Canadian World Traveller / Summer 2016 Issue
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70<br />
S t a y & P l a y Thailand<br />
Articles by Mathieu Morcos & Camille Fodi<br />
The Tongsai Bay, Koh Samui<br />
The heat of the sun as we landed would be a preview of the<br />
warmth we would get from the staff at the Tongsai Bay<br />
Resort. Comfort and pleasure is the name of the game, and<br />
upon arrival at the Koh Samui airport, a staff member was there to<br />
welcome us and chauffeur us to the resort.<br />
The receptionist gave us a tour of the hotel and its amenities along<br />
with a map to find our way. We were informed that we would be<br />
offered an upgrade to a seafront pool villa!<br />
The hotel offers to all their guests a complimentary escort (golf cart)<br />
from the lobby to their rooms or from their rooms to wherever they<br />
wish to go within the resort. It may seem silly, but it is quite appreciated<br />
in the heat, especially considering the resort’s size.<br />
Our seafront villa was simply stunning! Nice cold towels infused<br />
with a lovely fragrance and a refreshing herbal iced tea awaited us.<br />
Stepping into the room, you will immediately notice the very large<br />
balcony, which includes a private pool facing the sea. Alongside the<br />
swimming area, two sun loungers invite guests to sunbathe with a<br />
view.<br />
If you are trying to avoid the sun, the balcony also has a shaded<br />
resting area containing a 4 poster bed with mosquito screens, a<br />
bath tub, dining table and a large pantry which includes a bar with<br />
sink and a fridge. As for the room itself, it is divided in two, where<br />
the bedroom and TV room both offer seafront views.<br />
The resting area and bathrooms were modern and built for two<br />
adults to have enough space to get ready at the same time. Every<br />
detail in the room was thought out and guests will have every need<br />
met. If you’re a picky sleeper, they even have a choice of pillow.<br />
The hotel staff is as friendly as they are helpful. Throughout the<br />
resort the rooms are tidied up twice a day and mid-day snacks,<br />
fresh fruits and ice are complimentary.<br />
We each had the pleasure of a 90 minute Thai massage at the<br />
hotel’s spa. The spa is extremely charming with an entranceway that<br />
makes you feel as if you are stepping into a jungle with its decorative<br />
waterfall and pond. Upon entering, the spa manager explained<br />
their offer in detail, including the extent of the massage, along with<br />
our choices of oils (hot or room temperature) and fragrances (6<br />
choices). The massage itself was delightful and relaxing.<br />
At night, we had dinner at the resort’s restaurant located right on<br />
the beach. The sound of the waves crashing into the shore was<br />
soothing and made the romantic ambiance all that better. To get a<br />
true experience of what the restaurant had to offer, we asked the<br />
manager for his recommendations and he did not disappoint. The<br />
fried calamari and scallops were both excellent choices for appetizers.<br />
As for the main course, the grilled sea bass was meaty, fresh<br />
and very tasty. The Australian steak and chips was cooked to perfection<br />
and can certainly fill even the hungriest of guests. Desert was<br />
a traditional Thai delicacy, sticky mango rice. Turns out it was<br />
mango season, the fruit was tender and sweet, simply delicious!<br />
The Tongsai Bay resort went above and beyond our expectations, it<br />
was definitely one the highlights of our trip in Thailand.<br />
preferredhotels.com/destinations/koh-samui-suratthani/the-tongsai-bay