Some of you might have noticed I recently did a trip to Thailand. It was my first travel experience in Asia and it has been an absolutely amazing trip. First I spent some time in Bangkok before heading to more tranquil provinces like Phattalung en Khanom. After that, I ended up on the beautiful island called Koh Samui. In Koh Samui I had the chance to stay in one of the most luxurious hotels ever. Read along to find out more!
Vana Belle translates to ‘beautiful forest’ and as you arrive you immediately notice it’ll live up to its name. You have to follow a windy road towards the tree-covered hillside to finally get to the lobby. Vana Belle is a Luxury Collection resort so I knew the hotel was going to be good, but what I experienced exceeded every expectation I had about the resort. We arrived with a driver but if you plan on getting there by rental car, then parking is free at Vana Belle.
Welcoming and services
Hotel employees welcome you in the open-air lobby with a fresh towel and refreshing drink. Check-in is quick and effortless and the friendly personnel will remember your name for the rest of your stay!
From that point onwards, don’t care about your luggage anymore, the staff will bring it carry it to your room and since every (!) suite has a 24/7 private butler service, you can ask to unpack it, make the bed, iron your shirt… It might seem a bit over the top but that’s exactly what the clientele is looking for when booking a stay at Vana Belle. You know, Vana Belle is the kind of place where you’re driven around in golf carts. It’s the place where you forget about the busy and sometimes touristy island of Koh Samui and you don’t have to leave for anything.
One night we had a dinner on the pristine white sandy beach! Which is a super romantic thing to do when you’d be on a honeymoon. They set up a table on the beach with candles and torches around. You had your own private waiters for the night and kitchen staff is preparing the food right at the beach! Needless to say the food was amazing. Also during breakfast, which is a mix of buffet and à la carte, I couldn’t find anything to improve.
Pool Suite
I stayed in the Pool Suite King. To be honest I can’t exactly remember if it was the classic or the deluxe pool suite but I figure the only difference are the views, which are epic in both options. It is their entry-level option, and I almost feel ashamed saying this. It measures a whopping 86sqm and features a 4ft deep infinity pool, even if you’re on the second or third floor of the building! I had never seen something like that in all the luxury hotels I’ve stayed in, so that was a proper wow-effect. Matter of fact, each of the 80 suites and villas come with a private pool! In this particular suite only the shower and toilet are hidden behind glass doors. Bath and double sink washbasin are in the same open space as where the bed is. I found the Pool Suite very nicely designed!
Tropical Pool Villa
If a regular Pool Suite isn’t enough for you, you can always book one of the other accommodation options at Vana Belle. It’s a mind-blowing 211sqm villa. There are 3 of them so you have the option to pick the one overlooking the pool or the more secluded ones.
To see what other hotels in Thailand I recommend, you can read this article or check back later and find a separate review of Anantara Bophut, another stunning resort in Koh Samui!