This Small Thai Island Is a Global Wellness Destination
"A remote southwestern-point resort whose villa experience includes a sapphire-tiled pool running the length of the villa with sweeping sea views; on-site food and culture offerings include Botanikka café — a raw-cement space furnished with abundant houseplants and weathered leather armchairs where “tailors” (baristas) roast robust Chiang Rai beans — and Jahn, a cosmopolitan steakhouse that contributes to the property’s unexpectedly urbane vibe. The adjacent Silapa boutique and gallery showcases Thai women artists, including Aksorn “Khing” Khumchaem’s print Fear of a puffer fish; Khumchaem’s Instagram caption is preserved: “Will I make it?” The resort’s Iris Farm, established in 2019 and shepherded by bellhop-turned-farmer Payap “Pong” Khunkayan, houses goats, chickens, ducks, quail, two piglets, a golden Lab named Kiki, and a Thai mutt, Coco; Khunkayan’s background on a durian orchard and his role in running the farm are noted, and Iris Farm supplies about “70 percent of all ingredients consumed on property.” A hands-on workshop on herbal compresses described ingredients as a Thai still life — “stippled makrut limes and leaves, galangal, ginger, tamarind leaves, lemongrass, and turmeric” — and treatment-room rituals included scrubbing heels with green pandan-leaf salt, the tying of a threadlike bracelet with a Thai blessing, and the instruction to make a wish and cut the bracelet off in three days." - Adam Erace Adam Erace Adam Erace is an award-winning food and travel writer, restaurant critic, and cookbook author. He lives in Philadelphia with his wife and three maniacal rescue dogs. His favorite country is Mexico and his favorite airline is whichever offers an upgrade. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
