‘Samui is Good Value’ – Patrick (Paddy) Gerard McHugh, General Manager, Zuma Bangkok.
By Earth Saiswang.
Where he can “ski in the morning, and sail in the afternoon” – this sums up pretty much the ideal holiday destination of Patrick “Paddy” Gerard McHugh. But in Thailand, the 45-year-old Irish general manager of Zuma Bangkok says his favorite destination is Samui.
What makes Samui so special for him? “Time with my family in a serene setting,” he replies, quickly adding, “spa, detox, and health benefits.”
A man who described himself as optimistic, determined, appreciative, Paddy, first learned about Samui from a guest at St. Regis Bangkok, where Zuma is located.
He’s been to Samui only twice – first in 1995 and then again in September 2012 (for his first detox), but he’s been hooked. He stayed at Beach Republic – which by the way, he said “does a good Sunday Brunch, although Nikki Beach is better,” and went to Spa-Samui.
He doesn’t think the attractions and activities, ease of getting there, prices, facilities, service or people are really extra remarkable one way or another, but he thinks that overall, a holiday in Samui is good value (“and the Thai people are very friendly and service oriented,” he adds).
He plans to return to Samui again soon and in fact is already booked to visit this month, with his wife and kid.
Tip to Fellow Travelers:
Must-Do: Go to waterfalls
Must-See: Elephant park / elephant trekking
Sleep at: Nikki Beach or Beach Republic
Eat at: Nikki Beach
Drink at: Nikki Beach
Bring: Favorite music, book
Don’t forget: That you are on holiday so ‘smell the roses’
Others: Always agree fare before getting into a taxi
