International Lifestyle Magazine International Lifestyle Magazine Issue29 | Page 58
www.internationallifestylemagazine.comA water buffalo wades through the shallow waters, metres away from me. He stares at me for a minute and then looks away, without a care in the world. Apart from the buffalo, I am completely alone. Sunset is a peaceful affair here as Bang Rak beach runs for miles without a single person in sight. , QHYHU WKRXJKW , ZRXOG �QG this sort of tranquillity on the
holidaymakers� playground of Koh
Samui. But it is all around me: from
the minute I awake to the afternoon
spent watching the water-buffalo
frolic in the water to the evening
when the ocean lulls me to sleep.
At my base in Upni Duniya, I get
acquainted with a different side of
Koh Samui, one that shies away
from glossy posters and travel pin-
ups.
Thailand�s Sweetheart
In the last decade, Samui has
become Thailand�s tourism
sweetheart, drawing thousands
of travellers here with its perfect
year-round tropical climate and
idyllic location in the Gulf of Siam.
It was only 30 years ago when WKH �UVW EDFNSDFNHUV DUULYHG RQ the isle via dingy coconut boats. 7RGD\ WKH SULPLWLYH �VKHUPHQ�V settlement has developed into
a full-scale tourist destination
boasting high-end resorts and
modern malls.
But Samui has not forgotten its
roots. Beyond the touristy town RI &KDZHQJ OLH WUDGLWLRQDO �VKLQJ towns, sprawling coconut palm tree plantations and remnants of the island�s heritage and culture. Tucked between golf courses and boutique hotels are strings of hidden villages and empty beaches. Upni Duniya�It�s precisely why I chose to move to Koh Samui,� Salim Jiwa, a long-term resident shares his love for the island. �Samui might have developed drastically over the years, but much of the island is still covered with plantations and �VKHUPHQ YLOODJHV� Since nine years ago, Salim
planted his roots here and worked
hard to retain his and Samui�s
identities. Upni Duniya is the fruit of
his labour, a luxurious beachfront
residence transformed from his
former private home.
Swathed in rich teak-wood
panelling, matching red opulent
lamps from Chiangmai, oversized
ceilings and local artwork, every
corner of the boutique villa is
closely linked to the Thai culture.
Although local architectural style
takes centre stage at Upni Duniya,
mod cons are not forgotten. My
oceanfront master suite features
state-of-the art entertainment
systems and electronic blinds.
Glass doors open up to my
very own open-air Jacuzzi, EDFNGURSSHG E\ WKH LQ�QLW\HGJH pool and the beach.
Upni Duniya translates to �Our :RUOG� LQ +LQGL � DSWO\ GHVFULELQJ how this villa warmly welcomes By Nellie HuangAs Thailand�s third largest island, Koh Samui has blossomed into one of Southeast Asia�s most sought-after beach destinations. But amidst the touristy towns and chic restaurants, there remain pockets of tranquil KLGHRXWV DQG WUDGLWLRQDO �DLU Searching for Samui