences to diners, NAMU offers more opportunity for diners to try the taste of modern Japanese cuisine, offering a wide range of set menus as well as a-la-carte dishes. Lunch menu is available during noon – 4:00pm, on Friday – Sunday. Cooking class at Namu Get an insider access to art of preparing Sushi, Sashimi and other Japanese favorites side by side with our chef. Wednesday and Thursday from 4:00pm. – 6:00pm. at THB 4,200 net per person: • 2 hours one on one cooking class • Dinner for two with VIP seating at our sushi counter enjoying the food you have prepared during class • Certificate and photos with Chef • One bottle of Sake (300 ML) –per person • **maximum 4 people per class **24 hour notice required Dining Under the Stars Imagine your private romantic dinner at the W Beach just the two of you; a candlelit setting with a six or seven course Japanese-inspired menu with wine and sake artfully paired with each dish. THB 15,000 net/couple for a 6-course menu THB 18,000 net/couple for a 7-course menu with a Kura-Ricky welcome drink and bottle of sake or house wine Hot Over The Coals Just because you’re getting too comfy in your room doesn’t mean you don’t get to indulge. Just a buzz brings our gastronomic offerings to your door step. BBQ Menu Options • Under Sea Experience THB 5,700 net per couple • Carnivorous Temptations THB 5,700 net per couple • Ocean + Earth Tasting THB 9,900 net per couple Hot Over the Coals on W Beach: Set up surcharge at THB 3,000 for staying guests Set up surcharge at THB 4,000 for non-staying guests (48 hours in advance with a 50% deposit) **24 hour notice required WWW.SAMUILIFESTYLEMAG.COM

Content | What’s on Samui Shopping

WHAT’S ON SAMUI SHOPPING On Saturday 29th of March the doors opened to CPN’s first Theme Mall and changed the face of shopping in Koh Samui. The Chaweng Central Plaza has been designed in what CPN call a “Reminiscence of Southern Lifestyle” theme that offers new experiences of shopping in a world class attraction”. The mall has four main decoration themes, the Chaweng Port theme that combines contemporary architecture with an old time ferry port, a Birdcage theme with Chino-Portuguese style, a Fisherman’s Village theme and Old Market theme in Colonial style. There are over 200 Thai and International brand shops and restaurants and a night Bazaar. The plaza occupies two floors with an open air roof, although the permanent shops are all air conditioned. There are plenty of places to enjoy a hot or cold drink, an alcoholic beverage, a snack or a meal such as Copa Cobana, Be Bistro, Le Siam, The Coffee Club and Café Zazen, dishes the food hall offers a range of affordable Indian, Russian, Japanese and Italian dishes. If you fancy eating at home then Tops supermarket has just about everything you could ever wish for.

The plaza has plenty of underground parking and there is always something going on around the central stage. If you fancy something a little more rustic then the walking street markets are not to be missed. Walking street markets can be found all over Samui however the Maenam Market on Thursday and the Bophut market on Friday are particularly popular. Around 3pm stall holders turn up to set up their stalls and watching the market come slowly to life can be just as entertaining as the market itself. As darkness falls the little stalls light up and create the most magical atmosphere. There are so many things on offer such as Jewellery handicrafts made with leather and Myanmar Jade, Thai silk goods, aromatic oils, and handmade soaps and the more usual Thai souvenirs such as carved soap, Buddha images, toys and artifacts carved out of coconut. The market stalls have local fruits as well as Thai and international food stalls offer something special from every corner of the globe. 22

WWW.SAMUILIFESTYLEMAG.COM

Content | Shopping

The Nature Art Gallery in Chaweng is well worth a visit for many reasons. Aside from the incredible handmade jewelry, gold, silver, precious and semi precious stones you will find there, the gallery it self is beautifully designed and filled with the healing power of crystals and stones. For the past ten years Micha and his partner, Shai, have been sharing their love of stones with the residents and visitors to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. The Nature Art Gallery create custom made jewelry from stones such as fossilized ivory, the tusk of the prehistoric wooly mammoth that became extinct over 10,000 years ago, found in the Arctic circle, Opal, Sugilite, Larimar (Pectolite) that represents peace and clarity and emits energy of healing and love of humanity and the earth and Moldavite the product of a meteor collision with the earth nearly fifteen million years. These green gems are among the rarest minerals on earth and have been prized by humans for thousands of years and are, to this day, given as gifts to royalty. Stones have powers can lift you, heal you, clear auras, improve memory, open chakras and provide many health benefits. Not only will you feel this effect as soon as you come into contact with the treasures to be found in the Nature Art Gallery, you will be inspired by their beauty. In one visit you will see what Micha, Shai and Hari, who comes from a long line of jewelers in Nepal, and whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family created unique jewelry for the Nepalese King, are creating. If you are feeling creative why not take in a workshop and learn to make your own jewelry with master silversmiths and create a work of art for yourself or give a beautiful, personal and unique gift to a friend. The gallery is open from 10am until midnight daily and can be found at the exit of the Tops Supermarket complex. 24

WWW.SAMUILIFESTYLEMAG.COM

Content | Shopping

You may be enjoying not having to look your best while you sit back and relax in Koh Samui but when the occasion calls for bringing out your Sunday best what could be better than striding out in designer wear, made to measure clothes that come at a surprisingly affordable price. Armani Suits International in Chaweng make bespoke designs for both men and women with all of the latest fashion influences from New York, London, Paris, Berlin and Zurich. With more than 20 years experience in the clothing business Armani Suits International is one of the most respected names on the island. Their expertise in wardrobe planning, for both your professional and career needs is second to none. The store at Armani Suits International contains over two thousand of the highest quality cloths both domestic and imported from the finest mills around the world. Their outstanding commitment to quality, personal service, design and fashion expertise has resulted in Armani Suits International being recommended by tour companies such as LTU, Tour East, Kuoni and Apollo, they are the official tailors for businesses such as the prestigious Four Seasons Resort, Napasia and Centara Resort and they have gained large numbers of repeat customers who not only use their services when they return to the island but take advantage of the postal service for online orders.

TREND FASHION

Having your clothes tailor made offers you the opportunity to enjoy the kind of perfect it that could never been found in ‘off the peg’ garments, and far from being time consuming it can take as little as 48 hours to have your perfect ensemble hanging up in your wardrobe and ready to wear. Generally it takes two fittings and a little time for minor alterations to create outfits that will make you feel like a million dollars and if you would like an existing item of clothing copied it can take as little as 24 hours. The incredible range of in store fabrics includes Merino wools, Cashmeres, silks, super 100’s, 120’s, 180’s, flannels, pure Chinese and pure Thai silks as well as a wide assortment of luxurious four seasons fabrics from around the globe.

WWW.SAMUILIFESTYLEMAG.COM

Content | Koh Madsum

ISLAND GEM PICNIC

THE ULTIMATE GOURMET BEACH EXPERIENCE Get out and enjoy your vacation the way it’s meant to be experienced -- in nature! Island Gem Picnic tour offers a rustic and yet stylish experience of Koh Samui’s idyllic wealth. Our tours will take you to a day of snorkeling, long tail boat ride and gourmet picnic lunch on a secluded beach. More often than not, you will hear tourists say, “I want to do something different”. If you want to navigate away from the main stream tourist attraction on Koh Samui, and experience something out of the ordinary, this is the tour for you. We will take you out to the islands of Koh Tan and Koh Madsum to experience a fantastic day of snorkeling. The highlight of the day is the idyllic lunch on a quiet beach. Beach picnic is an effort and it is something worth doing for those who appreciates finer things. We create a spread of gourmet food including some fresh salads, sandwiches, couscous, pasta dishes, fresh fruits and deserts. We complement this good spread with a welcome Prosecco drink and then throughout the day, you have a choice of beers, wines and soft drinks. The trip is all inclusive and rewarding! Highly recommended on the island of Koh Samui. www.islandgempicnic.com Booking: +66(0)77 952 686/ +66(0)831 768 379 28

WWW.SAMUILIFESTYLEMAG.COM

Content

WWW.SAMUILIFESTYLEMAG.COM

Content | Dining

KOH SAMUI ATTRACTS VISITORS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD. When it comes to dining on Koh Samui just about every need is catered for and it is fair to say that on this island there really is something to suit every budget. For those who like to explore the very heart of Thai cuisine it is not necessary to look any further than street vendors who offer an incredible array of local delicacies at an equally incredible price. The local walking street markets offer all of the tastes and aromas of local cuisine and plenty of equally affordable international dishes that can be eaten on the hoof while you explore the colorful stalls. Of course if you prefer sitting down to enjoy local cuisine then Koh Samui has literally thousands of low priced Thai restaurants and just about every corner of Koh Samui has international restaurants too. Italian restaurants are very popular in Koh Samui, there are certainly more than enough to choose from. Over the last ten years tens of Indian restaurants have opened their doors and given both visitors and residents of the island an authentic exploration of Indian cuisine. There are a handful of French Restaurants, more than a handful of German restaurants, two Greek restaurants, a good number of steak houses, good old fashioned British Pub Grub outlets, and more recently a Turkish restaurant in Maenam, a Lebanese in Bangrak and in Bophut you can indulge in some cuisine from Uzbekistan. If your taste run to the higher end of the market there are no shortage of world class restaurants both as part of five and six star resorts and independents. Here Michelin star chefs conjure up tantalizing dishes that would not look out of place anywhere on the five star food world cuisine stage. No description of the cuisine of Koh Samui could be complete without a mention going to the incredibly fresh seafood that can be seen on ice outside most restaurants. The quality of fresh catch seafood is frankly mind blowing and not to be missed during any trip to the island. Bon appĂŠtit

WWW.SAMUILIFESTYLEMAG.COM

Content | Events

HISTORY OF THE KOH SAMUI PROVINCIAL COURT Before the establishment of Koh Samui Provincial Court, crimes and disputes on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan districts were under the jurisdiction of Surat Thani Provincial Court in Surat Thani province. However, the islands geography made travelling to the mainland and official communication inconvenient, especially during the monsoon season. Therefore the Ministry of Justice deemed it appropriate to establish Koh Samui Provincial Court in Koh Samui district to facilitate and assist local residents who have judicial needs. Koh Samui Provincial court was officially opened on 7th of August 2006. Its jurisdiction covers all criminal and civil cases whose course of action is in Koh Samui and Koh Phangan districts. On 7th August 2008 Suratthani Juvenlie and Family court (Koh Samui) came into force using Koh Samui Provincial Courtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s building. Its jurisdiction covers juvenile and family cases whose ground of action is Koh Samui and Koh Phangan district. On June 26th 2014 the Tourist Case Unit was opened to enable tourists who have cases that need to be dealt with in court to swear their testimony before they return back to their home countries allowing cases to be tried 34

that may not otherwise reach the courts due to the time constraints of the tourists holiday time scale. If a tourist is involved in a road traffic accident, assault, serious assault, sexual assault or robbery they are advised to report the incident to the local police where the incident took place, it is important to note that tourist will not be able to report a crime with police in Bangkok or back in their home countries. Once the report has been made the victim will be escorted for any medical treatment if required. The following day they will be escorted to the court where they can give a sworn statement. If the suspect has been caught on the same day he or she will have their first hearing. From this point on the victim will be able to travel home and the suspect will be tried in their absence, even if at this stage they have not been apprehended. Many crimes in the past have gone unpunished due to victims having to return home or being unwilling to stay after an upsetting crime. The new system will ensure that the perpetrators of crimes against tourist will be tried and convicted if guilty rather than being allowed to commit a similar crime in the future and go unpunished when the victim leaves the country.

WWW.SAMUILIFESTYLEMAG.COM

Spa Cenvaree at Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui is proud to host a charity event in support of its nominated charity, Special Needs School of Koh Samui on August 2, 2014 at Spa Cenvaree Lotus Garden at Centara. All proceeds from the prize auction and portion of the event tickets will be donated to the organization.

TOURIST COURT GRAND OPENING Photos: Visitors & Dignitaries: Major of Koh Samui, local chief of court and court Sec from Bangkok the British, German, and USA consuls.

STACKED DINER AT OZO IN CHAWENG NOW OFFICIALLY OPENED WWW.SAMUILIFESTYLEMAG.COM

Content | Living in Koh Samui Photo by Nikolaj www.zastavki.com

Living in Koh Samui Moving to Thailand is an exciting prospect for anyone but even more so when you are looking to live in your dream property in Koh Samui. Koh Samui is an island rich in culture and diversity which is why so many people from overseas have made it their home. Koh Samui has so much to offer and in terms of Koh Samui property there is so much to choose from. Even though Koh Samui has evolved and seen a lot of change and progress there are still some small and affordable property options for those on a more limited budget. Mid range property in Koh Samui can be found in every corner of the island. In the high- end market Samui really comes into its own. Over the last few years villas that would rival those in the most opulent locations have been built in some of the islands most spectacular locations.

Lazy afternoons can be enjoyed on the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s picture -perfect beaches and for those who fancy something more energetic the island has a world class 18 hole golf course, a tennis club, badminton courts, gymnasia with state of the art equipment, rock climbing and both running and rambling clubs. For those who like to take a more leisurely approach to fitness the island has an abundance of health spas and clubs that offer Pilates, yoga, fasting and mediation programs. Koh Samui has one government run and four international private hospitals. It also has international and local schools. The standard of education on Samui makes it the ideal place for families with children of school age to get away from the western world and enjoy a far more laid back approach to living.

The population of Koh Samui enjoys a very laid back lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of modern day life. However, its location and international airport have provided easy access to Bangkok, Phuket, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur as well as other domestic and international destinations. The surrounding islands offer interesting and secluded beaches and bays to explore on foot, by kayak or with your scuba gear. 36

WWW.SAMUILIFESTYLEMAG.COM

The Ridge www.theridgesamui.com

WWW.SAMUILIFESTYLEMAG.COM

Content | Spa

ERANDA HERBAL SPA ON KOH SAMUI

Our spa is set in more than 7,000 sqm2 of beautifully landscaped tropical gardens with cascading waterfalls and a stream winding its way down from its high perch over Northern Chaweng. Eranda Herbal Spa has the relaxing and soothing ambience you would expect from a high quality spa facility with the taste of luxury and exclusivity for an ultimate pampering experience.

WWW.SAMUILIFESTYLEMAG.COM

Content | Getting married in samui

SAYING â&#x20AC;&#x153;I DOâ&#x20AC;? IN PARADISE There are many advantages to getting married on an island like Koh Samui, even though at face value it could perhaps seem daunting, especially when most of the wedding arrangements are being made before you even get to the island. One of the main reasons getting married overseas is becoming more popular is cost. The cost of weddings in just about every corner of the western world can be quite prohibitive these days. Many couples put off getting married for many years, chose civil weddings or even decide to live together rather than tying the knot in order to save themselves and their families a huge outlay for one special day. Getting married in Koh Samui is substantially cheaper than getting married in the west. The cost of living is lower, certainly the price of things like food, cocktails and flowers are dramatically lower and having a beach setting is something that could never be considered in colder countries. With so many great deals on flights these days, the travel costs are not prohibitive, even for large

parties. If you want to share your big day with family and friends, what makes Samui so ideal is the range of accommodation that is available. Koh Samui has apartments, villas, hotels, resorts and beach bungalows to suit every budget, so there is no reason not to include all the people that mean so much to you. Organizing a wedding in your own country is a big task, so how can it be easier to plan and execute a wedding in a far off land? The answer is simple Wedding Planners. Koh Samui has many experienced professional wedding planners who can do all of the hard work for you. These days the internet makes it easy to communicate with your chosen wedding planner and will give you the opportunity to describe your dream wedding in words and if you chose with pictures. Wedding planners on Koh Samui will also be able to offer you many services that you may not have even though off such as the groom arriving on an elephant, releasing doves and butterflies at the ceremony, having fabulous floating furniture on the ocean or in the swimming pool and Koh Samui had endless opportunities for stag and hen parties as well as fun days out.

WWW.SAMUILIFESTYLEMAG.COM

FEATURED…WEDDING PLANNER OF THE MONTH

Island Gem Weddings – crafting your dreams

When you envision the day, you put yourself in the position of the bride and groom – this is the principle of our wedding planning. We see each wedding as a unique opportunity to create a dream come true. We treat our wedding couples as our inspiration and we offer them tools to achieve their wedding aspirations. We are the doer of things and we execute dream weddings to a real life experience. Together with our services, we aim to impart our knowledge of the island to make the couple’s holiday a memorable one. We know that destination weddings do not evolve on that special day alone… the pre and post happenings can also pose some worries for the bride and groom. We offer our hands to ease their worries. We give answers to questions and we give guidance to planning. Our recommended wedding venues are the grounds of happiness to each couple’s desire. We have a range of wedding venues to cater for all kinds of groups – from small and intimate to large and extravagant arrangements. Our website has the full information regarding our services and venues, www.samuiislandgemweddings.com. For inquiries, please send an email to wedding@ samuiislandgemweddings.com

WWW.SAMUILIFESTYLEMAG.COM

Content: Sight seeing

Originally constructed with beautiful teak wood, the junk chantara was put into service in burma near the end of the 20th century. The chantara sails inside the gulf of thailand. generally, it travels around koh samui, to places such as angthong marine park, koh phangan, and koh tao. The chantara is a traditional “junk” boat, 25m long and 7m wide, built completely of teak and furnished with all the modern conveniences that one could wish. The chantara has a main cabin that can pose as either a lounge, or a double cabin with an ensuite bathroom. the chantara also has 3 double cabins with private bathrooms. all rooms have air-conditioning. It can comfortably accommodate 8-10 people for a one week cruise, however, for a single day trip, the maximum capacity is 50 people. The boat has a kitchen, a bar, and a dining room with a large table that can seat 12 people easily. the sun beds are copious with 75m2 of deck and are arranged with mattresses and traditional thai cushions. EXCURSION AROUND KOH PHANGAN The chantara will take you on an adventure to discover the beautiful landscape around koh phangan, The neighboring island of koh samui. you can explore the colorful underwater world of koh ma with its stunningly clear water, corals filled seabed, aboundant sea anemones, and all varieties of tropical fish. the chantara stops on thong nai pan beach where customers will be offered to enjoy water sports (jet ski, buoy, kayak, water ski,wakeboard), massage or simply relax on this secluded bay, nearing the end of the journey, “adventurers” will be able to admire koh phangan’s rugged coastline, stunning coves, and deserted beaches while returning to koh samui.

WWW.J ONQU E -CHANTAR A.CO M 44

WWW.SAMUILIFESTYLEMAG.COM

Content | Around the island

TEMPLES Wat Phra Yai And Big Buddha This temple is the home of Koh Samui’s most famous landmark the Big Buddha. Most Visitors come to marvel at the sheer size and beauty of this remarkable statue at some point during their holiday. Visible from several kilometers away and even from the air when arriving on or leaving the island, the 12 meter tall golden image stands proud. At the base of the structure, several shops and restaurants cater to the needs of devotees and tourists alike. Wat Phra Yai is in the Northeast of Samui on route 4171 near the airport.

Kunaram Temple - Mummified Monk The body of Samui’s most famous mummified monk, Loung Pordaeng, is on display here in a specially constructed building. When he died more than 20 years ago, he was sitting in a meditation position. He is still in that same position and his body shows few signs of any major decay. Wat Khunaram is on the 4169 ring-road between the Na Muang waterfalls and Hua Thanon.

The Leam Sor Chedi In the grounds of Wat Laem Sor, this ornately designed Chedi (Pagoda) sits at the rocky water’s edge. Covered in countless small yellow tiles, it appears golden when viewed from a short distance. It’s at the far South of the island off the 4170 road between Ban Tale and Ban Pang Ka. Follow the track with a sign that reads “Waikiki Bungalows”, and It’s at the end of that.

Wat Lamai Wat Lamai Temple is not only the main temple of Lamai but is also home to a small cultural museum featuring artifacts from Samui’s past. and a cultural hall where the locals meet for weddings, funerals and other social activities.

WWW.SAMUILIFESTYLEMAG.COM

Buddha’s Footprint There are actually four foot-prints here, superimposed one on another. Each one is artistically en-graved. They are housed in a modest shrine 150 steps up a steep hill, which also offers a great view across the plains to the mountains opposite, and to the sea over the tree tops. Buddha’s Footprint is not signposted but can be found by going up a concrete slope on the left, two kilometers West of the turnoff for the Butterfly Garden on the 4170 road.

Wat Sila Ngu Said to contain a relic of the Lord Buddha, the golden chedi facing the temple’s entrance is a popular place of worship. Many local travelling shows and even visiting TV stars sometimes use the temple grounds here for their performances. Wat Sila Ngu is on the 4169 ring-road, one kilometer South of Hin-Ta Hin-Yai on the beach side of the road.

Wat Kiri Wongkaram The mummified body of the Buddhist monk Loung Por Ruam can be viewed here in a glass case. He was placed in it upon his death 25 years ago and his body is still in remarkably good condition. The temple can be located by following the 4170 road South from Ban Saket and then turning right between tow giant elephant statues. It is a further kilometer along this road on the right hand side.

Wat Plai Laem Wat Plai Laem is located in the north of Samui on road 4171 from Big Buddha to Choeng Mon Beach. The temple is famous for the hundreds of big fish enjoying their live in the lake of the temple and waiting to be fed (Food for the fish is available at the temple for a small donation of 10 Baht per pack). Wat Plai Laem is one of the most colorful temple on Samui and features an 18 arms strong Buddha statue set in the middle of the lake.

WWW.SAMUILIFESTYLEMAG.COM

Content | Temples

EXPLORING WAT BIG BUDDHA The Big Buddha temple is easily one of the most recognizable landmarks on Samui with its 12 meter high Buddha that has been sitting, majestically, on a tall platform overlooking Koh Samui since 1972. This, one of the islands most visited temples, is on a small island, reached by a causeway, on the north east shore of the island. The Buddha can be seen from several kilometers away as well as by plane on arrival to the island. The Buddha alone makes the temple worth a visit, but as well as a great photo opportunity and superb views of the north of the island at the top of the platform the Buddha sits on, there are many other great reasons to spend a few hours at the temple. The grounds of the temple are home to a bustling market that offers a myriad of shopping opportunities. On the large end of the scale you can buy giant wooden elephants and nuts and bolts aliens in the market from several stores that have shipping facilities. Other stalls have a range of beautiful Buddha’s and Buddha masks that make excellent souvenirs as well as home decorations. There is an art gallery with hand painted unique and reproduction art works, local handy craft shops, handmade shoe and handbag shops, and a couple of dozen shops selling cool cotton summer clothes and a wide variety of T-shirts as well as childrens’ attire. 48

The OTOP - One Tambon One Product shop has an excellent range of herbs, spa products, honey, natural latex, ginseng, teas and fruit pastes. If you are not in the mood for shopping then head to the Dr Fish shop and spend half an hour having the dead skin removed from your feet by tiny, hungry, fish, or, perhaps, go and put 5baht into a fortune telling slot machine. There is one machine for every day of the week. It is a good idea to pick the one that represents the day you were born. The machine will work its magic and give you a number that corresponds one of the fortunes you can read underneath the machine. If you would prefer a more personal reading then head on over to the English speaking fortune teller who has a shop next to the large car parking area. If looking into the future is not your idea of fun then you can ask one of the monks to give you a blessing or buy a brick that will be used to build extensions to the temple and mark it with your name. The Big Buddha temple is a great place to get something to eat too. Thai and Italian restaurants overlook the bay and if ice cream is your thing you are not going to be disappointed. There is an ice cream shop at the entrance to the temple market that sells the most incredible Swizz ice cream. The sign says that it’s probably the best ice cream on Samui which could very well be true. It is probably the most expensive come to that but worth every penny! Remember to dress respectfully when visiting the temple, remove your shoes before climbing the staircase to the Big Buddha and watch out, the steps can be quite slippery.

WWW.SAMUILIFESTYLEMAG.COM

Content | Sight Seeing

ANG THONG NATIONAL MARINE PARK Ang Thong National Marine Park is made up of 42 islands featuring lime stone massifs, tropical rainforests and deserted beaches. This fascinating group of islands, within sight of Koh Samui to the north and west, is geographically different from the other islands in the region. The Ang Thong islands rise from the sea as dramatic walls of rock soaring hundreds of metres high. Besides the many small coves and beautiful beaches, erosion has shaped some interesting formations. Particular features are Koh Mae (a beautiful beach) and Thale Nai (an emerald saltwater lake) both found on Koh Mae.

WWW.SAMUILIFESTYLEMAG.COM

Content | Koh Tao

KOH TAO

Koh Tao means Turtle Island. It was named by the first settlers on the island after its turtle like shape. However, coincidentally the island is also a breeding ground for Hawksbill turtles and Green turtles.

THERE IS MORE TO TURTLE ISLAND THAN MEETS THE EYE

The island was initially uninhabited other than the odd fisherman who may call in from a neighboring island looking for shelter or rest along his journey. Old maps from European cartographers and mariners show the island marked as P Bardia, a name the island retained until around the early 1900â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. In 1852 there is mention of small farms and even cows to the west of the island in a book called Narrative of a residence t the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, by Frederick Arthur Neale. On June 18th in 1899 King Chulalongkorn visited Koh Tao and his monogram on a huge boulder at Jor Por Ror bay at the end of Sairee Beach can still be seen and is still worshiped today. By 1933 the island was being used as a political prison. In 1947 Khuang Abhaiwongse, the Prime Minister at the time, pleaded and received a royal pardon for all of the prisoners on the island and once they left the island was abandoned once again, but not for long. Later that year Khun Uaem and his brother Khun Oh left neighbourig Koh Phangan and sailed to Koh Tao. These pioneers claimed a good part of the land on Sairee beach and went on to cultivate the land with their families who joined them forming the first generation of the present day community. Their lives were very simple, they fished, grew vegetables and harvested coconuts. In more recent times Koh Tao has been famous for its SCUBA diving however rock climbing, bouldering are also popular pastimes on this fascinating island. The most popular part of the island is Sairee Beach on the west coast that has 1.7 km of beach. Mae Haad is the capital of Koh Tao and has lots of shops, bars, restaurants and banks. Chalok Ban Khao can be found on the southernmost tip of the island and has a stunning stretch of golden sand and from here long tail ferries offer a taxi service to the other parts of the island. Ao Leuk is a very quiet but pretty bay on the eastern side of the island. This is a great spot to relax, chill out and take in a spot of snorkeling. Tanote Bayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s huge boulders give it a very unique appearance. It can be found just north of Ao Leuk. Koh Tao may only cover an area of about 21km 2 but that does not mean there is not plenty of accommodation to choose from. The island has everything from five start luxury resorts to cheap and cheerful basic and budget huts and of course everything in between. Koh Tao also has a good range of SCUBA diving companies to choose from and is a great place to learn to dive if you have not done already and the island has frequent visits from whale sharks. The island has more than enough restaurants and entertainment venues to cater for the tastes of all ages and nationalities.

WWW.SAMUILIFESTYLEMAG.COM

Content : Cooking Class

ESTABLISHED SINCE 1999 Recommended on Trip Advisor, by Lonely Planet, and countless other website and publication

SITCA’s Thai cooking and fruit and vegetable carving classes are taught in our 90 sq. meter modern air-conditioned facility. Everyone is equipped with their own burner at the stove and everything needed for a complete hands-on experience. Our chefs are Thai experts with year of experience cooking Thai, and a love of their art. Whether avid home cook or aspiring professional, you will learn all the skills you need to cook one of Asia’s most varied and fascinating cuisines. You also receive a cook booklet which is your to make notes in and keep. For those ingredients which may not be available where you live, suitable substitutes are suggested. When the meal is ready we eat together Thai style in the elegant setting of our dining room, and every student can invite a friend to join them at. Thai food lovers enjoy a special bonus. We purchase all our produce, fish, and meat daily from the local market, and your efforts will produce some of the best cuisine you will eat during your stay in the Kingdom. Maybe your interest is just in learning a little about what goes into Thai food dishes to enhance your reasons, don’t hesitate to join us!

WWW.SAMUILIFESTYLEMAG.COM

Content | The Cabaret Show

THE CABARET A well-designed place with comfortable seats Air conditioned Vip sofa and smoking area

1 2

Show must go on! Newly located in the heart of Lamai, The Cabaret (completely air conditioned) with its cozy and colorful universe which has become in a short time, an institution for lovers of finely crafted choreography and originals…With family and friends do not hesitate to enter the magical word of Cabaret with dancers (transvestites), moving with talents and ease in their magnificent glittery costume. In the program there are: classics, unusual duets and hot shows in color, all in a very fast pace and good humour. 12 acts for about 1 hour of musical show under the glitz and glamour…There is a VIP corner on the first floor with a breath-taking view of the stage and a (smoking room) is also available (booking advised). The show is designed for everyone, so don’t hesitate to bring your family or the little ones that will be just as entertained as the adults. OPENING TIME Daily at 9:00pm and 10:30pm Located at Lamai Beach Road next to Fusion Club & MC Donald.

WWW.SAMUILIFESTYLEMAG.COM

Content

WWW.SAMUILIFESTYLEMAG.COM

Content | Samui Map

WWW.SAMUILIFESTYLEMAG.COM

WWWW . S. AS M AU M IUL II PF O EC SK TE YT LE MM AA P .GC. O CM OM

Content | Resort

WELCOME TO THE BHUMLAPA GARDEN RESORT The Bhumlapa Garden Resort is a spectacular Thai, oriental style haven located in Bophut, close to the romantic Bophut Fisherman’s village. The resort has eighteen well appointed villas that sit amid three acres of charming botanical gardens that give off the most heavenly scents while providing vibrant colors to stimulate your senses. The aromatic flowers, water features and central swimming pool provide an oasis unlike any other in Koh Samui that transform into a magical wonderland thanks to the imaginative lighting that comes up as the sun goes down. A retreat at the Bhumlapa Garden Resort offers you the chance to indulge yourself in a soothing atmosphere engulfed in an endless variety of trees, exotic flowers and foliage. The villas are furnished with impressive, contemporary Thai décor, luxurious furnishings, high quality fixtures and fittings and they have been created with privacy in mind. Aromatic clinging vines gently sway over each and every terrace. Here you will find the kind of peace and serenity that only the rolling hills of Koh Samui can provide coupled with ancient trees and the aroma of the exotic blooms outside. The central feature of this exceptional resort is a large swimming pool with its own Jacuzzi. The resort also features a Thai restaurant that allows you to indulge in the scents, colors and flavors of traditional Thai Cuisine, 60

as well stunningly international a’ la carte breakfast prepared from the freshest of ingredients. Also on offer at the resort - Thai massage, a shuttle bus to Chaweng, car rental, off road parking, tour services and free internet. Accommodation choices include thirteen Deluxe Garden Villas and four Deluxe Pool View as well as one Royal Pool View suite that is a celebration of contemporary Thai architecture. All of the rooms have a private balcony facing the pool or the lush gardens. The villas come complete with a mini bar, refrigerator, hot and cold showers, air conditioning, satellite television, kettles, slippers and hairdryers. This exceptional resort is conveniently located only twenty minutes from the international airport, fifteen minutes from Chaweng Beach, eight minutes from international shopping malls and five minutes away from the Fisherman’s village. Daily/Long term Contact us: E-mail: info@bhumlapasamui.com Reservation: res@bhumlapasamui.com Tel: +(66) 77-245599 Fax: +(66) 77-245598 Mobile: 081 634 2156

WWW.SAMUILIFESTYLEMAG.COM

Content | Property

PACATAS CONDOMINIUM an Oasis of relaxation

The Pacatas Condominiums have been designed to offer an unrivalled living experience in Koh Samui. Created with the conceptualization of the art of relaxation and occupying a tranquil setting these condominiums offer you a ‘live in the moment’ opportunity to, live, unwind, relax and recharge in an oasis of peace and tranquility while you soak up the sun on a the terrace of the grand swimming pool. The unique arrangement of the floor plans and careful alignment of the windows and tempered glass designed terrace provides the opportunity for owners to take full advantage of the magnificent grand swimming pool views as well as the breathtaking mountain views beyond. This spectacular development will comprise of • 209 freehold units of between 28, 37, and 50 sqm. or extendable • A grand and private entrance • An elevator in each building • 24 hour security • A CCTV security system • key card access • and an infinity edge swimming pool, sun beds, a children’s swimming pool, water features throughout the project, large areas of lush, green, tropical style gardens, a fully equipped fitness center and a steam room.. 62

The development occupies an area of approximately 5 rai conveniently located close to Big C, Tesco Lotus, Makro and two international hospitals as well as the romantic Fisherman’s village and only a few minute’s drive from the airport. Whether you are looking for a home in Samui, an elegant retirement home, a second home or an investment opportunity to coin part of Samui’s vibrant rental market the Pacatas Condominium’s offer an affordable way to realize your dream. The project has been designed to create a peaceful and private community for those who enjoy the combination of luxury and elegance. This unique project has been well designed by an award winning designer who has chosen selective premium materials for his exceptional structure and interior furnishings and fittings. The project has been created with environmental concerns to comply with the Green Samui concept. The construction of the Pacatas Condominiums will commence on the 4th quarter of 2014 with a completion date approximate of the 3rd quarter of 2016. For more information visit www.pacatassamui.com, email sales@pacatassamui.com, call 077-427 557-9 or 093-574-1522-3 or visit