The opulent Panacea Retreat

Thailand has had for years a reputation as a Mecca for noisy tourists, bachelor parties and cheap hostels – but in these recent years these trends are changing.

There is an array of distinctive accommodations and exclusive experiences that change this trend to a much higher level. This unsurprisingly started with celebrities flocking this country and lately it has become one of the most favourite destinations for Kate Moss, Bear Grylls, Blake Lively, Beyonce just to name a few.

Not to mention Kardashian family rented the new Iniala resort in villas that run around $150,000 per week.

Purana Residence, a private, luxury 4 bedroom villa with ocean view located in Panacea Retreat, Bophut, Koh Samui, Thailand

It is also not really difficult to get inspired and find fantastic, unspoiled spots where to build an exclusive place, creating getaways that offer a level of luxury and style where it feels new for a destination that’s been so popular over the years.

Thailand has got an alluring makeover and there are so many incredible places right now where to stay.

We want to introduce you to Panacea Retreat, an exclusive getaway located on the Thai island of Koh Samui. Located 10-minute drive from the airport and slightly less to restaurants and bars, including those amazing beaches. The name Panacea is after the Greek goddess of healing. Hong Kong-based architect Bill Bensley designed this incredible retreat, created by a wealthy French businessman who spent years in looking for the perfect family holiday vacation getaway he decided to build it himself. When Panacea was built everything was combined so to create and operate a place where everything is offered at a higher level. Your experience at Panacea combines unabashed luxury with the most private setting.

Panacea Retreat is perched on its own hilltop overlooking the Gulf of Samui and tropical forests where the five ultra-luxury villas reflect the uniqueness of this retreat featuring handmade furnishings and fixtures.

At Panacea it’s all about privacy, luxury and a bespoke experience with more privacy. Each villa comes with private chefs that cook meals for you and your family. Spa treatments and yoga instructors that are going to plan your perfect wellness plan.

These secluded villas all have glass walls that allow as much of the outside in as possible. Each villa is immense, the smaller the Purana Residence is 14000sq ft and the largest Praana Residence is 43,000sq ft. Every villa features a min of four suites, manicured private gardens and stylish grounds with at least one 20-metre infinity pool. Each villa comes with a professional team, trained with the latest Covid-19 health and safety protocols, at least 10 full-time staff assigned to help. All the services arranged are custom made whether is sailing or diving, or hiking. If you are planning to spend a day on the beach relaxing, the team will organise a beach butler to bring along sun loungers, towels, along with champagne on ice and a packed lunch.

Each villa features spacious pavilions with high-vaulted open ceilings and sliding glass doors connecting indoor and outdoor areas. The largest villa, Praana, also features a fully equipped gym, cinema, billiard room and a karaoke lounge.

Your days could start enjoying a yoga lesson then you can jump and swim in the pool or practice tennis in the tennis court, you can also have a martial arts lesson from a Muay Thai Master, the team will prepare for you health drinks and shakes, power or detox juices.

Nothing is too much trouble for the staff, the intuitive service is what really sets apart a stay at Panacea. Your preferences are always going to be materialised seconds before you realise you wish one. You just need to mention how you would like to spend your day and the villa team will be already starting preparing and creating your vision, what we call the Thai telepathy.