Hidden Gems of Koh Samui
In an article by We Are Travel Girls they discussed how Koh Samui is a mix of everything for the tourists. Whether the guests are looking for a temple adventure, food trip, or a beach party, Koh Samui has it all. Compared to the more popular Phuket, Koh Samui is less crowded, with many of its wonders having a certain level of isolation. The island’s relatively remote attractions are a big part of its charm, which keeps many tourists coming back. So with that in mind, here are a few hidden gems of Koh Samui where the guests can enjoy moments of peace and quiet.
Santiburi Beach Resort
The tourists flock to Koh Samui not just to frolic on its beautiful white beaches, but to experience a relaxing retreat. The Santiburi has invested so much in its gardens, which house a variety of plants and flowers from all over Southeast Asia. The Nation mentioned that guests can go on a garden tour and learn about the lotus flower, bird-of-paradise plant, water lilies, jasmine flowers, and so forth. There are even different species of trees, like Yang Na and Poinciana. In fact, lush greenery surrounds the entire resort, further enhancing its secluded appeal.
Silavadee Beach
The Silavadee Beach is found on the eastern peninsula of Koh Samui. It’s so secluded that even some locals don’t even get to see it in their lifetime. Only guests of the Silavadee Pool Spa Resort have access to this white sand beach with crystal clear waters, making it an ideal location for weddings and honeymoons. ‘Silavadee’ is Thai for ‘beautiful rock’ because of the huge rocks lining the shores.
Kamalaya Koh Samui
A resort, unlike any other, the Kamalaya, focuses on helping its guests achieve holistic wellness. Ann Abel stated on Forbes that guests can enjoy fitness classes, yoga sessions, spa treatments and group meditation classes. The restaurants also serve a detox menu that consists of dishes without wheat, dairy, nightshades, sugar, coffee, and inflammatory food. The location itself is very tranquil. A hidden sanctuary in Koh Samui, Kamalaya features peaceful gardens and a virtually secluded white beach where guests can relax and enjoy the calm breeze.
Aside from its resorts, however, Koh Samui’s pristine environment significantly adds to its relaxing ambiance, and the rich wildlife is among its wonders. A previous WLTG post featured the different species of animals present on the island including iguanas and wild monkeys. Of course, the wild fauna poses no harm as they are usually found deeper in the island. Since they are an important part of the ecosystem, some are considered sacred – similar to how Thailand’s elephants are treated in ethical nature centres. Being the country’s national symbol, the giant mammals are revered for their strength, durability, and longevity.
Koh Samui also maintains its diverse plant life. The lotus flower, which is also sacred for the Thai people, can be found here. While the lotus flower blooms across all of Thailand, some of the most beautifully maintained ones are found in Koh Samui. No photo can do their beauty justice, which is why many tourists and nature lovers flock to the island to see these flowers bloom in person. In fact, because of its unique allure, it has been a subject of many forms of art.
For example, English rock band Radiohead released a song titled, Lotus Flower, which relates to humans unfurling like the flower in order to be set free. Also, Slingo used the lotus as a core symbol for the Thai Flower slots title, where players get virtual representations of Thailand’s luxurious tourist spots as well. The flower has also been used in the fashion industry as a key element included in high profile fashion ranges. Still, no man-made imagery can compete with the beauty of the real flower, which can be easily seen and admired as you roam this wonderful island.
With its combination of natural beauty and quiet, laid back atmosphere, Koh Samui is considered one of Thailand’s best sanctuaries. To learn more about other activities you can do on the island, check out our activities and tours page.
Do you have experiences of the luxury retreats in Koh Samui? Share your hidden gems of Koh Samui. Have you stayed at one of the exclusive spa hotels? Do you have photos to share of your Koh Samui vacation? Send your photos to appear on the travel guide website. Leave your comments and reviews below.