It is around forty years since the first tourists arrived in the tropical Thai paradise that is Koh Samui and today the tourism industry on the island is stronger than ever. Thailand s third largest island is now internationally recognised as an idyllic island destination, and attracts up to 1.5 million tourists per year.

Samui, as it is known to locals, is located off the east coast of mainland Thailand and sits at the centre of an impressive archipelago of mainly uninhabited islands known as the Ang Thong National Marine Park. To experience the absolute best weather Koh Samui has to offer you should visit the island between February and June, but the climate is actually very kind year round and even the rainy season is often interspersed with periods of sunshine.

Most people choose Koh Samui as a place to enjoy some R&R, and you will not be disappointed by the island's stunning beaches. Chaweng and Lamai are the largest and most popular with international visitors, and most of the island's hotels and resorts have sprung up in these areas. However, if you want to steer clear of the more crowded beaches, Bophut and Maenam beaches on the more tranquil northern side of the island may also appeal as they are less busy but still offer a good choice of local amenities, accommodation, food and entertainment choices.

Measuring only 247 square kilometres in size, the island is best explored by hiring a car or motorbike, especially if you prefer freedom and independence as opposed to sticking to organised tours. Meanwhile, for those visitors that really want to get away from the crowds, renting a private villa is often an ideal way to enjoy a totally independent Koh Samui experience.

Villa rentals are becoming increasingly popular with international visitors, as they provide more flexibility than a traditional hotel or resort can offer. Whether you are a newly-wed couple in search of a private romantic retreat or a large family that would benefit from the extra living space, Koh Samui has a wide selection of holiday villas so the chances are you will fine the perfect villa to match your needs.

If you have travelled to the island for a special occasion, villas also offer an ideal venue for hosting a celebration, whether it is a wedding, birthday or corporate event. Luxury villas on Koh Samui range from one to 10 bedrooms in size, so they can easily accommodate a diverse array of holiday needs, depending on the number of people in a group. The best villas comprise a private swimming pool, outdoor terraced area and landscaped garden in addition to chic interiors and state of the art entertainment systems. Many high end residences also offer the services of an onsite staff team, including a personal chef, concierge and daily maid.

Why wait in line at the breakfast station at your hotel buffet, when you can get your own personal chef to cook up a sumptuous breakfast, tailored to your own tastes and preferences, within your villa s private kitchen? Better yet, experience a dose of authentic Thai culture by getting up early and shopping for fruit at the local market to bring back home for a fresh fruit smoothie.

Renting a villa on Samui means choosing the holiday of a lifetime, as it allows guests to combine the best in private comfort with a little local culture and some stunning natural scenery, all for the same price of even less than booking multiple rooms in a resort or hotel.