For a start, it’s over the other side of the island from the main tourist areas of Chaweng and Lamai. And being part of this unspoilt natural environment makes it very peaceful. Then you’ve got one of the most innovative spas on Samui - The Sunset Beach Spa - where you can spend a whole day or afternoon giving your body a complete treat of relaxation and pampering. And you can cap it all off with an evening of dining pleasure in one of Samui’s healthiest eating establishments - L’Ananas. But this restaurant is a lot more than just healthy food.
You’ll find it to the right of the resort’s reception area, where it commands a lovely view across the resort villas’ rooftops and through the coconut trees to the sea beyond. And being on the west coast means that the sunsets here are truly spectacular (thus the name of the resort), so it’s best to be here around 6 - 6:30 pm to really appreciate one. Again, taking time to enjoy the moment is encouraged here. There’s no rush. Have a cocktail or two. Share the visual experience with your partner - while it’s there.
Well, “the proof of the pudding is in the eating”, they say. So I visited there one night, with a friend, to do just that!
The restaurant is in Blue Lagoon, one of Chaweng’s top resort hotels. And being on Chaweng Beach Road, slightly north of Time Square, next to Amari Palm Reef, it’s easy to find and within a short walking distance of the central area of town.
The resort is very attractive, with its ornate Thai-style roofs dominating the entrance facade. And especially so at dusk, when floodlit alongside the swaying palms. After a short stroll through the picturesque hotel gardens, and past the freeform swimming pool, we arrived beachside at the restaurant.
But it takes more than just excellent cuisine to make a superb dining experience. And this innovative, exciting new beachside restaurant with the appropriate name - Eat Sense - offers a lot more.
For a start, it has one of the island’s finest seaside locations. Right in the middle of Chaweng, with an expansive 40-metre beach frontage, it’s located between Banana Fan Sea Beach Resort and Buri Rasa. And although there’s seating for a hundred diners, it’s very spacious. Raised terraces, split-level patios, grassy gardens all provide intimate locations - just metres away from the rippling waves.
Opened in May 2007, every conceivable thought went into its creation. And that includes everything, from the construction of the restaurant building itself, high up on the edge of one of the most scenic viewpoints on Samui, through to minute details, such as the subtle colour co-ordination of the staff uniforms with the decor.
Yes, nothing seems to have been overlooked here. It all feels just, well, perfect. Enter through the splendid teak doors with the olive green pillars on either side and you’re in an attractive air-conditioned lounge area, complete with huge comfy cushions on stylish water-hyacinth sofas. There’s a bar here, too, with subtle illumination coming from a variety of sources: hanging lanterns, bronze wall-lights and table candle-lamps. You won’t be finding any fluorescent tubes here!
But here are a few words in a humble attempt to explain just why this outstanding restaurant has become the ultimate dining experience on Samui. And firstly, it has to be the location.
It’s the signature restaurant of Six Senses Hideaway Samui, part of a world-renowned group that prides itself on getting back to nature. And the word hideaway in its title will give you an indication that this place is not in the middle of town, but in quiet Samrong Bay in the northeast of Samui. Having said that, it’ll only take you 15 minutes to reach by car, and it’s well sign-posted.
Arrive before it’s dark and you’ll see exactly how the restaurant’s laid out. To just say that it’s a series of many platforms and terraces interconnected by numerous walkways would be too simplistic, although that’s just what it is. But oh, what platforms and terraces! Each seems to have its own uninterrupted 270 degree seaview. And each only has a few tables giving it an intimate feel.
It’s part of the lovely Ban Laem Sai Beach Resort & Spa in Maenam, and although it’s not on the ring-road itself, it is easy to get to. As you’re coming from Chaweng towards Maenam, just take the second concrete road on the right after the sharp bend with Zazen Boutique Beach Resort on the corner. Follow this road to the very end and you’ll soon reach the resort’s impressive entrance.
The staff here couldn’t be more charming, and someone will immediately arrange for you to be silently whisked beachside to Dahla in an electric buggy, where the adventure continues.
Let’s start with the location. Well it’s, literally, a 2-minute drive north of Chaweng on the road leading to the airport. Pass Villa Lawana and it’s the next resort on your right. And as you the enter the driveway, you keep going, and going, and going until you eventually reach the car park next to the reception. Although Coral Bay Resort has just 56 bungalows, they’re set in an incredible 10 acres of tropical landscaped gardens. So, by the time you arrive, you’ll already be totally immersed in absolute tranquility.
The design of the open-air lobby itself with its stonework walls, interesting water features, huge wooden roof and lots and lots of plants will give you a good indication of what the resort’s like as a whole. Pass on down the steps with Coral Bay’s renowned Amata Spa on your right before skirting a lovely swimming pool. And from here you’ll see the magnificent round thatched roof of Coco Rock from above before you descend the final few steps down into the frangipani garden courtyard at the rear of the restaurant.
And what better place to go than a steakhouse to satisfy that longing. Churrasco is one of Samui’s few ‘dedicated’ steakhouses, so a visit seemed appropriate to see if they were capable of ‘delivering the goods’.
Situated on Chaweng Beach Road itself, opposite Chaweng Regent Beach Resort, the restaurant is in a prime spot. Easy to find, and an ideal place for people-watching the daily catwalk of passers-by. Churrasco is attractively decorated, complete with old cartwheels and buffalo skulls, which gives the restaurant a distinct western flavour. It’s open air, but kept cool by many swirling fans. There’s seating for 78 and although the tables are close together, it isn’t cramped.
Chom Dao has an absolutely stunning location. It runs a full 30 metres along the beach at Bandara Resort & Spa looking out across a pristine sandy beach to the neighbouring island of Koh Pha-Ngan. And, most importantly, its long, long terrace ensures that there’ll always be a beachside table available.
The restaurant is completely made of wood, created in a rustic village style. Lanterns formed from lobster pots and an ornately carved fishing boat do their part in providing an authentic Samui village ambience. And, cafe-style, there are even blackboards dotted around proudly proclaiming the daily specials - of which there’re many.
And the resort’s signature restaurant, Chill - By The Pool, totally epitomizes the place as a whole. So let me take you there and explain in a bit more detail as we go.
The journey there itself is when the fun starts - for you have a choice. Enjoy a relaxing walk along the beach (it’s just 20 minutes from the centre of Chaweng Beach, heading south) and you’ll arrive directly in front of the restaurant, or take a 5-minute drive on the ring-road, park up (or get dropped off) at the reception and wander down through the stunningly designed resort, with its contemporary water features and beautiful gardens, until you reach the beach. Either route is enjoyable in its own way, and will prepare you perfectly for what’s to come.
Take the road leading from the main traffic lights in Bo Phut down to the beach road in Fisherman’s Village and turn right at the T-junction. And there, just 200 metres further along on the right-hand side, you’ll find Carpe Diem in all its splendid white glory.
The restaurant is actually part of a 19-room boutique resort of the same name, and is next to the reception, bookshop and consulate. Consulate? Yes, one of the partners, Jean-Christophe Lamy, is also the Honorary Consul of France for Samui and Surat Thani. Whilst the other partner, Khun Naddapen Toommanon (better known as Khun Nokkie), also owns the very successful Villa Nalinnadda boutique resort in Hua Thanon.
Well, variety certainly is the ’spice of life’ at Captain Kirk restaurant. This place is quite different from the rest of the pack. To begin with, although it’s in the heart of Chaweng - above the landmark Sports Stadium clothing outlet on busy Chaweng Beach Road, opposite Samui Night Plaza — it’s almost invisible from the road, unless you’re looking up!
This 70-seat, roof-garden restaurant offers great opportunities for people-watching - without them seeing you! And the 15-metre street frontage allows you to do just that, in style.
Or would you prefer a romantic dinner for two, watching the sun setting across the lake? Well Captain Kirk can offer that too, if you go to the other side of the restaurant, away from the road.
Go down to Fisherman’s Village and when you reach the beach road turn right, and you’ll find Cafe de France just 150 metres along, beachside on the left. As you enter the smart wood-paneled reception and bar area you’ll see that this is a very elegant establishment. But don’t think that this means formal - far from it. There’s a cosy homeliness about the place and a lot of that is to do with the friendly staff.
Head through the 30-seater restaurant and you’ll find several dining options: tables for two or four, sofa seating, and also inside or out. There are just three tables on the small terrace overlooking the beach and these are always very popular so booking them in advance is advisable.
Samaya Bura resort is on the ring-road as you approach Lamai from Chaweng, just before the massive Buddy Boutique Hotel. And although it has a smart frontage with its thriving bakery shop on one side, this gives you absolutely no indication of what’s inside. But enter the spacious lobby and your eyes will immediately be drawn through to the ocean on the other side. And when you step through into colourful gardens the whole place seems to open up into a wonderful wide world of turquoise swimming pools, lotus ponds, wooden walkways, and attractive contemporary styling.
When it originally opened over ten years ago at the far end of Soi Colibri, in Chaweng, it took the island by storm. Innovative dishes, contemporary design and that elusive touch of class, which was sadly lacking elsewhere in those long gone days, put Betelnut at the top of the pile. And four years ago, following its early success, the restaurant was moved 100 metres along to same smart side street to larger premises and nearer the main Chaweng Beach Road. Again, Betelnut was setting new standards which other restaurants had to keep up with. And in December 2008 it moved onwards and upwards yet again with an exciting new location in the highly acclaimed resort Buri Rasa, right on the beach itself.
When Beach Republic opened in December 2008 it sure changed things forever on this beautiful tropical island — for the better!
The concept is a stylish beach club with a full range of facilities, including: a well-stocked gym, an innovative Asian fusion spa - Higher Plane, and a fine-dining restaurant that’s already becoming one of Samui’s ‘must visit’ eateries.
And the reasons for the restaurant being so special are many. Firstly, it has to be the amazing architecture here. Looping steel arches combine with polished teak to form the main support. The thatched roofing is styled in such a way that the whole area is covered yet open at the same time. And the attention to detail, and comfort, here is second to none. Add to this the chic ‘republic’ theme that runs throughout, with the club’s own flag and funky military-style uniforms worn by the staff. And the place definitely exudes a fun, laid-back atmosphere.
But it’s not just the theme buffets that make a visit to this special place worthwhile. For one thing, the location is pretty hard to beat. Banana Fan Sea Beach Resort, its parent hotel, is situated in the most central part of Chaweng Beach. Making it easy to get to wherever you’re staying. And Baitong itself is right on the beach, complete with swaying palm trees and cooling sea breezes. Everything you’d imagined a quality Samui restaurant to be like - and more.
Contemporary styling, high ceilings, slatted-wood decor, terracotta tiled flooring, and orchid-filled pots create a casual, yet elegant atmosphere inside, whilst the slow, rhythmic ripple of waves just metres away from the outer terrace adds that elusive touch of holiday romance to the whole affair (early reservations of these tables is highly recommended). And many nights there’s seating on the beach itself for fresh seafood dining.
It goes without saying that you will never have enough time to try and experience all the offers and services of Koh Samui. But after so exhausting adventures you’ll have to feast your body with some proper relaxation to bring vital energy back. And as always, Koh Samui will give you plenty of offers. You can do Sunbathing on the picturesque beach or have a good sleep in your beachfront bungalow or just take a walk. But if you are looking for more exciting leisure then Samui massage parlour is just what you need!
You can easily find Thai massage parlours offering you clean decorated room with air-conditioner and of’ course an experienced masseuse, in all the cities of the island. And if you are too powerless to leave your room it’s highly possible to have Koh Samui massage just at your place.
Laying at the beach you’ll see massage ladies passing by and offering their services. Don’t hesitate to try and you’ll make sure that massages in Koh Samui are the most delightful pleasures you have ever experienced!
In Samui massage parlours you will surely be offered an amazing Thai massage which relaxes you body and gives you lots of vital energy. The duration of Koh Samui massage is absolutely different and depends on your decision. In Samui Spa Salons you can get Koh Samui full massage which gives unforgettable pleasure. There is very relaxing atmosphere in Thai massage parlours: soft smell of herbs and background music make you feel calm. You can also order a massage treatment in a special arbour at the shore. Among the numerous varieties of massages in Ko Samui the most popular one is Erotic Thai massage which lasts for 1 hour and a half. Today, Thai massage evokes a lot of interest due to absolutely different reasons: some people just heard of it a lot but never tried it; others like the method of the massage or associate it with erotic… In other words there is a big interest and even bigger mistaken assumption.
Night-life in Koh Samui stuns tourists by its diversity and eccentricity. Usual Koh Samui bars are often situated in the open air and have endless amount of beer. There are a lot of Koh Samui girls in every bar whom, if you’d like; you can invite to spend an evening or even the whole night, but make sure not to mix them up with the ladyboys. You will easily find nice and cozy restaurants, night clubs and sex-bars offering its visitors sex-shows for all tastes and demands. Special place in the various Koh Samui night-life belongs to popular feasts of Samui Moon – Samui Full Moon Party, Half Moon Party and Samui Black Moon Party gathering from 7 to 10 thousand people at the beaches of the island.