Samudra is set on a six-rai forested headland overlooking a picturesque lagoon on a sandy boulder-studded beach bordered by coral reefs and with year-round swimming; it boasts 180 metres of beach frontage and is quite unique with historic appeal.
An overview
A labour of love and creative expression, Samudra was conceived and built by multi-media artist Alan Kozlowski, an accomplished photographer, cinematographer, and musician, along with his wife Emma, an interior designer of numerous dwellings around the world.
They actually camped out on the site for several months before designing the various buildings that make up the villa. Following their wilderness experience, they set off on a journey of discovery across Asia, sourcing original materials and adornments in places as diverse as China, Burma, Bali and Southern Thailand. The result is a rich blend of influences that combines natural elegance with comfort and striking antiquity.
Stepping stones meander through the lush tropical grounds, past frangipani trees and their subtle perfume, to buildings whose every ancient windows and doors have been collected on the villa owner's travels around India, China and Bali.
The carefully crafted rooms are actually built into the land, but fold open to catch the sea breezes and draw in the astonishing views. Inside, antique Chinese doors and windows reclaimed teak wooden floors, and intricate, Balinese carved wood walls transport you back in time, while contemporary comforts such as WiFi, and HD audio visual systems provide entertainment, convenience and a continual atmosphere of private privilege.
An attentive but unobtrusive staff of five gently take care of your needs and requests. Dolly, the onsite villa manager is a delightful and efficient host and her husband Yo is a skilled Thai chef who prepares a mouthwatering selection of Asian and western cuisine, ensuring fine taste becomes an integral part of the Samudra experience.
With long stretches of deserted coast just steps from the villa and kayaks available to explore the nearby sandy bays, staying at Samudra is an inspiring tropical adventure. A stroll down the sand also brings you to Kamalaya Koh Samui, Thailand`s award-winning Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa resort, where you can experience a life-enriching healthy holiday through detox, yoga, stress and burnout therapies, fitness and weight control.
Arriving at Samudra
As you cross the private gated entrance of Samudra, a short driveway leads to a shaded parking area. Stepping stones meander through the lush tropical grounds, past frangipani trees and their subtle perfume, and let you uncover several unique pavilions, each with antique windows and doors and serving a purpose during your holiday.
Balinese Temple, the pool and the outdoor dining Sala.
If you wonder at the uncanny similarity in colour between the placid waters of the infinity pool and the limpid blue waters of the sea that lap the shores below, it is the handwork of tiles of Balinese stone studded in the pool floor. Spend days out in the sun, soaking in the goodness of Villa Samudra.
This level is also home to the incredible infinity pool with its Balinese stone tiles that have been handpicked to exactly match the colour of the sea below.
Stone steps lead up to the next level where there is a dining sala that covers an enormous seven-meter long table made of reclaimed Takian that was discovered in a boatyard in the South of Thailand and this can comfortably seat 24 persons. The lush tropical gardens and the size of the dining table make this the ideal spot for weddings, celebrations and large gatherings.
The Garden Master Suite
Accessible from the poolside stairs or the oceanfront pathway from the yoga sala, you reach the unspoilt grounds of the Garden Master Suite that offers incredible views from its immaculately kept terrace lawns.
The Garden Master Suite is cleverly designed around the rock formations that are a feature of the bedroom with a comfortable living and sleeping area. A ventilation chute rises out of the rear of the suite creating a natural airflow and sliding pocket doors open the room up for outdoor style living. The room features another high definition projector with a large screen should you ever wish to take your eyes off the spectacular view.
The bathroom is simple and elegant with a large natural stone standing at the backdrop of the shower while terrazzo was the material of choice
Whether you decide to remain indoor, under the thatched terrace or on the manicured lawn, you will feel the emotion of facing the elements and the unspoilt seas view over the Marine Park and its world-class sunsets.
The Octagon Temple
The main entrance, with its solid wooden Chinese antique doors, surrounded by lush tropical plants and crowned with a lamp disguised by stunning Spanish moss, gives the first hint that something very special and very unique lies ahead.