Explore Koh Samui

It is well known as a honeymooners' resort, but the Thai island of Koh Samui is also surprisingly great for family holidays. It is developed to the extent that international hospitals (with English-speaking doctors), hotels offering childcare, and shops including Tesco and Boots - selling sunscreen and buckets and spades, and anything else you may have forgotten. When the kids tire of playing on the beach, keep them entertained with walks to waterfalls, visits to butterfly gardens, elephant-trekking, go-karting, and even the cinema. If they're picky eaters, there are Western food outlets and tourist-friendly restaurants offering child-friendly, non-spicy food like pasta and pizza, while parents can feast on king prawns in tamarind sauce.

Villa Belle is ideally located in the much sought after destination of Choeng Mon. This beautiful part of the coastline features a series of stunning bays with white sandy beaches and clear turquoise sea, swimmable all year round. Although the beach is only about 10 minutes north of Chaweng and 5 minutes from Big Buddha, the intervening coastline has kept the beach quiet and the waters clean, earning Choeng Mon the reputation of one of the most spectacular beaches on Samui.

Famous for the water sports offered, there is a spectrum of fun delights to be indulged in beachside. Kayaks can be hired to paddle across to the islet Koh Fan Noi, which sits just offshore from the beach. Jet ski’s, water skiing, banana boats and water paragliding are also readily available and are just some of the water activities that can be enjoyed here.

The beach is lightly peppered with delicious eateries and come sunset time, the restaurants arrange gorgeous dining settings with candle lit table seating as the sea laps gently at your feet or for a more relaxed lounge room ambience, reclining cushioned beds, atop individual platforms with delicate lighting enhance a true tropical island, beach supper.

Meanwhile, Samui has plenty for adults, too, once the children are ensconced in the crèche: sundowners on the beach, Michelin-starred restaurants, and masses of world-class spas.

Beaches

  • Choeng Mon Beach: Located 5 minutes from the villa, best soft white sandy beach on the island. Ideal for sunbathing and any water sports activities i.e. water-skiing, beach volleyballs, etc.
     
  • Chaweng Beach: Over the past 20 years, Chaweng Beach has been transformed from a near deserted tropical bay into a vibrant, busy, cosmopolitan resort town. Although these days the beach is often very busy, the long winding bay is ideal for long beach walks early morning or at sunset time.
     
  • Lipa Noi beach: Located at the west coast of Samui. Koh Small, uninhabited beaches with crystal clear waters, perfect for relaxing beach holidays and snorkeling. From here you have the best sunset views. Apart from the beach, there's little else to do in the area - its very remoteness is what makes it most attractive to the regular visitors.
     

Walking Street Markets

Streets are transformed into a bustle of market activity on differing nights of the week, held all over Samui. The busy markets are full of life as residents and tourists alike, flock to see the unusual and incredibly cheap eats and treats for all to indulge in and enjoy.

  • Nathon: Sunday
  • Maenam: Thursday
  • Bophut: Friday
  • Chaweng: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
     

Central Festival Samui

The largest shopping complex on the island, opened March 2014. Shop souvenir, groceries or forgotten-at-home swimsuits/flip flop. 10 mins from the villa by car.