The Art of Surrender
Prestige Singapore|January 2023
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.
The Art of Surrender

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.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM PRESTIGE SINGAPOREView all
Sailing Into A Dream
Prestige Singapore

Sailing Into A Dream

Scenes from the fantasy feature Game of Thrones come to life in the otherworldly landscapes of the Arctic Circle.

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2024
Here Come The Sun Seats
Prestige Singapore

Here Come The Sun Seats

Italian furniture has long held the crown for blending luxurious, sophisticated design with impeccable craftsmanship.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
ABSOLUMENT FAB
Prestige Singapore

ABSOLUMENT FAB

France's premier fair for fine-art and antiques returns for its third edition inside its new home in the Grand Palais.

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2024
Through the Director's Lens
Prestige Singapore

Through the Director's Lens

Filmmaker JIA ZHANGKE and his protégé RAFAEL MANUEL share their perspectives on life, cinema and their current projects.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
THE CUTTING EDGE
Prestige Singapore

THE CUTTING EDGE

Having long played quiet supporting roles in the gem industry, gem cutters are finally having their day in the sun. Four acclaimed independent master gem cutters share more about their love of the craft and the creation of their best pieces.

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2024
Spheres of Power
Prestige Singapore

Spheres of Power

Following up on the gold- and titanium-focused Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams launch collection, the superstar now turns to pearls for a softer, but no less striking, second act.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Horological Masterpieces Reimagined
Prestige Singapore

Horological Masterpieces Reimagined

Beyond the wrist, these timekeepers transcend all traditional boundaries.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
WILD IMAGINATION
Prestige Singapore

WILD IMAGINATION

Cartier's latest category-spanning Panthère de Cartier novelties showcase the endless ways in which the panther continues to inspire.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
READY FOR ACTION
Prestige Singapore

READY FOR ACTION

The latest watch to come from the celebrated Richard Mille and McLaren partnership looks set to be another trailblazing timepiece.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
THE RIGHT ANGLES
Prestige Singapore

THE RIGHT ANGLES

Twenty-five years after the launch of its last new collection, Twenty-4, Patek Philippe introduces the Cubitus range.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024