By Lisa Brown

Visualisation is a powerful tool and, used in meditation or as treatment for anxiety and depression, it can work miracles. Some believe, if you visualise something enough, it will become reality.

I visualise – for relaxation, sometimes during yoga, to get to sleep or if I’m just feeling a bit fed up. I’ve got a few places I go to. Sometimes country hills or mountains, more often somewhere near the sea; a white sand beach with crystal clear waters – one of my favourite places is the reception terrace at Four Seasons, Koh Samui.

Reception areas aren’t most people’s paradise but this one, like the rest of Four Seasons Samui, is a little bit different…

Driving up the steep hill at the back of the resort we’re unaware of what lies ahead. A smiling lady greets us then escorts us through a door to a private check-in area. There’s a subtle citrus aroma, fresh lemons I think. We’re given some coconut milk and a flower garland. We’re shown through to the waiting area. “If you’d like to wait here someone will escort you to your villa.” I gasp. I don’t want to go to my villa. I want to stay here. This waiting area isn’t like any I’ve seen before. It’s like the gates to heaven.

Perched on what seems like the top of the world, the hillside terrace looks out on to one of the most incredible panoramic views I’ve ever seen. Directly below us is the resort; a dream of coconut trees, tropical forests and torch-lit walkways with hidden pool villas. A vast treehouse spa sits halfway up a hill, with a snowy white sand beach and clear turquoise ocean beyond. It’s just breathtaking. Four Seasons, Samui is literally in a world of it’s own. It really is heavenly.

The Spa

Hidden in the jungle, candlelit bamboo fringed walkways lead to scattered tree-house style, super luxe spa suites, with indoor and outdoor treatment beds, double tubs and private relaxation areas.

The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui offers a delicate balance of refreshment for mind, body and beauty. Centuries-old healing techniques, summoning the secrets of herbal and holistic remedies, are deeply rooted in Thailand’s rich spa heritage.

Individual treatment rooms are housed in five salas (covered verandas) each with two indoor and two outdoor Thai-style massage beds, an outdoor shower, an outdoor bathtub and a steam room or indoor rain shower. A separate treatment sala is available for facials, waxing and manicures.

The Treatment

My Tibetan ‘Ku Nye Massage’ began with a natural foot scrub using a blend of oils, Himalayan salt and eucalyptus leaves from the forest. A chime of the Tibetan bell was followed by a relaxing aroma inhalation. A kneading back massage using warm salt poultices infused with marigold and lavender soothed and opened my energy channels. Warm lavender oil was then poured onto my skin as a full body relaxing aroma massage soothed away any knots. This was followed by a gentle yogic stretch, and then a marma-pressure point head massage, before a second chime of the Tibetan bell brought me back from my state of bliss.

Other Treatments

Full Moon Ritual: The waxing phase of the moon up until the full moon is the ideal time to nurture and calm body and mind. The blissful experience re-awakens the body and spirit while promoting a sense of calm. A body scrub using rose, jasmine and sandalwood oils prepares the body and mind for an energy-balancing Chakra Crystal Massage. The ritual concludes with a luxurious Bliss Facial.

The Biorhythm Restoring Ritual: The treatment aims to rebalance the body’s natural biorhythms and deeply relax the nervous system. A mineral-rich Energy Scrub and Bioenergy Mud Wrap help to charge and restore the body’s biomagnetic energy field through the release of negative ions. A Kundalini Back Massage using warm poultices and chakra-balancing techniques relaxes and balances the nervous system, and the ritual concludes with a gentle rose oil marma-point facial massage to stimulate the flow of energy.

The Programme

The Mini Boot Camp package offers the perfect combination of health and luxury – in signature Four Seasons style.

The highlight of the weekend is the Muay Thai adventure – a morning run on the beach, followed by a lesson in the traditional Thai sport of kickboxing from a professional fighter, in a panoramic open-air training ring. Afterwards, a restorative treatment at the spa soothes away the aches and pains of the day.

Boot Campers can also enjoy an invigorating morning hike up to the K2 peak, take their paddleboards out for a spin in the Gulf of Siam, learn the basics of strength training or enjoy a customised Kinesis workout with an in-house expert. The package includes daily breakfast and a healthy yet delicious dinner and lunch especially created by the Executive Chef.

To Stay

All of the villas that dot the vast resort are uber-luxe, each villa having it’s own private entrance. Golf buggies will transport you up to the hub, restaurants and spa or down to the beach at a moment’s notice. We stayed in a Hillside Villa, a lavishly furnished Thai-style suite with his and hers dressing rooms, a sea view bath and a HUGE terrace; complete with double daybed, outside dining area, outdoor bar and a private plunge pool overlooking the jungle and sea below.

To Eat

Perched on a breezy hilltop amid a plantation of coconut palms, KOH offers stunning views of the lush green island and blue ocean. Chef Jeab and her team go back to the roots of Southern Thailand’s food, reinterpreting old favorites with a fresh twist. Creative delights served up include clear fish soup, banana blossom salad with prawns and sautéed pork loin with curry paste. The menu also features authentic Thai classics like spicy prawn soup, slow-cooked beef curry, and green papaya salad. For a truly memorable meal try Chef Jeab’s signature menu for dinner.

Located right on the beach, with fabulous ocean views and a barefoot luxury ambience, Pla Pla is the perfect place for a relaxed lunch. The daytime menu features fresh seafood and handpicked favorites: from yellowfin tuna tartare with wild rocket and tomato granite; to steamed sea bass with broccoli cream and lime; to house-made rigatoni with slow-braised beef cheek, tomato sauce and parmesan shavings.

Set on the edge of the new 50-metre-long infinity lap pool at the resort’s private beach, CoCoRum enjoys stunning views of the Gulf of Siam and the lush green tropical hillside. It’s the perfect location for a refreshing dip between decadent cocktails. The menu features fresh interpretations of classic rum cocktails. With an emphasis on fine artisanal spirits and fresh local ingredients, each drink is handcrafted and presented with elegant and playful touches.

In-room and experience dining options also available.

For the Kids

Don’t Miss

Discover a lesser-known side of Thailand’s fascinating culture during a full-day immersion in the “Art of Eight Limbs.” Step into the training ring for a private lesson with a Muay Thai pro, who will tutor you in the basic moves and techniques of the traditional Thai sport or help you refine your skills. Afterwards, restore tired muscles with the Spa’s Muay Thai Recovery treatment, which includes a stimulating Thai herbal steam, a soothing cool-water leg massage, and a full-body massage with black pepper, clove and ylang-ylang essential oils. You’ll be refreshed and ready to join your pro in VIP seats at the Chaweng Boxing Stadium, where you can see the skills you’ve learned put into practice right before your eyes!