Experiences

AN ESCAPE like NO OTHER

Explore Unique Experiences

Lipa Noi is one of Samui's quietest beaches — fine white sand, no rocks or coral underfoot, and shallow water running about 100m out. Safe for young swimmers, easy for everyone else, and one of the best spots on the island to watch the sun go down over the Gulf.

DELIGHT in EXQUISITE DINING

Dine at Koh Samui

S U N D O W N E R T I M E

AIR BAR AT INTERCONTINENTAL KOH SAMUI

Perched on the cliffs above the Five Islands, the InterContinental's Air Bar is one of the better excuses to leave the villa before sunset. Signature cocktails, tapas, and an unobstructed panorama over the Gulf — it made the New York Times' 1000 Places to See Before You Die, which sets expectations accordingly.

B E A C H S I D E D I N I N G

ISLAND VIEW RESTAURANT

One of Samui's most visited beach restaurants in Taling Ngam, and it’s easy to see why. Fishing boats at their moorings, the Five Islands in the near distance, and a menu of authentic Thai food and cold local beer. Straightforward, reliable, and genuinely hard to fault.

S P E C T A C U L A R S U N S E T S

SUNSET VIEW

A recent addition to the west coast dining scene and already earning its reputation in Taling Ngam. Specialty cocktails at sensible prices, freshly prepared Thai food, and a view that justifies the drive on its own.

I T A L I A N M E N U

NANUS

Italian owner-chef Luca has been feeding the island well for some time with authentic pizzas, a solid wine list, and the kind of place that fills up with regulars for good reason. Beachside, relaxed, and reliably excellent.

T H A I S T Y L E

MANGO TREE RESTAURANT & BAR

Tasty Thai dishes, a relaxed setting, and no particular reason to rush. Mango Tree is the west coast at its most straightforward — good food, easy atmosphere, and a reminder that simple done well is hard to beat. A small selection of Mexican dishes and pastas are also available.

S P A N I S H S T Y L E

EL BARRIL

A short drive into Nathon for tapas, Charolais red meats, and a French proprietor who has built a loyal following on the strength of his cooking alone. Worth booking ahead for a night out in Nathon.

C A S U A L D I N I N G

CHILL INN

Beachfront, unfussy, and exactly what it sounds like. Thai and Western dishes, cold beer, a glass of wine if the mood calls for it, and an unobstructed view of the Gulf. Sometimes that’s just all you need.

V E G A N M E N U S

ALCHEMY CAFÉ

This café does vegan Thai and Western dishes with care — fresh smoothie bowls, fresh produce, and a menu built around healthy choices that don't feel like a compromise. Worth knowing about even if you’re not strictly vegan.

I N D U S T R I A L C H I C

THINK & RETRO CAFE

Built from shipping containers on a long quiet beach, which gives some indication of what to expect. All-day Thai and Western menu, homemade pizzas, and the kind of quirky character that tends to attract a loyal crowd.

EXPLORE SAMUI NATURE

All Top Experiences

Lipa Noi Beach

The beach handles everything from sandcastles to sunset strolls, for anyone who can be persuaded to leave the pool. It starts where the garden ends: white sand, shallow water, and good swimming year-round.

Golfing

18 championship holes across the northern hills, 25 to 180m above sea level, with rainforest, coconut palms, and sea views at every turn. A 20-minute drive takes you to Santiburi Samui Country Club, one of Asia's most scenic courses, and a decent argument for leaving the villa before noon.

Yachting

Charter a catamaran or private yacht for the day and head to Koh Phangan for swimming and snorkelling, or make for Ang Thong Marine National Park which boasts over 40 karst islands with hidden caves, emerald lakes, and coral reefs worth diving into. Pack a picnic or pull in for lunch at an eatery on the beach.

Fisherman’s Village

Restaurants, boutiques, massage salons, and a night market four nights a week — street food, local fashion, and souvenirs in quantities that will test your luggage allowance. Recently immortalised in The White Lotus Season 3, which has done nothing to thin the crowds but everything for the atmosphere.

Nathon Town

A 10-minute drive from the villa is Nathon, the island's ferry port and administrative centre. Find waterfront seafood restaurants, local markets, and enough local boutiques to fill an afternoon; also the gateway to boating trips and a visit to the Golden Buddha, Samui’s unmissable landmark.

Adventure Sports

Kite surfing, ATV safaris, bungee jumping, zip-lining, Muay Thai, go-karts, and waterfall hikes — the island has more on offer than most expect. For travellers who need more than a pool, your villa manager can point you in the right direction.