It is also the tourist area of Thailand that focuses most on the country's natural wonders and outdoor activities, and least on exhausting nightlife and stuffing yourself full! If you want somewhere to rest and refresh yourself on the weekend (at least a long weekend!), one of the gorgeous villas in Koh Samui can help you turn over a new leaf.

Bangkok is easily accessible from almost all areas of the world, and up to 17 flights depart from Bangkok airport to Koh Samui and its array of luxury villas and uplifting outdoor activities per day. The mild climate makes the island, which can be circumnavigated in around 2.5 hours, a favourite year round. The array of luxury villas in Samui that are all priced at a fraction of what you would pay in the West is the next most tempting thing about this corner of the world!

One such Samui villa that is great for a weekend getaway is Jumpee villa, a one-bedroom haven of luxury built of marble, granite and hardwood and set right on the ocean. There are indoor and outdoor showers, to revitalize yourself by getting back to nature, as well as an outdoor Jacuzzi. All the modern conveniences of wireless ADSL internet, satellite TV, air conditioning (you'll be thankful for it at night time!), full kitchen amenities and complimentary sandals and bathrobes make it a very comfortable experience. Getaway to this luxury Samui villa for rent from May to July for awesome rates.

If you start talking about your upcoming weekend trip to a villa in Koh Samui, and suddenly find hundreds of people willing to stow away in your backpack on the plane, why not make it a group outing? The Waimarie Samui villa for rent sleeps 14 people, and has extensive private grounds that include a tennis court, 3 large pavilions, 6 ensuite bedrooms and a fully fitted state of the art kitchen.

Don't think that all the kitchen facilities just mean more work and cooking time for you though - Waimarie is a Samui villa that comes with a full time Thai chef, and continental breakfast daily. Direct beach access and a wooden playground for children make it a natural and delightful way to relax over a long weekend.

If you would like to see a little more of the island than just your luxury Samui villa (though you might not find time!), there are some beautiful scenic golf courses on Koh Samui, and on your weekend getaway to this tropical paradise there is no excuse for letting your handicap slip even further. You can stay in a luxury Samui villa at the Santuburi resort, which has its own golf course, but guests from elsewhere are also very welcome. If you are up for something different (a change is as good as a holiday - and even better when on holiday!), try a game of football golf at the Samui Football Golf Club, just north of Chaweng.

Or if you'd like to take a little bit of Koh Samui home to have every week, a cooking course might be the thing to tempt you out of your Samui luxury villa. The Samui Institute of Thai Culinary Arts is a great way to meet people, and the courses are extremely wallet friendly. Try your hand at your own Pad Thai in the safety of your Samui villa, or polish your skills when you get home, and dream of the day you'll return.