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THE VILLA PEOPLE
JULES KAY PROFILES KOH SAMUI’S NEW BREED OF INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTS. PICTURES BY MARTYN GOODACRE
IN THE LAST FEW YEARS, A BOOMING property market has grown around Samui’s tropical appeal, and though there are no official statistics, it is estimated that 10,000 foreigners now live there – either permanently, or in holiday homes for several months of the year. The choice of architecture and design is as eclectic as the new islanders themselves, many of whom are young, creative and independent. We meet four couples who represent the new breed.
MARC AND LESLEY RIBAIL
Born in Germany, raised in Italy and educated in France, Marc Ribail is a natural traveller. He first came to Samui in the mid- ’90s as a dive instructor and met his Scottish wife Lesley on an underwater adventure in Koh Nang Yuan. The couple returned to Europe to complete their studies, but never lost their love of island life. The next time they came to Thailand was to live and work – in the hospitality industry. Marc managed a boutique resort on the small island of Samet, then later moved south to run Muang Kulaypan Resort in Chaweng, Koh Samui’s first hip hotel. Lesley joined the same hotel in guest relations, and the couple began to build a life together on the island. In 2004, Marc was headhunted by Samui Villas and Homes, a luxury villa rentals agency, where he became Chief Operating Officer. Lesley once again joined her partner in the same firm and since then the couple have never looked back. “The market for high-end villas on Samui really took off around three years ago,” explains Marc.
Dealing with luxury villas inspired Mark and Lesley to build their own, ultra-modern tropical residence. They put together a portfolio of clippings, borrowing what they felt were the best features of all the villas they saw, then added a few touches of their own. They invested in a development near Mae Nam where they began building their dream home. “It’s a long, involved process building on an island like this,” explains Lesley. “Even when you work with a reliable construction firm you have to be prepared for delays and frustrations. It’s a good idea to try and outsource some of the more complex jobs, like building the swimming pool, just to make sure it comes out exactly the way you want it.”
Marc and Lesley’s villa reveals an innovative design that blends indoor and outdoor living; a succession of large glass doors open out onto the pool deck and garden from every room in the house.
Although their work increasingly takes them to Bangkok and Phuket, Samui remains, after nine years here, their favourite place in Thailand. “The size and feeling of Samui 
suits us,” says Marc. “It’s small enough to feel like a village, but with food, shopping and entertainment choices that rival a city.”
MARC AND LESLEY’S TOP TIP
“Try Zazen Boutique Resort [www.samuizazen.com] when eating out; Chef Wally’s creative cuisine and a supremely romantic seaside setting make this one of the island’s best restaurants.”
KRYSTYNA MYLONAS AND STEVE BREY
Having lived in the fast lane back in the UK working in media, design and marketing, Krystyna and Steve were ready for some serious chill out. Thailand had long been the place where they both chose to kick back and relax, particularly the islands in the Gulf. Samui therefore stood out as the obvious escape. “This island offers everything you need for the perfect lifestyle,” says Steve. “You can choose to be busy or relaxed, and you wake up every morning to an inspiring view, surrounded by nature. What could be better?”
Steve had refurbished houses in southern England and after a few months of extended holiday, he and Krystyna saw the opportunity to invest in a lifestyle that suited not only their own aspirations, but also the dreams of like-minded people. They formed a partnership and bought a large piece of land up in the hills behind Mae Nam, the site for a project that will eventually feature four ultra-chic, luxury villas: two for sale and two for Krystyna, Steve and their families to live in. Krystyna’s sharp sense of style complemented Steve’s property experience and the results speak for themselves.
The first villa (above) was completed in May, a multi-level spectacle with panoramic seascapes and an air of sophisticated comfort. The landscaped tropical garden feeds on the dramatic natural surroundings, while the stylish, open living spaces flow through to huge terraces with uninterrupted sea views. In many ways Krystyna and Steve epitomise the Samui spirit. By choosing to develop four exclusive, personalised luxury villas, they hope to encourage a sense of community, based on common goals. “We wanted to create living spaces that suit global sensibilities”, explains Krystyna. “Moving to Samui is not just about dropping out, it’s about choosing to take control of the way we live our lives.”
Building to such specific goals is obviously a precise process and it hasn’t always been a breeze. But Steve and Krystyna appreciated that delays and frustrations are part of the scheme, 
wherever you build. “You really have to put your heart and soul into a project like this,” said Steve. “It’s not just about being there, but also being involved at every stage from the first brick to the last flower in the garden.”
KRYSTYNA AND STEVE’S TOP TIP
“Bophut Beach has quiet stretches of sand with fabulous views over Koh Phangan. Less busy than Chaweng or Lamai, it’s a convenient alternative for a day in the sun.”
HOT PROPERTIES
Major developers have largely taken over from individual investors in Samui’s luxury villa market. These projects are currently attracting major interest:
W Retreat and Residences is set to become one of Samui’s most exclusive addresses, with 17 three- to five-bedroom residences. Tel +66 (0)77 430737 (Samui office), www.cbre.co.th.
Aqualina Samui offers a series of eco- designed villas by Gary Fell’s Gfab team. The villas feature planted roofs and open living spaces that reach out onto generous private swimming pools. www.aqualinasamui.com
Horizon Villas is a large development of 65 villas close to Choeng Mon Beach in a quiet location with attractive landscaped gardens, clubhouse and sports facilities on-site. Tel +66 (0)77 417005, www.horizonhomes-.samui.com
Samui Country Club is a new villa and apartment development in Mae Nam with a spectacular hillside location with full services and amenities. Tel +66 (0)81 535- 1852, www.kohsamuicountryclub.com
If you are thinking of investing on Samui, make sure you contact a reliable lawyer to discuss legal requirements and ownership options. Recommended lawyers include: Crawshaws Solicitors, Samui Ring Road, Bophut, tel: +66 (0)77 246081; McEvily & Collins Law Office, Chaweng, tel +66 (0)77 484510; Manit & Associates Law Office, Samui Town Centre, tel +66 (0)77 427555
GENE PORTOUCHE AND NATHAN ROGERS
Gene Portouche visited Thailand more than 20 times before he thought about investing there. Having developed a number of properties in London he couldn’t help but see Koh Samui’s potential. But it wasn’t until his partner Nathan visited the island on a holiday from the UK four years ago that the move became a done deal. Having tired of the rat race, Gene and Nathan saw Samui as the perfect retreat. The original plan was to buy a small plot of land and build a villa to live in for part of the year – but plans can quickly change. “It was clear that land purchases were hot on Samui,” says Gene. “The island was developing fast, so we bought seven rai (about
2.5 acres) of farmland in a quiet, unspoilt area near Lipa Noi Beach. We kept a large plot to build our own villa, and sat on the remainder for future sales and development.”
The property took two years to complete, and even for an experienced developer like Gene, there were challenges throughout the building process. “There were times when we thought it would never be finished,” he says. “But our patience paid off and it all came together in the end. We love the final result.”
Their home is a chic villa with a minimalist feel. Nathan’s background in visual retail consultancy guaranteed some special interior touches. But it was the outdoor life that appealed to two city boys, and the overall design reflects this with individual buildings set around a cool, dark-tiled swimming pool. Ironically, having stayed on Samui for two years overseeing their villa project, Gene and Nathan decided to move up to Bangkok and touch base with city life. They now split their time between the capital and the island, and find the balance works well. “In last few years Samui has developed dramatically,” says Nathan. “When you’re involved in a specific project, it’s easy to forget the wide range of activities on offer here. We still need our city trips, but find we spend more time on the island now.”
Since completing their villa, Gene and Nathan have become involved in the design of several more developments on the island. (The latest of these is a new eco-hotel project named Seven Spices.) They still see Samui as a placefull of opportunity, and both feel it is much 
more of a tropical paradise than many other Thai destinations.
GENE AND NATHAN’S TOP TIP
“Christy’s Cabaret [tel +66 (0)81 894- 0356] is Samui’s top live cabaret show, with slick and contemporary performances, flamboyant costumes and plenty of comedy thrown in for good measure.”
NEIL RUTTER AND JO REYNOLDS
Neil and Jo have only lived on the island for seven months, though Jo has been visiting Thailand for 15 years both on holiday and with her job (sourcing homeware products for major retailers such as Harrods). Neil is an IT project manager and the couple decided to move to Samui after spending a relaxing summer on the island. “We originally met in Barcelona,” explains Jo, “and at first we thought about moving to Spain. But Thailand is so much more appealing thanks to its nature and sense of fun.” Unlike many foreign investors, Neil and Jo chose to purchase an existing property on the island’s quiet southern peninsula near Laem Sor. Their house is based on a traditional Thai design, with a dramatic towering roof and rich teak wood finishing. The garden is filled with tropical flora and although the villa was only built a few years ago, the interiors convey an authentic yesteryear atmosphere. “We wanted to capture a sense of the location and enjoy the Thai-ness of the place,” says Jo.
According to Neil, buying a property on Samui was a breeze. They found a reliable lawyer to handle the paperwork and transfers, and because they were investing in a finished property, they benefited from actually seeing before buying. “It couldn’t have been easier really,” says Neil. “All the house needed was a few cosmetic changes to suit our needs.” Inspired by the chance to decorate her new home’s interiors, Jo came up with the idea of launching an online store to keep her and Neil challenged on Samui. Thai Artisan (www.thai-artisan.com) was launched in 
July and features a full range of furniture, carvings and accessories sourced around Chiang Mai and delivered to order. “When the business takes off, I plan to use our home as the venue for meetings with clients so that they can get a feel for how the products look in context,” enthuses Jo. “Thai handicrafts are beautiful, but best enjoyed in the right setting.”
NEIL AND JO’S TOP TIP
“Visit Thong Krut Fisherman’s Village for one of the best views in the world and fine local seafood restaurants spread along the beach.”
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