With cameras in hand and no particular plans, Simone Matos and Yago Guerreiro discover that the best moments in Koh Samui are often the ones you don’t see coming.
For Simone Matos and Yago Guerreiro, travelling is as much about the moments they share as the places they discover. Travel and lifestyle content creators @simonesbmatos and @yagosguerreiro have a talent for turning everyday scenes into something cinematic, whether it’s a sweeping landscape or a quiet moment between the two of them. Through their dreamy photography and thoughtful storytelling, they invite you to see the world through their lens, where even the smallest details have a story to tell.
After a whirlwind trip to Bangkok, the pair were ready to swap city buzz for island time. Their next stop was Koh Samui, where shoes are optional and losing track of time is definitely encouraged.
The couple checked in at Baan Hinyai by Luxe Nomad, the sea was never far from sight, and there was little reason to watch the clock. Here, their days were filled with leisurely breakfasts by the pool, unplanned discoveries and sunsets that gave them one more reason to reach for their cameras.
We caught up with the duo to talk about their time on the island, the little luxuries that stayed with them, and the pleasure of leaving a little room for spontaneity.
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Tell us why you chose to travel to Koh Samui. Was it your first time there or are you a regular?
Southeast Asia has a special place in our hearts. We’ve spent time in Indonesia and the Philippines, but this was Simone’s first time in Thailand (second for Yago), and Koh Samui felt like the perfect place to slow down after the energy of Bangkok. We were looking for an island that balanced natural beauty with a sense of calm, somewhere we could create, move and truly rest. Samui gave us all of that.
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What’s your ideal way to start the day when you’re on vacation?
Slowly, without a doubt. We love starting the morning with a glass of water, a little movement to wake up the body, and then some fresh fruit and coffee with a beautiful view. The best part is not having anywhere to rush off to. We try to keep our phones away for the first hour and just enjoy being present, especially when we’re somewhere as beautiful as Koh Samui.
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What did you love most about your trip with Luxe Nomad?
The feeling of being genuinely looked after without ever feeling rushed. From the first contact up until check-out, everything was thoughtful and seamless, which meant we could be fully present. For us, that’s the real luxury: having the space to slow down and enjoy every detail.
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Were there any specific thoughtful touches or unexpected luxuries at the villa that really impressed you?
Sometimes, it’s the smallest details that stay with you. We arrived to a lovely welcome note, fresh fruit and flowers in our room. Nothing over the top, just thoughtful little gestures that made the villa feel less like somewhere we were staying and more like a home away from home.
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What’s one memory from this trip that will stay with you for a long time?
Definitely swimming at sunset. We were in the water as the sky slowly turned the prettiest shade of pink, and everything around us felt so peaceful. It was one of those rare moments when you find yourself completely present, knowing even then that it’s a memory you’ll look back on for years to come.
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What was the most impressive thing or your favourite thing about Baan Hinyai?
The view, first of all. The villa sits perfectly between the sea and the jungle, so wherever you look there’s either open ocean or lush greenery.
We were also struck by how spacious it was. There’s room to spread out, to move, to simply breathe. And then there’s the sound of the infinity pool, water gently flowing all day long. It became the soundtrack of our stay and gave the whole villa a sense of calm we’ll always associate with Samui.
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