Stories have been told about a city of gold hidden deep within rainforests, or an ancient utopian civilization swallowed by the vastness of the sea. Countless brave adventurers have risked life and limb in search for these places that may or may not be mythical, that may or may not exist. You yourself are about to rediscover paradise—gorgeous gardens, beautiful beachfront, a sanctuary of serenity. But unlike El Dorado or Atlantis, Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa, nestled in one of Thailand’s best islands, is as real as it gets. Read more…
Your blissful adventure begins in Koh Samui, a tropical island haven in the Gulf of Thailand. Unlike the more popular Phuket and Krabi in the Andaman Sea, what is known as the Coconut Island is less about parties and more about peace. And just like any other peaceful hideaway worth pursuing, Renaissance Koh Samui is tucked in its own corner in Lamai Beach, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, away from the brashness and noise of Chaweng Beach.
This, however, doesn’t make Renaissance Koh Samui any less accessible. It takes only a quick 30-minute drive from Samui International Airport and the island’s two major piers, and you will find yourself literally right at its luxurious doorstep.
The resort lobby shows great promise of what treasures lie within the resort. A statue of a woman bearing orchids greets you at the threshold, with a small pool behind her. This inanimate show of hospitality is soon followed by the real thing—one of the staff hurries to whisk your bags away to one side, while another offers you a cold towelette and a scoopful of coconut ice cream. The Renaissance understands that you are eager to start exploring and have little time for small administrative matters; hence, transactions between you and reception are quick—before you know it, you are being led to your Garden View Bedroom Villa.
Your keen eye takes in everything as you arrive in your home away from home: the giant vase by the wooden front gate, the spacious balcony, the boldness of the lava red paint on the concrete walls as well as the roof tiles, and the abundant growth of flora surrounding the house. All of these calm you, and at the same time, excite you. You are in a secret garden that provides comfort, and yet thrills are still waiting to be unearthed.
You step inside and the high floor-to-ceiling windows immediately grab your attention. Outside, you see a great view of the garden, a wall of aging red bricks, and intriguing statues that remind you of historical edifices that time may have forgotten. You wish to step outside to immerse yourself in the mysteries of the place, but there is still plenty more to see inside. You pry yourself away from this mesmerizing view and look around the room.
A sense of paradox fills you once again. One part of you enjoys the soothing familiarity of the usual provisions expected of a high-end resort—the minibar, the comfortable couch, the spacious writing desk, while another part of you enjoys the exoticness of certain distinct features—the lone orchid stem, the persistence of wood, the four poster bed, and the white drapes surrounding it. But despite this pleasant struggle of emotions, one thing is clear: you are in a place of luxurious ease.
As though the villa wasn’t expansive enough with its sizeable combined living room and bedroom area, the back door opens to your own private pool. With a push of a button, the pool transforms into a Jacuzzi, perfect after a tiring day. But at this point, you aren’t even tired yet. The day has just barely begun, and more discoveries await. Without a clear sense of where your feet may lead you, you push the front door, make your way out the gate, and step into the Eden beyond.
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RENAISSANCE KOH SAMUI RESORT & SPA
T. Maret, Lamai Beach, Koh Samui, Thailand
Telephone: +66 77 429 300
Web: www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/usmbr-renaissance-koh-samui-resort-and-spa
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