There is something about Koh Samui. It seems to tick all the right boxes. White sand beaches? Check. Blue skies, glorious sunsets and life in the slow lane? Check. Even its airport — an unexciting building in any other part of the world —  resembles a tropical paradise with landscaped gardens and palm tree pillars, complete with small vehicles that look like toy trains to ferry passengers. Even the baggage belt is housed in a thatched hut!

A view of the Samui coast. Pics/Kalpana Sunder

On arriving at Koh Samui, I head to my hotel near the Chaweng Beach, which is at the heart of the island. After checking in, I head to the idyllic beach, where its white sand feels like silken powder against the skin of my bare feet. While I take in the sight of canopied beds offering cheap reflexology massages, hawkers offer to braid my hair or take me on colourful, red and green kayaks for a ride through the shallow waters of the lagoon. Beach loungers line the beach shore and children build sandcastles as crabs scuttle under their feet. Several restaurants offer to serve the fresh catch of the day on one of its many dining tables placed strategically by the beach. You can also munch on roasted corn on the cob, in between long gulps of the local beer.