We rush about. Worrying about what happened yesterday. Having grave concerns about what’s going to happen tomorrow. Hardly ever living for the moment, celebrating the joy of life itself, and all the great things it can offer. So it’s always good to step outside once in a while and appreciate your existence. And there’s absolutely no better way of doing that than visiting Ban Sabai Sunset Beach Resort & Spa.

For a start, it’s over the other side of the island from the main tourist areas of Chaweng and Lamai. And being part of this unspoilt natural environment makes it very peaceful. Then you’ve got one of the most innovative spas on Samui – Ban Sabai Sunset Spa – where you can spend a whole day or afternoon giving your body a complete treat of relaxation and pampering. And you can cap it all off with an evening of dining pleasure in one of Samui’s healthiest eating establishments – L’Ananas. But this restaurant is a lot more than just healthy food …

You’ll find it to the right of the resort’s reception area, where it commands a lovely view across the resort villas’ rooftops and through the coconut trees to the sea beyond. And being on the west coast means that the sunsets here are truly spectacular (thus the name of the resort), so it’s best to be here around 6 – 6:30 pm to really appreciate one. Again, taking time to enjoy the moment is encouraged here. There’s no rush. Have a cocktail or two. Share the visual experience with your partner – while it’s there.

And although L’Ananas is contemporary-Thai in style, with lovely slate flagstone flooring, floor-to-ceiling windows and pastel coloured décor, here and there you’ll see antique pieces of wooden art and artifacts which successfully blend the new with the old. You’ll also see novel, carved earthenware lampshades in the shape of pineapples. Quite fitting when you know that l’ananas means ‘the pineapple’ in French. And this theme is continued in the food, as many of the dishes are served in hollowed out pineapples. And you can also secure the beach itself for a private barbecue if you let them know one day in advance.

As you’d expect from a spa resort, the food here is nutritious and healthy. But, unlike many of these ‘new-age’ health-food restaurants, it’s also very tasty. There’s a diverse selection of Thai and International cuisine, all prepared using the freshest of ingredients. And, as another novel touch, the dishes are garnished with carved herbs as opposed to the usual vegetables. And the tasty Thai cuisine isn’t over-spicy either, as hot spices aren’t really good for your system.

“… and if you have one of Ban Sabai Sunset’s special spa/dining packages, they’ll come and get you (free of charge).”

Here are some recommended dishes to give you an idea of what’s on offer. First, for appetisers, there’s Thai Hors D’eurve – a selection of Thai appetisers for two, then the Goong Plar – spicy prawn salad with chili paste and fresh Thai herbs, and the Spinach Soup topped with crispy bacon. Next we have some excellent main course dishes, Duck Breast on red curry with fresh fruits, Pla Yang Takrai – grilled fish, stuffed with lemongrass and Thai herbs with a seafood sauce, and the fabulous Australian 120-day Grain-fed Angus Beef. And there are some great desserts, too, such as the Crepes Suzette with orange sauce and homemade ice-cream, and the Pineapple Flambe topped with flaming brandy, also served with homemade ice-cream.

Wine-lovers will be pleased to note that both New- and Old-world wines are well represented at L’Ananas, and you can wander into the walk-in wine cellar and choose your own, should you wish.

And if you want to go for the total relaxation experience and have one of Ban Sabai Sunset’s special spa/dining packages, they’ll come and get you (free of charge), from anywhere on the island and take you back after. It’s never been made easier to capture the moment, and enjoy life to the full!

L’Ananas is open from 11:00 am – 10:30 pm (kitchen).
For reservations, transport or further information, telephone 0 7742 8200.