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HOTSPOT: KOH SAMUI


Koh Samui S


AN ISLAND ‘SUPERMODEL'


urrounded by white sand and turquoise water, Koh Samui is something of an island ‘supermodel’. Its key point of diff erence to Thailand’s other popular resorts is that it sees its best weather in summer. This makes it particularly attractive for UK honeymooners and families tied to the school holidays. It only takes a couple of hours to drive right around the island, via a tour or great-value taxi, but there are many attractions on that loop, from waterfalls and butterfl y farms to a temple featuring a mummifi ed monk with sunglasses. You can have your pick too of beaches a little off the beaten track.


restaurants, spa centres and other trappings. Mae Nam has a more budget scene, while Bo Phut has a boutique, heritage feel which resonates with honeymooners. They will love the rustic old Chinese shop houses converted to accommodation or atmospheric restaurants.


OFFSHORE ACTION There’s plenty off shore action as well. Samui is the largest in an archipelago that embraces the Ang Thong National Marine Park - a snorkelling and kayaking paradise. Samui is the also the nearest major resort to ‘turtle island’, Koh Tao, a dive centre ideal for beginners. Infact, 3% of the world qualify for their PADI on this tiny island! Luxury-hunters are spoilt for choice with a host of fi ve-star options on the island. Chaweng and Lamai are the most popular beaches with plentiful international hotels,


RECENT


TOP TIPS 1 Nearby Koh Phangan is famous for its


all-night full-moon parties but Samui has plenty of more moderate nightlife,


THAILAND


particularly around Chaweng. 2 Golfers will love the beautiful 18-hole Santiburi Samui Golf


Country Club 3 Samui accommodation leans towards romance – check out complimentary treats for newly-weds from petal-strewn


KOH SAMUI


baths to spa treatments. 4 A concealed lagoon at the centre of Kok Mae Ko is a day-trip highlight, which can be tackled by kayak after a hike to a viewpoint.


ADDITIONS OZO CHAWENG SAMUI Koh Samui has


gained the fi rst OZO property to open in Thailand, and the brand’s fi rst resort. The 208 guest rooms feature IPTV and multimedia connectivity and some have direct beach access. Guests can access local


information from interactive screens and eat gourmet burgers at the restaurant. ozohotels.com


MÖVENPICK RESORT Laem Yai Beach Samui The Passage, Koh Samui Resort has rebranded as a Mövenpick. A kids’ playground and three pools feature here and a property renovation programme will see 23 deluxe rooms added. möevenpick-hotels.com


SALA CHAWENG SALA Hospitality Group, owner/operator of seven resorts in Thailand, unveiled the SALA Chaweng on Koh Samui’s most popular


beach in late 2014. The group also has Sala Samui at Bhophut. salaresorts.com


SHERATON SAMUI Sheraton opened a new Samui hotel late in 2014 with 141 rooms. It is the fourth Starwood property to open on the island. sheraton.com


AKRYA CHURA SAMUI A take on glamorous 1970s TV crime-fi ghters Charlie’s Angels – a new trio of trouble- shooting Akrya Angels


– has been created to improve customer service at this adults-only resort. ahmshotels.com


CONRAD KOH SAMUI This pool villa


resort has introduced free speedboat excursions for guests to nearby secluded islands. A choice of Thai, international or deluxe picnic hampers are available for them to take with them, priced from around £35.


conradkohsamui.com


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