* This article first appeared here in ASPIRE Lifestlye
Travel journalist Jared Ruttenberg was invited to Thailand to celebrate a momentous change in legislation and sun soak on White Lotus Season 3’s dreamy island.
Thai’ing the Knot
In January, Thailand made headlines as the first Southeast Asian country to pass laws allowing marriage irrespective of gender. This marks an unabashed celebration of the right to love whomever one chooses and to formalise that both ceremoniously and legally.
Since the recent announcement, two thousand couples have already registered to tie the knot. This also furthers Thailand’s longstanding welcome to the world’s LGBTQ+ community – prepare for some exciting destination weddings.
Alongside media from around the globe, I accepted the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s invitation to celebrate: a visual feast at the W Bangkok, featuring a stirring address from the Governor of Tourism Thapanee Kiatphaibool herself.
One Night in Bangkok
The city bustles effortlessly, exuding an almost dizzying excitement. Modern Bangkok sprawls, with glass skyscrapers reaching into the sky in every direction. Since our itinerary included this celebratory stopover, the W Bangkok was the obvious choice for accommodation. Since 1998, W Hotels have been redefining norms and creating spaces that championed inclusivity. From the communal areas and rooms with chic city views to the vibrant dining options, there’s a contagious playfulness throughout.
Adjacent to the hotel is Sky Beach Bangkok – the city’s highest bar. At a staggering height of 250m from the 64th floor, the skyline is invigorating. No wonder that one night in Bangkok and the world’s your oyster.
Island Bliss in Koh Samui
At 229 square kilometres, the island is half the size of its popular sister Phuket. With the recent release of White Lotus Season 3, filmed on the island, a stream of visitors is guaranteed to seek out the tropical paradise they’ve seen on screen.
Alighting the aircraft, we met the delightful Pong Srikhaisorn; a guide in the region for three decades. Very eager to show us the island, we set off and thankfully for a hungry traveller, our first stop was a cooking class.
Chef Keng welcomed us at a market where we were introduced to a range of local ingredients. Go Cook Samui offers a truly authentic experience as Keng teaches recipes his family has cherished for years. Your culinary efforts are, of course, rewarded by savouring your freshly made meals.
From cooking for humans to cooking for elephants! Elephant Kingdom Sanctuary stands apart from most similar experiences: here, elephants are revered and not exploited, at Koh Samui’s only locally owned ethical sanctuary. The rescued pachyderms come from across the country and now roam freely in a protected and rehabilitative environment. From elevated walkways, they can be safely observed – and if you wish, you can prepare a nutrient ‘power ball’ to feed them.
Needing some downtime, the W Koh Samui is one of the island’s highest-rated hotels – and upon arrival, it’s clear why. The sprawling resort begins at the beach and ascends the lush hillside, culminating in a pool terrace that’s oh-so-Instagrammable. The accommodations range from Oasis resort rooms to freestanding villas – and impressively every room features a private pool. Unmissable is the AWAY Spa, the largest I’ve visited, with dreamy solo and couples’ rooms nestled in the forest, as well as the signature Japanese Namu Restaurant.
Refreshed, it was a short pause from the beach to explore the island’s dense forest – particularly the dual Na Muang. The lower waterfall is directly adjacent to the car park, while the higher one requires an easy 30-minute hike. At 80 metres each, they’re natural sights to behold, and thankfully refreshing swims are permitted at both.
Sticking to the forest theme, Pong led us to our final resort – the luxury Vana Belle (vana being Thai for ‘forest” and belle French for ‘beautiful’). Elegantly raised wooden structures capped with scarlet-tiled pitched roofs. Sitting in the reception, which seems to float in the forest, the sounds of water replace music and under the traditional pagodas, the sense was total seclusion from the island’s busyness.
A last-minute upgrade to a beachfront villa was the cherry on top (it does pay to be a Marriott Bonvoy member). From the master bed, loungers and wrap-around pool, we could endlessly gaze out at the coral-coloured water.
Having seen floating breakfasts on social media, I wondered if they were gimmicks or genuine. Taking the plunge, my friend and I ordered one. The experience? Irrevocably unforgettable. The tray laden with tasty choices floated comfortably on the water, allowing us to stand and eat, or use the pool’s built-in chairs. Champagne in hand, and a postcard beach before us, this was tantalizing Thailand at its best.
Where to dine in Koh Samui
Spoilt for choice, here are my top 5 dining experiences:
- Page at the Library: The elegant and minimalist Library Hotel follows a literary theme. Start with a cocktail on the beachfront deck then head indoors for the four-course tasting menu in the gorgeous dining room adorned with crockery.
- Coco’s Tam: The vibey Coco’s Tam offers elevated restaurant seating or rows of beach beanbags. At night the moon rises ahead, while fire poi dancers offer thrilling light shows.
- Seen Beach Club: This is ‘the’ place to be seen: free-flowing drinks, bodies pulsating to the thumping music, and beach club vibes around the pool. Monthly parties add to the fun; during the day slightly more chilled, and evenings a full party scene.
- Kapi Satar: Koh Samui is also home to 12 Michelin-recommended restaurants – and Kapi Sator was our choice as an unassuming. The eatery also carries a Gourmand bib award for affordable dining, meaning you’ll find with locals.
- Pi Beach Club: The location of Pi couldn’t be more enviable – beachside where a shallow sandbar links the adjacent Ko Fan Island. Dine directly on the beach, in the shade or the circular building or in the rattan cabins on the top story.
For help planning your trip contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand SA office at +27 11 463 8195 or visit fanclubthailand.co.za