Forty-five minutes was all it took us to get to Koh Samui from Bangkok via Thai Airways. Aboard the Royal Silk Class, the pampering begins from the delectable cuisine and wine selection, the variety of in-flight entertainment, impeccable service and the infectious smiles of the charming attendants. Such indulgence was a prelude to the fabulous experience that took place on the third largest island of Thailand. This pristine haven, with an area of 246 square kilometers, is popularly known as the “Spa Capital” of the blessed Thai kingdom with over 500 spas to choose from. Well-appointed infrastructure and paved thoroughfares include a 55-kilometer loop road that circles the island, perfect for scenic outings in a hired car or a chauffeured 4x4 on a driving adventure. Waterfalls, jungle treks and secluded beaches are only some of the charms of this tropical jewel.
Upon arrival at the Samui Airport, we thought we were seeing things: the airport resembled a tropical Asian resort. Samui Airport is a treat for the senses in and of itself. Even the luggage carousel is made of wood. The airport lounge, restaurants, boutiques, concierge counter and rent-a-car facilities are charmingly housed under wooden huts with dried grass roofing. Buggy rides or stylized golf carts are the mode of transportation from the tarmac to the departure lounge. The mesmerizing scene at the airport was a precursor to a wonderful time for us at Koh Samui. Our hotel van picked us up to take us to breathtaking Karma Samui — just a stone’s throw from the airport. It was a gracious welcome as lemongrass-scented cold towels and ice-cold mineral water were served to my traveling companions and me. As we drove up the lobby of the posh Karma Samui, a pristine resort by the emerald-colored sea, my adrenaline surged as the beauty and luxury of the resort beckoned. With scenic views over lush gardens, the ocean expanse and the exhilarating sea, sand and sun, the resort’s villas are spacious and elegant, reflecting the rich traditions of Asian culture. Karma Samui resort is situated in a tranquil cove that majestically juts out of the turquoise sea. This haven is the epitome of luxury leisure where the existing facilities and five-star amenities will satisfy the most discriminating guests and property investors.
Five minutes south of Karma Samui is Chaweng Beach — a three-kilometer-long strip off the island’s ring road that is bustling with a plethora of shops, restaurants, bars and clubs. Here, one can shop for traditional Thai arts and crafts at the local markets or look for bargains amongst the branded outlets, many of which carry designer products manufactured in Thailand. As the sun goes down, the lights come up with every form of entertainment from exotic Thai dancers to contemporary nightclubs and chic restaurants. This was my second time to visit Koh Samui and I can truly say that fantastic developments have mushroomed in just a few years.
In Karma Samui, our home away from home for the weekend, we visited some of the 36 pool villas creatively arranged among five terraces, with an optimal sea view completing the friendly, village-like ambiance. Intricate Thai silk and handcrafted artworks complement the interiors of the charming villas, lobby and al fresco restaurant. Guests and villa owners can choose from an array of luxurious activities like private in-villa dining with the option of personal chefs and waiters; dining at the Padma beachfront restaurant; or having a romantic beach dinner under the canopy of stars. The resplendent glow of the lunar experience was truly a blessing as a spiritual connection with nature blossomed.
Over a hearty breakfast of pancakes, yoghurt, fresh fruits and juices, the resort’s finance manager Francis Lim explained to us the unique Karma concept. A very attractive component of their revolutionary approach is that if you invest in a villa here, you can actually lease it to the resort; they will take care of it and earn profits for you as they lease it out to other guests. Like owning a time-share villa, you can enjoy it for four weeks each year while earning rent from it the rest of the year. As if that wasn’t enough, as the property appreciates in value, return on investment awaits lot owners and property investors. You not only enjoy the property with family and loved ones; you may also reap profits from the property’s appreciation.
Chakra Spa and Wellness Centre treatments can be enjoyed either in the privacy of one’s own villa or at the Chakra Spa center, where the healing touch of Thai therapists will relieve and rejuvenate your body and soul. My dear friend Mel Martinez, my sister Jaqui Boncan and I indulged in the specialty treatment called the Four Hands massage. It was our very first chance to savor such pampering; after a treatment with two therapists who simultaneously stroke and knead your tired muscles in a synchronized, harmonious rhythm, you simply won’t want it any other way. You lose your sense of time and space as you surrender to the languid élan of their fingers gently traipsing along your back.
Francis further explained: “Each bedroom in the accommodation pavilion features a private en-suite bathroom. The master bedroom is spacious and appointed with a four-poster bed, walk-in wardrobe and generous bathroom with double vanity. The second bedroom in the two-, three-, and four-bedroom pool villas features both an indoor en-suite bath and tropical outdoor shower.” Select four-bedroom pool villas are stunningly located on the highest hillside point of the resort or on the beachfront where a few steps can take one from the villa pool to warm sand between the toes amid lapping waves. The well-appointed layout of the villas and architectural design makes it the perfect destination for romantic weekends, get-togethers, family and corporate team-building excursions.
Karma Samui offers luxury and first-class facilities with guests able to choose between beachside villas, deluxe rooms and suites. The cuisine ranges from Asian, traditional Thai and Italian as we sampled their dishes. Padma Restaurant overlooks the Gulf of Thailand. However, it is the very synergy of this scenic view and excellent cuisine and fine wine that makes it one of the best on the island. As an added treat, we even had private Thai cooking classes in our villa! Their gregarious in-house Chef Stefano Leone lovingly whipped up a culinary storm for us as he prepared freshly caught lobster with a very special pasta with spices and herbs’ a salad with salmon and delectable dessert followed. They can even prepare a very special barbeque in the comfort and privacy of your own villa.
Gracious GM Mark Kitchen explained to us the very wonderful concept of Karma Developments, an internationally acclaimed developer of luxury boutique resorts and villas on the coastlands of Bali, Koh Samui, Margaret River, Goa, Kerala, Mykonos and Dubai.
Dedicated to the creation of exclusive, low-density developments incorporating sleek, sumptuous villas, their mission is to create not only the highest standards of accommodation, facilities and services for discerning travelers, but also to present a top-quality investment opportunity for potential buyers. Furthermore, we learned that they are an ethical company with a steadfast allegiance to work in harmony with the environment, while utilizing local and natural resources.
Karma Developments prides itself on being an exceptional company with hands-on planning, design, finance, construction, property management and marketing expertise. Some tourists described the resort as the “beautiful home seaside paradise. Others simply say Karma Samui is the address to beat in Koh Samui.”
Yes, if you wish to create unforgettable memories framed in luxury, you will definitely find them in Karma Samui. After all, there may be no perfect lives, only perfect moments. But very often, such priceless moments are more than enough.
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Thai Airways flies to Bangkok daily. Please call Malu Duenas at 812-4744. For more information on Karma Samui, please call at +66 77 234-500 or e-mail res@karmasamui.com/info@karmasamui.com
E-mail the author at miladay.star@gmail.com.