T R AV E L
Tranquility
THAI style
Surrounded by sea with lakes and pools forming the landscape, the new Ritz-Carlton in Koh Samui is the ultimate eco haven WORDS: LAURA TENNANT
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isiting Koh Samui at Thai new year in April is an exhilarating experience. The island plays host to a gigantic communal water fight, a boisterous annual custom which includes any visitor unwise enough to travel with car windows open. With temperatures of 40⁰C or more and a sky dappled with the fluffiest of drifting clouds, the purifying water rituals of the Songkran celebrations are a blessing. It certainly seemed an auspicious time of year to visit the new RitzCarlton hotel on the island’s northern tip, a short trip from the delightfully folkloric airport. Koh Samui is the archetypical Thai island, all lush vegetation, pristine beaches, full moon parties and beach huts. A definite hippy vibe exists alongside some of the most sybaritic and spoiling resorts in Thailand (the island is known for its yoga retreats) so it’s fitting that Ritz-Carlton has achieved an atmosphere of Zen luxury. The hotel’s 58acre estate contains 175 villas and suites, four restaurants and two bars, as well as a gym and beautifully appointed spa that’s large enough to avoid ever feeling crowded. Drawing on traditional Thai architecture, the buildings are elegant, simple and unobtrusive, while cleverly designed to offer all guests views of either azure sea or emerald vegetation. Buggies beetle through the grounds, offering lifts to guests dazed by sun and sea, but I preferred to stroll, listening to the cicadas and taking in the purple wallflowers and magnificent palms which dot the grounds. Water is an integral part of the landscaping. At the spa, an infinity pool merges with a tranquil lake surrounded by canopied loungers where blissed-out guests can relax after their massage. In my villa room, the serene blues of sky, sea and the infinity plunge pool on my private terrace produced a sensation of almost dream-like tranquillity. Simply add cold beer for something approaching paradise. Inside, I found all the trappings of five-star hotel comfort,
LU X U RY LON DON.CO.U K
Intelligent travellers want something more challenging than a sunlounger
and then some. Stone, wood and marble in a neutral palette set off the spectacular vista and ingenious sightlines meant my bathroom was entirely private. In the evenings, I was able to open the blinds and enjoy bath salts and candles as well as a similarly ravishing view of dusk falling. Thoughtful touches such as the separate air conditioning controls for bedroom and sitting room were testimony to Ritz-Carlton’s environmental credentials. Few visitors these days feel comfortable heedlessly exploiting the natural and human resources of their destination, so it was good to note thoughtful touches that are testimony to Ritz-Carlton’s environmental credentials, such as the separate air conditioning controls for bedroom and sitting room and the restaurants’ policy of using as many locally sourced ingredients as possible. It’s equally the case that intelligent travellers want something more challenging than a sun lounger and a cocktail – especially those staying for up to a month, as some of the hotel’s patrons have been known to do. Ritz-Carlton works hard to keep guests entertained, with daily yoga classes, instruction in Muay Thai boxing (highly recommended), cookery classes and excursions
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