As I walked along Lamai Beach on Koh Samui, I couldn't help but be blown away by the mix of natural beauty and chill island vibes. The coastline here is like nothing I’ve ever seen—massive granite boulders scattered around, creating this almost otherworldly landscape. Of course, I had to check out the famous Grandfather Rocks (Hin Ta and Hin Yai) while I was exploring. These quirky rock formations, shaped by centuries of wind and waves, were mesmerizing as I stood there, staring out at the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Thailand.

The whole area around the Grandfather Rocks really sums up what makes Lamai special. I spent hours just walking the sandy shores, soaking up the sun and enjoying the light sea breeze. I couldn’t resist grabbing a coconut from a local beach shack—exactly what I needed to cool down from the tropical heat. Whether I was climbing over rocky outcrops or just relaxing on the sand, I felt like I was fully embracing this little slice of paradise.

While I'm loving my time on Koh Samui, my French Bulldog, Toby, is off on his own little adventure at a dog hotel back in Chiang Mai. The staff sent me photos of him lounging on their terracotta-tiled patio, and man, his sad little eyes and droopy ears broke my heart. It’s the first time we’ve been apart, and even though I know he’s in great hands, seeing his forlorn expression got to me. His usual lively black and white face seemed to ask, "When are you coming back?" It’s tough being away from my buddy, but knowing he's safe has helped me enjoy this island getaway. Still, I can’t wait to get back to Chiang Mai and reunite with my little guy to catch up on our adventures apart.