Sign Of The Times
Samui is becoming synonymous with style and sophistication
Monday, February 1, 2010
A lot has been documented about the development of Samui and the move towards the higher-end traveller. And evidence of this can be seen clearly in the lifestyle options now available on the island.
In terms of real-estate, the size, style and finish of the majority of the new homes being built are really catering to the sought-after tropical luxury lifestyle. Houses priced at 4, 5 and 6 million dollars are becoming commonplace, both in beachfront locations and also in more private hillside locations.
The people who own, or who are renting these homes, are introducing the island to a different level of expectation and, as always, Samui has responded by providing exactly the kind of choices they require.
It’s a new trendy and sophisticated crowd with whom it’s all about the quality of the experience and the level of service provided, and this has resulted in a whole new industry to meet these needs.
Fine-dining, exclusive spas, luxury yachts, butler service and phenomenal properties are what’s needed to keep them satisfied and on Samui there’s an abundance of them all.
In fact, it doesn’t actually matter what the product is. It’s more about the way in which it’s presented and the level of service which accompanies it. In terms of fine dining, Samui genuinely excels; the list of excellent restaurants is almost endless and such chic and stylish eateries are spread all around the island both in luxury resorts and as independent concerns. Again, it isn’t just about great food, the surroundings and the service all have to be to the highest standards, too.
Spas too are situated in all areas and provide treatments aimed at pure personal indulgence all the way through to more holistic, life-changing programmes to improve health and promote a healthier lifestyle.
The island has built a fine reputation in relation to well-being and fine-dining over recent years but there’s more on offer than that to attract luxury-seeking tourists. Samui is an island and therefore it’s no surprise that water plays a big part in the lifestyle activities and opportunities. Whether it’s swimming in a private pool, snorkelling, diving, sailing or simply marvelling at the sea-views, there are numerous ways to do this in style.
Whatever your intended ocean-related pleasure is, there are the ideal boats and the perfect services available. For example, Saard’s Water Sports can provide very stylish catamarans, such as the Kindred Spirit, to get you out on the water. It can comfortably take 15 people on a day trip and sleep 6 people on overnight excursions. The starboard hull has a double room with en-suite bathroom and living area. There are also two more double rooms in the port hull with a shared bathroom.
Ocean’s Elite has an incredibly high-tech and high performance speedboat called La Madrina. This epitomises style, power and luxury with leather furniture, a fully-fitted galley kitchen, two en-suite bedrooms, a lounge area with full AV system and on-deck sunbathing areas. Both of these options offer a great way to go diving, sightseeing, island hopping or to just simply cruise around. You can even have spa treatments and private chefs on board!
Another sign of the changing times on Samui is the introduction of beach clubs which offer a way for groups, couples and individuals to enjoy Samui in a stylish environment away from their accommodation. Beach Republic was the first to see the demand and it offers a variety of attractions to keep you occupied throughout the day and night. Nikki Beach followed and brought a touch of international elegance and prestige to Samui’s beaches. You can be sure that there’ll be more similar facilities coming soon on other beaches around the island.
In addition to all these fantastic holiday and lifestyle experiences, probably the most obvious sign of the times is in the standard of accommodation now available. There have always been luxury resorts and private villas but it seems now that this has truly climbed into a new stratosphere. Adding to original trend-setting resorts, such as Baan Taling Ngam Resort, Six Senses Hideaway Samui, The Tongsai Bay and Centara Grand Beach Resort, there are now more international brands which provide the island with genuine worldwide exposure. The Four Seasons, The Hyatt, The Conrad, Banyan Tree, W Hotels and Langham are just a sample of what’s recently arrived or is coming soon, and this is testament to the ever-increasing demand for high-end luxury holiday experiences.
But beyond the resorts there are other options which can achieve equally breathtaking accommodation experiences. Samui has an incredible number of very private and exclusive residential properties which can be hired for a luxury break. Some are truly one-off stand-alone homes whilst others are part of boutique estates operated in a similar way to a resort, like the Headland and Miskawaan. These options provide all of the luxuries of a resort, but usually with increased private spaces and a complete and functional home rather than a room or suite. Such villas represent the ideal scenario for travelling families and groups of friends.
But there are some individual homes which go a stage further than that. The Cove, for example, is an extraordinary beachfront property which incorporates all the features of a resort, and more, whilst actually being a very private individual residence. It has a gym, games room, kids’ room with eight bunks, nanny’s room, and an AV room and office; and that’s just on the first level. The next level has separate bedroom suites with private gardens; the level up also has two separate bedroom suites with a shared garden that doubles as an outdoor cinema; the communal level has an incredible pool, comfortable lounge, dining area, kitchen and café bar, there’s an outdoor grill, pool changing facilities and two large salas; and, finally, the master-suite is on the last level, fronted by beautiful lawns with a massage sala and direct access onto a secluded stretch of beach.
Several other homes now include features such as private tennis courts, multiple pools, home cinema rooms, libraries and gyms.
It seems that whatever lifestyle needs you may have, or whichever indulges you wish to satisfy on an idyllic holiday, you can certainly get them here on Samui.
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