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To ring in 2024, we chose to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Thailand, one of my all-time favourite destinations. Thailand has climbed the ranks of global travel wish lists—especially after the third season of White Lotus was filmed in Ko Samui. They were filming while we were there, adding a surreal, cinematic touch to the entire trip! It was our third visit to the country, and for the third time, I failed to convince my group to explore the North—Chiang Mai remains high on my list, but the beaches won again. We opted for Phuket and Ko Samui, booking last minute, so minimizing travel time was key. I’ve spent several days in Bangkok on past visits—an electric city I wholeheartedly recommend for its blend of ancient temples, rooftop bars, and unbeatable street food. In Phuket, we stayed just south of Kamala Beach. If you’re after peace and quiet, I’d suggest staying up north—I did back in 2008 and loved it. Our itinerary was already set by the group’s organiser, my friend Susu, and the tone was clear: if you want to party like you would in Ibiza or Dubai, Phuket can deliver. |
On our first night, we headed to Catch for a sunset buffet barbecue followed by a DJ set. It’s a chic, upscale venue with a stylish, cosmopolitan crowd—think well-dressed guests and big-name DJs spinning under the stars. New Year’s Eve dinner was at Smile, right on Kamala Beach. Tables were arranged on the sand, with lanterns and even a dragon show—but tropical rain made for a dramatic twist. Luckily, the warm breeze dried everything quickly. I wore heels (big mistake!) but ditched them to dance barefoot in the sand—far better. We followed dinner with a night at Café del Mar, beautifully transformed with red decorations giving it a Chinese New Year vibe. The music and energy were fantastic, though our tuk-tuk arrival left us completely soaked. I started the evening in a sequinned Retrofête dress... and ended it wrapped in a beach towel. That’s Thailand for you: unpredictable, fun, and unforgettable. The next day brought a much calmer pace—lunch at Trisara Hotel at the northern tip of Phuket. The serene garden setting, live music, and gorgeous buffet were the perfect recovery. One of the most beautiful days of the trip was a speedboat tour of the Similan Islands, surrounded by turquoise waters and towering limestone formations. Sadly, I noticed more plastic pollution than during my 2008 visit. It’s a sobering reminder of the toll tourism can take. I couldn’t dive due to a post-COVID cold, but the snorkeling was phenomenal—the vibrant coral and fish put the Mediterranean to shame. |
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Of course, no Phuket trip is complete without a tuk-tuk tour of Patong. We did it in style—music blasting, lights flashing, and the madness of the nightlife flying past us. My advice? Tour it once for fun, then get out. Another unforgettable day was spent at Yona Floating Beach Club, the world’s first of its kind. Moored just off the coast, it’s a "dress-to-impress" spot for sushi lunches, champagne at sunset, and panoramic sea views—pure indulgence. After that, we flew to Ko Samui, and I have to say—I fell in love. The open-air airport immediately sets a relaxed tone. The island has become quite built up in recent years, and while I wish I’d seen it before the boom, its allure is still strong. It’s long been known for its yoga and wellness culture, and we were lucky to snag a spot at Vikasa (by pure chance—it’s usually fully booked). Yoga takes place in a stunning sea-facing pavilion, where the sound of waves accompanies every breath. The vibe is international, healthy, wholesome—perfect for remote work or a total reset. Their plant-based restaurant? You’ll want to spend the whole day there. For shopping, I had a ball. I discovered some fabulous local brands at the boutique inside Nikki Beach, located on the stunning stretch of Lipa Noi Beach—a soft, powdery haven that feels surprisingly untouched. I also stocked up at the local Ko Samui night market, filling my bags with straw hats, beach bags, and colourful accessories. |
We also explored the northwestern part of the island, where the Four Seasons is located—an area of breathtaking natural beauty, with hills cascading into private bays and palm-fringed shores. The sunsets here are pure gold. We made time to visit some of Ko Samui’s most iconic temples, including the Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai), the Secret Buddha Garden, and the colourful Wat Plai Laem. Each one offered its own atmosphere and sweeping island views. For a good evening and one of the best fire shows, head fo Coco Tam's Beach Restaurant. One of the most magical parts of the trip was a boat excursion to the Ang Thong National Marine Park, the stunning archipelago just off Ko Samui—the very same backdrop featured in White Lotus. We climbed to one of the highest viewpoints, and the reward was a panoramic sweep of emerald-green islands rising from sapphire-blue sea. It was beyond breathtaking, one of those moments where time stops and you just stand in awe. And the food—Thai cuisine is a true love of mine, and I indulged every day. From fragrant lemongrass soups to spicy green papaya salad and perfect pad thai, everything was delicious. But nothing beats a good Massaman curry—rich, warm, and deeply coconuty. I could eat it forever. There’s no doubt—I’ll be back. But next time, Chiang Mai awaits. |
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