Ko Samui, Thailand’s second largest island, lies in the Gulf of Thailand off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus. It's known for its palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves and dense, mountainous rainforest, plus luxury resorts and posh spas. Theodora Bivolarska, a partner at Unique Estates tells us about her trip to this exotic destination.
This is the fourth time Theodora travels to Samui. During her vacation on the island this year, she spent almost a month enjoying her favorite places and gatherings with friends who have been living there for years.
"I've traveled a lot around the world, but Samui is definitely my favorite place among the exotic destinations I have visited," she says. She likes the tranquility and rhythm of life on the island, where, besides the friendly and kind Thai people, there are also many foreigners who have moved there from different parts of the world. Samui is a relatively small island, which despite the serious tourist interest has managed to preserve the beauty of its wild nature. Amazing beaches with turquoise waters and fine sand suggest carefree sunny days spent in complete rest. The island can never be a boring place. Theodora tells about a thrilling safari in the rainforest up the mountains during which she traversed the jungle on the back of a kind elephant. She also went to the monkey and crocodile farms, to the fabulous Butterfly garden, the fantastic zoo and the island's aquarium. In several consecutive trips to Samui, Theodora managed to tour all these places, as well as to explore the nearby islands by boat where she could go for diving and kite surfing.
The landmark 12m-tall golden Big Buddha statue at Wat Phra Yai Temple is located on a tiny island connected to Ko Samui by a causeway. On this trip, Theodora found fabulous places for yoga and detox in luxury wellness centers in the mountains. Their programs include activities and meditation among the beautiful nature of the island, as well as a special diet and wellness procedures. Teodora visited various yoga centers and a Buddhist temple on the island, where she had a two-hour meditation session.
"I like the food there too. Except for the variety of seafood and juicy exotic fruits, one may find all types of cuisine at the island,"she says. French gourmet restaurants, places with Japanese cuisine, Italian pizzerias and many others. Diversity is great due to the presence of many foreigners who have lived at the island for years. "The beautiful beaches there are the perfect place to relax with a cocktail in hand, under a coconut tree, simply enjoying life. This is definitely a place where I would love to live at, "says Theodora.
After this story and the wonderful pictures from her journey, Samui is definitely on our wish list of destinations to visit very soon.