Tamarind Spa Excellent !

The day started with a late wake up for most of us. For some, it is as usual. Others have already completed their exercises at the gym or running out near the beach and on the way for breakfast.

The free pick up from Tamarind Spa came at 10.15 a.m. It came promptly and picked up all 9 of us. Eagerly anticipated for this exotic spa, we arrived about 25 minutes later. It was a re-visit for me but for rest of them this is the first time.

As this is the tourist low season and the spa has some renovation, we have a 20% discount as well as the free trip pick and drop off. 4of us got upgraded to the couple special area for massage. The rest will be in the common area.The spa is very professional in the way that each of us have to fill in our particulars as well as to declare any medical conditions. No mobile phones and camera allowed. So there will be no pictures to show.

After we decided our packages, we are led to the front reception where the cold icy giner tea drink,towels, locker kerys and sarongs are folded neatly waiting for us. Within the locker there is a little woven basket for us to place our towels, keys, books and some personal items. We took a quick shower and was walking towards the herbal steam bath.

It was very funny when you see us ( man and women) in sarongs walking on the stone path with a rustic forest trees and sound of birds and rustle of leaves around us towards a big stone. The herbal steam bath room is built between 2 stones. The smell of the lemon grass and other spice in the herbal steam room is aromatic. The man was the first to go in, follow by the ladies. By the way, it is a common steam room. So the sarong is to cover up the body. Outside of the herbal steam room, there is a cool water pool where water ran down like mini water fall. We were all chatting happily in the steam room as there are no other people except the group of 9 of us. After some 30 minutes, some left to go for a dip in the water, others decided to sit at the sun bench and have a little sunshine. A little hut, with clean empty glass, as well as bottled tank of icy water is within it. It provides water for those who felt thirsty after the steam bath. We were there for an hour before the runner came and give us instruct to clean oursleves in the washroom nearby before the massage.

Thanks for MBU and HH Team, CPC team members have the priviledge of the private massage areas. It was just so perfect for us. CK and I were in one of the private massage area. Mathi and Andy were in the next ( a level little lower than ours). The private massage area is made up of a 6 long wooden beams hut with 2 roof fans spining above us. All around us is open. Breeze is flowing gently across. Sound of the leave rustling as the wind blows can be heard as your body is being massaged. Pipe-in music is playing at the background. As the masseur worked on my body, head and to my neck with the aromatheraphy oil, I felt asleep. The spa package which we took is called Sheer Indulgence. We have a choice of head or foot massage. I took up the foot one.

I was not aware how long it was before the masseur gently called me to flip over and lie on my back. As she gently pressed on the tired muscles, I once felt back into sleep. After 2 hours, I was awaken by the sound of a bird crying at the background as it flew pass. It was near the end of the massage. I just hope that the massage still goes on. It was so good. I needed this massage for so long.

It was 3. p.m when we completed our massage and thoroughly changed and washed up. Our tummies are rumbling as none of us has had any lunch. We had brunch only. The van took us to Chewang beach. We found a Thai resturant and sat down for our tea (3.30 p.m ). Tea for this case as Pad Thai, Fried Waton, Spring roll, Burger and Coconut juices.

The massage was so excellent that many of us cried for more. We wished we have another session sooner. As for now, we are planning for our next massage session on Friday before our flight back to Singapore. The free Spa Guide book for Koh Samui will be our guide for our next selection.

For those who are coming in for our kick off this evening. My strongest recommendation is to go for Tamarind Spa. You will not regret it for the service, embience and the special features like herbal steam bath. You will not get such natural environment for spa with such service and enjoy the natural breeze for 3. 5 hours at this price back in Singapore. I guarantee you such package is not possible in Singapore.

Paradise, Relax

Reporting from live from Koh Samui to all those who are travelling tomorrow. We landed safely and the weather is very good. It is not humid but it is definitely not as warm as Singapore.

The Koh Samui Airport is very unique. Once you stepped out of the airport, you do not feel as if this is the airport. It is spacious, no high-rise building around, lots of trees and bushes. Even it is 9.30 p.m in Thailand time when we reach the custom, we do not feel that it was that late. We are one of the largest group of tourist in that flight.

2 9 seater van picked us up from the meeting point. Our hotel is only 15 minutes away from the airport.

Anantara Resort and Spa is very nice. Positioned as a boutique resort the interior and the rooms are designed very much to the local Thai theme. Some of the lucky ones actually got more spacious rooms than ours.

Rating for this resort ? Personally, I give this a 4/5. Banyan Tree is still the best when compared to this. Something about Banyan Tree that make the spirit and the feeling, senses and smell so different from others. However, these little items in the room do make you feel unique. See the pictures

Well, we are feeling very relax and wanted to dive straight to bed. For the MBU team, their tummies are rumbling and they went straight for supper outside.

Well, my room- mate and I will be zzzz soon after a couple of urgent emails clearence. The 9 of us who are spa-lovers will be all ready for tomorrow spa at Tamarind. Some of them will be going out to the sea and diving. We will have an enjoyable time tomorrow.

For the Wednesday team, we look forward to see you tomorrow night for supper ?

Bangkok Airways

The plane we are taking is from Bangkok Airways. It is safe. No worries and fear. Read on.

Those who are still having flying fear. Call me up ! I will give you a secret recipe for ensuring you have the peace of mind.

I think by now, Evelyn is already there. So no sweat. She would have enjoyed her flight and landed safely then!

What to know more about Bangkok Airway(BKK). Here is an abstract:

BKK Airways is a regional airline based in BKK, Thailand. It is a boutique airline that travels to exotic places within Thailand, Cambodia, China, Japan, Laos, Maldives, Myanmar, Singapore and Vietnam. It main base is Suvarnbhumi Airport in BKK.

BKK Airways is established in 1968 as Sahakol Air operating air taxi under contract from OICC, an American construction company, USOM and a number of other organisations engaged in oil and natural gas exploration in the Gulf of Thailand. In 1986, it becomes Thailand's first privately owned domestic airline and rebranded to BKK Airway in 1989. It is now owned by Dr Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth (92.31% ), Sahakol Estate(4.3%) , Bangkok Disit Medical Services(1.2%) and other shareholders(2.19%). It has 1903 employees and also wholly owns subsidiary airline Siem Reap Airways. So it is not a small company.

Do you also know that this airline own airport on Ko Samui (which opened in April 1989 and offers direct flight from Singapore, Hong Kong and Phuket )

More details click onto their homepage

http://www.bangkokair.com/en/information_service/cooperate.php

Samui Airport Ranks World’s Top TenAirportsRecently, Samui Airport was announced the world’s top ten airports following an annual “Best Travel Brand 2007” poll surveyed by one of Asia’s forefront travel magazines, Smart Travel Asia. The airport was also in the top- ten ranking last year by the same institution. The success has once again brought the reputation of ‘Samui’ to the world among the top names in the ‘Best Airports Worldwide’. The poll’s top-ten result also includes Bangkok Airways as an airline in the “Best Cabin Service Worldwide” category. All results are available at http://www.smarttravelasia.com/

Guys and Gals we are going to the Best Travel Brand 2007 Airport and the Top few Exotic places in Thailand! Another place I have been but more remote is Trang. Anyone been there ?

Anyway, this is going to be place where we will enjoy. So relax and be ready to fly !!!!!!!

Spa-Lovers Group

Hey, did you know AP PSG has a group of Spa lovers ? Yes, people who know how to work hard and enjoy life ! Who are they ? Post your comments here and watch out for the coming photos posted, you will know who these fun looking people will be !

Why need to spa ?

Boy, look at the quotas given by our bosses! It is so challenging that it will cause most of us to need more spa for the months to come. So before the year starts, let give ourselves a treat, relax and get ourselves into our perfect mood for the quota challenge!

Where are we going ?

Tamarind Spa as I recommended in the email.

Here's the link again.

http://www.tamarindretreat.com/

When are we going ?

Those travelling on Tuesday night will be there the next day. I am trying to get group booking now!

How about those travelling on Wednesday night ?

Try to form a group for Friday spa then !

Is this worth it ?

Price is steeper than local walk in shops one. But ambience and facilities and hygiene as well as professionalism and English-speaking staff is worth it. I tried using local masseur who does not understand English. My heart nearly popped out when I told her to be lighter in strength and she interpret it to be harder ! She pressed and twisted me so hard that I heard my bones cracking. That is the last time I am using non English speaking masseur.

Secondly, call me Ms Fussy and I don't care. Hygiene to me is very important. If the masseur finger nails are not sparkling clean with no dirt traces behind the nails, it passed my first test. If the towels and the blankets and all things used in the spa is neat and span, it passes my next test.

Is Spa for Ladies only?

This is inaccurate. Massage is for all gentleman and ladies. There is even a testimonial left by a Simon guy from UK on this website.

Massage is the key to Spa. Spa is massage + all the embience + activiting all your 5 senses. So it is wrong to think that Spa is for ladies only. I corrected my hubby's thinking some 9 years ago. He was traditionally brought up in a Chinese family that Spa is only for ladies. Massage must go to the Chinese Traditional Medical Hall ! His definition of massage is to get your bones and tendon fixed. I nearly fainted when I knew this. Of course, there are some spa which claim to be spa but it is a cover-up for vice (These are mainly known as common bath areas like those in Hong Kong and some in China!)

How long will we spent there?

Here as long as you want. Imagine for once, you will be all by yourself, sipping your drink, listening to soft pipe-in music (No, natural music from the birds and the rustle of the leaves), feeling the cool breeze. No phone calls. No children. No wife or husband or boyfriend or girlfriend at your back. For a life time of 2- 2.5 hours of your own free time to enjoy and nap. What would you not give up for such luxury for once in a year ? Those who have family and small children will understand what I meant.

I am not comfortable to have opposite or same sex to massage me. What can I do ?

Request for the one suitable for you. If you a guy and cannot imagine another guy rubbing your back, ask for a lady instead. If you are a lady and do not want a guy masseur, ask for a lady masseur instead.

Those who have not try Spa. Give it a try ! You will not regret it. I rather you choose one that the group and crowd is going than to give your first trial to an unpleasant experience. I am sure you will not forget the spa.

Check out the details on this spa before you decide. There is a herbal(Thai herb with a little spice) steam bath. You will be given a sarong to wrap around. Thailand tradition is very different from others. No exposure. So I recommend those who can take steam bath to try. If not, try the cold water bath near the rock then.

Latest News from Ms Yam

Latest Intelligent from Yam is that there is a lot of mosquito at the resort and we are advised to bring repellent, unless you are willing to donate blood.

Thus, remember to grab all the

1.Preventive items like:
Johnson's baby clear lotion anti-mosquito Protect
21st Century Citronella Oil: A natural insect repellent made with Citronella Oil which repels mosquitoes.

2. Offensive Medication rub like:
Hansaplast Anti-itching Gel
Mopiko
Axe Brand Anti itch medical oil
Tea- Tree Oil

Alternatively, closed your room doors and on the air-con. Wear long sleeves if you want( but it is already so humid and warm).

Anantara Spa and Resort, Samui

I have more information on the hotel. This is not a normal hotel. It is a Spa resort !. Besides the link that Quek gave us. I found more pictures taken by other travellers about this resort. One of them even have their wedding there.

So for those who is planning for their wedding, you can consider this.

Those planning to renew their wedding vows can do so too !
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g293918-d557325-r5010649-Anantara_Resort_Spa_Samui-Ko_Samui.html
http://www.asiarooms.com/thailand/koh_samui_island/anantara_resort_&_spa-hotel-reviews/188407.html

Check out the swimming pool. It looks as if it is next to the beach. I can smell the sea breeze now.

Hai-kiat:Giving Respect in Thailand

Someone said : " When in Rome, do what the Romans do. "

So when you are in Thailand, please also be sensitive to the local, Thai manners. Though we are tourists, I believe if you treat them with respect in their Thai ways, the same will be reciporated back to us.

Remember:

Do not insult or be critical about their King. Thai holds the utmost respect for the King. Reference recent case of the video on YouTube on Thai King. The uproar is tremendous.
Show respect to the monks. Remember. Thailand is a mainly a Buddist country. Monks are actually higher class than commoners.

Putting on a Smile
In Thailand, almost everything in life involves a smile, even blunders and mishaps. Westerners often mistake this for being laughed at. For example, if a waitress forgets an order and laughs, she is not showing contempt, just making the best of a bad situation. If you complain, do so gracefully as anger usually gets you nowhere.

Dressing for the Occasion
Cleanliness and neatness are also important. In tropical Thailand, never put off showering or doing your laundry. Most Thais keep themselves scrupulously clean and dress respectably. T-shirts, sandals and knee-length shorts are suitable for informal occasions, but visits to palaces, government offices and some temples usually require something more appropriate. Nudity is forbidden, and topless bathing can offend, even though it is tolerated on some tourist beaches.

Showing Respect
The head is high and the feet are low, both physically and spiritually. Never touch anyone’s head, and avoid gesturing (especially towards a Buddha image), moving things and touching people with your feet, even if you do see people doing it to their friends. Before entering a temple or a person’s home, remove your shoes. Someone told me even touching a kid's head as a gesture that he is so cute is also frown and not taken

Good Table Manners
Shared meals are served in separate dishes with serving spoons. If someone invites you to eat, use the serving spoons to put food on your plate, not your personal spoon. Take small amounts of all the food instead of keeping one kind for yourself. Using a toothpick after the meal is acceptable if you cover your mouth with one hand.

Table Manners
Click on this link. http://www.phuket.com/dining/howto.htmEspecially on who pick the tab, leaving food on the dish, taking portion on more than you eat. Placement of chopsticks etc.

Common Thai Manners:

http://www.1stopphuket.com/culture/etiquette/

http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/thailand-country-profile.html

Reminder: Checklist of things to bring

To those frequent traveller, you may skip this post. I know you guys have your bags are packed and it is just throw in all the things, zip up and go. Maybe for a few lucky guys, packing is all done by the wives !

Remember:
Hand-carried bag cannot have more than 100ml of liquid. If you are spotted and checked at the customs, you may have to throw away the rest of your cosmetics, lotions, toothpaste etc.Alternatively, pack all this into your bag and to be checked in.

No sharp objects or items. No scissors, nail filers, pen knife etc.

Anyway, here are the list of essentials to bring:

1. Your regular medicine bag (Medication that you common use, plaster for cuts, mosqitoes repellent if you are afriad)
2. Sun tan or block for those want to tan or want to prevent pigmentation on the face(especially the ladies)
3. Swim wear to standby even if you do not want to go down the pool or beach.
4. Comfortable shoes for walking on muddy or slopes. Slippers for convenience. Or something that can have the feature of both and yet presentable and comfortable.
5. Change of clothing
6. All skin care products
7. Caps or sun glasses
8. Charger for Telephone, laptop, cameras (Batteries) or tapes for videocam
9. Small towel or bottle( if you want to bottled your our water for outdoors)
10.Phone list of your room-mate or rest of your team. In case we get lose, call each other.
11.Passport and necessary documents
12. Credit card, cash and Driving lisense( if anyone of you want to rent a jeep: I don't remember we show our lisense of renting jeep)

If I miss out anything, please add onto comment for the benefit of those reading this and coming in through the next flight.

By the way, I strongly do not encourage anyone to try to ride a bike in Thailand or foreign places even with a bike lisense or without a safety helmet.

Our first reaction

When we know that we are going to Koh Samui for kick off. The department is full of buzz. For some of them, this is their maiden trip to Koh Samui. To others, this is a re-visit.

Those who have family, many have to seek " approval" for travel. This is because we cannot bring along our family or spouse. This is a business trip.

Basic questions on our mind are :
1. When are we going and how long willl we be there ?
2. What type of business trip will this be ? All meetings only ? That is we see the beach but cannot enjoy in it ?
3. What can we do there in this place called Koh Samui ?
4. How long is the flight ?
5. What plane are we taking ?
6. What hotel are we staying ?
7. Typical of Singaporean will be what type of food can we enjoy ? Seafood ! Lots and Lots of Fresh Seafood at cheap cheap price !

To some, I do not know how they feel. Please drop in comments and share how do you feel when you know when you first hear about kick off at Koh Samui.

About Koh Samui

Share some research done on Koh Samui with the rest of the team !

Koh Samui Demographic
http://www.kohsamui.org/pics.html
http://www.1stopsamui.com/


Interest and Day Activities
Those who want to shop or wonder what todo , can check this out.
http://www.amari.com/tta/desguide_samui.asp
How about renting a luxurious Catamaran to discover islands of Koh Som and Koh Phangan ?
http://www.samuizazen.com/samui-activity.html
http://www.kosamui.com/activities/index.html

Business Development in Koh Samui
Those who want to help company to sell more IT products, can visit all the icafebar there and see if upgrade plan possible for them.
http://www.world66.com/asia/southeastasia/thailand/kohsamui/cybercafes

Retire and Investment Planning
Those who want to retire there ( I hope I can be one of them ), check out the real estate price there
http://www.tamarindretreat.com/tamarindproperty/index.htm
http://www.cocosamui.com/

Spa- lovers ! (Not limit to Ladies only !) Must have before Y2008 target pressure starts!
Finally those who want to spa. This is the recommendation I have been there before. Average 3.5 hours to be spent. Anyone want to join me? We may able to bulk book the whole hut in the forest!
http://www.tamarindsprings.com/what_we_offer_packages.htm

Budget and Exchange Rate
Exchange rate : 1 SG to 21.7736 THB
http://www.xe.com/ucc/convert.cgi
I think in major hotels and restaurants credit card accepted.

FINE DINING
Those who fancy fine dining and would not touch roadside or local restaurant. Here’s the list. My recommendation fees is a invitation for me to join your dinner J
Blue Langoon
http://www.samuizazen.com/bestrestaurantssamui.html
http://www.siamdiningguide.com/dining_on_the_rocks.html
http://www.siamdiningguide.com/sala_thai.html

Exotic local Thai food
http://www.samui.org/dining/index.htm

Thai Cuisine and flavours varies according to regions. Read more
http://www.royalthai-cuisine.com/cooking/index.htm


Special Diet:
Vegetarian food: some organic vegetarian food café but burger and stuff, no pure vegetarian food. Thai and Italian Vegetarian : Axololl Village

Indian : Ali Baba at main Chaweng Beach Road. Tel: (077) 230-253; Noori India (http://www.siamdiningguide.com/noori_india.html)

For those who cannot live a day without Starbuck, there is Starbuck and McDonald too!

Shopping (arts and crafts, Christmas gifts, new house decoration)
Shopping (not really a place for those who has $ to spent on big ticket item) but may able to pick a few good art piece to bring home as Christmas gifts!
http://www.kohsamui.org/shopping.html
http://www.kosamui.com/shopping/


Sports
Healthy Sports for those who love grass, land, sea and water or smell of equipments in the gym
http://www.kohsamui.org/sports.html


Night life for those who stay up.
Full moon parties on Dec 12. Not sure if this is for those who are “ uhhem : the unnatural one or not “
By the way boys, watch your eyes and what you see. What seems to be reality is fake. U know what I mean.
Ladies do not be jealous as we are the real ones though they are beautiful!

Can anyone bring their GPS device incase we get lose in the sea and jungle while swimming with the snapper and dancing with the monkeys!
Singapore National Swimmer Ang Peng Siong who in 1982 US swimming championship won 50m freestyle in 22.69 sec, world best time for that year, mentioned in that Koh Samui will be his retirement place, staying in a kelong, swimming in the sea and be near to the beach. What a luxury !