Chaweng has many hotels, but there’s nothing like Vana Belle Koh Samui. This hidden gem deserves more attention, and here's why.
Anyone who’s visited Koh Samui will know Chaweng as the island’s most touristy spot. There are sandy white beaches and pristine azure waters that go on for miles, thriving nightlife, and plenty of accommodation to choose from. One property we adore is Vana Belle, a Luxury Collection Resort, Koh Samui. The hotel is located at the southern tip of the Chaweng area and is obscured from the outside world, thanks to rock walls and lush greenery. Despite my short stint here, this tropical paradise made my stay as comfortable and memorable as possible.
Say hello to a ‘beautiful forest’
“Ooh, the vibe’s totally different,” a member of my entourage cooed as our car approached the hotel entrance. As I took in the surroundings, I thought Vana Belle Koh Samui was giving rustic luxury and I loved it. What’s different about this five-star hotel? The resort takes the literal definition of its name – Vana is an ancient Thai term for forest, while Belle means beautiful in French – and translates it into this sweeping property with its private beach. Let’s pin that and get back to it later.
After a warm welcome, I was ushered to the entrance for a quick hand-washing ritual (it’s supposed to offer “new beginnings”) before checking in at a separate area. So far, I’m impressed by the design and architecture. We’re talking large wooden arches on tall concrete pillars, soothing water features, and statues and motifs that proudly showcase Thai culture.
Vana Belle Koh Samui boasts 79 rooms: seven individual tropical villas, and the remaining suites are housed in three-storey buildings reminiscent of Singapore’s chalets. Mr Kim, my butler, accompanied me to the Grand Pool Suite on the third floor, my home for two days. The room is bright, airy, and tastefully decorated with wooden furniture and white walls that are almost bare, apart from a colourful art piece. There’s a shelf filled with books (one is a biography of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej) and a tic-tac-toe board game. Oh, and the staff went above and beyond by fashioning a couple of towels into an elephant. Adorable!
The suite opens to a private pool, which you can jump into once you wake up. I stood in the outdoor space and mentally photographed the view, doing my best to commit it to memory. The scenery isn’t just of the ocean – the building roofs make an appearance too. But that’s a minor technicality I’m willing to let slide.
It’s time for a beach break
The property might feel enormously daunting, but once you start exploring on foot, getting around is easy. However, the resort is on the hillside; the meandering paths may knock the wind out of your sails. I say go slow and enjoy the stroll. It took me less than five minutes to get to the beachfront infinity pool, all decked out with cabanas. Hit up the pool bar for handcrafted cocktails and pork satay before taking a dip or lounging under the sun.
Even though I was tempted to jump into the pool, why do so when the ocean is only a few steps away? Yes, let’s talk about the resort’s private beach now. It’s separated from the rest of the stretch by a rock wall, so you can enjoy some serenity if you decide to hang out here. It wasn’t peak season when I was there, but I imagine this beach won’t be overly packed, even if it was.
When I saw the sunbeds facing the sea, I immediately squealed. “Oh, we can re-enact Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso music video!” Pro tip: if you plan to get in the ocean, do it before 10am or after 4pm. The water’s just nice for a swim: not too warm or cold. I spotted some vacationers thumbing through their paperbacks, which was a lovely sight.
If you prefer indoor activities, Vana Belle Koh Samui has a fitness centre with an extensive list of equipment and steam rooms you can duck into before hitting the showers. There’s also the Vana Spa for those in need of serious relaxation and rejuvenation.
Bon appetit, baby
There are a couple of on-site restaurants for your daily nosh. Head down to Kiree for a modest breakfast spread of Asian and international fare. You can also order a la carte from the menu if nothing strikes your fancy. P.S. This goes without saying, but be sure to order the Thai iced tea. It hits different here, for obvious reasons.
Kiree is also open for dinner. There’s a five-course degustation menu perfect for a romantic evening; if you want something more substantial, there are appetisers, soups, and mains such as broiled lobster, lamb tenderloin, and wagyu striploin. I had the lamb, which was perfectly cooked and not gamey. While the dishes were stellar, the same couldn’t be said for the desserts. But if you must have a sweet treat, the apple strussels are a safe choice.
Hot take: since you’re in a foreign country, you should eat like the locals. Vana Belle Koh Samui’s beachfront restaurant, Panali, serves authentic Southern Thai cuisine. I had lunch here, and the table was overflowing with dishes like yellow curry with pumpkin and fish, vegetable spring rolls with spicy basil sauce, Thai omelette with crab meat and yellow curry, and more. My brain was on autopilot – the mouth was strictly for eating, not talking. It was a fulfilling meal and I left the restaurant completely stuffed. I didn’t get to dine here in the evening, but I bet it’ll be romantic after the sun goes down.
If you’re up for a culinary adventure beyond the hotel, Chaweng has plenty of cafes, street food stalls – some halal, too – and fine dining restaurants. Shout out to Flo! I loved its pastel aesthetics, conducive environment for digital nomads (I can imagine working here for a few hours), and delicious iced cinnamon latte.
Truly the belle of the forest
You know you’re on a luxury property when it offers a 24/7 butler service. (Psst: it’s only available if you’re staying in the Grand Pool and Vana Belle Ocean Pool suites, as well as the Tropical Pool villas.) Yes, that’s my biggest takeaway. My deepest gratitude to Mr Kim for being so knowledgeable and helpful. He checked in on me when I was running late for cocktails before dinner (I was taking my time getting ready) and responded to my queries even when he wasn’t working.
Another thing about the hotel that fascinated me was how different it looked in the day and night. When it’s bright out, the resort looks like an elevated chalet. In the words of Tyra Banks: familiar, but make it fashion. After the sun sets and the lights are dimmed, the vibe changes. It’s giving luxe and romance. If you’re planning a honeymoon trip or travelling as a couple, I highly recommend this hotel. Plus, even though the resort doesn’t advertise as an adults-only accommodation, I didn’t spot any kids while I was there. Bonus!
Now, for the most crucial question: will I be back? I vote yes, mainly because of the private beach. I want to lay on the sunbed and read, enjoy a cooling dip, and build sandcastles in the sand (if you know this reference, you’re a real one).
Vana Belle, a Luxury Collection, Koh Samui, 9/99 Moo 3, Chaweng Noi Beach, Koh Samui, Surat Thani, 84320, Thailand
