Belmond Napasai

As one of the oldest resorts on Samui, the Belmond Napasai has secured an ideal location on the island’s north shore at Baan Tai beach, and has continued to maintain exceptionally traditional, no-frills villas and residences that require guests to forego modern comforts for the beauty found in just the bare essentials.

• The multi-bedroom private residences that have plenty of indoor and outdoor dining and lounging space, private pools and wonderful views over the gulf
• The spacious, yet extremely traditional accommodations that throw guests back in time to a century before western modernization, providing the ultimate rustic, castaway escape
• The delicious breakfast buffet, hosting a variety of made-to-order stations and a nice blend of Asian and Western brunch dishes

Belmond Napasai’s discreet entrance is representative of the rustic, barefoot luxury nature of the property. An unmarked driveway off Baan Tai beach leads visitors to an unassuming, open-air greeting area where a manager sits behind one wooden desk, waiting to welcome guests. It is not particularly elegant or stylish; small design accents are scattered in a seemingly random way and tchochkes are found here and there. Instead, it is quaint, familiar and very traditional.

Despite the less-than-glamorous ambiance of the property, Napasai is one of the oldest resorts on Samui and occupies prime real estate on the island’s beautiful north shore. Napasai has a substantial, secluded white-sand beach and the kind of crystal clear turquoise water that makes the south of Thailand so popular as a beach destination. A large swimming pool sits elevated behind the sand allowing guests to roam with ease between the pool and beach.

Accommodations are all incredibly spacious and split between villas (of which there are two subsets: standard villas and villa suites) and residences. All of the villas have a separate living area with day bed and dining table, allowing lots of space for friends and family to gather. The large villas suites are similar in layout to the standard villas but come with a separate outdoor seating area and massage sala. Most villa suites are situated at the bottom of the hillside in lush vegetation. Beachfront villa suites offer oceanfront views but less privacy. All villa types have thatched, Thai-style roofs with wooden floors and paneling throughout. Interiors feature cotton textiles, bamboo detailing, basic bedframes and minimal Asian-inspired accents. Bathrooms are spacious and many have deep soaking Corian tubs and separate showers with double wood-lined vanities. Overall, the villa accommodations at Napasai feel traditional and at times, dated.

The residences, however, are more elaborate and luxurious. Ranging from one-to four-bedrooms, these accommodations are great for families, featuring split-level common areas and bedrooms connected by outdoor staircases. (They are not ideal for young children or guests with limited mobility.) All have large private pools with direct sea access. You will find plenty of outdoor seating and dining options and wonderful views of the water from multiple vantage points. The décor offers a sense of place with pops of color and Asian accents throughout.

On-property dining consists of two proper restaurants and two café-style eateries. Moo Kata, the sala-style beachfront restaurant, serves Thai hot pots and a selection of grilled and barbequed dishes, a traditional menu fitting for the resort’s authentic feel. Lai Thai Restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor deck seating for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Here you can enjoy a variety of international breakfast foods or excellent Mediterranean and Oriental lunch and dinner items while taking in lovely views of the sea.

The service at Napasai is decidedly warm and friendly, but in no way buttoned-up. Guests who need more polished, white glove service will find this a point of frustration. Unlike a property such as the Four Seasons where employees are taught English, Napasai embraces authenticity, which, for the right person, has an undeniable charm. Despite what some may call flaws in service, the resort has no lack of smiling faces and warm welcomes.

The resort is not for those who like added frills and ultra-luxe everything. It appeals very much to the traditionalist who appreciates a more rustic, at-one-with-nature type of experience.