Napasaï

Koh Samui

Koh Samui, the pearl of the China Sea is the third largest island in Thailand. Koh is the Thai word for island. Abounding with coconut palms and bougainvilleas, it possesses a huge number of beaches, the most famous of which are Chaweng, Lamai, Maena and the beaches of Bophut.

When it was discovered in the 1970s by semi Bohemian tourists and bikers, it was a small island of fishermen and coconut palm planters. In the past two decades, it has become THE place for fun. Lazy days on unspoiled beaches, diving in transparent water, authentic Thai massages in small salons scattered throughout the island, walking through lively markets during the day and the evening, especially in Chaweng or Lamai, have made the island an ideal tourist destination. Samui is also an authentic island with a great many treasures including a rich endemic fauna, lush tropical vegetation and a well-preserved historical heritage.

Art lovers will want to visit the numerous temples spread throughout the island like the Phra Yai temple with its Big Buddha which can be seen for kilometers around, the Wongkaram and the Khun Aram each of which contains the mummified bodies of renowned Buddhist monks, and the Sumret with its excellent collection of precious statues.

Far from the madding crowds

In the north of the island, on a hill overlooking the white sand beach of Mae Nam, there’s a magnificent group of villas hidden in the coconut palms. The Napasaï, a pearl of luxury and authenticity has preserved the soul of a typical Thai village.

Facing the islands of Koh Tao and Koh Phangan, the 55 bungalows and 14 villas which make up the hotel are sufficiently far from one another to respect the privacy and tranquility of each guest. All the accommodations have a traditional Thai décor in teak which is sober and with great attention to every detail. Cotton sheets, silk fabrics, teak and bamboo all blend perfectly with the traditional Thai craft work. Very spacious and opening onto the sea thanks to large bay windows and a furnished terrace, the atmosphere is elegant and refined. The Residences with private swimming pools are large houses built on several levels.

On the side of the cliffs, facing the sea, in an orchard of frangipanis, cashews and coconut palms, the luxury villas have one more bedroom than the bungalows and a private swimming pool. Designed with large openings, they have an incredible view of the ocean. Large bay windows running from the floor to the ceiling and stone tiles can also be found at the Lai Thai restaurant which serves both Thai and international cuisine. Guests can also have a light lunch at the open-air restaurant either facing the pool or the ocean. And for more intimate meals, four “salas” at the foot of the hill can accommodate up to eight people in search of tranquility.

With its infinity swimming pool, its traditional spa and its practically deserted fine sand beach, the hotel Napasaï offers guests incomparable peace and quiet in an enchanting setting where the main activity is sunbathing or diving into the transparent waters of the China Sea.

Until the 1970s, the only way to get around Samui was on foot or by boat. Ever since, paved roads have made their appearance as well as new constructions. However, in order to preserve the beauty of the island it’s forbidden to build anything that surpasses the height of the coconut palms.