Belmond Napasai

The Belmond Napasai immediately feels like a tropical hideaway. The heavy, decorative doors that lead into the property are fringed with lush plants and trees, followed by a maze of staircases connecting a series of open-air buildings. These traditional Thai structures are furnished with wood and wicker seating and a check-in desk made from a thick slab of wood atop large stacked stones. There are traditional statues on tables and orchids in stone pots, establishing a soothing and natural aesthetic that continues throughout the resort. A large and winding infinity pool is the highpoint of the property, particularly at night when floating lanterns glow in the water, with the ocean just steps beyond. Iron lanterns hung from trees illuminate pathways throughout the 17-acre grounds, which are dotted with gazebos and wood-roofed white buildings that hold Villas and Residences. Most guests are couples, including some honeymooners (weddings are also held here), though a good number of families also stay at the resort. 

The Belmond Napasai is situated on the northern coast of Koh Samui island, closer to the eastern edge. It's a removed and private-feeling setting without much in short walking distance. More restaurants and bars are found near Na Phralan Beach, a seven- to 10-minute drive away, or along a main road located four minutes from the resort by car or 13 minutes on foot. Many guests take advantage of the property's wide array of activities, from yoga and cooking classes to countryside tours (within the property), windsurfing, and diving -- so there's little reason to leave the resort very often, other than to try out different restaurants. However, those looking to explore the island are about 25 minutes' drive from Chaweng Beach and the Big Buddha statue, and 15 to 20 minutes from Fisherman's Village Plaza. Samui Airport is about a half-hour drive. The closet ferry terminal, at Maenam Pier, is a 10-minute drive.

Villas and larger Residences are available at the Belmond Napasai and are similarly unfussy in style, combining contemporary furnishings with traditional Thai accents. Villas feature dark-wood paneling and floors, with low-lying furniture topped with neutral cushions and pale orange throw pillows. Beds are plush and sit underneath peaked roofs with ceiling fans. Natural fabric rugs and traditional Thai artwork lend interest, while outdoor covered patios have simple wicker furniture and can have sea views. Oceanfront Residences can fit up to eight guests in four bedrooms, and have a brighter palette and flashier accents, like candelabra-style chandeliers and antique wooden chests. Residences add private pools and kitchens with full-size refrigerators, two-burner stovetops (no ovens), microwaves, dishwashers, and capsule coffeemakers. Standard amenities include widescreen flat-screen TVs and DVD players, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Perks include free bottled water and coffee/tea facilities. Bathrooms are spacious and spare, with stone soaking tubs and rainfall showerheads either above or in separate stalls, plus luxury bath products. 

The pool at the Belmond is a winding infinity-style affair (with an adjacent hot tub) that overlooks the sea just beyond. The private beach area has soft white sand (as well as some small rocks), but guests have noted that the water is not necessarily great for snorkeling. Along with loads of activity options (see the Location section), there are tennis courts, a games area with billiards and Playstation, and a modern fitness room flooded with natural light. The spa is available to guests who want massages, facials, and beauty treatments, and beachfront massages are available. For dining, there are two restaurants -- one serving barbecue fish and meats on the beach, and the other with a stylish bar and more refined Mediterranean and Asian cuisine, plus balcony seating. A buffet breakfast is available and gets high marks from guests for offering fresh-squeezed juices and a good variety of Western and Thai dishes. But, it's not included with standard rates -- although all-inclusive packages are available. There's also a cafe serving coffee and pastries in the morning, and desserts at night. A cozy library feels something like a beach house attic where guests can browse the bookshelves and use the desktop computers.