
In the Press: In the January 2025 issue of Absolutely Essex and West Essex magazines.
See pages 80-81 for a Travel article featuring Cape Fahn, Banyan Tree and Melati in Koh Samui, Thailand
"Escape to Cape Fahn Hotel in Koh Samui for a five-star luxurious retreat, a few minutes crossing to the island of Koh Fahn by boat or truck, depending on the water tide level. We’re delighted by the tractor/boat journey which drives into and across the water, where staff, a welcome drink and refreshing cold towels greet us in the lobby.
We immediately relax on striped loungers in gorgeous but unassuming surroundings at the infinity pool – grey sun-bleached wood, cream parasols, storm lanterns and a beach view. Attentive staff greet us with a tray of watermelon, pineapple, cookies, spray sun lotion, and an Evian water spray. Drinks are served on shell raffia coasters to enjoy poolside with a cute carved coconut monkey. We’re thrilled to discover coasters amongst novel souvenirs for sale in the fabulous Boutique.
We grab a golf buggy past bamboo screens up to our independent villa. For once, I’m speechless - it’s one of the most beautiful hotel rooms I’ve ever seen! Bifold doors from the bedroom and lounge area open onto a private infinity pool. There’s an indoor and outdoor shower and a freestanding bath. This is the life I’m destined to live! Birds sing, boats sail on the horizon, a gentle breeze, the occasional sound of a jet ski. It's the most relaxed I’ve been on holiday. It’s idyllic here, water lapping as I look out to the blue sky and aquamarine sea. Our very own exclusive island hideaway, where tropical sun caresses skin. It’s hot and I’ve missed a bit! Soothe sun-soaked skin with Rituals After Sun Shower Gel and Overnight Body Mask and keep holiday hair manageable with Curlsmith Travel Trio.
Stepping onto the deserted beach, hammock swinging as the sun sets, we enjoy cocktails - I choose ‘Tipsy Monkey’ (it seems apt). A musician plays a ‘Kim’ instrument at Long Dtai, an authentic Southern-Thai restaurant, helmed by Michelin-starred chef David Thompson. Set against the backdrop of crystal-clear waters, we savour delectable dishes alfresco on the terrace. I pop on a Whistles dress and wander across the sandbar at low tide to nearby Choengmon Beach. Watch the shimmering waves as the setting sun paints the sky red.
In the morning I fall out of bed (almost literally) into the pool for a swim. I’m whistled at whilst in the secluded outdoor shower… by a bird. At the breakfast buffet, we enjoy fresh fruit and an amazing array of pastries. For more active guests, activities include water sports, paddleboarding, kayaking and yoga. Take a sunset cruise or there’s a moonlight cinema by the pool. The hotel’s proximity to Koh Samui airport ensures a convenient journey from this private oasis of luxury, but I don’t want to leave and I can’t wait to return!
The Banyan Tree beachfront luxury nestles in a lush jungle bay in Lamai. Open-air living spaces flow naturally into an outdoor terrace. Sip on cocktails at Sands restaurant with a view of soft white sand on the private beach. The sea is warm to snorkel, swim and kayak, or for beachside bliss, relax with a refreshing drink and ice-cold towels. I spy a monitor lizard swimming in the pond. Mynah birds flit around and palm trees reflect in the infinity pool. The buzz of cicadas begins as the sky glows pink. The Rainforest Spa is a hydrotherapy wellness facility which you can book all to yourself to unwind. A buggy service whizzes guests around the hilly terrain. Individual villas designed with calm decor and dark teak wood have private infinity pools.
A sweeping drive leads us to the grand entrance of five-star hotel Melati Beach Resort. Lily pads bloom with lotus flowers. Beachside, the infinity pool has a stunning view of Thongson Bay beach and a swim-up bar. The pool villa has stylish, spacious interiors, and yep, you’ve guessed it - its own private swimming pool. Ooh, there’s a flash in the outside shower... it’s a yellow-vented bulbul bird perched on top. People paddle in the ocean, jet skis zoom on the horizon, white trails in their wake. At Kan Sak Thong restaurant, dine on Thai-French fusion cuisine with Chef Ken. The entertainment’s smiling dancers make us smile too. Well, Thailand is the Land of Smiles…
For stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, experience a day trip tour around Koh Samui island, visit the elephant sanctuary, take a boat trip or watch the fire shows. Sail around the surrounding islands, and snorkel to see shoals of brightly coloured fish.
Paradise Island!
Written by Crystal McClory
To book or for more info contact Abbotts Travel at 134 George Lane, South Woodford, E18 1BA, on 0208 989 9445 or email info@abbottstravel.com
You can see another article on Koh Samui, Thailand on p25 of the November issue
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