Samudra

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

The story and 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, and 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 yet unobtrusive staff of five gently take care of your needs and requests. Dolly, the onsite villa manager since the opening, 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 or paddle boards 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. The 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 Samudra. 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 wood that was discovered in a boatyard in the South of Thailand and comfortably seating 24 guests. 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 and Octagon temple, 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 a high definition projector with a large screen should you ever wish to take your eyes off the spectacular view. The bathroom is elegant with a large natural stone standing at the backdrop of the shower while terrazzo was the material of choice to complement the simplicity of the intended design and mood. 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 sea 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. The floors of the pavilion have been strategically built around the granite boulder laden grounds, with the roof shingles being recycled 100-year-old teak from the north of Thailand. Within this pavilion is a large bedroom boasting a refined mixture of antique, oriental treasures and modern convenience. The vaulted ceiling, with its heavy Takian wood beams, gives a feeling of times gone by. The room is lit with unique lamps that have been crafted from Chinese lanterns that hang from the ceiling. The room is cooled by both ceiling fans and air-conditioning. A second adjacent bedroom, usually suited for children, is separated from the main bedroom by a large dressing room that has beautiful antique Chinese wardrobes, and a well-appointed outdoor shower room. The Octagon temple also features an open-air bathroom built at the base of a huge granite rock face Here you can enjoy a tropical bathing experience under the rain shower or in the terrazzo bathtub. The bathroom leads to the living area through ancient doors opening onto some teak steps. At the end of the wooden terrace along the bedrooms lays the stunning Octagon Temple, an open-sided living area that offers spectacular 180 degrees ocean views and the natural breeze of the sea. The design of the raised kitchen cleverly disguises the modern conveniences it contains. In the same way, the lounge area disguises a high definition projector and large roll-down screen. The centrepiece of the room is a coffee table made from rare, green Kanchanaburi river stone, perched on top of a giant rock. On the balcony of the Octagon Temple is a hand-made dining table that comfortably seats up to 8 guests, overlooking uninterrupted breathtaking views. From the Octagon Temple, a reclaimed teak staircase heads down through the tropical gardens. From here stone steps, crafted from the garden rocks, lead down to the yoga sala located on part of the property’s impressive 180 meters of secluded beachfront. The Bali Temple bedrooms Behind the Bali temple living room, another pavilion hosts 2 spacious double bedrooms. Their wooden floor creates warmth and the large stone slabs remind of the closeness to nature that Samudra wants to bring. One bedroom has an indoor en-suite bathroom with shower and the second bedroom opens onto the outdoor bathroom with a shower set amongst the tropical garden. The Treehouse On the upper part of the land sist the Treehouse, a two-bedroom pavilion with its own kitchen and covered deck, comfortably sitting amongst the trees and overlooking the rest of the villa. Both bedrooms have en-suite bathroom, one has a double bed and the other 2 single beds.