NATURE
The original shape of the land has been
preserved as much as possible. Ancient coconut trees (over
60 years old) were kept to maintain the authenticity of
the location. Many trees are incorporated within the design
of the Hotel. The expansive and uncluttered garden is
representative of the simplicity of life one finds when
one is open to it. It brings a feeling of peacefulness
and serenity that luxuriant vegetation may not express
so effectively. Placed throughout the Hotel’s garden and
walkways are numerous bonsai trees, a parallel to the
Thai service where each Guest is taken into personal consideration,
with care. On a calm clear night with no rain, you may
enjoy counting little rabbits admiring the yellow full
moon. The moon represents a coveted person. The rabbits
are those who crave for this person's heart in vain. This
is the kind of broken-heart phenomenon which may occur
to anybody.
MEDIA
The architect has decided to use simple
raw materials for the construction and decoration of the
Hotel.Many local craftworks have been used in this process.This
concept creates a blend of simplicity together with the
inherent practicality using materials available on hand.
All furnitures were made specifically on site during the
construction. The decor seeks to becalm the senses and
plays down the luxurian. This minimalist environment engenders
a certain simplicity to fullfil one’s life without aspiring
to excess, a suitably honorable way to behave in a Buddhist
country. |
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TRADITION
The overall image of the Hotel is a blending of the ancient
Javanese house-village design with a traditional Thai
southern slow-slung roof, a structure which impels the
visitor to humbly bow one’s head on entry and exit, thus
showing respect to the householder. The two identical
stone sculptures in front of the lobby are not mortars
but are fashioned on traditional banana-leaf ceremonial
pieces used for receptions. In Thai they are called Bai
Sri and will welcome you right on your arrival.
SPIRITS
Some of the objects and structures of the decoration are
the reflection of local beliefs. The main stairs leading
to the Upper Floor recall the design of the traditional
Buddhist temple with its mirrors chasing away the bad
spirits and conversly the Lotus, a holy flower, attracting
the good one. The twin phalluses, for example, well known
as Shiva Lueng in Thai, represent a Hindu God's sexual
organ which Samui fishermen have worshipped for long as
their protector against the mischievous Goddess of the
sea. The phallus miniatures however, named Palad Kik,
have the same shape as Siva Leung only smaller. Normally
Palad Kik are worn on the body, usually at the waist,
and are considered as magic amulets or lucky charms for
the wearer inviting good business and prosperity. The
cubic blocks on the lawn are designed as one-of-a- kind
spirit houses which serve to spiritually protect both
staff and guests who stay here. The cubism is styled after
the bases of Buddhist pagodas which are placed atop each
other, biggest to the smallest at the top. Its solid structure
symbolizes the powerful strength of the residents' morale
and the hotel's longevity. |
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