And if you came here expecting to find just coconut trees and unspoilt white sandy beaches, you’re in for a BIG surprise. Sure, you’ll find plenty of both, but there’s a whole lot more to the Samui of today than just that.

          Nowadays, the island offers an enormous range of things to do and places to go, and even if you’ve only got the attention span of a four-year old, you’ll never run out of activities to keep you fully occupied for the length of your stay. For instance, there’s no end of watersports available and you can’t visit this part of the world without experiencing SCUBA diving in the surrounding clear warm waters. But if that’s a little more technical than what you’re after, you could always try rolling inside a plastic ball upon the ocean waves – and you don’t need any certification for doing that!

There are plenty of bugs and beasties in Thailand, but you should remain unscathed on Samui.

Critters. Bugs. Beasties. Snakes. Scorpions. Many people who come to Samui think they could be battling them all. Tell friends you’ve booked a trip to Thailand and after they ask you about ladyboys they’ll be likely to mention something about snakes, spiders and other things that sting and bite. Our Aussie friends tend to be a bit more relaxed about this given they’re used to checking for black widow spiders lurking under the toilet bowl, but visitors from colder climes can sometimes feel a tad nervous about what wildlife they might run into whilst they’re here.

          The good news is you’re very unlikely to run into dangerous things that sting, especially if you’re in the main cities or developed tourist spots. And if you do see something like a snake or big scorpion, it’s more than likely that any Thai person around will know how to deal with it, and have already done it before you start to panic.

Concept design can be timeless too, proves suave hotel The Library

People stay at The Library to experience the unique concept we have.” Says Khun Kasemtham Sornsong, owner of The Library on Chaweng Beach Road. But he didn’t design it to be hip, rather, he designed it around a concept that would translate into beautiful design. “It’s not a trend. Fashions and trends come and go. But what we’ve got here is a classic concept that will stand the test of time.”

          The Library is part of the Design Hotels group, which features boutique and designer hotels across the world. Aesthetically, The Library is decisively minimalist but with an injection of funky styling. The reason for such simplicity is so the hotel can act as a blank canvas for the natural beauty that surrounds it – sun, sea and sand. Anything too complicated would detract from that. And I’m sure you’d agree, such natural beauty needs no embellishment.

The Samui archipelago offers four distinct versions of paradise.

It’s pretty good being on a paradise island. Not many would dispute that fact. But what’s better than one paradise? Well four, of course! And that’s what you’ve got access to, now that you’re on Samui. The cluster of islands that make up our archipelago include Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and the Ang Thong Marine Park – which itself is made up of 40 islands spread over 100 square kilometres. And across all are pristine beaches and sparkling blue waters. So what are you waiting for?

          Now, the first of these paradises to cover is of course Samui itself. And seeing as you’re here already, it probably needs little introduction. But let’s just recap what’s on offer. There’s the main strip, Chaweng, where you’ve got all manner of restaurants, resorts and spas. Then you’ve got the more chilled out Fisherman’s Village, with its famed walking street and relaxed vibe. And then there’s the last of the main tourist areas, Lamai, which oozes a bohemian charm. But all the hustle and bustle of these busy spots can get a bit much. So a trip out to some of the more secluded sites in our archipelago is a must.

We look at some of the well-known names behind the scenes of a number of Samui’s leading resorts.

Four Seasons, Sheraton, Banyan Tree, Mövenpick. Four household names, internationally renowned. And they all have something in common. It’s not instantly obvious, but the headline might give you a clue! It’s connected with ownership and management, and the fact that the two don’t always go hand-in-hand. It’s also a lot to do with brand awareness and the confidence that this inspires. Because what all four names have in common is this; when you see a prestigious name like these on a hotel or resort then there’s a good chance that the hotel is not actually owned by that famous name. Rather, that the hotel is being managed in association with that company.

          This is by no means a new concept, although no authority can definitively say who it was that originated the idea, or where. But everyone agrees that it emerged as a common practice towards the second half of the 20th century. Furthermore, it was seen as a logical development of a related trend; that of the franchising which was going on so successfully in the restaurant business.

Having a colema at The Spa Resort in Lamai means that it’s in with the good and out with the bad.

Colonic irrigation. It’s a sticky subject! But what actually happens? Does it hurt? And does it really work? Nick Dilks, Executive Health Consultant of The Spa Resort explains the ins and outs of it all, as it were.

          For those of you who haven’t heard of a ‘colonic’ before, the process involves the rectal insertion of fluid that is then flushed out the same way, taking with it toxins and debris from your innards. Celebrity fans of the procedure include Madonna, Jennifer Aniston, Matt Damon, Usher, and even Barack Obama.

Samui’s ubiquitous coconut palms have become iconic, but they have more uses than just being great backdrops for tropical postcards.

As we have bread, wine, oil and vinegar, so in that country they extract all these things from this one tree.” So said an explorer to India in the 16th century, amazed at how the people there harvested palm trees and coconuts to make pretty much anything they needed. From mats to medicine, clothing to charcoal and food to fuel, coconuts and their trees are one of the most versatile plants in the world. The palm has been called the ‘tree of heaven’ and ‘the tree that grants all wishes’, and references to it in Sanskrit go back at least two thousand years.

          You’ll have seen coconuts on Samui, of course, whether they’ve been harvested by men with knives attached to bamboo poles cutting them down from high fronds, hearing the thunk as one hits the sand near you, or just spotting one of the many dried husks lying on the beach or adapted into plant pots. Samui is the biggest coconut-producing island in Thailand, with around three million trees yielding two million coconuts a month which are sent to Bangkok. Some of the trees on Samui are up to 160 years old and can reach heights of 35 metres.

At Samui Centre of Learning, respect and cultural appreciation are taught alongside the International curriculum.

Choosing a school for your kid is hard. Especially when you’re overseas. You want to ensure they’re genuinely getting the same standard of education as they would do back home. And that, if you did go back, they wouldn’t be behind the other kids. Samui Centre of Learning, known as SCL International School, is accredited by the University of Cambridge and aims to quash all of those concerns.

          It’s located on a quiet stretch of road just off the road-road in Lamai, near to The Buddy Oriental Samui Beach Resort. The students range from three to 15 years of age and there are six Thai teachers and 15 foreign teaching staff who predominantly come from the UK as they’re already trained in the curriculum for England and Wales. SCL International School also runs an impressive selection of extracurricular activities, including yoga, art club, musical theatre, basketball, football, electronic music production and chess. And recent additions have improved the school’s green credentials, including the creation of a new greenhouse and eco-garden.

The annual Samui Regatta shines brighter each year.

If you live here then you’ll already know. If you’re staying here for a week then either reserve your place by the pool or go out and buy some binoculars. Because one of Samui’s most prestigious events is happening in May. It won’t be obvious – unlike Thai boxing or Samui Bike Week. But, on the other hand, it’s hard to miss the best part of 100 sailing boats scattered around Chaweng Bay! Which is what you’ll be seeing from Saturday 26th for one week, as the annual Samui Regatta gets under way once more.

          This is the 11th year of the event and it’s now become an established part of the Asia Yachting Grand Prix (AYGP) circuit. In one sense this is remarkable, as Samui lacks the usual marina facilities that other venues value so much. And there’s no denying that a marina here would be of benefit. But this just goes to emphasise the popularity of the event and how much the international yachting community like coming to our island.

At Oriental Living, dressing your home is as important as dressing yourself.

A love of beauty can extend to all aspects your life. Right down to the perfect cushion fabric. But if you don’t know Jim Thompson from Jimmy Choo, then help is at hand. In the same way that hiring a fashion stylist ensures you go out looking your best, hiring Oriental Living means your home looks its best, too.

          While online sales are becoming increasingly popular, the showroom is still the main hub for Oriental Living. It’s located in Maenam, on the island’s main ring road. A number of eye-catching pieces are placed outside the shop to immediately grab your attention. Think giant day beds covered with multi-coloured cushions and loungers draped with vibrant fabrics.

Tea, culture and community under one roof.

Even a paradise island can succumb to globalization. More and more holiday destinations worldwide are becoming homogenised. And in some ways that includes Samui. We’ve got McDonald’s, Burger King, Starbucks plus a few more. Some might ask, sure, I’ve got sun, sea and sand, but where do I get culture? In Fisherman’s Village there’s now at least one answer to that question – and that’s the tea house, Namcha.

          Located at the entrance to Fisherman’s Village, Namcha has been open for over a year now, and in that time has racked up quite a loyal following. Many gravitate there again and again for light refreshment and a dose of homey comfort. Owner, Michelle Ho, upholds the philosophy that as soon as you enter Namcha, you become part of the family. And that ideology is epitomized by the distinctly friendly and informal attitude she takes with her customers.

Every fabulous villa deserves fabulous extras.

Bruce Wayne, better known as Batman, wouldn’t be the same without his trusty butler, Alfred Pennyworth. And although the average person may not require someone to perform the services Alfred does – cape washing, shirt repairing and the like – it’s still pretty cool to have one on hand. Anyone who rents or buys one of The Estates – a luxury villa development adjacent to Four Seasons – gets access to all the services that are on offer to Four Seasons hotel guests. And that includes the gym, the spa, the private beach, and of course, the 24-hour butler service.

          Lorraine Clark is the Exclusive Representative of The Estates – owned by Minor International PCL – and she agreed to show me around one of the villas on one sunny day in Samui. I met her at the Four Seasons entrance sala. I was truly taken aback by the unparalleled panoramic view you get from the sala, which is a small platform suspended high above the treetops that looks over The Estates, the mountains and the sea below. For some reason, unbeknownst to me, the light is particularly soft over this patch of Samui, making the view almost dreamlike. Without wanting to get gushy, I’d say this is the best viewing platform on Samui, and at the risk of sounding like an estate agent, you really do have to see it to believe it.

The life of a ladyboy in today’s Thai society.

Now come on and share all your deep fantasies,” lip-synchs a scantily clad Christina Aguilera look-alike. Gyrating hips and whiplash-inducing head-flicks illuminate her glitter-flecked body as she glides across the stage, her shimmering blonde locks ablaze in the spotlight. Shiny, red, PVC knee-highs boots are paired with ruby-red lipstick. There’s no doubt the audience is totally mesmerised. With many thinking, “Surely that can’t really be a man?”

          To get the technicalities out of the way early on, a ladyboy – or ‘katoey’ as they’re known in Thailand – is a transsexual or transgender male. The highly convincing aesthetic of the Thai ladyboy is common knowledge amongst seasoned tourists to this country. And friendof- a-friend accounts of sexual misadventures involving the mistaken identity of a ladyboy are ever-rife. Far from being the butt of the joke, however, the two cabaret shows on Samui are well known for their winning combination of skilfully choreographed acts and light-hearted humour.

Home is where the heart is for globe-trotting General Manager Uwe Ackermann.

Our guest in the hot seat this month is Uwe Ackermann. He’s the General Manager of The Imperial Samui Beach Resort in Chaweng Noi. And while he’s only recently taken up the position he’s no stranger to Samui.

UA : I was born in the German city of Bremen and grew up in Munich where I stayed until I was around 23 years of age.

UA : After my formal education I attended the Bavarian Hotel School in Altötting and combined that with my apprenticeship as a chef. I was fortunate enough to train at the 5-star Kempinski Luxury Hotel in Munich which gave me a fantastic grounding in the culinary arts. Once I graduated I spent several years working in Switzerland including time at the famous Badrutt Palace Hotel in St. Moritz. I then developed my career further in luxury hotels on the islands of Madeira and Mallorca. From there I moved to Florida in the USA and accepted a position as Executive Chef with Crystal Cruise Lines working aboard the ultra-luxurious ‘Crystal Harmony’. We had a crew of 580 for just 950 guests and I made two world cruises with them, the second one as Food & Beverage Manager, and that was my first experience of Asian countries. I loved what I saw and decided that I wanted to work and live in the region to discover more about the people, the food and the culture.

Exploring one of Samui’s most relaxed and cosmopolitan bays.

The history of Samui is short. After you’ve said a word or two about coconuts, fishing boats, pirates and sea gypsies, that’s about it. You could add some details about the Chinese Han people settling here. Or that one of the nation’s most-beloved kings, His Majesty Rama V, King Chulalongkorn, used to take holidays over on Koh Pha-Ngan. But that was back in the late 19th century, when even the Thai people themselves didn’t know that Samui existed.

          Other than this, Samui’s story doesn’t start to be written until about 50 or so years ago. It’s common knowledge that Samui was ‘discovered’ in the late ’70s by backpackers. And to a great many of today’s visitors, Samui means Chaweng or, possibly, Lamai. But a lot’s been going on in the last decade. There’s been a steady creep of development along the ring-road and all along the island’s north coast. And what at one time used to be the tiny fishing village of Mae Nam has now blossomed into a laid-back and busy alternative to the bigger towns elsewhere.

A temple dedicated to Shiva is the focal point for the island’s Nepalese community and Hindu worshippers.

Thailand is a devoutly religious country. That’s one reason that a tiny island like Samui has 30 Thai Buddhist temples, half a dozen holy shrines and six Chinese Buddhist temples. Plus two mosques have been built by the indigenous islanders that worship Islam. And with the influx of tourists, and expats who’ve made the island their home, a number of Christian churches have appeared over the years. But there’s one place of worship that few people know about and that includes those who live here. In Chaweng, there’s a Hindu temple that was constructed in 2003 by the Nepalese community. And visitors are more than welcome.

          Judging by the number of Indian restaurants and tailor shops on Samui you could be forgiven for thinking that the Indian community is reasonably large. However, DD Pandey who runs Noori India restaurant in Chaweng and the Noori Cooking School believes there are only about 40 people living on the island who come from India, as he does. In contrast, the Nepalese community numbers around 700 with many families now integrated into the Thai way of life. Around 80% of Nepal’s 26 million inhabitants are Hindus, as are many of those who have emigrated over the centuries.

There’s fun in the air at the dynamic O2 Beach Club.

They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. And if that’s true then there’s a lot of very sincere flattery going on! It’s been a few years now since the very successful (and internationallyrenowned) Nikki Beach set up its outpost on Samui. In that time, a number of places have tried the same kind of idea. One or two have been hopeful resorts; but merely re-naming your restaurant a ‘beach club’ and playing dance music to your diners doesn’t quite cut it, somehow. Others have gone the whole nine yards and re-invented themselves with a refurb, change of décor, lots of big squashy day-beds and a DJ instead of an iPod: most of these are still waiting to be noticed. A handful of places have become most successful, it has to be said. But it takes a following to make a beach club work. And one resort that’s achieved just that is Arayaburi Boutique Resort, up at the northeastern tip of the island at Samrong Bay.

          This is a big, laid-back and comfy resort, seemingly built in a cleft in the hillside that runs to the sea. If designed well, this is an invitation to create a delightful kind of tropical fairyland, with terraces, bridges, levels, decks and links, all in amongst the rampant foliage and weaving their way to the focal point of the beach. At ‘Arayaburi’ this has been brilliantly designed. In the daytime every new turn on the path, or deck you descend to, reveals another breathtaking seascape framed between the trees. And at night, with the hundreds of concealed lights that shimmer and glow all around, it’s a vision of delight.

Ajarn Sam is Samui’s most highly-revered tattoo master whose sacred tattoos are so much more than mere body art..

Fashion statement or spiritual belief? In the last year or so it’s become hip to be seen wearing mystical tattoos from Thailand. And this has been further glamorised by their endorsement by Hollywood superstars, such as Angelina Jolie who now has two sacred tattoos on her back. Body art is one thing. A souvenir of your gap-year backpack-trip is also fine. But a sacred tattoo is just one part of a spiritual way of life that’s been followed from before the time of Buddha. And to regard one of its symbols as if it were some kind of jewellery is shallow at best. And there are some traditionalists who would regard this as disrespectful, if not actually ignorant.

          Fortunately, there are many Westerners who do take this seriously and who have the time and the inclination to learn more about the philosophy that underlies sacred tattoos. Known as ‘sak yant’, from the Thai words ‘sak’, meaning a tattoo, and ‘yant’, a sacred design, they have their origins in the pictograms of religious Hindu texts which originated in India some three thousand years ago. Over time, their use spread into Cambodia and Thailand, but with no alterations to the mystical scripts which accompanied them. This writing is a variation of ancient Sanskrit that’s known today as ‘aghara khom’ or, simply, ‘khom’. Originally they were drawn onto cloth or fabric (pha yant) either as scrolls or, as became usual with warriors seeking protection, inscribed upon clothing (seua yant). But as Buddhism began to take hold in Thailand, so body tattoos gradually came to replace the designs on fabric.

Great food, great service, and atmosphere to boot.

From the lemongrass-infused damp towelettes we received upon arrival, to the way our wine was set aside to breathe before being served, there was an impressive attention to detail at SALA Samui restaurant when we dined there. And when that came together with great food, what we got was a seamless dining experience worth writing home about.

          SALA Samui restaurant is a seaside eatery located on Choeng Mon Beach. Its location provides a great balance of lively atmosphere and quiet island vibe. The restaurant is situated within SALA Samui Resort & Spa, where impressively, 53 out of the 69 villas and suites have private swimming pools. With all that at hotel guests’ disposal, you’d think they’d never leave their rooms. But, as we discovered, the food at the restaurant is enough tempt them out.

From relaxation to celebration, the W Retreat has that special something.

It’s all about the passion points. Music, design and fashion.” Says Nick Downing, General Manager at the W Retreat in Maenam – part of the famed Starwood Hotels and Resorts group. “We’re targeting guests who’re looking to do something different. For an experience you don’t get in your traditional resort.” Wherever you go in the W Retreat you’ll hear music. In In corridors, pathways, the spa… there’s always music playing. And that’s courtesy of the Global Music Director for W Hotels Worldwide, Michelangelo L’Acqua. He’s an internationally acclaimed DJ and music producer from whom all the W’s download music daily. And you won’t get the same music playing all through the day, because Michelangelo’s playlist changes from morning to afternoon to evening.

          The concept is important here, Nick explains. “Different hotels sell different characters of the island. The character we’ve got here is designed to be quite different – it’s a very social retreat. Rather than people being in their own isolated villas tucked away into the mountains, the layout is conducive to social interaction with the other guests.” And there are some great venues for it, too. WOOBAR is the sophisticated lobby bar, which has an amazing panoramic layout that has already become iconic on the island, while SIP , the beach bar, has a more chilled out vibe.

A look at one of Samui's more stylish resorts : The Sea in Bang Por

At one time it didn’t really matter. All that was needed was they had to look nice. Then more and more began to appear. Which meant that the new ones had to look even better. But now there are hundreds of them. Hundreds of quality resorts of every size and style. And, in amongst those earlier traditional Thai-styled resorts, you’ll see quite a few that look different. Some that have a Mediterranean flavour, with whitewashed walls and terracotta roofs. Others have gone for a modern minimalist style, with acres of scrubbed concrete, offset by natural timbers and fabrics. And one of these – a resort which manages to pleasingly blend a minimalist style with an attractive presentation – is ‘The Sea’, at the western edge of the island’s north coast in Bang Por.

          The Sea is a comparatively new resort, having come into being in the latter part of 2010. A decade ago this location may have been considered ‘out of town’ and therefore unfashionable. But in recent years trends have changed, and the north coast has surged in popularity. It’s placid, hassle-free and with no honking taxis, beach vendors or jet skis, and the swimming is some of the best on Samui. And you’ll find a plethora of beach bars and restaurants together with patches of pubs, sports bars, bistros and lots of excellent little local and international restaurants. Plus, of course, more than a few quality resorts you can stop off at to enjoy their cafés, restaurants and spas. And one of the more subtle of these, and certainly one of the most accessible, is The Sea.

Sexy and stylish Beach Republic is onto a winner, thanks to owner Tim Dean-Smith.

It’s St. Tropez, Ibiza and St. Bart’s all rolled into one. And what’s more, it’s here on Samui. This hip venue ticks all the boxes: it looks good, it sounds good and it tastes good too – the food and drink that is. Word has spread across the globe like wildfire, and as a result, its popularity has grown exponentially. Today it’s known as one of the most stylish destinations on the island. And, if you’ve already been there, you’ll know why. This, ladies and gents, is Beach Republic.

          It’s situated towards the north end of Lamai Beach and if you’re coming from Chaweng, you’ll find it on your left-hand side, approximately 200 meters past the I.T. Complex Samui. Or, coming from Lamai, it’s on your right-hand side, about 200 metres past Buddy Oriental Samui Beach Resort. The turning isn’t overtly obvious, so keep your eyes peeled for the discreet signs brandishing the Beach Republic symbol – a red starfish with a red circle painted around it. The famed Ocean Club at Beach Republic is a sprawling chill-out zone complete with a pool, deckchairs, giant lounge beds – said to be big enough to fit a whole football team on – a restaurant, and, of course, the beach. Anyone can experience this modern-day paradise for just 500 baht a day, or the equivalent in food or drink (hotel guests can obviously use it for free). Beach Republic’s signature shade of red is splashed across a multitude of features and fabrics, punctuating the clean and modern décor, which straddles highly stylised and utterly relaxed with remarkable ease.

top right there! If you’re the sort of person who regards working on your tan as an ‘activity’ then this article will be of no interest to you. Although many of the ‘things to do’ covered here will still get you zapped with plenty of rays, they also involve getting off that sun-bed for an hour or two. If, however, you’ve got a get-up-and-go kind of personality and are looking for some fun things to get up to that involve more than parading around the hotel swimming pool all day, then read on.

          Loosely considered, Samui’s activities can be divided into two categories; hard or soft. Six hours in a kayak or throwing yourself off a 160-foot tower whilst attached by only a piece of bungee elastic is ‘hard’. Whereas floating around the coral with a snorkel is most definitely not. No doubt there are some pastimes that fall between the two but, what the heck! You’re on holiday so who’s quibbling!