Page 42 - MASALA Magazine Vol.15 Issue 7 | October - November 2024

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

With my work hat on, I admiringly observed
every little detail the property had to offer
when we first arrived. Admittedly, it was my
first time visiting Koh Samui, but from day
one of my visit to this property, I felt that
the resort set the standard if you want to
have the absolute best experience on this
popular island. Just based on the incredible
reviews I’d heard and the InterContinental
brand, I already knew that if there was one
resort on this island that was capable of
effortlessly sweeping me off my feet, it would
be this one. The 5-star property, situated
in an enclave of Taling Ngam Bay, looks
absolutely stunning from both an aerial
and dock-side point of view. Even the
slightly longer way up to the lobby is a
brief romantic excursion – a winding road
surrounded by plush greenery, weaving in
and out of the island breeze and playing
hide and seek with the beach views below.

From the Resort Classic Ocean View Room,
which I had the pleasure of staying in, to
the Club Villa Collection accommodations,
this hotel gives guests access to not only its
wonderful facilities, but also its incredible
views. Not to take away from the décor,
interior design, and architecture, which
only enhances the experience; but the views
from everywhere in the hotel are stunning.
With 79 rooms, suites, and villas overlooking
the Gulf of Thailand, the Five Islands, and
Ang Thong National Marine Park, the 22-
acre luxury resort cradles you into a dream
state, making you regret the moment you the vibrant flavours and balanced spices,
step outside its verdant borders. I, in pure DRINKING AND DINING to the alluring aroma and tantalising bites.
guilt, will attest to that sentiment. Moreover, Amber provides an impressive
My approach to breakfast when on vegan menu, as well as one with all the tried
holiday puzzles me. Give me a cup of hot and tested staples of Indian cuisine, from
their samosas to chicken biryani.
cappuccino and a croissant in the morning,
and I’m good to go. However, if you give Alternatively, guests can elevate the
me the opportunity to spend quality time romance by spending calm evenings by the
at a resort, I’ll transform into a Michelin waves at Flames, a beachfront restaurant
Guide critic, judging every little detail of specialising in lavish seafood and prime-
the hotel’s offerings for the first meal of the cut meat sizzling on the grill. Just picture
day. I’m happy to say that this imposter of a yourself with panoramic ocean views, a warm
critic was beyond satisfied with the resort’s bonfire, a starlit sky, and some of the most
breakfast offerings at Amber, the resort’s mouthwatering dishes that are either flamed,
all-day dining restaurant. The staff asked grilled, baked, or barbecued on a charcoal
each guest how they would like their eggs, grill or wood-fired oven. Not to mention
and lo and behold, I received a perfect plate exceptionally-paired cocktails and glasses
of deliciously-scrambled gold. of wine.

By evening, the restaurant transforms into an The property’s flawless views can also be
intimate soiree, surrounded by crimson walls, enjoyed at Air Bar, where the cocktails
burgundy jugs and jars, ruby candle shades, complement the magnificent sunsets. With
and touches of blush for chair pillows. It’s the ocean breeze, soothing sounds from
almost as if they had magically appeared from live performances, and handcrafted Thai-
thin air. The dimly-lit restaurant becomes inspired cocktails, this bar becomes the
the ideal setting for a ‘wine-down’ and perfect sundowner spot before you prepare
wonderful meal. Amber’s menu offers Thai to devour a full-course meal.
dishes that are absolutely exquisite, from