Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort

Overall, we would highly recommend Anantara Lawana to anyone looking for a boutique experience with amazing hospitality, great F&B (honestly, the best food we’ve had on the island) and what feels like a private, beautiful corner of Koh Samui all to yourself! The staff are extremely attentive to every small need and preference and go out of the way to ensure your comfort. Furthermore, if you are in one of the pool villas, you also have additional benefits including a cocktail hour and this is such a great experience and add on, something we haven’t experienced at many hotels. We had stayed at the Anantara Bophut last year and for us (as opposed to the reviews), Anantara Lawana delivered above and beyond our expectations and we will definitely be back!

July 24-27.

People: Mr Frederic Kolde (GM), Manee, RK, Irene, New, Pop, Art, Daro; just to name a few amongst many more who have made our stay a memorable and thoughtful one.

Villa with pool: gorgeous and well thought-out ID. Bed screen and bird cage lamps that express the intended theme. The pebble welcome sign in the wade pool, the personalised message from the GM on the TV and the awaiting local fruits on the side table, the lovely pillow menu, the cool sheets, ample cupboard space, the QR cube & with all the necessary amenities; highlight that they have taken the time to fuss and pamper us.

Cay restaurant: Observant Irene and Witty RK add to the charm and deliciousness Indian and Thai cuisine.

Ocean Kiss: Breakfast with the beach view and breeze/air-cond. Cheese, yogurt, juice, pastry, breads, butter, condiments, salads galore all beautifully laid in a cool-temperature space. A choice of a' la carte or buffet or both - what a treat!. Layers of dining space from beach to deck to restaurant level. Lots of choices for various dietary requirements.

Sandals restaurant: Choice of sandals on or off while enjoying one's food and drink with our toes in the cool, powdery sand-floor.

The Palette: Enjoyed the thai coffee and love the coconut cake. Beautiful set up too.

Grounds - Lush trees and greenery. There was a stretch of water lilies; please have more of them around. Mosquitoes are around and handled by repellants and the like. On-point sigtnages and maps.

The public bathroom between the Cay and the Sandals: Lovely design and super clean.

Fire-show: Entertaining and kudos to the skillful performers.

Traditional dance: Educational and would have loved to see more dance performances/performers. Kayak and Paddleboard: FOC! Great management and safety measures by Daro and his team. Fun when tide is in.

Sunrise and Sunset: Sadly I missed both. I caught the tail-end of the sunrise about 6 am. Day light starts early here.

Heat: Great for tanning and not so humid. Sea water not hot; nice cool temperature. Sand is hot tho'.

Beach: Public but well maintained and cleaned by Anantara. Tranquil and not crowded. Sea-bed rocky in some areas but there are ample space that is clear and smooth for a relaxing float or swim. Sea-bed near the beach is flat with no sudden drop. A tiny island nearby reachable by kayak or walk during low tides.

Seamless and good communication from booking to airport transfers to checking in to stay & to checking out. Khobkun Ka.