The climate wasn’t the only thing heating up in Thailand’s idyllic island of Koh Samui this month. With twelve of our stunning models on tour, MAXIM Australia and New Zealand brought its own level of hotness to host location Panorama Summit Samui. Welcome to Destination MAXIM…
We couldn’t believe our good fortune when we were invited by Panorama Summit Samui to bring our Destination MAXIM tours to beautiful Koh Samui, Thailand. So, we got right to work selecting eleven beautiful models to join us. As we arrived at the resort, the panoramic view of the island and the ocean took our breath away with the warm breeze and the sound of the waves adding to the experience. We knew this was going to be a trip to remember.
The excellent attention to detail of the staff, Jeremy and Nüch, were the icing on the cake – they were friendly and welcoming, and the amenities were top-notch. This resort spares no expense in providing a luxurious experience for their guests and after the tour of the villas we got down to business finding the best locations to capture our talent and planning the shoots. The first group of Sophie, Claire, Molly, Alexa and Olivia excelled, culminating in their iconic group beach shoot nearby at Thongson Beach.
When social media mega-babe and this month’s MAXIM cover girl Gabby Epstein arrived at the end of the first week, the Destination MAXIM team of Rocky, Oisin and Paris were a well-oiled machine and produced some of Gabby’s best-ever content in one of our favourite locations. The second group had a very hard act to follow, but Valeria, Maya, Gieorgia, Saranya, Bianca and Monika brought more heat to the Summit with incredible shoots of their own.
When we weren’t knee-deep in photo shoots, the trip was filled with relaxation and fun. The models enjoyed the amenities of the resort, especially its epic infinity pool overlooking Koh Samui, and attractions like The Golden Buddha. Wherever we went we felt like royalty, which was fitting as one of our lunches – at Tembo Beach Club – coincided with a luncheon celebrating the Coronation of King Charles III.
As we departed the resort, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for the cultural experience we’d just been a part of. We’d highly recommend a visit to Koh Sami and you could not experience better accommodation, hospitality or a better view, than that of Panorama Summit Samui. Keep the air-con on, Nüch, because we’ll be back! The Summit will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Perfect Panorama
Everything you need to know about Thailand’s most luxurious and photogenic getaway – the Panorama Summit Samui in Koh Samui…
The once-remote island of Koh Samui has emerged as Thailand’s mecca for holidaymakers seeking peaceful getaways without skimping on creature comforts. The country’s second largest island, this previously sleepy corner of Surat Thani province has only really developed as a centre for tourism since the 1980s. That’s why unlike nearby Phuket and Krabi, which can admittedly feel a little overcrowded, Koh Samui retains tranquillity and endless stretches of pristine beaches. It’s no wonder then that Koh Samui has become a hot spot for romantic getaways and luxury escapes.
For a high-end villa stay on this magical island, MAXIM simply cannot get enough of the beguiling Panorama Summit Samui. This fabulous villa was constructed in 2010 with a rather grand design goal: to provide unrestricted sea views on three sides. The developers built a south-facing infinity edge swimming pool to top it off and officially stake the villa’s claim as the most panoramic accommodation in all of Koh Samui.
Thanks to this remarkable architecture, guests at the Panorama Summit enjoy epic sunsets overlooking Big Buddha, the mountains and across the bay to Angthong National Marine Park. The villa boasts five bedrooms with en suites perfect for large groups plus expansive living, dining and kitchen areas. Enjoy breakfast with your friends and family in the large common areas with the sunshine reflecting off the water and feel immersed in the island’s renowned nature.
The property’s landscaping is also pitch perfect, right down to the expertly-maintained white bougainvillea and Frangipani trees that dot the property. These manicured grounds recently played host to the cast of Destination MAXIM and is officially swimsuit model approved. After dark you can even gaze up at the stars – a rarity in a country where light pollution shields much of the night sky.
Waking up each morning to the breath-taking views of the Summit is the ideal way to recharge your batteries. Designed with luxury travellers in mind, villa management offers a full suite of concierge services. So why not put your head down and enjoy an in-villa Thai or international massage or sharpen those culinary skills with a cooking lesson. Villa management are also there to open up their little black book of top restaurant picks and can help plan your entire itinerary on the island from the moment you touch down. Panorama is perhaps best appreciated by those who enjoy nothing more than a day spent by the pool in paradise. Still, even the most well-stocked and staffed villas can occasionally miss a memo or be out of your preferred treats. Fear not! There’s a 7-Eleven close by (it’s Thailand, after all) for any late night pit stops or snacks.
The villa itself is located inside the highly prestigious and secure Samui Summit Estate. This provides optimal 24-hour security services for you and your party and privacy to guests nestled amongst a landscaped hillside of nature and mature trees supplemented by outstanding sea and mountain views. Rest, relax and enjoy the easy life as we present our eleven gorgeous Destination MAXIM models…
For booking inquiries or to learn more about the Panorama Summit Samui head to www.panoramasummit.com
Text by REILLY SULLIVAN
Tour Leader PARIS RAINE
Photography by ROCKY BATCHELOR
Hair & make-up by POLINA PAK
Location Panorama Summit Samui, THAILAND
