Combining luxury with a conscientious approach to sustainability and the environment, Soneva Kiri has launched an exciting new experience that’s perfect for adventurous travelers. Named ‘Koh Kood by Sea’, the cool new activity offers guests the chance to snorkel at a private beach, discover the pristine Koh Kood coastline, and dine at a local seafood restaurant.
The new experience offers the perfect chance to explore the coastline of Thailand’s fourth largest and least populated island entirely by speedboat, providing a getaway that goes beyond the usual suntan and sand itinerary.
The island itself is covered in verdant rainforest, with cliffs and secluded bays. A fairytale destination, the surrounding water is crystal clear and has some of the most vibrant hues of blue found anywhere in Thailand.
The experience begins at Soneva Kiri’s arrival jetty and follows the eastern shore of Koh Kood, through the Ao Salad fishing village where guests can see the traditional Thai houses built on stilts and the brightly coloured fishing boats.
Next, the speedboat can stop at AoYaiKert for some snorkelling, before continuing on through Ao Kuai to AoChak for more snorkelling. Along the way, guests are encouraged to ask the captain to stop off at any of the private bays that pepper the coastline.
This experience is also ideal for bird watching and for spotting marine life. At AoYai, the final stop along the route, guests will dine at a local seafood restaurant for lunch.
The local Thai restaurant, which has uninterrupted views across the bay, serves seafood caught fresh that day, and is owned and operated by a Chef who previously worked at Soneva Kiri.
Dig into crab, prawns, squid, and sea bass. Each of these seafood items have at least two options to choose from, for example stir-fried crab with black pepper or curry powder. There’s also steamed rice, stir-fried mixed vegetables, water, chilled rose wine, and soft drinks to enjoy alongside.
Once guests are ready the captain will take them back to Soneva Kiri along the same route, where they can continue reclining in style amongst the 34 vast pool villas – where highlights such as the open-air Cinema and homemade chocolate parlour await.
For more information about Soneva, visit www.soneva.com. The whole experience takes around five hours and costs THB 20,000 (approximately USD 612) per couple and THB 12,000 (USD 370) per person.