Refreshed and Cultured

Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort’s recent renovation entailed a subtle, yet singularly pronounced reaffirmation of its unique appeal as a luxury getaway on one of Koh Samui’s most sought-after havens of paradise beachfront. 

Hidden away along the quieter north end of famous Chaweng Beach, just 10 minutes from Koh Samui International Airport, Anantara Lawana Koh Samui offers a sublime choice of 122 uniquely luxurious rooms and villas stretching across a range from 52 to 300 sqm.

The recent renovation has seen the laid-back contemporary Sino-Thai style of the resort accentuated with a broad brush of functional and aesthetic enhancements, that all articulate the laid-back elegance of local island life by the sea and Koh Samui’s Chinese settler heritage.

Its Sino-Thai vintage style has been given fresh appeal with new furniture accentuated by hand-crafted architectural and ornamental details, set against uplifted colour palettes.

Each room type features individual distinctions giving a charming character of its own. The 44 Deluxe Lawana Rooms feature outdoor sofa benches fitted in stylish fabrics, new adjustable angle wall-mounted televisions and bed-end trunks acting as night table chests that provide seating and storage for personal belongings.

For the 44 Deluxe Plunge Pool Rooms, a local artist was specially commissioned to craft Chinese hand-painted folded panel headboards to convey this room type’s local Samui village birder story, accompanied by decorative bird cage night lamps and bathroom vanity walls with unique gold-speckled antique paint effects.

For Al fresco  pleasures, there’s expanded terraces and personal plunge pools, with spacious built-in reclining sofa benches joined by the playful addition of day swings.

Groups of family and friends will delight in the 16 Deluxe Pool Access Rooms,  where they can all stay together in the same pool cluster.

These depict a Samui fisherman concept with hanging mosquito nets resembling a fisherman’s net, and antique-style table lamps shaped like a traditional fisherman’s tool.

The bathroom and bedroom mirrors’ bamboo framing is inspired by a fisherman’s raft and complemented by a luxurious wooden bathtub tray with curved boat design.

Meanwhile, the 11 Anantara Pool Villas  and 6 Anantara Seaview Pool Villas  both elegantly blend the story of Samui’s coconut farmers - stylish design details combine tradition and contemporary, with bamboo-framed mirrors and lamps depicting old fashioned coconut farming tools, and lamps framed with monkey-themed shades.

As their name suggests, the Anantara Seaview Pool Villas  offer stunning ocean views as a wonderful enhancement, and the Anantara Pool Villas  are surrounded by lush gardens and tropical greenery.

Perfect for a family or group of friends, the royal one-of-a-kind Two Bedroom Lawana Pool Villa  reflects the style of a prestigious immigrant Chinese family, and as such has been lavishly upgraded with enrichments including a spacious terrace, with ample room to stretch out while taking in the spectacular ocean vista.

But it’s not all tranquil relaxation at this resort, with a range of activities to suit all types of adventure-seekers. Those looking for thrills can choose from private boat charters for deep-sea fishing, diving or snorkelling, while back on land there’s Muay Thai boxing instruction, Thai cooking classes, or even leisurely yoga and spa pampering.

Dining options have been given a sleeker look and feel, with the international Ocean Kiss Restaurant right beside the beach – where early risers can enjoy breakfasts accompanied by one of the island’s most spectacular sunrises.

But its jewel in the crown is the multi award-winning Tree Tops Sky Dining & Bar, a treetop restaurant overlooking the panorama of the stunning Samui coast, where guests ascend to immerse themselves in exceptional dining experiences.

This eyrie of fine dining is helmed by Azizskandar Awang, the Malaysian-born chef extraordinaire who’s forged a stellar reputation by creating this culinary and gastronomic delight, his latest venture on the island since relocating here in 2006.

His repertoire of French and Mediterranean-influence creations includes selections of classic dishes prepared with a modern approach, using the choicest and freshest ingredients.

Popular examples of his delectable craft include the Jack Creek Wagyu Tenderloin with porcini mushroom pureé, roasted and glazed baby vegetables and red wine reduction - while the absolute Must-Try dish is Hokkaido Scallops with cauliflower pureé, asparagus, curried cauliflower and slow poached tomato.

For more contact: lawana-chaweng.anantara.com