They’re always open for dinner. And many attract people in for a spot of lunch, too. But there aren’t many restaurants that are also great places to visit for breakfast. In fact, Samui has never before seen an all-day restaurant the like of The Kitchen Table at W Retreat.

But where to start in The Kitchen Table story? There’s simply so much to say. Well, I suppose I’d better begin by letting you know where it is. Just take the ring-road from Chaweng and through Bophut, then turn right just 200 metres past Zazen Boutique Resort (it’s well signposted so you can’t miss it). Follow this road until you reach the very end, about half a kilometre along, and you’ll arrive at W Retreat & Residences. Head left towards the Retreat and the road will lead you up to the car park and reception. .

The views from here are amazing, but when you go through the short passageway into the lobby and come out the other side, you’ll be completely knocked out by the simply stunning panoramic scene ahead. Looking across a huge circular ‘lake’ (complete with round ‘floating’ seating areas) you’ll have a view stretching across the whole of Maenam Bay on one side to Big Buddha Bay on the other with Koh Pha-Ngan straight ahead. And you’re more than welcome to have a wander around up here where you’ll discover chic open-air lounge areas here and there, and the cool Wooba® that has a DJ playing later on in the evenings.

Although the whole place brings a completely new ‘lifestyle’ to Samui with its hip and chic decor, within two minutes of entering W Retreat you’ll already feel completely ‘at home’. There’s a certain indescribable ‘something’ here that exudes a natural friendliness and charm that’s seldom found in larger resorts. And that’s probably got a lot to do with the totally relaxed yet highly professional staff with their ready smiles and the overall ‘comfortable’ ambience created by the design.

‘You’re welcome’, seems to be the by-line at W Retreat and you really are welcome to come and visit, even if it’s just for a coffee whilst you read a book swaying back and forth in one of the restaurant’s rocking chairs looking up occasionally to take in the view.

The Kitchen Table is directly beneath the circular ‘lake’ and is also completely round. And there’s a wide choice of seating, including both booth-style and more traditional in air-conditioned comfort inside and out on the terrace where you can enjoy the plentiful breezes. The décor is smart, with lots of polished wood accented with black granite table-tops and urns, and massive hanging wicker-work orb lanterns. But it’s all done in a comfortable cosy style, including a rustic feature of a ‘kitchen table’.

And it’s at this table, surrounded by glass chiller cabinets from which you’re free to help yourself to the drinks and fruit contained within, that guests are encouraged to share their eating experience with others. Thus creating the congenial atmosphere that’s such a major part of this restaurant’s charm.

“… and within two minutes of entering W Retreat,you’ll already feel completely ‘at home’.”

As I mentioned before, The Kitchen Table is an all-day restaurant, and that starts off with breakfast from 7 - 11:00 am (it stretches until later at the weekends). Opt for the scrumptious à la carte menu (there are over 30 choices!) and I’d recommend the Potato and Feta Cheese Pancakes with kalamata olives, but, if you want a more interactive breakfast experience, just step up to the five cooking stations in an arc at the back of the restaurant and have a chat with the friendly chefs there who will be more than happy to create something individual for you ‘before your very eyes’.

And the amazing lunch/dinner menu is available from 11:00 am until 11:00 pm. Whether it’s just a snack you fancy for lunch, such as the incredible The Kitchen Table Burger (using ground beef sirloin or chicken) with coleslaw and hand-cut chips, or a full-on dinner dish, such as the mouth-watering Maine Lobster Rissoni with chili, fennel and mascarpone, or the delicious Wood-Fired Seafood Pot Pie with ‘Provençale’ herbs and lemon relish, you can be assured that you’ll have a meal to remember.

Oh, and don’t forget to try one of the tasty desserts created in their in-house bakery (they make all their own breads, ice-creams, chocolate and pastries). The Black Fig and Hazelnut Cassata with strawberry-infused cream is a perfect example of how a world-class dessert should taste.

And if you’re a wine aficionado, you’ll be pleased to learn that The Kitchen Table has a huge selection, including nine different top Champagnes alone!

Yes, at W Retreat you’re welcome to come for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In fact, you may wish that you were sleeping here, too!

The Kitchen Table is open for breakfast from 7 - 11:00 am and for lunch/dinner from11:00 am – 11:00 pm.For reservations and further information, telephone 0 7791 5999.