For international, beach-seeking tourists, Koh Samui is a unique holiday destination in that it’s less refined than many of its European or Caribbean alternatives, yet still offers some of the most breathtaking beaches, perfect weather and delicious cuisines in the world. Because of these characteristics, the island tends to attract a group of people who share similar attitudes toward travelling regardless of how luxurious they choose to make their holiday.
Having only been on the map as major tourist destinations for about a decade, travelers looking for luxury in Koh Samui have typically accepted the obvious answer for accommodation, which traditionally has been an expensive suite at a beachfront hotel. But those who are tuned in to a new trend in Samui are starting to ask these travelers the same question:
Why hotel, when you can villa?
There are many benefits to staying in a villa as opposed to a hotel, but here are just a few:
- For families travelling together, it is often more economical to rent a private villa than multiple hotel rooms, and you never have to worry about not having adjoining rooms available.
- You get all the benefits of having a private residence: Privacy. Acting however you choose without any judgmental eyes on you. Peace and quiet when you want it.
- You have more options for a better location. As most hotels are located on very popular beaches, most guests spend their trip surrounded by many people. A villa can offer a more secluded experience, or at least one that’s more authentic to the culture and less developed.
- It’s a more efficient way to “escape.” Studies show that it takes time to mentally integrate with a holiday destination and really feel like you’ve escaped from daily life. You’ll have an easier time pretending or imagining that you actually live in a place if there aren’t hundreds of other tourists around you every minute of the day, so staying in a villa can speed this process.
A Better Way to Stay
As the villa-holiday-stay is trending there are many management companies you can work with, however not all offer the same quality of accommodation or service. One particular villa rental management team based Samui, called In Villa Luxuries has capitalized on the trend, catering to Samui’s more pragmatic crowd. Working directly with luxury developers on the island, In-Villa Luxuries is helping visitors feel like the island is more than just a holiday destination; it’s a home away from home.
For investors or long-term holidaymakers, there are two interesting new luxury developments on Samui: one called The Cascades (www.cascadessamui.com) is due to start construction shortly, and another that is already in progress (and sold 50% within a few months after launching) called The Ridge (www.theridgesamui.com).
Two Prime Examples of Samui’s Villa Options: The Ridge and Cascades
Both exclusive private developments, the decor inspiration for each has come from all over the world, utilizing neutral colours, soft tones, natural wood and stone. White sand-wash terraces ensure coolness under-foot even in Samui’s bright sunshine. The unpolished marble provides a non-slip finish to the pool surroundings, sleek high end bathroom fittings and accessories, beautifully tiled bathrooms with floor to ceiling glass partitions, even stairs which are constructed ‘outside’ of the main footprint of the house so as not to eat into the living areas.
The Cascades derives its name from the spectacular infinity pools enjoyed by each owner, together with the natural seasonal streams that cascade through the enormous granite boulders. The development is about lush green rolling hillsides and coconut groves, picturesque waterfalls and magnificent ocean views.
The development called The Ridge is nestled within the tranquil surroundings of swaying palms and panoramic sea views. Just minutes from the island’s most famous beaches, tourist attractions and restaurants, The Ridge villas are the perfect vacation home in tropical paradise. Whether you want to cool off in your private infinity pool, take a stroll along beautiful Choeng Mon Beach, visit the golden statue of Big Buddha, dine in the charming restaurants of Fisherman’s Village or enjoy the nightlife of Chaweng, the villas are situated for any type of lifestyle.
So Who “Villas?”
Of course tourists are a huge market for renting villas, but someone needs to buy the villas in the first place. Holidaymakers who frequently visit Thailand, retirees who spend part of the year back in their home country are some of the most common buyers. Because tourist-turned-expats make up a large number of the international investors in Thailand in general, In-Villa Luxuries is now growing that niche with villa developments offering what practically anyone in Thailand would look for in their dream home: comfort, convenience, space, a view, and much more.
