Thailand the rich escape

Guest travel writer Lauren Langman discovers the rich culture of Thailand and why it is the perfect destination for a peaceful and rejuvenating escape in South East Asia.

Thailand is known to people from around the world as a country that is rich in culture, rich in colour and life. The people of Thailand may not be financially wealthy, however they are known to be some of the most friendly and beautiful people in the world. Their culture is based on principles of hospitality, health and wellness, and everyday spirituality. In many ways the Thai lifestyle is much richer and more rewarding than the harried lives of Westerners chasing after the cheap thrills of consumerism.
 
As a tourist I island hopped from some of the most populated parts of Koh Samui to the more relaxed and untouched natural resorts like Napasai.
 
Samui, being the largest of the three sister islands including Koh Tao and Koh Phangan, is the most developed island due to the growing tourist market visiting the region over the past three decades.
 
The Thai people on Koh Samui and neighbouring islands are beautiful and accommodating wherever you visit and they embrace travellers, as their livelihood and increased infrastructure on the islands are dependent on the tourism in the area.
 
Developed as you could imagine, means resorts are everywhere - beautiful ones too! But they seem to be all situated in the same locations, sharing beaches with many travellers and close to the main shopping areas. Napasai, however, will surprise visitors with a private and secluded vibe, far away from the hustle and bustle. I was planning to make the absolute most of it!
 
Napasai, which means Clear Sky, offers open plan, contemporary, Thai style architecture with beautiful gardens featuring lush tropical vegetation with vibrant colours and aromas. This gorgeous luxury beach resort is located on Maenam Beach, on the stylish north coast of Koh Samui.
 
While staying at Napasai, it is a daily ritual to laze by the sparkling infinity pool or private beach. The beautiful, friendly staff at Napasai go above and beyond the call of duty to cater for their guests’ needs. If you are thinking ‘that’s what all travel writers say’, well, that’s true but what stood out for me was the little additions, like warm greetings, complimentary refreshing sorbet while basking in the sun and fresh juice served while checking in. These small, heartfelt offerings make you feel pampered, and are really the cherry on top of a beautiful resort.
 
The accommodation at Napasai is really in a class of its own: the cottages are divine with your own private balcony overlooking the water; king-sized bed with Egyptian cotton sheets and luxury bathroom. The cottages are designed in such a way that you have maximum privacy from the neighbouring cottages. You can open up the windows to let in the beautiful aromas from the gardens, the perfect setting for room service on your balcony. Alternatively the Napasai Villas are really quite amazing and perfect for a group travelling, as with three couples in a three-bedroom villa, it will cost almost as much as three separate cottages per night. The villas have their own living and entertaining area where you can have your own lovely staff including a private chef. In the privacy of your villa you can have massages by the water or relax by the private pool.
 
Snorkelling or diving trips are a must in this region of Thailand. I suggest a day trip tour to Koh Tao and the magical island of Koh Nang Yuan for great snorkelling or the Anthong National Marine Park if you are a keen diver. However if that sounds like too much exertion, a day in the Napasai Day Spa may be just what you need. If you wish to discover a place totally new, the team at Napasai are happy to cater for all their guests needs and have many tours and activities available, including exploring around the islands in a luxury, private cruiser or Elephant Trekking.
 
Food is such an important element of any holiday and I must say that while at Napasai I experienced tantalising and affordable cuisine, which featured Thai and international flavours from two very talented chefs in their field. Roasted Rock Lobster Tail and the beautiful Spicy Paenang Curry were tantalising highlights to the meal, and I can confidently say it was the best meal I had during my stay in Thailand.
 
As for the local Thai cuisine, once you try authentic Thai food, the local takeaway will just not hit the spot!
 
Thailand is a must-visit destination for any traveller in the Asian region. Even if you have visited Thailand before, you must visit Napasai. Whether you are on an exploring journey through Asia and wish to spend a few nights relaxing in style, or managing to finally get away from the office for a week or two and wish for a purely blissful, relaxing escape, Thailand and Napasai are the perfect destinations to cater for all your desires – they definitely catered for mine!

Getting There

Rates

Activities