Traveling around Koh Samui, the impression you chiefly get is one of beauty and sophistication; a tropical island with all its wonderful bays, beaches and extensive jungle meets the sheer elegance of contemporary style luxury villas. Those who are newly arrived on the island won’t be able to imagine the island as it was just a few decades ago.

Back then, before it was discovered in the 1970s, Koh Samui was just a sleepy islet, barely known even to the most avid travelers. It was on the map, but like so many other islands in south-east Asia, it was home to only a few farmers and fishing people. It thrived by being traditional, kept to a small population and seemed slated to continue in the way it had done for many more years to come.

A few intrepid travelers changed all that. They loved what they saw and word of mouth did the rest; more and more people sought out the experience of staying on Koh Samui. They knew that what awaited them was a paradise amongst palm trees, an easy-going way of life that really did involve resting in hammocks and drinking out of coconuts. One of the first travelers to come here was award-winning photographer Rene Burri, who was enthralled by the islanders and their way of life. His pictures of island life are still popular today and grace many a Koh Samui home and hotel.

Travelers like him helped put Koh Samui on the map and soon the islanders found that they had a fledgling tourist industry on their hands. Fledgling soon morphed into bourgeoning and they knew that in order to cope they would need to cater to all the newcomers.

Samui developers were those responsible for helping turn the sparsely-populated and under-served island into a place that could happily cater to the thousands of vacationers who suddenly wanted to come here. The island towns and communities have naturally grown but much of Koh Samui has remained untouched. Its beaches may be home to resorts and restaurants but the laid-back holiday vibe continues.

Samui developers took stock of the erstwhile wooden dwellings and knew that more permanent buildings were required. Inspired by contemporary south-east Asian designs they began building in a new and improved style that featured more concrete, stone and steel. They used far more glass than had ever seen before in order to create dwellings that would let in all the light. The results got the immediate thumbs up from vacationers and an ever-growing number of expatriates who wanted not just holidays but an abode on the island. The late 90’s and the turn of the new century saw a first wave of villas being built that were unlike anything that the island had seen before – spacious, elegant homes that mirrored those seen in other tropical vacation spots. They would not have been out of place in Australia’s Gold Coast for example, or the Mediterranean or the Caribbean. Yet, they still managed to imbue the spirit of the gulf islands with plenty of grace notes such as the use of bamboo, thatch and architectural touches.

Subsequent waves followed. But the island’s villas weren’t just popular because they could keep pace with developments elsewhere; they were sought-after because Samui developers made it easy to get them built and ensure that along the way every kind of stringent international regulation was adhered to. Whereas before a prospective homeowner would have to negotiate with different small teams in order to get his or her dream property built, Samui developers undertook to provide turnkey solutions.

That trend continues today and is precisely the model that we at RS Built have kept to. We consider ourselves at the forefront of development on Koh Samui and when we came to the island, we deliberately set up our company that it would be able to offer a complete solution to any and all building needs. We can give you assistance with just certain aspects your project or we can do everything.

These days it’s easier than ever to build a dream home. If you come and talk to RS Built you will find that we will be able to advise you on whatever you ask us to. Whether you have a simple idea of what you would like or have a very detailed plan, we will be able to follow your budget and timeline and turn your concept into reality.

We can for example give advice on what land to buy and where to buy it. We have many different plots of land on our books and can quickly help you locate the best area for your particular needs. We can then secure the land for you and build using best quality materials. And finally, we can maintain and carry out repairs to your property, and even rent it out in your absence. Naturally, we can look after all paperwork for you – including your own personal and company papers.

We invite you to come and have a discussion with us; you will be surprised at how simple it is to set up a dream lifestyle here in the tropics. Samui developers such as ourselves have you covered, no matter what your needs are.