Activities

Take pleasure in the myriad of activities that Koh Samui has to offer such as snorkelling, canopy adventures, elephant trekking, a tour around the Ang Thong Marine National Park or rejuvenate to an in-villa massage and spa treatment. All of the below can be arranged through the villa manager:

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Ang Thong Marine National Park

Without doubt, a boat-trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park will be a highlight of your stay here, indeed in Thailand. There are 41 islets scattered like green teeth among the turquoise waters north of Samui, and most day-trips allow you to climb to the top of the largest one for breathtaking views over the whole archipelago. If you’re lucky, you may spot dolphin (Feb-April), macaques, sea otters, monitor lizards, mynah birds, swifts (whose nests are stolen to make birds nest soup) and other exotic birds like the white-rumped shama. A respectable second-best to Ang Thong is a day's snorkelling in the corals off Koh Mad Sum island, 4km southwest of Samui. You can usually find a (shared) taxi-boat from Baan Bangkao or Baan Thongkrut piers.

Baan Taling Ngam Resort

The Intercontinental Baan Taling Ngam Resort is located nearby the villa on the west coast of the island and has numerous dining options.

www.samui.intercontinental.com

Boat charter

A 32ft twin engine day cruiser with captain is available exclusively at Devatara for approximately 20 000 BHT (£400 at time of print) for the day or 10 000 BHT (£200 at time of print) for half a day. Guests are therefore able to enjoy private excursions to outlying islands including the famous moon festival on Koh Phangan.

Buffulo fighting

It is one of the most popular sports in Southern Thailand, with a half dozen stadiums around the island. The bamboo-made walls and coconut palms branches obstruct the sight of those who did not pay for their seats. The fight ends when one of the two buffaloes turns over, generally well before harm occurs, sometimes a fight can last a few seconds. The main purpose of this kind of event for an indigenous is not so much the show, but rather playing for high stakes where very important sums are bet.

Bungy Jumping

Face your fears with Samui Bungy Jump. Located near the Reggae Pub just off the Chaweng beach road. Experience the thrill of being elevated 50 metres above the ground into the air on a platform, and then launching yourself off towards the swimming pool beneath.

Run by professional & committed British Jumpmasters trained to New Zealand safety standards

Canopy adventure

To explore Koh Samui's jungle from a different perspective go to Koh Samui Canopy Adventures. Swing through the trees on over 500 metres of cable, featuring 6 different tree houses, beautiful waterfalls and even a hammock bar for a refreshing drink.

They also provide a free shuttle from anywhere on the island. Samui Canopy Adventures is located in the jungle inland from Bophut beach and is well signposted.

http://canopyadventuresthailand.com/

Car & Moped hire

Do the obvious thing and drive around the island in a hired jeep or, if you trust yourself, a motorbike. There are plenty of things to stop and see, but for a varied and unrushed overview of Samui, leave Chaweng mid-morning going clockwise; visit the Namuang waterfalls and then have a swim and massage at Kamalaya or on the beach at Phang Ka; you could fit in a visit to the snake farm or the aquarium, before heading north past Na Thon to Maenam and Bophut. Here, depending on your style, you could play a round of golf, go karting or visit the natural history museum, before admiring the temple of Wat Phra Yai, by Big Buddha pier, at sunset.

Cooking classes

Thai food cookery classes can be arranged at the villa or at the professional Thai cooking school, "Samui Institute of Thai Culinary Arts" in Chaweng. http://www.sitca.net/

Crocodile farms

There are 2 crocodile farms on the island, one of which is located behind the airport and on a 7000 square metres area, you will find more than 100 animal species such as Siam and sea water crocodiles, caymans, snakes, lizards, apes and many others. There are 2 daily shows, at 2 and 4.30 pm.

The second one is situated in the south of the island, at Namuang Waterfall II. It is not to be missed for the dramatic show and a good opportunity to admire the country's wild fauna without needing to venture into the deep jungle.

Dining On The Rocks

Dining on the Rocks is the signature restaurant of Six Senses Hideaway Samui, part of a world-renowned group that prides itself on "getting back to nature".

Each dish is prepared with four things in mind: flavour combinations; textures; aromas; and finally temperature combinations.

One way tasting all of it is by ordering the ‘Experiences’ set dinner. This provides you with 10 mini-courses, giving you a chance to try as many dishes at one sitting. And this is what you get: Tartar Dégustation; Reduction of Coconut and Truffle with rosemary roasted chicken; Tian of Seared Tuna with spiced lentils and balsamic; Roasted Duck with citrus and an orange-lavender granite; Iced Tom-yam Gazpacho with oysters; Steamed Hor-mok Soufflé; Iced Coconut and Blue Curacao; Lamb Cutlet filled with spiced potatoes served with raita and mint; Jasmine Tea-flavoured Chocolate Pots with spiced pineapple; and Organic Lemongrass Tea.

Of course you can order from the à la carte menu which is also presented in a unique way. All dishes are available as starters or main courses. And complementary dishes are listed beneath your favourite wine, meaning you don’t have to keep switching bottles throughout the meal if you’d prefer not to. With over 1,000 different bottles in the wine cellar, even the fussiest of tipplers will be satisfied.

Location: Samrong bay (Northeast)

www.sixsenses.com/sixsensessamui

Elephant Trekking

If you like to enjoy the scenery without the noise of an engine disturbing the peace, then why not go on an elephant trek? Elephants are no longer employed in Thailand for traditional logging work and so have plenty of free time to work with visitors - even on Samui, where they are not native. Despite their huge size, elephants are incredibly sure-footed, even on steep and narrow trails - and the world looks wonderful from their backs, three metres up. Standard trips last half an hour, although longer trips can be requested.

Five Islands Restaurant

Deep reverence and sensual enjoyment of Thai cuisine is essential to the experience of Thailand. Thai cuisine is the cornerstone of Thai culture and the key to their love of life, nature and togetherness.

The natural, fresh, colourful and tantalising flavours offer an endless journey of culinary discovery. This journey begins at The Five Islands Restaurant under the guidance of our gifted Thai chefs.

The Five Islands Restaurant is located near The Five Islands Vista, on the idyllic, unspoiled west coast of Koh Samui. Here on this pristine beach the fishermen literally deliver fresh seafood from their boats. The open-air Balinese/Thai architecture and interior decor create the exotic ambience of tropical paradise. The overall experience embodies the quintessential Asian philosophy and aesthetic.

Renowned for our sunset dinners, The Five Islands Restaurant located in the fishing village of Baan Taling Ngam continues to deliver unforgettable experiences in dining and island life.

www.thefiveislands.com

Golf

Opened in 2003, the Santiburi Samui Country Club is Samui's first - and currently only - professional standard golf course. Owned by the nearby Santiburi Resort, the course in situated in the hills above Maenam and has spectacular views of Koh Phangan.

At Santiburi Samui Country Club, it is not just another golf game - it is a whole new golf adventure! The course starts you off with a journey through tropical coconut forest deep into the mountain, the fairways follow the natural line of the hills, creating an interesting and exciting multi-level golf game. Natural stones and hill slopes also adds to the challenge.

The course itself requires a reasonable degree of proficiency and is not recommended for beginners.

http://www.santiburi.com/

Go-Karting

Samui Go-Kart track is located off the main road in Bophut. There are three types of karts you can choose from: The Fun Kart is suitable for all ages. The Pro Kart is for those who prefer a bit more speed. Samui Go-Kart provides everything from instructions to helmets. The course is open from 9am to 9pm every day.

Horse Riding

Ride on Ranch offers several different guided horse-back tours around Samui's beaches and jungles. The European standard horses are calm and well trained and all equipment is provided.

In villa spa

If you wish to have spa and beauty treatments in the tranquil settings of Baan Tao Talay you can arrange this through the villa manageress.

Kite Surfing

There could not be a better place to experience one of the fastest growing extreme sports in the world and one of the easiest to learn. The nearby kite surfing school offers board hire and courses of all levels. http://www.kohsamuikiteboarding.com/indexEN.html

Kamalaya Wellness Centre & Spa

At Kamalaya Koh Samui, Thailand’s award-winning Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa resort, you can experience a life-enriching healthy holiday. Kamalaya offers wellness programs offer solutions for detox, yoga, stress and burnout, fitness and weight control. If you are looking for a more personalised wellness experience, their team of international naturopaths can work with you to create your own health program from our extensive range of holistic medicine, spa and healing therapies.

Kamalaya's unique holistic health experience is a synergy of healing therapies from East and West, a sublimely beautiful natural environment, inspired healthy cuisine, holistic fitness practices, group retreats and individual wellness programs.

Centred around a monk's cave that once served Buddhist monks as a place of meditation and spiritual retreat, Kamalaya's essence is expressed in its name, 'Lotus (kamal) Realm (alaya)', an ancient symbol for the growth and unfolding of the human spirit.

www.kamalaya.com

Le Meridien Baan Taling Ngam Spa

The spa features six unique indoor and outdoor treatment suites, all perched high with breathtaking views of the nearby islands. The Spa covers a surface of 540 square metres, spread on two levels. Outside baths and private steam rooms are integrated in each spa suites and allows patrons to experience a relaxing treatment. With a modern Thai architectural touch, all of the suites are elegantly decorated and furnished with antiques, which are discreetly positioned to blend in with Mother Nature.

The spa is the first in Thailand that introduces the purest 'Chi' water throughout the whole treatment. Studies show that Chi water increases detoxification, improves skin disorders, stimulate the immune system, improves metabolism, improves blood circulation and enhances energy levels.

The exclusive, 2-6 hour spa packages and a la carte treatments include massages, facials, bodies, bath-steam and beauty treatments. At the spa lobby, a receptionist will check guest's preference by using a consultation form while some cool herbal tea and a cool towel are served. After the treatments, guests will be served with a hot or cold herbal tea at the relaxation area.

During your visit, make sure you try our signature treatments; Herbal Face Mask and Oatmeal Body Wash. Both use natural products exclusively for Baan Taling Ngam Spa.

http://samui.intercontinental.com/

Mountain biking

One alternative way to explore Koh Samui is by bicycle. There are several tour operators that offer guided tours around the island, bike rentals and sales. They stock quality bicycle brands such as Cannondale and provide all equipment from helmets to kneepads.

All trips are usually led by experienced guides fully trained in first aid response.

Nikki Beach

A branch of the world famous day club chain 'Nikki Beach" is located 5 minutes drive from the villa. You can dine day or night on a wide range European and Asian food either on the day beds by the pool or in the covered dining area. They have regular special events including a fantastic Sunday brunch.

http://www.nikkibeach.com/kohsamui/

Bakery Café:
Everyday 9am-6pm

Restaurant:
Sunday- Wednesday 11am-9:30pm
Thursday- Saturday 11am- 10:30pm
Sunday Brunch 11am- 4pm/ A la Carte 4pm- 9:30 pm

Quad bikes & paintballing

Children of all ages can play war at 3D Paintball's huge, sculpted terrain in the hills above Maenam. The same location is also used for bouncing around on quad bikes, though they are strictly for adults only. Alternatively, for a full day out, the management will organise a variety of adventure games deep in the jungle.

Standard paintball guns are free - customers only pay for pellets, which are 3 Baht each. There's also a selection of BB Guns for hire, which are moulded to look menacingly like M16s and Kalashnikov's. Free transfer from the villa.

Shooting

The shooting range has fully trained instructors and a wide range of guns to choose from such as 9mm's, revolvers and the AK-47.

The range is open from 9am to 6pm every day.

Tennis

There are private tennis courts 5 minutes away from the villa which can be hired through the villa manageress.

There are also two tennis clubs on Samui; Samui Tennis Club in Nathon and Koh Samui Tennis Club at Santiburi Resort, Mae Nam.

Thai boxing

Thai boxing is the national sport in Thailand and is recognized as being one of the toughest forms of martial arts in the world.

You can watch professional Muay Thai at the Chaweng Stadium on Tuesdays and Fridays and also at the Lamai stadium on Wednesday and Saturdays.

The Napasai Spa

Nestled in a peaceful sanctuary, surrounded by wonderful flora, the Spa at Napasai is a sanctuary of serenity and natural beauty for those seeking to relax and restore body and mind.

The Spa offers a wide range of relaxing treatments, massages and indulgences rooted in Thai traditional medicine, local herbs and Oriental philosophies.
Inspired by an Asian healing philosophy, Napasai Spa's holistic treatments use a combination of natural ingredients such as tropical fruits and flowers to balance physical and psychological wellbeing and Pala Energy body massage to encourage energy flow.

http://www.napasai.com/web/psam/napasai.jsp

Water balling

The "Coolest and Newest" adventure on Samui. Completely safe and fun for all ages. Located at Bophut hills golf club, you will be placed in a big plastic ball, a few litres of water is added and you will be pushed down a ramp to gain speed.

Yoga

Yoga lessons can be arranged at the villa. Also the world famous yoga centre Yoga Thailand lies on the south coast of Koh Samui, on Laem Sor beach.

http://www.yoga-thailand.com/

Santiburi Spa

A Heaven of splendid decadence and relaxation nestled amidst the tropical splendor of Thailand's Koh Samui. Santiburi is an intimate Spa with natural beauty predominating the double treatment rooms, private garden, treatments and other facilities unsurpassed on the Island. A place of truly worthy of the name of Santiburi - meaning "peaceful town".

Combine fresh local ingredients with the best and purest spa products the world has to offer, and you can imagine our kitchen. They use no harsh chemicals or mineral oils, artificial colours, fragrances or preservatives: relying solely on the power of nature and the wisdom gained from centuries old tradition. The result is effective body and beauty treatments that leave you relaxed, rejuvenated, and with soft, fresh skin that glows with vitality.

Relax in the hands of our professional therapists, who can help you select your treatment, or create and guide you through a program tailor-made to suit your needs. All staff have been extensively trained in the latest spa practices, to provide you with a wide range of pampering options including facials. massage and an impressive array of body treatments.

http://www.santiburi.com/

Sailing

Sailing is popular in Samui being led by the success of the Ko Samui Regatta which is held in early June and the continued popularity of the day cruises and sunset cruises aboard the 52 foot sailing catamaran Kia Ora. Please note there is currently no marina on the island so charter options are limited.

Scuba Diving

The Gulf of Thailand offers a huge variety of dive sites suitable for all levels of diver. So whether you want to blow your very first bubbles underwater or you're an experienced diver looking for something more challenging, there are plenty of options to choose from.

There are also a huge variety of diving schools on the island so if you are a first time diver there are plenty of high quality courses you can attend.

Snorkelling

The surrounding areas of Koh Samui are well known to be one of Asia's best diving sites. Snorkellers can accompany their diving companions on scuba dive trips, take a tour organised for snorkellers, a trip arranged by local fishermen to one of the many surrounding islands or just snorkel from the beaches and rock formations dotted around the island.

Tamarind Springs Spa

Set in the middle of a forest, this Spa offers the ultimate in tranquil surroundings offering 'space out' zones and various natural pools to relax in before you have your massage or treatment.

For the Classic Tamarind Spa, you can choose a simple traditional Thai massage or be tempted by the inspiring names (try the Divine Decadence or the Sheer Indulgence), but there’s nothing flighty about the massage. Tamarind Springs’ packages are based on professional massage training and quality control. Whatever you choose, you will find the therapists expert and intuitive about accommodating your specific needs.

The Forest Spa is a walking meditation experience, you pass under a huge boulder into a jungle realm of the steam cave and rock pool. Huge trees and trailing vines surround you. A rustic wooden walkway leads to the ‘switch off zone’ in a forest clearing to another pool, and a thatched shelter with refreshments. Time seems to stand still altogether, while you slow down to reconnect with the nurturing rhythm of nature

It is located on off the ring road between Chaweng and Lamai.

http://www.tamarindsprings.com/

The Four Seasons

The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui offers a delicate balance of refreshment for mind, body and beauty. Centuries-old healing techniques, summoning the secrets of herbal and holistic remedies, are deeply rooted in Thailand’s rich spa heritage. Further calmed by the gentle sights and sounds of the jungle, guests of the spa can retreat from hectic urban life into the authentic peace of Samui.

Individual treatment rooms are housed in five salas – covered verandas – each with two indoor and two outdoor Thai-style massage beds, an outdoor shower, an outdoor bathtub and a steam room or indoor rain shower. A separate treatment sala is available for facials, waxing and other services, while the salon can provide finishing touches for special occasions. Afterwards, sip a tropical juice and savour the feeling of serenity in the spa's relaxation sala.

The Spa also incorporates the complete range of Just Pure products for use in available treatments and body care rituals.

Spa treatments on the beach

The Spa offers a selection of treatments for you to enjoy in the relaxing environment of the beach. Pamper yourself with a neck and shoulder massage in the shade at the Beach Bar or a manicure while sipping one of Pla Pla’s refreshing drinks. To reserve an appointment, inquire at the Beach Bar or the Spa.

Yoga pavilion

A nearby yoga pavilion is open from sunrise to sunset for guests to practise in private. One-hour Hatha yoga and Anusara-inspired yoga lessons are available, led by the Resort's resident yogis, fee applies. Private yoga lessons may also be arranged for a fee.

http://www.fourseasons.com/kohsamui/

The Shack - Steakhouse

For many, this is Samui's best steak house. They are located in Bophut and have a seating capacity for around 50 people.

This restaurant has a laid back atmosphere and has jazz and blues entertainment regularly. The restaurant is open every day from 3pm - 11pm.

Selections from the starter menu include the shack ribs, steak tartar, seared Alaskan sea scallops mixed meat kebab and much more. Selections from the main menu include Australian prime rib steak in various cut sizes, tenderloin and T-Bone steaks. They also have grilled sea food and salads on offer and great deserts. Comprehensive wine list.

Location: Bophut

www.theshackgrillsamui.com

Water Skiing & Jet Skiing

Water skiing & Jet skiing is available on many of the larger beaches.