Forest of beautiful dreams

Perched on the hill overlooking Chaweng Noi Beach on Samui Island, Vana Belle has been open for only a few months yet has already become popular with honeymooners and lovers. The romantic setting and beautiful suites mean that guests always arrive as twosomes. So when a local in Samui learns that I plan to stay at Vana Belle for three days by myself, he gives me a pitying look.

“What a waste,” says the local driver who is waiting for his clients at the airport. 

“I know. Anyway I haven’t come here for romance – but to escape. We just broke up,” I tell the driver jokingly as I wave goodbye.

Whether it’s romance or a solo retreat you’re after, Vana Belle is synonymous with a blissful break.

Inspired by the mythical forest in Hinduism, Vana Belle gets it name from the Thai word “Vana” meaning and the French “Belle” for beauty.

The developer, a landscape designer and hundreds of gardeners have transformed the hill into a lush tropical park. Palm trees sway in the breeze and caladium plants and other flora add fragrance to the fresh air. Bronze sculptures of mystical creatures are scattered here and there, some sporting elephant heads and fishtails. You’re not in Thailand’s South, suggest these mysterious creatures, but in a hedonistic sanctuary.

Vana Belle’s suites are perched on the top of the hill, while the private pool villas are nestled along the beach. On arrival, the hotel staff ushers you into the large welcoming lobbies, which look out over the Gulf of Thailand. After a refreshing glass of juice, the check in conducted in your room. 

The resort provides three types of suite – Classic Pool Suite, Grand Pool Suite and Ocean View Pool Suite. All boast pretty much the same decoration and design – natural textures, warm timber tones along with terrace and private infinity-edge pool. What differentiates them is amount of space and the size of the ocean view, and for that, the Ocean View Pool Suite comes top in the class 

I check into room 215 – a Deluxe Pool Suite and am immediately impressed by the space and floor plan. Thank to the clever design, I can see the ocean whether I’m lying on the bed or curled up on the sofa. The design is tasteful too with a wood floor, cream-coloured walls and brown fabrics and also well equipped with an iPod station, cordless phone, desk, clothes closet, Espresso-making machine and mini bar housing vodka and the cocktail recipe of the day.

The suite has a large outdoor terrace and a private pool in which to soak. My ocean view isn’t all that fantastic since half of it is blocked by the front building. Make sure you’re in the front line if you want to secure the wonderful sea breeze and magnificent views.

The shower and toilet are in separate tinted-glass rooms, which is welcome. In the corner, a bathtub beckons lovers. Being on my own, I opt for the shower and then immerse myself in the infinity-edge pool with a bottle of beer.

The enclosed Changweng Noi Beach is a few minutes walk from the suites. The approach is a bit adventure in itself. A wooden track winds its way down from the high hill. Down there, you can swim in the larger pool or pop into Panali restaurant. 

Vana Belle is actually a destination in itself. From early morning until the wee hours, there’s somewhere to hang out. Kiree, Vana Belle’s signature restaurant, serves excellent and ample Champagne breakfasts and dinner. Then, there is a Lobby Lounge, well stocked with spirits and wines, from where to watch the breathtaking sunset and moon rising over the Gulf of Thailand. 

Health club devotees and spa buffs can count on Vana Belle when they want to work off their food and nightlife binges. Vana Spa, with 4 double treatment rooms, is terrific for a massage and its fitness centre is equipped with world class equipment including an Olympic-standard floor and treadmills with TV. 

Vana Belle is undoubtedly one of the finest resorts for a blissful break on Samui and an ideal destination for lovers seeking a romantic escape. It’s 15 minutes from Samui Airport and 5 minutes to the vibrant nightlife of Chaweng Beach. 

      

 

At a Glance

High Points: A luxury resort with a peaceful, enclosed beach.

Low Points: It’s not an idea place for families with elderly members and young kids, as guests have to climb up and down from their rooms to the beach. 

Pay for it: Visit the website for the best deals. Vana Belle is offering various packages, starting from Bt15,000 per night. 

Find it: Chaweng Noi Beach, Samui Island

Call: (+ 66 77) 915 555

Browse it: www.VanaBelleKohSamui.com