Review: Vana Belle, Koh Samui

Nikki Gilmore discovers why the alluring Vana Belle resort might just be the pick of the competitive Koh Samui accommodation crop.

With a name inspired by the Thai word for “beautiful forest", I had an inkling we may be in for a treat.

Starwood has a reputation for delivering some truly stand-out properties around the world, so Vana Belle certainly had a lot to live up to.

Arriving

As we enter the gated estate, the drive takes us through a tranquil rainforest and we get the feeling that we could be the only ones on the island. Minutes later our car pulls in at the entry and we are greeted by the concierge and arrivals manager.

Our bags are taken care of and we are shown to a pedestal on which sits a traditional alms bowl filled with lotus flowers and rose petals.

We are instructed to cup our hands and told that the water will wash away any bad energy and emotions we have and will bring good energy, luck and happiness our way. It’s a sincerely beautiful experience, one that keeps guests raving about the place.

The room

The beautifully furnished Deluxe Pool Suite at Vana Belle, Koh Samui.

We are required to climb 20 stairs to reach our elevated room, but as the two-and-a-half metre-tall door is thrown open, all is forgiven: we are greeted by stunning water views that stretch on forever.

Apparently the sun will rise directly in front of us – we can watch it from our bed!

The arrivals manager walks us through the rest of the room pointing out the features and then explains the art of mixing cocktails with the ingredients that come standard with the mini bar (cinnamon quills, star anise, kaffir lime and the like).

Facilities

We are interested in the gorgeous infinity edge pool straight off the lounge room (parents with young kids take note: this room is not for you). As we settle in our complimentary iced tea arrives.

There are two ways you can access the facilities here including the main pool and restaurants – walk or be chauffeured in your own golf buggy by one of Vana Belle’s accommodating staff. The latter becomes our preferred mode of transport, providing a great way to see the estate while arriving in style.

Vana Belle poolside day beds. — Guests can order cocktails from the nearby pool bar while relaxing on these delicious day beds.

The pool and bar area is located behind the resort’s beach, which is separated from the rest of the beach by a rock wall, making it nice and private. There are sunbeds with flowing white curtains in which to relax, and nearby, a secluded waterfall where the honeymooners in residence retreat to.

Alms bowl filled with lotus flower and rose petals.at Vana Bella, Thailand. — Alms bowl filled with lotus flower and rose petals.

The food

Also at the beach level is Italian restaurant Panali, a great option for lunch for those reluctant to stray too far from the water.

The resort’s signature restaurant Kiree is a must, especially for those wanting a romantic dinner, given its sultry lighting and enticing wine list. It offers up a range of exotic options for dinner and the cuisine is traditional Thai with a modern twist.

Some of the highlights included the betel leaf entrée with coconut, red ginger, lime, shallot and tamarind; the stir-fried crispy pork with red curry paste and kaffir lime leaves; and the chilli steamed tiger prawns in spicy Thai basil sauce (this dish leaves you gasping for the recipe and a glass of water at the same time).

By the end of our stay the heavy burden of expectation has been well and truly met.

Vana Belle is definitely a stand-out option in the jungle of accommodation on offer in Koh Samui.

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Details

Vana Belle

9/99 Moo 3, Chaweng Noi Beach, Surat Thani, Koh Samui

+66 7791 5555

The IT verdict

A lush tropical paradise, Vana Belle is a perfect escape for couples and honeymooners looking for peace and quiet.

Location 9/10
Chaweng Noi is the quiet section of Chaweng Beach with everything you need within a short drive.
Style/character 9/10
Beautiful modern Thai architecture with stunning views from just about everywhere.
Service 9/10
Excellent English-speaking staff; nothing is too much trouble for them.
Rooms 8/10
You can watch the sunrise from your bed but the open bathroom configuration doesn’t allow much in the way of privacy, although honeymooners may prefer it that way!
Food and drink 9/10
The breakfast buffet is incredible, as is dinner at Kiree.
Value for money 8/10
At around $500 per night, it was a tad on the expensive side but you will definitely be pleased when you are here.

Getting there

Thai Airways operate flights daily between major Australian airports and Bangkok, with connecting flights to Koh Samui.

Among the packages they offer is Sydney to Koh Samui one way, from $752.

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.