KOH SAMUI IS PERFECT for an adventure holiday, and Napasai, A Belmond Hotel, is an ideal base. . “Our gym, Muay Thai boxing ring, watersport facilities, yoga sky deck and complimentary bicycles provide everything you need to stay active during your tropical holiday,” says Assistant Sport Manager Khun Chud. “You can always find the time for leisure on the golden sands of our private beach… After a tennis match, of course.”
ON-SHORE ACTION
Positioned between shimmering waters and verdant countryside, Napasai makes the most of its picturesque location on Koh Samui’s exclusive north shore with a selection of heart-pumping, land-based activities. Kickstart your wellbeing and take part in complimentary options that change with the season, along with a range of classes offered throughout the year.
Feel your pulse race as you take one of the resort’s bikes for a tour through the jungle, guided by one of our local experts. It’s an excellent way to sneak in some cardio, while keeping your eyes open for the island’s exotic flora and fauna. Pick your partner and head to the resort’s tennis courts, free to use for all guests including racquet and ball hire. Whether a total novice or a seasoned pro, a healthy competition with your friends, family or colleagues will get your blood pumping and work off any of those extra calories.
For those looking for something truly authentic, try your hand (or foot) at Muay Thai, traditional Thai boxing. The national sport of Thailand and known as the ‘art of eight limbs’, this combat technique requires the use of hands, feet, elbows, knees and shins. The sport is so intrinsically entwined with Thai culture that the country celebrates Boxer’s Day every March. The event is held in honor of Nai Khanomtom, a prisoner of the Burmese King in the 18th century, who used his exceptional unarmed fighting skills to defeat ten of the king’s best champions and earn his freedom. “Every part of the Thai is blessed with venom,” remarked the impressed king, “even with his bare hands he can fell ten opponents.”
Complimentary classes are held each week at Napasai to introduce visitors to this time-honoured and historic sport. It’s an exceptional cardio activity and will help build core and muscle strength. “One hour of Muay Thai will make you move more and work up more of a sweat than is possible in the gym,” explains Khun Chud, who also serves as the resort’s Muay Thai instructor. “Getting started is simple, even for beginners. We’ll teach you the very basics of kicking, punching, elbow and knee movement.” For those looking to take their studies further, Khun Chud can also offer personalised one-on-one sessions to help you achieve your individual goals.
AQUATIC ADRENALINE
You don’t have to stay on terra firma to find ways to stay in shape. The dazzling waters of the Gulf of Thailand beckon, filled with fun activities that double as a great workout. Take to the waves in the resort’s kayaks. As you propel through the azure tides, the swaying palms dotting the horizon, it is easy to assume that this is a leisurely pastime. However keeping the kayak moving even at a low speed of around half a mile per hour will burn almost 500 calories over 60 minutes. Without noticing, you will be making around 500 strokes per mile with the oar; with the resistance of the water, this is a phenomenal way to tone your back, chest, stomach and arms. Not only that, but being away from your everyday cares in this picture-perfect setting, totally in control of your own speed, will work wonders to combat stress.
Try your hand at windsurfing, also complimentary for all guests. This is also a great calorie-burning sport, calling on many muscle groups to keep you standing and balanced, making it superb as both a cardiovascular workout and a core-strengthening exercise.
For those accustomed with exercising above the waves, consider delving beneath them for an exciting sub-aquatic experience. With a great position near some of Thailand's best diving destinations, including the richly diverse Ang Thong Marine National Park, Napasai is a fantastic base for scuba diving and snorkelling adventures. We can provide all the equipment you’ll need to explore. Our PADI-certified instructors also run introductory sessions twice a week in the resort’s pool.
The natural resistance of the water provides great muscle toning throughout your body and helps improve physical stamina, while an hour scuba diving can easily burn as many calories as you’d work through in a standard gym. Moreover, scuba requires mindfully-slow, deep breathing to optimise air consumption, similar to breathing exercises required during meditation. This helps promote a calm, clear and relaxed state of mind that, combined with the fascinating underwater encounters with local plants and fish, will work wonders for your general sense of wellbeing.
MIND/BODY BALANCE
Maintaining physical fitness often goes hand-in-hand with improving mental and emotional health. Exercise is proven to provide an endorphin release that combats stress and leaves you feeling positive. However, for those in need of an additional spiritual top-up, Napasai has you covered.
Take part in one of our complimentary yoga sessions, offered throughout the week on the panoramic skydeck. Our expert instructors will lead you through a series of stretches and poses, promoting flexibility and muscle elasticity, paying special attention to breathing techniques and mindfulness. Not only can yoga help de-stress and promote a calm, relaxed state of mind, other benefits include boosting immunity on a cellular level, improving sleep quality, reducing the risk of heart disease and it can even ease chronic conditions such as back pain and arthritis.
Further holistic indulgence can be found at Napasai Spa, a tranquil sanctuary offering treatments rooted in traditional Thai medicine and Oriental philosophy. Feel light as a feather with the Kra-Chap Slimming Body Ritual; a combination of Sea Salt Body Scrub, Contouring Body Wrap and Slimming Massage to help tone and define your silhouette. Or enjoy a Traditional Royal Thai Massage, an ancient therapy with a history dating back over 2,500 years. This mindful treatment uses pressure and body manipulation to boost internal energy flow, balancing the spirit and providing the ultimate in relaxation.
By Daniel Hayden