"There's a restaurant on Koh Kood Island in Thailand called Benz's. You get on a boat and go up a river to get there. It is the most exquisite, spicy Thai food I've ever had. The flavors were incredible..." ~ Gwyneth Paltrow

After finding out this restaurant is literally in our backyard...

the decision was made to visit Koh Kood in style, 

as our last hurrah in Thailand...

at the incredible resort of Soneva Kiri.

Upon arrival at the private airstrip 

we were whisked away by boat to the resort...

where our Ms. Friday promptly took away our shoes

 in full support of the resorts motto...

No news...no shoes...Thai style.

She actually did have two pieces of good news for us.

As she led us down the bamboo, floating pathway...

she revealed our amazing upgrade...

where Ren Man and I could play hide and go seek...

and spend hours finding each other.

Villa #5...

our personal paradise... 

for a few days.

 With unlimited bathing options a la natural...

and an air conditioned sleeping area.

Where modern conveniences are creatively hidden away 

for a rainy day 

spent watching movies 

checked out from the huge library.

Dreams came quickly...

of days spent relaxing...

or exploring the resort in our own personal electric buggy... 

where Soneva Kiri's attention to detail is discovered.

More on this later.

Our Ms. Friday had more good news.

She was able to reserve a table at Benz's restaurant 

where we enjoyed the flavors and spices of Thailand,

as Benz herself mingled with each of us.

Although, we were unable to travel by boat because of low tides,

our transport was an adventure on land.

One lane wooden bridges

 suspended 10-15 meters

 above river ravines anyone?

Anyone?

My lasting memories of Soneva Kiri are all about the details.

Some as small as the charming note on the breakfast menu...

or the opportunity to send yourself a time capsule post card in the future...

or the small fish pulls on all of the windows...

and lights resembling plastic bags 

filled with water to keep bugs away...

or the ubiquitous umbrellas 

strategically placed around the resort...

just in cases.

And then there are those large details...

like the all day long ice cream bar and delectable chocolate room...

and outdoor movie night on Sundays.

And then there is the Treepod.

Yes, you too can delight in...

dangling from the treetops.

Get ready.

Quite the experience.

As amazing as all of these details are...

this is why I will return.

When every employee seems to love their job,

everyone is happy.

Thank you Soneva Kiri.

Perfect for our last get-away while living in Bangkok.

Those smiles amidst the rainy morning 

are the perfect backdrop for our last days in the 'land of smiles'.

Sewadee ka...

so long for now Thailand...

we will be back.