The Art of Surrender

On a recent sojourn to Thailand, Nafeesa Saini checks into two elevated beach breaks luxury lair Samujana Villas Koh Samui and legendary health resort Chiva-Som Hua Hin - and rediscovers herself in the process.

Samujana Villas, Koh Samui

"Relax," says the yoga master, who is lying supine on the mat with his legs raised, as I stand facing him. He plants his feet on each side of my lower belly, and asks if I'm scared. "No, I trust you," I say, as I lean onto his feet and clasp his hands. In one smooth motion, he bends his legs and lifts me off the floor.

Once stable, I let go of his hands and stretch my arms. I'm immediately bowled over by my ability to "fly". This Acro Yoga pose is monumental as it requires tremendous trust for strangers and in yourself - something I'd lost sight of after the pandemic years left me desensitised and overly cautious. But as we venture out into the world now, I vowed to throw myself into every experience. My inaugural trip to Koh Samui would be the starting point.

A WARM WELCOME

Koh Samui is accessible via daily direct flights from Singapore on boutique airline Bangkok Airways. From the get-go, our journey is made smooth thanks to priority passes that enabled quick check-ins and baggage retrievals. Arriving at Samui Airport is a delight in itself. Brightly coloured sightseeing trolleys take you past mountain views to the open-air arrival terminal lined with bamboo thatched snack shacks, cafes and gardens.

Once the gateway to the party mecca of Koh Phangan, Koh Samui has grown up. Today, the island is a peaceful sanctuary for those looking for privacy and luxury. Assuring you'll be spoilt for choice, it is home to a gamut of high-end properties lining its shores and coves. Among them is Samujana Villas, a hilltop hideaway minutes away from the airport.