Lessons From Thailand: You Can Ignore Your Problems, But Your Problems Won't Ignore You
Highlights:
Navigating Monsoon Season: Embraced Thailand’s rainy season, but November through March is ideal for the best experience.
Coqoon Spa Bliss: The most transformative massage of my life at The Slate Hotel’s serene Coqoon Spa.
An Unforgettable Dining Experience: An affordable chef’s tasting menu at Black Ginger, the sexiest restaurant I’ve ever visited with the best ambiance.
The Travel Tea Ritual: My morning cup of tea has become a travel tradition and a healing anchor.
Luxury for Less at JW Marriott and a Splurge at Sametnangshe Boutique: Great value at JW Marriott and a one-night splurge with breathtaking views of Phang Nga Bay.
Some Visionboard Moments Missed: I missed the chance for a long-tail boat tour with Beyond Boat due to rainy weather, but I can’t wait to return.
Returning Home to a Storm of Its Own: After a peaceful escape, I faced a challenging week. True transformation isn't about avoiding the storm but learning to dance in the rain.
Next Stop: Disruptive Transformation
When I boarded the plane to Phuket, Thailand, I had no idea that this trip would be a catalyst for some big changes in my life. I had personal issues I was pushing to the back of my mind, thinking that a few weeks of sun, spa treatments, and delicious food would somehow erase the lingering discomfort. But just because you ignore problems doesn't mean they ignore you. They have a way of simmering quietly in the background, only to resurface with even greater force when you least expect it.
Embracing the Escape
Thailand offered a beautiful reset. I spent my days indulging in experiences that felt like they were straight out of a dream. The Coqoon Spa at The Slate Hotel was a sanctuary in itself. It was here that I experienced the best massage of my life, a truly transformative session that seemed to knead away not just the knots in my muscles but also some of the tension in my soul.
Then there was Black Ginger, the sexiest restaurant I've ever been to, where I enjoyed a full chef's tasting menu for only $60. The ambiance, the flavors, and the experience were unforgettable. Every dish was a testament to the power of fresh, local ingredients, making it clear that some of the best things in life don't have to cost a fortune.
For a change of scenery, I headed to Sametnangshe Boutique, a hidden gem that offered breathtaking views of Phang Nga Bay. The sight was so spectacular, it felt like a postcard come to life. This view has been on my vision board for years.
Resting and relaxing here was rejuvenating—except for one small issue. The little geckos that found their way into my room disrupted my peace of mind. And the weather didn't exactly cooperate either. Visiting during the monsoon season meant frequent storms, making it difficult to truly enjoy the outdoor beauty that Thailand is known for.
I never had an opportunity to visit the famous James Bond Island, and my reservation with Beyond Boat was never booked due to extreme weather. You can't predict storms in Thailand during this time of year. One minute it's sunny and beautiful, and the next minute the clouds are rolling in.
The majority of my stay was at the JW Marriott Phuket, a place I now hold close to my heart. For the value it offered, it was a steal. The daily breakfast, although not included, was a highlight of the trip. Fresh fruits, delicious pastries, and a variety of international dishes made every morning a culinary adventure. It was here that I realized even small luxuries, like a good breakfast, can set a positive tone for the day.
Transportation was so easy. The JW Marriott Phuket was only 15 minutes from Phuket International Airport. They provided a black luxury private car by request. When we wanted to get around, we used GRAB, which is like Uber.
We met a kind and professional local taxi drivers, who drove us throughout the trip whenever we needed to get around. Mr. Nex was incredibly patient and accommodating. I told him I need to find nail glue and he went out of his way to find it. lol Anything we needed he was more than happy to help.
Mr. Nex, Local Taxi (Up to 3 people)
+66 93 514 9678 (WhatsApp Number)
Mr. Seksan Nimnual (Sek) (Up to 9 people)
+66 63 097 9997 (WhatsApp Number)
The Travel Ritual You Didn't Know You Needed
Every trip I take, I unknowingly created a soothing ritual that has become one of the most healing parts of my travels: a morning cup of tea unique to each destination. In South Africa, it was rooibos tea with a dash of honey; in Thailand, it was green jasmine tea with pistachio milk. This simple ritual has become more than just a morning routine; the scent of these teas back home instantly transports me to those places, reminding me of the beauty and peace I felt.
This phenomenon, often called the "Proust effect," shows how our sense of smell can evoke vivid memories and emotions, making it a powerful tool for healing and connection. This travel ritual I didn't know I needed now grounds me in the transformative power of each journey, allowing me to carry a piece of those experiences with me wherever I go.
The Return to Reality
But as I returned home, I was hit with one of the most stressful weeks of my year. It felt as though all the peace and reset I had worked so hard to cultivate were immediately undone. Issues I had been avoiding before the trip came crashing down with new intensity. It was a stark reminder that ignoring problems doesn't make them disappear; it only gives them time to grow stronger in the background.
This was a powerful disruption, and at first, I viewed it as a failure—as if all the work I had done to heal and move forward had been in vain. But then I realized something: this disruption was necessary. It was forcing me to confront these issues head-on, to face the things I had been avoiding. It was pushing me to truly transform, not just temporarily escape.
Disruption as a Catalyst for Growth
The experience taught me that the bigger the setback, the stronger the potential for progress. The storms in Thailand were a fitting metaphor for what awaited me at home. The longer you ignore your problems, the more inevitable their exposure becomes. And when they do surface, they come with a force that can either break you or make you stronger.
Instead of viewing these challenges as a setback, I chose to see them as preparation for the new chapter I'm stepping into. This powerful disruption has become a catalyst for deeper self-awareness and growth, reinforcing the idea that true transformation isn't about avoiding the storm but learning to dance in the rain.
So, as I continue on this journey of self-discovery, I'm learning to embrace both the calm and the chaos. Because both are essential for growth. And if there's one thing I've taken away from this experience, it's that facing your issues head-on, no matter how uncomfortable, is crucial for true transformation.
As I write this, I'm grateful for the experiences I had in Thailand—the serene moments, the challenges, and even the geckos. Each has played a role in preparing me for what's next. So here's to the power of disruption, to embracing the storms, and to the promise of new beginnings.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"True transformation isn't about avoiding the storm but learning to dance in the rain." -Vivian Greene
PRODUCT OF THE WEEK
Dagne Dover Arlo Neoprene Tech Organizer
Wherever I travel—whether it's a quick weekend getaway or a long international vacation—this tech organizer keeps me effortlessly organized. It holds all my devices, chargers, and small essentials in one sleek, minimal design. I'm obsessed with the classic black color, but it comes in a variety of shades to suit any style. It's the perfect blend of function and fashion, making travel a little less chaotic and a lot more stylish!
