Staying at Zeavola Resort, Phi Phi Islands, Thailand

Take a deep breath in, now let it out. Repeat. Do you feel that?

A momentary grounding.

Now picture white beach sand, crystal clear blue waters, tall shady palm trees, mind-blowing food.

You've just imagined Zeavola Resort, Phi Phi Islands.

A place to feel connected and grounded. A place where you can exhale.

Hands down one of my favourite destinations in Thailand; this resort is truly magnificent. Not only because it is surrounded by the most breathtaking scenery but because the resort is aware of their responsibility towards the environment and making their establishment one of sustainability. Zeavola does everything they can to look after the majestic nature that surrounds them.

Getting there is half the adventure and a flight into Phuket, a taxi to the harbour and a gorgeous boat ride later you will find yourself stepping onto the beautiful beaches with waves lapping the shores of the island.

Arriving at sunset, the golden light illuminated the limestone cliff faces and rocky outcrops that surround and make up the Phi Phi islands.

Taking in the bright pink skies is a memory that will stay with me forever.

The resort is really something special. Firstly it is a barefoot resort - yes you read correctly. This resort encourages you to get your toes sandy and feel the earth beneath you. Every time you enter a facility there is the opportunity to rinse your feet off in cleverly placed foot baths.

The resort recycles their water (which is pretty impressive considering they are on a tiny island in the Andaman sea)

They omit all single-use plastics and promote being eco-conscious in all that they (or the guests) do.

A green resort? Be still my beating heart.

The rooms are tucked away and surrounded by lush tropical plants and give a feeling of absolute privacy. You might find yourself harboring a sneaky suspicion that you have the only room on the island. They are constructed from glass panels and space is filled with natural light. With an outdoor shower and lounge area, I felt as if I could live there forever!

The resort offers additional options of rooms situated higher up on the hill, perched on stilts overlooking the canopy. The honeymoon suite sports a beautiful white marble pool while for the more minimal tastes, a beach facing room might be just the thing.

There is certainly something to satisfy every occasion and desire.

If you have a wedding request, this is the hotel for you.

The resort also proudly caters to the LGTBQ community by offering same-sex marriages.

The only thing enticing enough to get me to leave my comfortable room? Diving. As an avid diver, I opted to take myself on an adventure. Joined by a private Dive Master we took a boat trip out into the marine reserve. Whilst we were heading out seahorses were mentioned and I was sold.

From sea horses to lions mane jellyfish I was in heaven! If diving isn't your thing then you can also take a private boat ride out to the marine park for the day and go snorkeling with baby black tip sharks or simply swim in the tropical waters and bask in the sun. With a gorgeous pool, you can stay in or even make your way to their sublime spa for a treatment of your choice. I lost myself in the music that is a traditional massage.

Making my way back to the resort I was met with staff that is ready to help with anything, cue cocktail in hand and of course someone to escort me to lunch!

Wow. The food was simply incredible and eating on the beach with a gentle sea breeze in my hair, heaven. I realized after the food that Zeavola was fast crawling its way into one of my favourite destinations out there.

This five-star resort is beyond the standard five stars you expect to experience with that rating. With every detail thought out and every taste catered for, Zeavola was exceptional.

Did you know that there is a Thailand Tourism office located in Johannesburg? Don’t think only beaches (Phuket), as there is so much more to Thailand. So if you need info or digital brochures etc, be sure to contact them or better still follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

I would also like to give a special thanks to Singapore Airlines for flying me in style all the way to this dream destination!

-Melissa

Diving Bali - Nusa Penida

Diving to me is the ultimate form of mindfulness. I think because you are silent and you have no choice but to be right where you are. You are focused on your breath, your body, and your environment. The environment just happens to be under hundreds of tons of water in an alien landscape where you are the guest and the vibrant creatures of the ocean your host. For as long as I can remember, my dream has been this, to dive with Giant Manta Rays. These animals can get a wingspan of up to 5.5 meters and are placid gentle giants that glide underwater as if they are flying.

Getting to Nusa Penida can be done by fast or local boats off the coast of Bali. The most popular port to get a boat from is Sanur. If you use the fast boat the ride is about 30-40 minute depending on the swell. You can get tickets online or at the harbour. I recommend online because it just makes life easier and the boats can fill up rather quickly.

Approaching Nusa Penida looks like approaching the tropical island of Jurassic Park. With jagged cliffs and towering palm trees, the island looks like a movie scene. Once safely in the harbour, we arranged with Sanctum diving to collect us. They were going to do so by car which is a quick drive from the harbour but in the end, we rented scooters and made our way there following our guide. It was quicker and much less painful than sitting in the heat on the back of a pickup truck as we ended up in unexpected traffic due to a school parade.

I went to Nusa for one reason, in fact, I went to Bali for one reason. That reason was to see the Giant Manta Ray. To chase the dream of diving under the water with them and be in awe of their beauty. Sadly due to the traffic, we were late and unable to get out to the cleaning station with the dive boat. It seemed all odds were against me. First an earthquake, then a full boat, then traffic! The cleaning station is a dive where you are almost guaranteed to see Giant Manta Ray and not being able to get there felt like a major blow to my excitement. So we decided to dive one of the other points also popular with these gorgeous beasts.

Together with Ben and Lauren (my adventure buddies for the day), we had our first dive, desperately searching everywhere underwater to find them. These giant black flying fish were nowhere to be seen. I let it go and lost myself in all the other creatures of the ocean. 40 minutes into the dive I made peace that it just wasn't my time to see them. First the earthquake and then no Manta ray. Bali wasn't going to give me all I had hoped for. But then it happened. As soon as I let go I received. Perhaps there is a lesson there...

I turned around and over my head flew a Giant Manta Ray. I was so happy I think you could hear the screams of joy under the water. Out of nowhere came another - I turned to Ben and there he was shooting away taking these beautiful images of me and my dream come true. I could see Lauren in absolute awe and the energy the three of us shared is something that I will remember forever. I saw the giant Manta Rays of Bali. Although brief, I had my moment. A moment with an animal that is so majestic it leaves you speechless. Nusa Penida - it was a day trip which was way too short, I will have to return!

My hope is that the world over will see that the oceans are a magnificent breathing living being that needs to be protected from us! Below I have linked two organizations that are doing amazing work locally in Bali. If you have the time - hop on over and read up on them. Perhaps even donate. The oceans need us.

https://www.misoolfoundation.org

https://www.madistewart.com/donate

My vow this year is to use even less plastic in my life - it just ends up in the oceans and affects these amazing animals. It serves no purpose but to harm. Refusing the straw is great but the problem is much bigger than that. Single-use razors, plastic bags, and bottles are some of the plastic items used every day that end up in our beautiful oceans. Think twice before you use plastic and ask yourself, can I make a change?

-Melissa

p.s thank you Benj for the pictures