

O
n an island famed for luxury resorts,
the recently opened Panacea Koh
Samui with its 5 spectacularly
spacious villa residences is set to become Koh
Samui’s ultimate destination. This retreat
perfectly balances unabashed luxury and
intuitive service with an unpretentious private-
estate ambience.
Perched on its own hilltop, within delicate
tropical landscaping with the island unfurling
like a map below, these ultra-sumptuous
residences, ranging from 4 to 6 bedrooms,
reflect an emphasis on regionally sourced,
handmade fixtures and furnishings.
Clearly space won’t be a concern whichever
villa one selects, but the most lavish of all is the
main residence Praana. This six-bedroom villa,
with a footprint of 4,000sq metres, is more like
its own resort with, among other things, two
infinity pools, a staff of 20, 75sq metre gym,
cinema, nightclub, games room, kids’ club,
tennis court and even a Muay Thai boxing ring.
The Ultimate Villa Retreat
Grand entertaining spaces fit for a “once-in-a-lifetime” house party at Panacea Koh Samui, Thailand
22
T
he Northern Lights are one of nature’s great displays:
a mysterious, multicoloured show in which the night
sky is suddenly lit up with a wondrous glow that twists
and swirls like a heavenly lava lamp.
Elusive and ethereal, it is one of the great, timeless thrills of
travel and occurs in the Northern Hemisphere throughout
the Arctic Circle between October and April.
For a truly unforgettable trip in search of this phenomena,
combine the experience with a unique stay at the Icehotel
in Jukkasjärvi, Northern Sweden. Icehotel is the world’s first
and largest hotel built from snow and ice. It’s made up from
over 1,000 tons of ice and 30,000 tons of ‘snice’ (icy snow)
and the hotel stays open between December and April. Over
100 designers and artists are constantly working on the hotel
and it is always evolving and being resigned as sections melt
and new areas are created. Each room is -5 degrees C but
you will stay cosy with fur throws and the compulsory
Icehotel Survival Course. Opt for a Northern Lights Room for
a special view of the sky.
Trips of a lifetime
Ice & Northern Lights
Shimmering displays with Nordic Experience