No matter how many miles you've travelled to get to The Napasai, as soon as you collapse into your enormous white bed, listening to nothing but the sound of lapping waves, rustling palms and humming cicadas, you'll know your journey has been worth it.

A few weeks after my own trip to The Napasai, the word that comes to mind when summing it up is serene. It is the perfect place for some serious R, R and R (if you feel like throwing in some romance to the old equation).

Unlike so many of Koh Samui's resorts, The Napasai is set in 17 acres of private tropical gardens and is blissfully free from irksome next door neighbours and their accompanying noise. Whichever room category you opt for, you're guaranteed unmarred views over Ban Tai beach and the Gulf of Thailand all the way to the horizon where Samui's sister islands, Koh Panghan (where the famous full moon parties take place) and Koh Tao rise up from the sea.

The resort is made up of Sea View Cottages, Beachfront Cottages, Garden Cottage Suites, Beachfront Cottage Suites and private villas, all of which are decorated in the traditional Thai style – like Jim Thompson's famous Bangkok house on a smaller scale – and dotted with clusters of fresh orchids. The cottages are spacious, quiet and comfortable, with private balconies where you can sit and soak up the incredible views. The bedrooms have both an enormous king-sized bed, and a Thai style day bed. The bathrooms come with big tubs, perfect for soaking in, and delicious Panpuri natural products that have been created especially for The Napasai (you'll want to fill your whole suitcase with them).

The real show stoppers at The Napasai though are its infinity pool, set just above the resort's private beach, and the beach itself, with those unbroken views across to Koh Pangnan and Koh Tao. The Napasai staff even equips you with a flag when you're relaxing on the beach so you don't have to stir yourself to fetch a drink – hoist the flag and they'll come to you. Sunbathing doesn't get much better than that. When we were there the little beach was so deserted it felt like a private slice of island paradise.

Despite our best efforts to try out the spa we couldn't get an appointment, which I suppose is a sign that the treatments are good. You can put the big tub in your room to use though and ask the spa to run you a special treatment bath to take the edge of jetlag or sunburn.

The in resort dining options are fairly standard. As we were only on Samui for two days we didn't have much time to explore other local options, although I can recommend Nikki Beach on Lipa Noi (approx. 20 minutes away from The Napasai) for fab sundowners and chic day-bed style dining.

The Napasai is one of those places that you don't want to leave, to the detriment of any Samui sightseeing plans you may have, but it guarantees you'll come away having indulged in low-key but luxurious R, R (and R) time.

The Napasai
65/10 Baan Tai, Maenam, Koh Samui, Surat Thani, 84330, Thailand; Tel: +66 (0)77 42 92 00; Fax: +66 (0)77 42 92 01; Email: info@napasai.com; Web: www.napasai.com.

Nikki Beach
96/3 Moo 2 Lipa Noi, Koh Samui, Surat Thani, 84140, Thailand; Tel: +66 (0)77 914 500; Web: www.nikkibeach.com/kohsamui.

All photos are ©Emma Torry except Seaview cottage at Napasai, which is ©Orient-Express Hotels.

The experience starts on arrival at the airport. A smartly dressed woman holds a ‘wooden’ sign “Six Senses” and gently leads you to the chauffeur awaiting you in the 7 series BMW. After some 20 minutes you glide into a small marina (with some extremely beautiful boats) and ushered onto a speed boat. Some five minutes elapse, and a pontoon appears with what appears like a ‘welcoming party’ standing there.

Melida, the Hospitality Manager, greets you together with your personal Butler. In my case, it was Am. He was warm, and nothing seemed too much problem. I was invited to strike some huge ‘gong’ twice to announce my arrival. The purpose eluded me – I assumed it was to see whether I could manage to elicit some sound! Otherwise they would have assumed it would be better to send me straight back!

Am took me in my Buggy (Golf Course type) to my Villa – which was simply gorgeous, and took some 15 minutes to be shown around, pool, lighting, steam room, different bath room etc etc – too much to take in. One question I had for Am was about the TV. “Where is it?” We do not have any, we feel that this has to be a ‘life changing experience’ – Culture shock, it is! – The F1 Monaco GP was on the following day. What to do? No more to say and I capitulated to the atmosphere.

Check in was a painless exercise in the villa, checking that they had all my information correctly recorded. Needless to say, my assessment of my girth had fooled them, and Am very kindly suggested that I have a ‘slightly’ larger yoga suit that I ordered! (The Management like all residents – sounds like internment - to wear these outfits, and having got used to them, I really understand the reasons). Am then told me that I had to go meet with Sally, a Naturopath who would plan my stay at Six Senses and explore the purpose of my visit.

Sally is a lovely Australian woman, and passionate about the concept of holistic living. I was asked many deep thought provoking questions, after which Sally put together a timetable, which was later given to me. She suggested that I immediately go and have 2 massage sessions of one hour each! The first was on my back and legs. Simply amazing Chinese massage I cannot remember what is was, as I fell asleep! The second seemed rather more painful, but the euphoria from the first session simply left me in a state of metamorphosis. I recall making some snorting noises (hopefully not flatulence), or possibly laughing and feeling rather embarrassed about them, but Ning was so nice and said something as to say “it’s OK”. The rigmarole of changing back into the formal residence attire took place, and I was gently escorted to the Tea Garden. A couple of Geese waddled past looking at me as if to say “you poor fool, you have a very long way to go before you can look anything like your objective” and I could not stop laughing! I was offered different teas – and chose ginger. Delicious, stimulating and brought me back to life with a jolt.

Dinner followed, which was a seafood barbeque consisting of shrimp and lobster. All very good.

Time for an early night, after such a challenging day!

Sunday

I was supposed to go for a 7am session for “Everyday Breathing” but felt too lazy, so slept in. After all, I was here to relax? Right? We are all given bikes – and the name plate is hand-written with each guest’s initials. Cute touch. Thought that I would give this a try and cycle to the main restaurant. Having not ridden a bike for years, thought it would be simple – as one never forgets this. Wobbled around and finally got it moving in the right direction, then bang! Managed to ruin the gears and the chain fell off! Rather embarrassed again, so discarded the bike and walked!

Breakfast consisted of delicious mueslis, and egg-white omelettes. Walked back to the villa. The weather was simply gorgeous, so covered myself in sun-cream and layout by the small pool at my villa.

After lunch, I had booked a session for “Super Stretch” at 2.00pm. I turned up, and was met by Pui. The session was excruciating, but I felt amazing after a few hours!

At 4pm, I had a session with Kelly Mitchell called the “Wellness Wheel” which explained the balance of life, and how everything interacts with each other part. Kelly was like your personal psychiatrist, and reviewed my life habits, what I wanted to change, and what I want to achieve. Once again, many deep thought provoking questions, all of which made me realise that I needed to make some fundamental changes.

Dinner consisted of some interesting vegetarian starters, with a choice of grilled fish as main course, with different puddings.

Monday

The weather was beautiful, so could not wait to sunbathe by the pool. Sat there for a few hours until my “Nutritional Counselling” session with Kelly again. She agreed to write a program for me to follow before I left.

There is another restaurant in the spa – at the end of the property. It is called “Dining at the Point” and all they prepare is vegetarian food. It seems that ‘raw’ means you can cook up to 42C. The food was unbelievable! I strongly recommend eating at this spot, with lovely views towards Phuket and many other small islands.

My next massage session was at 4pm for two hours. Today was Thai Massage and then Detoxifying. Jum was the masseuse. I have to say that this was very painful! After the hour’s session, I was very aware that I had been ‘done’ and felt as though I had been through a few rounds with Mike Tyson! The detoxifying massage though relaxed me again. It is interesting that one moves from different treatment rooms – and there are 4 separate areas. Each of the areas are named by different massage-type regions.

I did not have any dinner, as I felt too full, and tired.

Tuesday

The weather had changed, and it was pouring. Enjoyed the usual breakfast, and then went to meet Bryan, the Wellness Director. He looks extremely fit (and is!), and his idea of fun/relaxation is competing in the Iron Man triathlons – swimming, cycling and running, or the 250 km running races in Mongolia or other countries! He is a font of knowledge. He politely and gently explained to me what I should do to improve my physical shape. Taught me a range of simple exercises together with warm up procedures and the benefit of all the different machines. It was a thoroughly interesting 90 minute session.

Bryan joined me for lunch and talked about the resort and the principles behind the different concepts – he is passionate about it. You must meet him and let him challenge you.

I was getting closer to my final session, the “Hot Stone 80 minutes” and had not idea what to expect. Jeep was my masseuse again (I thought she had had enough from the previous time!). This massage involves heating stones to about 60c, and then having them slowly and rhythmically moved over ones body. The effect of the oils and warm stones is really relaxing, and leaves you with a glow. The heat penetrates deep into the body. It is a must.

I was escorted to the Bai Cha (Tea room area) to relax again with some lovely ginger tea.

In the evenings, they have a table for customers to meet some of the management, and also other ‘inmates!’ Tonight was really fun. There was a great couple, Colin and Alison, who were from the UK police, Alistair the Director of Six Senses in Europe (Dubai/Europe), Melida and many others. It was thoroughly enjoyable, albeit tinged with sadness as I was leaving the following morning.

Wednesday

Up early, quick breakfast. Am came to meet me, and settle my bill in the room – very civilised. Then at 9am I was taken in my buggy to the pier, and had to bang the Gong only once this time. Did so with more vigour than the two required on my arrival, as felt really rejuvinated. The speedboat was waiting, and my farewell party consisted of Melida and Am. It took about 4 minutes to reach the marina and the awaiting 7 series BMW. It was raining, which gave a more sombre feeling to the events. Was at the airport in another 20 minutes.

All I can say is that these four days were probably one of the most enjoyable I have experienced at any hotel or resort. The seclusion, treatments, learning sessions, and time to reflect are indeed ‘life changing’ especially if one can implement everything one has learned.

I cannot recommend Six Senses Destination Spa Phuket enough for a life changing experience. The people are lovely, nothing is too much, and the rooms, fittings and location are out of this world. Sign up as soon as you can!

Have you had any experiences like this?

We put the feelers out this morning about the top spas in Asia and these gems in Bali, Thailand and the Philippines came back. Feast your eyes and nurture your mind, body and spirit. Ohm...

BALI

COMO Shambhala Retreat at Uma Ubud, Ubud: Located in the stunning and serene Uma Ubud hotel and overlooking the Tjampuhan Valley, the COMO Shambhala Retreat offers spa therapies alongside yoga, meditation, reflexology, hiking and biking. If you want to detox there's a raw food plan available, otherwise you can enjoy food from the hotel's restaurant menus. The retreat is just five minutes outside of Ubud, Bali's cultural epicentre.

Take advantage of the two night COMO Shambhala Reviver package, which includes bed and breakfast style accommodation, one three-course dinner at Uma Ubud's Kemiri restaurant, the "Shambhala Restoration Path" or "Shambhala Purification Path" treatment package and a private one-hour yoga session. Costs from USD 1,125 per room (based on two sharing).

Web: www.uma.ubud.como.bz; Tel: +62 361 972448; Email: uma.ubud@comoshambhala.bz.

THAILAND

Chiva-Som, Hua Hin:

If you're in need of a total lifestyle overhaul then the multi-award winning Chiva-Som is the place to go. The focus of Chiva-Som's customised programmes is on rebalancing and rejuvenating mind, body and spirit. A firm favourite amongst celebrities and Fortune 500 types, the spa can help you achieve a range of goals from weight management to detoxifying to toning and slimming to relaxation to general well-being to fitness to anti-aging. There are over 120 treatments on offer, plus Tai Chi, Pilates, Yoga and personal training classes.

To view a list of retreats and prices click here.

Web: www.chivasom.com; Tel: +66 (0) 3253 6536.

Absolute Sanctuary, Koh Samui: A Moroccan-inspired boutique spa on the gorgeous Thai island of Koh Samui might sound odd, but Absolute Sanctuary's devotees assure us that it works. There are several detoxification programmes on offer, plus yoga retreats and spa therapies. We like the sound of the three day rejuvenating package, which offers an hour long massage per day, a facial treatment or body wrap per day, unlimited yoga classes, three vegetarian meals a day and unlimited juices and smoothies.

Costs for the three day rejuvenating holiday start from USD 1,278 for a double room (based on two people sharing).

Web: absolutesanctuary.com; Tel: +66 77 601 190; Email: bookings@absolutesanctuary.com.

PHILIPPINES

The Farm, Batangas:

Check into The Farm to detox and improve your wellbeing. The focus here is on definitely on detoxification (think colon hydrotherapy, colon massage and "target organ cleansing") to reduce toxins, boost immunity and improve mental clarity. In addition to these treatments you can also take on fitness sessions and relax during spa therapies. Programmes start from 5 days, although there is a "Day at The Farm" option available.

Prevention / Recovery programmes start from USD 2,027 per person for five days; Wellness programmes start from USD 790 per person for five days; Day at The Farm costs from USD 86 per person. All rates are exclusive of 12% government taxes and 10% service charges.

Web: www.thefarm.com.ph; Tel: +63 2 884 8073; Email: info@thefarm.com.ph.

With three weeks to go until Easter, now is the perfect time to snap up a last-minute deal to one of the world's top Easter holiday destinations.

To inspire you, we've put together a guide to the top Easter breaks for 2009. So stop planning this year's Easter egg hunt and start packing your suitcase for a fantastic Easter holiday!

ANTIGUA, CARIBBEAN:

What: Join Eric Clapton, Oprah Winfrey and Giorgio Armani this Easter and holiday in style on the stunning island of Antigua. What better place to put your Lenten restrictions behind you than on beaches of soft white sand, under a hot sun and in perfect azure waters? The average April temperature in Antigua is a gorgeous 26°C / 79°F.

Why: Jaw-dropping beaches, colonial splendour, wonderful weather and a fantastic atmosphere. Stick around for the week after Easter and ogle open-mouthed at the big, fat classic yachts as they come out to play for the annual Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta (16 – 21 April).

Where: Stay at the super-stylish Inn at English Harbour hotel for the perfect blend of Colonial style luxury and contemporary comfort.

Wow: LHR – Antigua: 2 roundtrip tickets and 6 nights at Inn at English Harbour from USD 6697; LAX - Antigua: 2 roundtrip tickets and 6 nights at Inn at English Harbour from USD 5018; JFK – Antigua: 2 roundtrip tickets and 6 nights at Inn at English Harbour from USD 4886.*

OMAN

What: From souks to ancient sights to snorkelling to sandy beaches, Oman offers opulence, indulgence, adventure and luxury. Muscat, Oman's capital, boasts some seriously impressive hotels in stunning beach locations. Fashionistas and bargain hunters can go crazy in the city's markets, culture vultures can spend days soaking up the impressive sights and adrenaline junkies can dune buggy and scuba dive.

Why: There's something for everyone: jagged mountains, lush valleys, dramatic dunes, empty beaches, superb snorkelling, vibrant souks, camel racing and incredible history and culture. Easter temptation indeed...

Where: Al Bustan Palace Hotel, Muscat. Set against a dramatic mountain backdrop on 200 acres of private beach and lush green gardens, the Al Bustan Palace Hotel has a reputation as the best hotel in the Middle East and one of the finest hotels in the world.

Wow: Return flights from LHR – Muscat from USD 494 per person; from LAX – Muscat from USD 1558 per person; from JFK – Muscat from USD 1077 per person.*

PHUKET, THAILAND

What: One of the world's best known beach destinations, and dubbed the "Pearl of the South", Phuket is swanky and seductive in equal measures. It's a place to dive in azure seas, lounge at chic beach resorts, sip cocktails and soak up the glitz and glamour.

Why: Bargains are easy to find at Phuket's glam resorts and beachside villas and can be bagged, last-minute for hundreds of dollars less than their normal rates. If you're after a luxury Easter break on a moderate budget, this is the destination for you.

Where: If you want glitz on a relative shoestring then opt for Indigo Pearl. The resort offers very decent accommodation, great hotel pools and is located on Nai Yang Beach on Phuket's northwest shore. For a chic boutique hotel and trendy vibe opt for the ever-popular Twinpalms Phuket. Located right next to Thailand's 'millionaires' cove', the hotel's beach is a great site to spot celebrities.

Wow: From LHR – Phuket: 2 roundtrip tickets and 7 nights accommodation (based on 2 adults sharing) from USD 5463 at Indigo Pearl and from USD 8994 at Twinpalms Phuket; From LAX – Phuket: 2 roundtrip tickets and 7 nights accommodation (based on 2 adults sharing) from USD 3722 at Indigo Pearl and from USD 6844 at Twinpalms Phuket; From JFK – Phuket: 2 roundtrip tickets and 7 nights accommodation (based on 2 adults sharing) from USD 8094 at Indigo Pearl and from USD 11638 at Twinpalms Phuket*.

SANTORINI, GREECE

What: Arguably Greece's most romantic and spectacular island, Santorini offers a very local and authentic Greek Orthodox Easter experience. Spend the days leading up to Easter on a private yacht and exploring the Santorini's famous volcano "the caldera". Join in with the islanders' Easter celebrations and processions. Enjoy the Easter feasting and taste the incredible local lamb. On Easter Monday make the most of the local flora and visit Santorini's local vineyards.

Why: Stunning scenery, amazing hikes, beautiful beaches and fantastic weather, plus the experience of joining in with local Easter celebrations and traditions.

Where: La Meduse Santorini. Bang slap on Perivolos Beach, the island's longest sandy strip, this whitewashed boutique hotel occupies a Cycladic-style property and boasts crisp, fresh rooms.

Wow: From LHR – Santorini: 2 roundtrip tickets and 7 nights accommodation at La Meduse (based on 2 adults sharing) from USD 1817; From LAX – Santorini: 2 roundtrip tickets and 7 nights accommodation at La Meduse (based on 2 adults sharing) from USD 4938; From JFK – Santorini: 2 roundtrip tickets and 7 nights accommodation at La Meduse (based on 2 adults sharing) from USD 3145*.

SEVILLE, SPAIN

What: Passion and devotion combine in this fiery Spanish city and Semana Santa (Easter week) is one of the most exciting times to visit. Seville has hosted Easter celebrations for four centuries, and they are universally famous. Around 50,000 parade through the city's streets in traditional costumes during Seville's 58 organised processions. Expect to be wowed by religious statues, music, embroidered cloaks and velvet tunics.

Why: It goes without saying that Seville is one of Europe's most impressive cities. Moorish architecture, flamenco and bullfighting take centre stage in this stunning city. A long Easter weekend in Seville promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Where: Hotel San Gil. Housed in a restored 19th-century building, Hotel San Gil's preserved mosaics echo Seville's Moorish past. Just one kilometre from Seville's historic centre, Hotel San Gil is perfectly located for all the Easter action.

Wow: LHR – Seville: 2 roundtrip tickets and 4 nights accommodation at Hotel San Gil (based on 2 adults sharing) from USD 2205; JFK – Seville: 2 roundtrip tickets and 4 nights accommodation at Hotel San Gil (based on 2 adults sharing) from USD 2388*.

We hope this answers your questions about what to do at Easter, where the best Easter holiday destinations are and how to plan an Easter trip. Have a great time!

*All prices correct at the time of going to print.

Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 all via Flickr (Creative Commons).

It's the end of our new travel video function's first week. To show off how great the new content is here are some of the most-viewed videos.

First up, swinging through Costa Rica's jungle canopy (not for the faint-hearted!)

Next up, elephant washing in Kerala, India:

And finally, a snapshot of some of Thailand's best beaches:

There's plenty more online at iloho, so visit www.iloho.com/travel_videos now to check it out!

There's nothing like cabin crew in a tizz, and a raunchy soap has got Thai flight attendants worked up into a real lather.

"The Air Hostess War", which broadcast its first three episodes last week, centres around the lives of a group of air stewardesses, one of whom has an affair with a married pilot. The show's romantic intrigues lead to catfights amongst the cabin crew and steamy sex scenes during stopovers.

Thailand's flight attendants are in uproar. They think "The Air Hostess War" portrays them as being too sexy, and that it is insulting and damaging. "It's all about sex and air hostesses beating each other up in the cabin because of love and jealousy. This kind of thing never happens," said Noppadol Thaungthong, a Thai Airways flight attendant.

I can hear men all over the globe sighing in despair.

The trade union representing air crew is asking the culture ministry and the TV station that broadcasts the show to take it off the air. Apparently it might put young people off becoming flight attendants. "Footballers Wives" didn't deter British girls from WAG-dom, why should this be any different? There's a whole essay on cultural differences in that last statement.

300 trunks, 600 flapping ears and 132 legs on a football pitch… Yesterday the annual elephant festival took place in Surin, Thailand. More than 300 elephants and their handlers attended the event, the highlights of which included an 11-a-side football match and darts throwing competition.

Elephant fans can check out video footage of the animals’ football skills here.

Since logging was banned in Thailand in 1989 the country’s elephant handlers, or “mahouts”, have been forced into training their statuesque friends to perform tricks for tourists. The elephant festival is an important annual event for them both in terms of income and as a reunion / homecoming.

Other highlights on the elephant event calendar include:

February 2008

• Elephant Polo Tournament, Sri Lanka

• The Elephant Festival of Assam, India

March 2008

• Elephant Festival, Jaipur, India

• Paripally Gajamela, Elephant Pagent, India

April 2008

• Elephant Races, Don Village, Vietnam

September 2008

• Ganesh Festival, Pune, India (ok, so it not elephants per se, but a celebration for the elephant-headed god)