Cosmetic Surgery and Beauty Magazine #68
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travel<br />
ISLAND<br />
dreaming<br />
Samui <strong>and</strong> Phangan may be widely known for full moon<br />
parties <strong>and</strong> revelry, but we explored the quieter side<br />
of these destinations for those who prefer to take<br />
their luxury with a side of spa treatments.<br />
East of the Thai peninsula in the Gulf of Thail<strong>and</strong> lay two little leisure-seeker’s<br />
gems – the isl<strong>and</strong>s of Samui <strong>and</strong> Phangan. These are newer additions to<br />
the tourism circuit when compared to boom town Phuket, possibly born<br />
out of the lure created around the isl<strong>and</strong>s of Thail<strong>and</strong> by Alex Garl<strong>and</strong>’s The<br />
Beach. Adventure seekers <strong>and</strong> holidaymakers now flock here to grasp a h<strong>and</strong>ful<br />
of paradise.<br />
While the bustling hubs of these isl<strong>and</strong>s are known for shopping, festivals <strong>and</strong><br />
full moon parties, there is a flip side to this coin. Peace, indulgence <strong>and</strong> luxury<br />
wash up in other nooks <strong>and</strong> shores of the isl<strong>and</strong>s.<br />
The Bangkok to Samui, Phangan <strong>and</strong> Tao route is one of the most common<br />
paths taken by travellers wishing to explore the Gulf of Thail<strong>and</strong> isl<strong>and</strong>s, of which<br />
Phangan is the second largest. Tucked away in a private bay on the isl<strong>and</strong> of Koh<br />
Phangan lays Santhiya Koh Phangan Resort & Spa.<br />
Its distinctive eco-chic approach to a hideaway escape, set against a backdrop<br />
of mountains giving way to the sapphire ocean, sets it apart. Villas scatter across<br />
the 18 acres of verdant tropical l<strong>and</strong>scape, embracing the natural setting.<br />
Whisked from Samui on a Santhiya speedboat with picturesque scenery<br />
flying by, we dock at the resort’s private pier 30 minutes later. The beautiful<br />
Thong Nai Pan bay is the neighbour of Santhiya’s private beach, which any<br />
Google search will tell you is among the isl<strong>and</strong>’s most beautiful locales. Upon<br />
arrival at Santhiya Resort & Spa, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels group,<br />
I’m welcomed into four traditional teakwood Salas (pavilions). They surround a<br />
glorious lofty inner court punctuated by ornate leather s<strong>and</strong>-dollar ch<strong>and</strong>eliers<br />
from the vaulted ceilings. Thedesign is inspired by the architecture of the King<br />
Rama V period, in keeping with traditional Thai designs <strong>and</strong> green building<br />
principles. It quickly becomes clear that here it’s assured your definition of a<br />
blissful holiday will be met.<br />
118 www.cosbeauty.com.au
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