Island Hillside Luxury

Sitting atop the thriving Bophut Hills neighbourhood on the island of Koh Samui, Panacea Retreat offers one of the finest private island getaways in the entire country.

Compromising of five exclusive villas, with 360-degree panoramic ocean views, as well as state of the art facilities and amenities, the experience promises to be relaxing, invigorating and completely indulgent, all at once. 

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A heavenly setting for lazy afternoons by the pool

STRIKING LUXURY BURROWED IN A HILLSIDE

Hong Kong-based architect David Clarke is the mastermind behind this illustrious build and Bill Bensley, the famed landscape designer, pieced together the outdoor spaces to deliver a harmonious Eden. Together they created a site which architecturally speaking is absolutely fascinating and utterly breathtaking. Building started in 2008, but it took until 2010 to complete the project, which is astounding considering some of the challenges faced in building the residence. 

Perhaps the most bewildering test of all was the difficulty the team faced in taming the hillside terrain. Given the steep gradient of the land plot, all structures had to be dug or carved into solid rock. This all took time but the end result is spectacular, a precarious island landscape transformed into a heavenly luxury retreat. 

From the outside, the eye is drawn by certain unique design features which give Panacea its fashionable flair but it also creates a subtle synchronicity with nature and the surrounding landscape.

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A beautiful island retreat sitting in flourishing Bophut Hills

The strategy was to achieve optimum levels of privacy throughout the site and, at the same time, give due respect to the unique topography of the island. Cedar shingle roofs enable the buildings to almost disappear into the hills, making the residences barely visible to onlookers. Guests can rest and enjoy their time at Panacea in the knowledge that they are completely secluded and can leave the world behind once they enter this blissful manor.

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Travertine Limestone in an bathroom

In the main residence, Praana, Italian Travertine Limestone is used for most of the indoor and outdoor flooring, giving the villa an undeniably warm and earthy tone. This muted effect is nicely complemented by a delicately balanced colour palette throughout the residences, which together create an intimate and welcoming atmosphere, despite the grandeur of the structures. 

The expansive open-plan blueprint ushers into the building undisturbed views of the Gulf of Thailand, along with it's refreshing and cooling breeze; the entire property becomes enveloped with an air of tranquility. This idyllic setting, skillfully blended into the Samui hillside, strikes the right balance between formality, privacy and relaxation; a design cocktail that makes this nirvana almost impossible to leave.

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Cosy spaces to enjoy with friends and family

THE HEART OF PANACEA 

Praana, which translates to ‘vital force’ is the crown jewel of the Panacea Retreat. Though each of the five villas is gorgeous in its own right, this one really ups the ante on the standard of luxury. A six-bedroom pleasure palace, Praana boasts an unparalleled level of decadence, which although vast, feels comfortable and welcoming. 

It is the biggest villa on the estate, boasting a twenty-five meter long pool and enough space to host a party for up to 60 guests. Style and elegance surge through this lavish two-storey villa. 

The upper level hosts an astonishing glass-walled lounge and dining space fit for a banquet. A design that seamlessly blends into the surrounding nature despite its innovative and modern appearance. Other highlights include cutting-edge technology and upscale furnishings which lather the bedrooms and add a level of home-away from- home comfort.

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Sala at night

Contemporary and spacious with incontestably strong Thai influences which tie the property back to the roots of the island and the country’s culture. Be tempted by one of the free-standing baths in an openair area with dramatic, unobstructed views of the residence and the ocean. 

Praana also features a choice of indoor and outdoor dining areas where guests can indulge in the elaborate dining menu prepared on-site by the Executive Chef and kitchen team, onhand to cater to every guest’s culinary desire, including bespoke nutritional programmes and detox menus. Both the surroundings and the food offerings are simply divine! With so much to explore and enjoy, this villa is absolutely fit for lustrous and extravagant celebrations for families or big groups! Gala and themed dinners can be arranged upon request, trust the dedicated team at the Panacea Retreat to go above and beyond in delivering unforgettable moments. 

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A dedicated team are in the kitchen ready to fulfil every culinary desire

AN ACTIVE ESCAPE 

More than just aesthetically pleasing, Panacea is an active retreat which provides guests with customised intuitive stays to meet every need and desire. Named after Panakeia, the 'Greek Goddess of Universal Healing', each villa within the retreat encompasses premium facilities and experiences to ensure that guests leave feeling completely rejuvenated and refreshed.

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Floodlit tennis court

Praana has an entire floor dedicated to fitness, entertainment and leisure. You'll find a ten-seater cinema featuring over 1,000 films, a private nightclub fully equipped with karaoke, a flood-lit tennis court, a spa with a dedicated massage treatment menu, a kids’ room, yoga classes and a Muay Thai boxing ring. And, if this range of activities is not enough, the Elite Concierge team, along with local tutors and guides can organise much much more. You can go snorkeling, jungle trekking, shower under amazing waterfalls, learn how to cook Thai cuisine or visit the nearby Big Buddha shrine. 

A unique island nirvana, the Panacea Retreat covers all bases. For families and friends gatherings, to larger reunions, weddings and even boardroom corporate events, the residences are adaptable to be an intimate home-away-from-home or a spacious social venue. 

The Panacea Retreat is available for private rental. Prices and availability vary according to the villa selected and the season required. Book directly with the property or with Elite Havens to guarantee the best rates.

For more information contact: panacearetreatsamui.com and elitehavens.com