Inspired by an island

By The weekly winer 11 December 2007 03:38:00

I was recently blessed with the opportunity to finally go on a much needed vacation. I'm talking about the kind of vacation where you could just turn off the mobile phone and not have to worry about anything at all.  And what better getaway is there than to go off to an exotic island just like in the movies?  Well folks, that's exactly what I did.  My destination was the exquisite island of Samui.  Not only is it an attractive island, but a charming one as well. 

No matter where I went or who I talked to, all the locals there were so sincere and expressed such warmth that I never wanted to leave.  Being from the big city, it was a rather pleasant change of environment.  And even though I was still in Thailand, it really didn't feel like it - I actually felt like I was in a different country.  Was it because of the tourist population out numbering the local population or was it because some of the locals are forgetting how to speak their native language due to the fact that they're always speaking English?  Either way, it's quite refreshing. 

The nice lady whom I rented the motorcycle from even told me that it was nice seeing Thai tourists for a change.  I constantly had to reassure myself, "We are still in Thailand right?"  Also, when we asked for directions to a historic landmark from a small shop owner, not only did she give directions, but she took the time to educate us on that landmark's history as well.  I guess what I'm trying to express is how truly remarkable it is to see such a beautiful island and how proud the locals are to be living on it. 

What better way to top off this splendid experience than to stay at Anantara Resort Koh Samui.  I don't know what I did to deserve such a treat, but someone up there must really like me. 

Once I entered the lobby, it was like I'd died and gone to heaven.  The landscaping or should I say "seashore-scaping" was absolutely breathtaking.  The Southern Thai architecture captivates attention especially at night where a pathway of lit torches guides an "infinite" stream.  To further serene my mental wellbeing, Anantara Spa unlocked the door to my tranquility. 

Though everything I've described seems like something from a painting, the real reason I'm writing this blog is to share with you my dining experience.  I was most fortunate to meet Khun June Jirachai Sethisakko, Anantara Koh Samui's senior wine guru and his successor Khun  Peter.  Between the two, they possess an arsenal of wine knowledge and have back to back Wine Spectator Awards for 2006 and 2007 to prove it.  Talking wine with these gentlemen reminded me what it was like working in the wine business.  I haven't seen someone talk about something with so much passion in quite a while.  I was truly inspired.  Not only that, but they also treated me to a surprise wine tasting dinner at the award winning Full Moon Italian restaurant in the resort.  We talked grapes, we sipped, ate, and sipped some more.  Everything was prepared brilliantly and professionally.  We had Sparkling de Loei Chenin Blanc Brut with hors d'oeuvres, Sileni Marlborough New Zealand 2006 with Lobster Caesar Salad, and Montepulciano d' Abrusso Casale Vecchio, Farnese Italy 2006 with dinner.  But the real treat followed shortly after dessert when Khun Peter & Khun June, though having to tend to other customers, remembered me going on and on about how much I loved Port, and sent me a glass.  It was the perfect ending to a perfect evening.  Like I've said, it was like I'd died and gone to heaven, again.  No words could even come close to describing how grateful I am to Khun June, Khun Peter..., and everyone at Anantara Resort Koh Samui for enlightening me to the fact that true passion and inspiration still exists in this perplexed world.  It's just a matter of where you're willing to go to find it.  For me, it was the island of Samui. 

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