The Dream Peace Collection of Koh Samui

THAILAND 2025 VOYAGE- PART 3

If you google key search words like ‘A tropical paradise’, ‘Heaven and Earth’,’Lush greenery surrounded by crystal clear waters’, ‘White sandy beaches’, ‘Peaceful and tranquil environment’, ‘An immersion in Thai culture’, ‘Echoing local architectural aesthetics’, or ‘Stunning sunsets’ –  the most likely destination that will appear on your screen will be Koh Samui, Thailand.

This is the third biggest island in Thailand and the largest in an archipelago of more than 80 islands. This popular destination features a variety of scenic beaches and activities that indeed attracts millions for a rewarding vacation.

A cautious alert first: Flying to Koh Samui may drain travelers’ wallets. Limited airline competition and the exclusive, privately owned airport (although the most scenic and unique airport I have ever experienced) play significant roles. For Israelis, departing Tel Aviv, this additional short-haul might cost as similar to a flight to a nearby country in Europe.

Regardless, exploring Thailand this winter we dared not to miss this dream reputed beautiful island. Endless panoramic vistas, viewpoints and sceneries in Koh Samui attract us and the eye never gets tired of the beauty the island offers.

The main attractions, besides relaxing on a quiet sandy beach enjoying the vastness of the water, the gentle sway of nearby trees and tall grasses, and the sun’s warm glow, are numerous.

The Wat Phra Yai, the Big Buddha Temple,, is home to a giant, 12-metre-high gold-painted Buddha statue, a recognizable symbol of the island ever since it was inaugurated in 1972.

The  80-metre-high Na Muang Waterfalls, creating natural pools, attract many, enjoying the falls cascade down the distinct purple rocks.

Hin Ta Hin Yai natural granite rocks create a buzz as there is hearsay among the locals that a while ago two grandparents who sailed perished and their bodies were washed ashore and turned into the stones as seen nowadays.

Chaweng is probably the most well-known and visited beach on the island and a lively area for an endless entertainment. The thriving Fisherman’s Village in Bophut beach is a popular walking street, with rustic shophouses converted into eateries, shops, beach bars and endless entertainment, especially after sunset. Friday evening is certainly the biggest highlight and a must to experience.

The Big Buddha Temple, is home to a giant, 12-metre-high gold-painted Buddha statue (photo by Motti Verses)

The 80-metre-high Na Muang with its purple rocks.
(photo by Motti Verses)

Hin Ta Hin Yai natural granite rocks attraction by the sea (photo by Motti Verses)

The thriving Fisherman’s Village on a Friday evening is certainly a highlight with alcoholic cocktails for 100 BAHT each (photo by Motti Verses)

Crocodile Skewers are offered in counters at the Fisherman’s Village on a Friday evening (photo by Motti Verses)

But like all travelers we are here to relax and unwind in a pampering hospitable hotel. As Minor Hotels has announced at the beginning of the year the rebranding of Peace Resort Samui to NH Collection Samui, we accepted the challenge and made it our home.

Endless cozy villas spread in lush greenery under coconut trees dominated the scenery. Our garden villa was cozy and comfortable. We certainly discovered here, in the north part of Koh Samui, the sights and sounds of nature while enjoying the tastefully well maintained accommodation, with a comfortable bed and a coffee table loaded with goodies.

By the indulging swimming pool we enjoyed a divine Thai massage treatment, provided in an open air hut. The pool was attractive, however the hotel’s pristine section on the famous Bophut Beach was the highlight. Our preferred place to be.

This resort was founded in 1977 by the Pupaiboon family. The property has been independently operated ever since, becoming a holiday destination for generations of Thais and international guests. This January a major change was marked when Minor Hotels made a significant move. “This is the first NH Collection in Thailand and we are very proud of the team and the resort, as we like to think we got the tranquility, the serenity and the uniqueness here, across the 122 rooms and villas”, says Graeme Ure, the charming and experienced General Manager.

‘What is the contrast between a family managed hotel to a property run by a global brand’, I ask the  Boss. “The difference is significant. Our advanced technological capabilities for marketing, reservations, bookings and loyalty programs are unique. The villa standards with upgraded branded matraces, bathroom amenities, bathrobes, or coffee machines are apparent as well. The guests of the NH Collection Samui Peace Resort certainly enjoy the change, but so are the hotel owners”, explains Ure. “Since COVID most of the owners in Koh Samui understand that global brands are a safe haven to overcome uncertainty in times of crisis. Furthermore the property’s value climbs substantially while managed by a reputed hotel chain”. Ure does not forget for a minute his staff and points at another asset a global brand possesses- the opportunity for career growth. With 5 hotels in Koh Samui alone and 30 Minor Hotels in Thailand it is certainly a perk for an ambitious employee that worked before just for one family hotel.

Analyzing the vibrant hospitality arena, the Thai-based Minor Hotels group apparently wants to play a significant role in the hotels major league and aims to expand its portfolio by a third by 2027. Six years ago the group –  known for its reputed Asian Anantara and Avani brands – made a momentous move in Europe and Latin America. It acquired the Spanish NH Hotel Group and added approximately 380 hotels to its portfolio. Trust me, there is nothing Spanish anymore here in Thailand, except the burgundy color of the staff uniform and umbrellas by the pool and beach that might resemble Spain’s flag color.

What exactly is the NH Collection brand? I recently asked Alexander Dürr, a Senior Director of Operations at Minor Hotels. “Ten years ago, we at NH Collection began by creating a promise: a stay driven by extraordinary emotions. Today, with properties in 21 countries worldwide, we’ve already created millions of unique hospitality moments,” he says. “By really connecting with our destinations, the locals and culture, NH Collection has welcomed over 35 million guest stays already. Our hotels are characterized either by the charm of classic architecture or avant-garde modern design”, Dürr reveals.

An aerial look of the recently rebranded NH Collection Samui Peace Resort (photo by the NH Collection)

Endless cosy villas spread in lush greenery
under coconut trees dominated the scenery (photo by Motti Verses)

We certainly discovered the sights and sounds of nature in the resort (photo by Motti Verses)

We enjoyed the tastefully well maintained Garden Villa with a comfortable bed (photo by Motti Verses)

By the indulging swimming pool we enjoyed a divine Thai massage treatment, provided in this open air hut by Aom and Toh (photo by Motti Verses)

Our preferred place to be – the hotel’s section of Bophut Beach (photo by Motti Verses)

Executive Chef Patchaorn Pechmanee at the local market (photo by Motti Verses)

Pechmanee’s Som Tum – Green Papaya Salad was a riot of fresh colours and crunchy textures (photo by Motti Verses)

With General Manager Graeme Ure – right: ”we are very proud of the team and the resort” (photo by Motti Verses)

The NH Collection Samui Peace Resort is also defined by amazing gastronomy. Breakfast is rich and tasty in the restaurant overlooking the sea. Und, Executive Chef Patchaorn Pechmanee, who’s running the show here, surprised us with an experience. We joined her at the local market to buy fish and fresh products for a personal Thai cooking class. The Som Tum – Green Papaya Salad she taught us to prepare, was a riot of fresh colours and crunchy textures and the additional dishes were just divine. The dinner served in the hotel’s beachfront restaurant was a gastronomic feast. The talented executive chef is a master of Thai food. This resort certainly has great cuisine to offer guests.

All in all, Koh Samui is a heaven on earth for travelers, particularly those searching for a family vacation. Its postcard-perfect beaches, laid-back vibes and vibrant culture will recharge your batteries. Checking out the dream Peace Collection of the island we just experienced, might be a challenge to overcome.