Super-Luxe Retreats: Four Seasons Resort, Koh Samui, Thailand

I visualise - for relaxation, sometimes during yoga, to get to sleep or if I'm just feeling a bit 'fed up'. I've got a few places I go to. Sometimes country hills or mountains, more often somewhere near the sea; a white sand beach with crystal clear waters. One of my favourite places is the reception terrace at Four Seasons Resort, Koh Samui.

Visualisation is a powerful tool; used in meditation or as treatment for anxiety and depression it can work miracles. Some believe, if you visualise something enough, it will become reality.

I visualise - for relaxation, sometimes during yoga, to get to sleep or if I'm just feeling a bit 'fed up'. I've got a few places I go to. Sometimes country hills or mountains, more often somewhere near the sea; a white sand beach with crystal clear waters. One of my favourite places is the reception terrace at Four Seasons Resort, Koh Samui.

"A reception area?" I hear you exclaim. Doesn't sound very exciting does it? This one however, like the rest this Four Seasons Resort, is a little bit different...

Driving up the steep hill at the back of the resort we're unaware of what lies ahead. A smiling lady greets us then escorts us through a door to a private check-in area. There's a subtle citrus aroma, fresh lemons I think. We're given some coconut milk and a flower garland.

We hear the crashing sound of a Thai gong. The huge wooden double doors in front of us open. We're shown through to the 'waiting area'. "If you'd like to wait here someone will escort you to your villa." I gasp. I don't want to go to my villa. I want to stay here. This waiting area isn't like the one at the doctor's. It's like the gates to heaven, (or how I imagine it anyway).

Perched on what seems like the top of the world, the hillside terrace looks out on to the one of the most incredible panoramic views I've ever seen. Directly below us is the resort; a dream of coconut and palm trees, tropical forests with torch-lit walkways and hidden pool villas. A vast tree-house spa sits halfway up a hill, with a snowy white sand beach and clear turquoise ocean beyond. It's just breathtaking.

The thing I said before about the gates of heaven? Turns out it is. Four Seasons Resort, Koh Samui is in a world of it's own. It is heavenly.

The Room: Villa 606 set in the hillside, a lavishly furnished Thai-style villa with his and her dressing rooms, a sea view bath, and a HUGE terrace; complete with double daybed, outside dining area, outdoor bar and wine fridge and private plunge pool overlooking the jungle and sea below. Villa amenities and facilities include kingsize beds, flat screen TV, monsoon showers and Four Seasons own brand products.

The Spa: Hidden in the jungle, candlelit bamboo walkways lead to scattered tree-house style, superluxe spa suites, with indoor and outdoor treatment beds double tubs and private relaxation areas. Spa facilities include: Mani and pedi suites, a hair salon, sauna, steam rooms, rain showers and a spa shop.

Spa Products:Ila

The Treatment: The Tibetan 'Ku Nye Massage' begins with a natural foot scrub using a blend of oils, Himalayan salt and Eucalyptus leaves from the forest. A chime of the Tibetan bell is followed by a relaxing aroma inhalation then kneading back massage using warm salt poultices (salt & herb pouches) infused with marigold and lavender to soothe and open energy channels. Warm lavender oil is then poured on to the skin for a full body relaxing aroma massage followed by a gentle yogic stretch. The treatment concludes with a marma-pressure point head massage and awakening chime of the Tibetan bell.

Other Treatments Include: Full Moon Ritual, a combined body scrub, chakra crystal massage and bliss facial using essential oils of rose, jasmine and sandalwood to reawaken and promote a feeling of calm.

To Eat: Lan Tania for Thai and Italian à la carte, with magnificent views of the resort, top notch service and delicious cocktails. Try the whole spicy sea bass and fresh mango sorbet. Pla Pla for casual beachside Mediterranean lunches, and the Beach Bar for lazy cocktails and snacks. In-room dining available. Weekly BBQs on the beach.

Don't Miss: So much! The dance and fireshow beach BBQ, movies under the stars, yoga asanas on the beach and the tropical cocktail class.

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