Four Reasons To Stay At Koh Samui

The gorgeous Sunset is yet another reason to come to Koh Samui (photo courtesy of www.shasahotels.com)

There are tons of Koh Samui attractions that make this island a tourist magnet to vacationers everywhere. The obvious things that entice people from all over the planet to pay a visit to this tropical paradise, and come back to visit it again and again, include the white sand beach, crystal-clear ocean water, sea breeze, outstanding local hospitality and of course unforgettable sites.

However, similar things can be found at other popular tourist destinations elsewhere – so what separates this island from its counterparts within and outside the country? Below are the four biggest reasons that make this private getaway standout from the rest.

First off, Samui has the perfect balance between seclusion and convenience – since it can’t be reached by bus, travellers who go here tend to spend more time. While this islet is more developed as compared to other locations within region, there are numerous spots that are left virtually untouched.

For this reason, people can either choose to stay at a place loaded with various types of accommodations, which are closely situated near shops, bars, clubs and other commercial establishments; or stay at a mediocre to premium villa located far from such businesses and noisy tourists.

The second reason can be considered one of the biggest Koh Samui attractions: local cuisine. There’s a good reason why Thai cook books sell very well. Some of the best restaurants in the entire island include “The Z” and “Beyond the Sea” – they’ve been praised by individuals from all parts of the world for their mouth-watering, tongue-tantalizing food.

Third reason to stay at this fun-filled island is the wide range of activities for tourists to do – for those who like to spend their holidays at a laid-back pace, buying books from local stores, and reading under the palm shades at the beach, is one thing for these types to do. They can also choose to go to a spa, and unwind with a massage from experienced professionals.

As for those who’d like to keep busy during their visitations, this islet does exceptionally well at catering for that need – getting on a boat going to Ang Thong Marine Park is a great option. Here, vacationers can choose to go snorkelling, kayaking, or explore the park’s interior.

Fourth and last reason is the opportunity to learn something completely new – this island has various schools and instructors who are more than willing to give lessons in culinary cooking, yoga, diving, sailing plus wind-surfing.

There are of course, plenty of other Koh Samui attractions, which make this tourist hotspot an excellent place to visit. The ones listed here are just some of many reasons why a vacationist should definitely consider spending a vacation here! Many activities have been described on this blog in earlier posts, however if you would like to learn more about some other activities we haven’t yet covered, please let us know.

Delicious Koh Samui Restaurants

Beyond the Sea is without a doubt serves some of the best food in Koh Samui

Part of the fun in exploring new places (and faces) is the thrill that comes upon the discovery of great food at a great price. Koh Samui restaurants are just that. Vacationers will have no problem finding places to enjoy delectable meals in Koh Samui.

If you happen to be in Koh Samui in December, particularly during Christmas, expect the big-name hotels and accommodations in the island to have gala dinners and entertaining presentations. While these venues sound fine for a hearty Christmas meal, not everyone prefers hotels. Don’t worry if you fit this category. You can take your pick from the wide variety of food places and restaurants present in Koh Samui.

One of the most well-known Koh Samui restaurants is Beyond the Sea at the ShaSa Hotel. The restaurant specializes in scrumptious Thai dishes that’s sure make your stomach ecstatic. Try their Thai Tapas dishes. Get your caffeine fix with Beyond the Sea’s coffee beans from Starbucks. For dessert, you can also try a special sweet treat designed by After You, the most renowned bakeshop in Thailand. Beyond the Sea is fine dining at its finest.

Buffet enthusiasts will squeal in delight with the Christmas buffet offered at the Big Buddha Café, or simply the BBC to its loyal customers. One of the most popular Koh Samui restaurants, the BBC serves a unique fusion of Thai and Western cuisine. There’s the ever-present tom yam gung soup, roast turkey, samosas, apple pie, and stuffing. The buffet is an all-day affair, so you can drop in whenever you wish and help yourself to the delicious meals in this restaurant.

Dining on the beach is made possible by the Beach Republic. Located on Lamai Beach, the fun kicks off at 11:00 PM on Christmas Eve when the house DJ, Simon, cranks up the beat. Help yourself to generous servings of turkey, lamb, beer, and wine. Please your auditory senses as well through the live tunes played by the Rock Island Band. Whoever said fine dining and beer don’t mix has obviously never set foot in the Beach Republic.

There are also Koh Samui restaurants and bars with a Western theme to them. Walk around the island, and you’ll see what these restaurants have to offer through their signs and boards propped up outside their premises.

With so many food choices available in Koh Samui, running out of options isn’t an option!

AFTERNOON COCKTAILS AT LAEM SETT

There's truly no better place in the world to enjoy a refreshing afternoon cocktail than on Laem Set beach

With its seaside beach setting characterized by soft, pristine sand and providing a great venue for peaceful, lazy afternoons, cocktails by the beach along ShaSaResort is nothing short of heavenly. Imagine the sea lapping softly at the beach and the lethargy-inducing soft wind against your face. Beyond the Sea at ShaSa Resort promises to give the traveler pampering service that truly goes beyond the sea.

Out-on-the-Terrace Cocktails

With a great, expansive view of the Gulf of Thailand, Beyond the Sea at ShaSa Resort easily provides an unrivalled afternoon cocktails experience to the visitor out for a breezy, great time. Nurse your perfect cocktail brew prepared meticulously by Beyond the Sea bartenders. Sip to your heart’s content while gazing out at the clear blue ocean and inhaling refreshing gulps of ocean air. Indulge in lazy conversations with your loved one or travelling companion while seated at lounge chairs or low chairs that allow you to stretch your legs. Here at ShaSa Resort, afternoon cocktails have never been sunnier than what you can truly experience at Beyond the Sea.

Afternoon Cocktails Inside Beyond the Sea

A 360-degree tour of the interiors of Beyond the Sea at ShaSa Resort will reveal tasteful, minimalist details which could be a Zen-like affair to the traveler wishing to unwind in restful comfort. Indulge in afternoon cocktails here while looking out large bay windows. Feel your cares melting away while you sip your excellent cocktails and gaze out those windows that invite you to either dip your tired feet into the pool or go out further into the ocean. Wooden interior walls, chairs provided with cushions, lounging chairs that invite you to hang loose, attentive service from dedicated waiters….blissful contentment at Beyond the Sea, the brasserie at ShaSa Resort.

Go Barefoot

The idea of going barefoot while enjoying sips on your afternoon cocktails might just be the key to let the wooden floor out on the terrace at Beyond the Sea drain tiredness away from you. The low chairs beckon that you do so—they are designed for really lazy, casual afternoons where kicking off your shoes or heels could become so addictive, you’d want to do it every afternoon here at Beyond the Sea on ShaSa Resort. But do get some spa treatment at the ShaSa Health Club first, so the afternoon cocktails while barefoot would be a great cap for your spa experience. 

Best Restaurants in Koh Samui

Breath-taking view from Beyond the Sea, which is considered one of Koh Samui's best restaurants 

As many of you already know Thai food is an amazing blend of flavors that leaves your taste buds in a frenzy. There are countless delicious restaurants in Thailand that you should try out especially when you are in Bangkok but only a select few in Koh Samui.

The amazing island of Koh Samui doesn’t just offer a wonderful scenic view of beaches and underwater excitement. This island also has some of the best restaurants in Thailand. 

It doesn’t matter if you are into authentic Thai dishes or fresh seafood, you’ll be able to find it at Koh Samui.

The best places to grab a meal on this island include:

1) Beyond the Sea is the premier restaurant in Samui

One of the best restaurants in Koh Samui is located at the ShaSa Resort and is called Under the Sea. The Shasa resort is a 5 star hotel located along Laem Set beach.

The restaurant has a breath-taking view of Laem Set beach, fresh seafood and all kinds of tantalizing Thai dishes. Besides being a popular place to eat, Under the Sea also is great place to relax and grab a drink; the restaurant has a huge wide selection of fine wine and cocktails.

2) Carpe Diem is a family oriented restaurant where you can relax

Another one of the most popular restaurants in Koh Samui is the Carpe Diem. This place has interesting white themed interior and has an European influenced Thai menu.

The Carpe Diem is located in central Bophut and is a little pricey.  However, if you want to enjoy a tasty meal in a relaxing atmosphere then this is the place for you.

3) Eat Sense is a classy place with scrumptious dishes

Eat Sense is the finest beachside restaurant in Chaweng with the best Southern Thai food on the island.

This restaurant is perhaps the most romantic place to eat in Koh Samui. Featuring fresh seafood, candle light tables and a great view, you are pretty much guaranteed a great time at Eat Sense. 

Learn To Make Your Favorite Thai Dishes at the ShaSa Resort

“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” Even today this Chinese proverb remains true.

Most people like to eat Thai food at restaurants but why waste your hard earned cash buying Thai cuisine every month when you can learn how to make it yourself. The question is where can you learn to make Thai food? The answer is the Shasa Resort.

Thai dishes are famous throughout the world, mostly because Thai cuisine is healthy, delectable and has a unique flavor. Popular Thai dishes include Pad Thai, Tum Yum Gong and Thai beefsteak. You can learn to create any of these dishes by taking a free Thai cooking class at the ShaSa Resort.

Thailand is located in between China, India and Oceania so it should be no surprise that it was once the center of trade between these 3 regions. This is also the reason that Thai culture and food is greatly influenced by these areas, and why Thai food uses Indian, Chinese and Oceania techniques and ingredients in their food. Common Thai ingredients include garlic, fish sauce, onions, chilies, coconut milk and spicy peppers.

People assume Thai food takes ages to cook because it’s bursting with delicious flavors. However, creating Thai dishes isn’t as hard as you think, the hardest part is preparing the ingredients; the actual cooking process won’t take that much time at all.

If you are living in western country then you will probably find most essential Thai cuisine ingredients at your local Asian super market. Remember, if you can’t find the exact ingredient you are looking for you can always substitute.

If you would like a glimpse of what you can learn by taking a Thai cooking class in Koh Samui, then you can watch some videos, which will help you get a general idea of how to cook some Thai dishes. The video is very helpful but isn’t as great as learning how to make your favorite Thai dishes from world-class chefs at the ShaSa Resort.

Learning to cook Thai food is both fun and rewarding.

For more information on how you can create your favorite Thai dishes ,You can watch the VDO below:

ShaSa Resort & Residences – Ko Samui Island’s Premiere Resort

For chic, luxurious accommodation on Ko Samui Island, look no further than the boutique ShaSa Resort & Residences at Laem Sett Beach, a place where visitors can truly escape from it all.

With its white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, dominated by huge, smooth boulders and leaning coconut palms, the ShaSa Resort & Residences is set in a truly spectacular location.

Ko Samui Island is a top attraction for anyone lucky enough to visit Amazing Thailand, and the ShaSa Resort & Residences is one of its most incredible accommodations – boasting a wonderfully relaxed environment with luxury Presidential Suites, stylish Seaview Suites, and for those who really want to make a splash, the one and only Beachfront Pool Villa.

ShaSa Resort & Residences at Ko Samui Island is kept impeccably clean, the staff are friendly and always eager to please, and they do so with a smile on their face. As well, ShaSa Resort & Residences has an excellent aesthetic appeal – step into any room and you’ll notice an incredible feeling of comfort and luxury pervades throughout, just the way you want it when you come to relax and get away from it all.

With delicious Thai tapas and cultured Thai a la carte on the menu at the luxurious Beyond the Sea restaurant, and spacious suites with breathtaking views of the ocean, you’ll be forgiven for thinking it’s impossible to find a more tranquil setting where you can enjoy your stay at Ko Samui Island.

The resort is located in a fantastic spot on Ko Samui Island too - Laem Sett is one of the few beaches on the island to be devoid of all noisy nightlife, while even the nearest shops are a short drive away, something that ensures the atmosphere remains peaceful and calm throughout both day and night. Meanwhile, with a range of water sports on offer, a superb spa and massage, and fun day clubs for the kids, the entire family’s first-class entertainment is assured.

ShaSa Resort & Residences is an unreal paradise resort in a dream-like setting. Ideal for couples seeking a romantic break, honeymooners and families alike, you are sure to enjoy an unforgettable experience when you take time out at Ko Samui Island’s premiere beach resort.