You are greeted with a refreshing cold towel graciously presented to you by your limousine driver, who then takes you on a scenic coastal route to the island's finest hotel.
As you approach the tiny fishing village of Taling Ngam on the south-western coast of the island, two mighty stone elephants appear amidst the never ending coconut groves. Perched high on top of a cliff, like an eagle's nest overlooking the Gulf of Thailand — Baan Taling Ngam, your home on the beautiful cliff.
The resort cascades down the cliff to the beach below and comprises various styles of accommodation. Deluxe Rooms and Deluxe Salas are located in the main building and command towering views over the azure waters and the 50 islands of Ang Thong Marine Park on the horizon. All rooms are furnished in contemporary Thai style and feature large, private balconies and sensuous bathrooms. A few steps from the beach are seven Beach Suites, two-bedroom bungalows with adjacent living rooms and wooden verandas, ideal for young families.
Behind the main hotel, nestled between slender coconut trees and landscaped gardens, are the luxurious and individually appointed Cliff Villas, located high above the sea and boasting 240 square metres of space, each with two bedrooms and large balconies. Clustered in villages around series of smaller,private pools, each Cliff Villa is a sanctuary.
In this peaceful seclusion, time becomes unimportant. You are soon enveloped by the harmony and tranquillity of island life, the only audible sounds are those of swaying coconut trees and the tinkle of temple bells carried by the breeze. At sunset, one of nature's most wonderful spectacles unfolds.
Mandarin Oriental's legendary touches of luxury are everywhere; from the crisp linen sheets and fluffy towels, to the impressive array of amenities in the bathroom. Each accommodation is equipped with a state-of-the-art audio and video system, complemented by a video and CD library.
Gracious and welcoming staff are eager to pamper and please you, proud to live up to the heralded traditions of their sister hotel, The Oriental in Bangkok Facilities at Baan Taling Ngam range from the sublime to the sporting. Sipping cocktails around one of seven pools or in the Jacuzzi is wonderfully relaxing. A therapeutic massage is the ultimate way to rejuvenate body and soul.
The more energetic can jog along the mile-long private and palm-fringed beach or enjoy a game of tennis on one of the hotel's private courts, beautifully located in a peaceful coconut grove.
Every morning the local staff escort their guests on an early morning biking trip to the nearby fishing villages. What a delightful way to start the day! Scuba divers find their base at the in-house PADI licensed diving school, which is fully equipped with its own luxury 18-metre dive boat. TJne less daring will enjoy a snorkelling trip by speedboat to the Ang Thong Marine Park, to see of Thailand's colourful marine life; or they may take "long-tail" boat outings along the coast or the magical sunset cruise to the Birds' Nest islands of Koh Si and Koh Ha.
Dining at Baan Taling Ngam is an experience on its own. Seafood lovers will delight in the array of the island's choice of fresh seafood, ranging from lobsters, rock lobsters, prawns, squids and crabs to Koh Samui's famous spotted Garoupas. These magnificent fish grace the noble tables of places as far away as Hong Kong. Lorn Talay, which translates as "Sea Breeze", serves Royal Thai cuisine and Western grill fare in a delightful alfresco setting. Close to the beach is the Promenade, a seafood restaurant for more casual and romantic evenings. You can meet for aperitifs or adjourn there for after-dinner drinks and a stunning view of the setting sun.
From the balcony of your room you see fishing boats disappear into the horizon. The sound of temple bells are carried by the evening breeze. You feel at peace and in harmony with life.
Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi
51/4 Chiang Mai-Sankampaeng Road,
Moo 1, T. Tasala, A. Muang, Chiang Mai 50000
blog: Thaifood, Series, Inter Music
0 Comment:
Post a Comment