Thursday 17 July 2014

Island Gem gourmet picnic, a different experience

Yesterday I was invited for an inspection trip of Island Gem Gourmet Picnic with front office staff/managers of some high end hotels on the island. The Gem Gourmet Picnic gives a different twist to a day time activity and the most interesting part is, they don't take up your whole day. 

Island Gem gourmet picnic, a different experience

Long tail boat used for the trips although speed boats are available on request

Pick up doesn't start until 10am, so you can enjoy breakfast at your hotel and you will be back before the start of the happy hour at the hotel pool bar! This is one of the few half day trips available on Koh Samui.

Island Gem gourmet picnic, a different experience

Snorkeling at Koh Tan

Transfers to and from Thong Krut pier in the Southern part of the island from your hotel are included, as is snorkeling and a gourmet lunch with unlimited drinks. Two islands will be visited, Koh Tan for snorkeling and Koh Matsum for a gourmet lunch and relaxing.

Island Gem gourmet picnic, a different experience

View on Koh Tan

The transfer alone will give you a great possibility of seeing the more untouched Southern part(s) of the island with it's roads and villages with some stunning views on offer. Our family loves to take day trips to this part of the island.

Island Gem gourmet picnic, a different experience

Relaxing transfer between the islands

Once in Thong Krut, everybody gets on a long tail boat and the trip si ready to start. Within 15 minutes, Koh Tan has been reached and with it's pristine coral reefs along it's coast, the snorkeling part of the trip can start. Since all tours are private, it's you who dictates how long you want to stay at the snorkel site. Mask, snorkels and fins are provided for!
There are plenty of fish and various kinds of coral to be seen.

Island Gem gourmet picnic, a different experience

Koh Matsum as seen from the boat

After the snorkeling, it's off to Koh Matsum for the gourmet lunch. Another short trip on the traditional but comfortable long tail boat which is shaded.

Island Gem gourmet picnic, a different experience

Prosecco on the swing

Once on Koh Matsum, a naturally shaded area by a big tree is waiting with some swings and a glass of Prosecco bubbles are waiting for you whilst Gavin, the owner and guide prepares the lunch. Time to kick back and enjoy the pristine beach.

Island Gem gourmet picnic, a different experience

Lunch

The standard lunch as we had yesterday included; Couscous with roasted veg. Pesto pasta. Mixed green salad. Potato salad. French bread with Italian ham salad, Egg mayo, cheese salad and coppa ham olive salad, Cayun chicken and for dessert fruit cake and fresh watermelon. It was delicious! Gavin cooks himself and he had some very good teachers!
Gavin has a F&B background, having been F&B manager at the Silavadee and it sure shows!

Island Gem gourmet picnic, a different experience

Another view of Koh Matsum beach

The area that Gavin uses is secluded and you're the only ones on this stretch of beach and once lunch has been finished, there's ample time to either relax and enjoy some more drinks or play some games or go for a swim.

Island Gem gourmet picnic, a different experience

Lunch setting

It's a ll done in a very relaxing, more or less set by you, since as already mentioned, there are no mixed groups, only private tours, starting with two and a maximum of 16.

Island Gem gourmet picnic, a different experience

The end of a great trip, everybody was happy and enjoyed themselves

We had a great day, all of us and we enjoyed it a lot, "sanuk maak", as the Thai tend to say! I can highly recommend this activity, it makes for something different and will be a good memory to remember from your stay on Samui.

Check out my 'Tour bookings with Camille' page on this blog and book directly with me for 'Island gem gourmet picnic, a different experience' 

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

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