Best Of Thailand: What To Do & Where To Stay On Your Next Vacation

While Phuket is where people go to chill out and be pampered, Koh Samui is where the party animals and health fanatics congregate. Most famously known for its full moon parties in Koh Phangan, this island receives an influx of gap year students, backpackers, and ravers during the days leading up to a full moon, all of whom ferry over to Koh Phangan for one of the biggest parties you could ever experience in your life. Though this is what it is most famous for, it is a skewed representation of the island, as Samui, is actually a hub for some of the finest villas and hotels you can find in Thailand. Coupled by the fact that it is smaller and sleepier than Phuket - barring Koh Phangan, of course - it is a great place to sign up for that new year detox or that solo R&R time you’ve been meaning to do. Where to stay: Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa resort is hands-down the place to go for health and fitness fanatics from all walks of life. This award-winning destination spa offers a plethora of wellness programs which includes Detox, Yoga, Stress & Burnout, and much more. The real highlight of this place is the delicious healthy food they serve, which ensures that you are getting all the right things into your body without missing out on yummy Thai cuisine. Of course, if you want to just chill, the added perks of having a tranquil private beach and several swimming pools mean that you don’t miss out on crucial holiday essentials. Outside of the health realm, organized expeditions on a luxury yacht can be scheduled, amongst other excursions which showcase the island’s social and natural offerings. [Photos via @juancamiloangel, Facebook]