One new boutique resort in Samui’s Bophut Bay seems to have it all and then some.

Text by Nick Walton

It’s rare when a hotel finds the perfect balance between rooms that can actually be lived in, and a location that’s practical. Usually you win either way; you may have the best spot in town, right next to one of the region’s choicest beaches, but your rooms are shoe-box small. Alternatively you have room to breath and to dance, but have to take a shuttle to re-find civilization.

Hansar, a new 74-room boutique hotel nestled in the heart of northern Samui’s Fisherman’s Village, has maintained the balance with perfection. Located right against the Gulf of Siam, with views out across to Koh Phangan, Hansar is both intimate and welcoming, a resort with all the trimmings, but in a setting that’s a far cry from the island’s tourist beat.

All three styles of guest room have one thing in common; plenty of space. The beach front rooms are especially good; walk into an open plan suite that features a massive bathroom with rain shower, and a free-standing stone tub with views out to the ocean. A four-poster bed with luxurious white linen sits regally on polished wood floors in front of a wall mounted LCD television. Beyond, the deep, covered balcony is perfect for reading, sunset cocktails and impromptu naps.

When you do feel like a drink, head down to the pool-side cocktail bar, with its open air views across Bophut Bay and Hansar’s eye-catching 30m infinity pool. The Beach Bar serves up a great range of innovative cocktails, many capitalising on the region’s fresh tropical fruit. Another great spot for sundowners is the Chill Out Lounge, a chic space of granite and timber located above the main restaurant, and which serves up one of the island’s best wine lists.

When your appetite catches up with you, head downstairs to the H Bistro Restaurant and the French Mediterranean cuisine of executive chef Stephen Jean Dion. His menu features everything from French classics like foie gras, right through to subtle pasta dishes with Thai highlights, and seafood favourites like lobster from Maine and fresh-caught fish from the local markets, all matched with great international wines.

Finally, if you’ve had a long day exploring Samui and the surrounding islands, head to the LUXSA Spa for authentic, contemporary Thai facials, massages and spa rituals that will poke and prod you into submission.

After all, it’s all about balance.

Hansar Samui
Bophut, Koh Samui
Tel: +66 7724 5511
www.hansarsamui.com

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