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.

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 Rice Cracker with creamy coconut mushroom dip, the famous Thai Yam Hua Plee – banana flower salad, and Gaspacio – a cold aromatic tomato, cucumber and aloe-vera soup. Next we have some excellent main course dishes, Duck Breast on red curry with fresh fruits, Baked Fish with tamarind sauce, and the fabulous Stuffed Chicken Breast – marinated chicken breast stuffed with tofu, herbs and mushroom, served with steamed vegetables. And there are some great desserts, too, such as the Water Chestnuts in stevia syrup, coconut milk and ice, and Grilled Pineapple with ginger 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!