Moments from the historical alleyways of Fisherman’s Village, a short cab ride from the throbbing streets of Chaweng and right in the middle of a two-mile stretch of golden sand, Anantara Bophut is both at the heart of Koh Samui and an idyllic retreat from its excesses.
Surrounded by tropical gardens and separated from the main coastal road by a long, fountain-lined driveway, the five-star hotel and spa lets you dip your toe into the boisterous charms of the island - the cafes and nightclubs, the boxing tournaments, the street markets - and then seek out the shade of a palm tree by the pool.
Why Koh Samui?
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Great beaches, warm seas and excellent value for money has pushed Koh Samui into the first rank of winter-sun destinations. It’s hugely versatile: from backpackers’ lodges to luxury spas, fine dining restaurants to cheap-and-tasty curry shacks, you’ll find what you’re looking for somewhere on this eclectic little island.
It also has a deserved reputation as a child-friendly destination. “Thais love kids (especially babies) and will shower them with attention,” says Lonely Planet. “Even grumpy taxi drivers enjoy playing ja air (peekaboo) with little ones.”
What to do
The principle draw is the beach, and at Bophut there’s plenty to keep you on the sand and in the water - which is clean, calm and balmy (it rarely falls below 28C). That’s warm enough to walk straight in without even the slightest flinch of the stomach.
The Anantara resort has its own sunloungers and parasols, reserved for guests, directly in front of the hotel, as well as a stack of paddle boards and sea kayaks. Parasailing, scuba-diving, water-skiiing and flyboarding (in which a water-fuelled jetpack attached to your feet propels you into the air over the ocean) are all available on Bophut beach.
More laid-back pursuits can be found in the resort itself. The Anantara spa - a beautiful walled garden, dotted with lily ponds - provides an extensive range of Thai and Western massages, as well as facial treatments and private or group yoga lessons. And if you develop a taste for the Thai dishes served up in the hotel’s restaurants (see below), you can join a cooking class to sharpen up your own culinary skills.
Further afield
Anantara Bophut is a short walk from Fisherman’s Village, an attractive parade of restaurants, trinket stores and spas occupying historical (and sometimes charmingly ramshackle) premises along the beachfront. On Friday evenings, a vast array of craft and food stalls supplement the permanent stores.
A £7 taxi-ride gets you to Chaweng, the beating heart of the island’s nightlife - and another beautiful (but busy) beach. Chong Mon beach, slightly further up the coast, is quieter and more picturesque.
The most visible manifestation of Thai culture is the gigantic golden Buddha statue that presides over Koh Samui’s main ferry port. Wat Phra Yai, known in English as the Big Buddha Temple, was built in 1972 and is open to visitors (modest dress is required). It’s worth getting there early in the morning to see the monks chanting their prayers and local residents bringing their offerings.
What to eat
The food - from grilled jumbo prawns to steaming bowls of coconut soup - is one of the chief attractions of Thailand - and Anantara. The Full Moon, its airy, open-sided poolside restaurant (top picture), is one of the best-regarded restaurants in Bophut. Whenever the weather allows, guests are invited to dine on the beach, enjoying a buffet of Thai and Western dishes against the backdrop of an eye-popping fire show.
For a more casual bite, Shades, a couple of minutes from the hotel, offers great Thai curries and superb ocean views for a few pounds. Further along the beachfront, Fisherman’s Wharf is packed with restaurants offering French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese and Mexican menus - and, in many cases, sea views. Delicious tacos and fajitas at The Seaside Steakhouse, washed down with a potent mojito, hit the spot on a sultry evening.
When to go
Koh Samui is hot all year, with average daily highs above 30C, but peak tourist season is the first three months of the year. February and March are the driest months, although short, sharp downpours are possible at any time - and long sunny spells are common even in November and December, the island’s wet season.
Premier garden view rooms are available from £110 per night, or a royal sea view suite from £329. For more information or to book, visit the Anantara Bophut website.
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