When you think of Koh Samui, you would be forgiven for picturing 50,000 of your nearest and dearest (total strangers) partying on a beach for the Full Moon Party.
Having been to one such party, (and over New years no less) I can indeed confirm that it is the largest, most exciting and magical experience that any 18 year old can have. Once remotely north of this age, while still incredible to see, it holds slightly less appeal because… well frankly because a bucket with a straw in it becomes an unacceptable liquor vessel.
However, you would be sorely mistaken if you think that it is all Koh Samui has to offer. Sorely. Not only are there some of the most breathtaking beaches in the world, but also a couple of really impressive restaurants.
Located on a tranquil stretch of sand, enter Anantara Bophut Resort & Spa …. Or more specifically, the wonderful Full Moon restaurant.
Basically located as far away from the full moon party as it is possible to get without leaving the island, this is a seriously romantic beach restaurant (Literally on the beach) where at sunset, you can watch the floating fire lanterns across the beautiful Thai sky, while enjoying some seared shrimp… (Now a benchmark for all future shrimp enjoyment). This is seriously dreamy.
The restaurant and bar is set in the hotel grounds on an “al fresco deck” overlooking both the lily pond garden, the infinity pool and the main attraction… the beach.
The cuisine is of course, contemporary Koh Samuian (Yes this is a word) style char-grill cuisine which features fresh fish and meats in an ideal beach/barbecue flavour. Its not barbecue, it is elegant barbecue. There is even a “Salt guru” (a what?) offering you an enhanced dining experience.
They like to present it as “land and ocean” which just shows their elegant approach to dining in place of surf & turf. Either way… this is my kind of food.
Their firm favourites are the, Seared Ahi tuna loin (with crushed black pepper, sun-dried tomatoes and wild rocket leaves and herb-miso dressing). Also a winner is, the Pan-fried barramundi steak (on butter sautéed baby leek, fine spring onion and sugar peas, finished with balsamic-miso reduction) and finally, the Tajima Wagyu tenderloin char-grilled, (with sautéed vegetables and tender greens).
I am also going to add to the mix, both the Stuffed Arrow Squid (with Ricotta with Kalamata Olive Tapenade, Lemon and Garlic), along with the Black Kingfish (with Garlic, Herbs, Bulgur, Carrots,Caraway Seeds and Almonds) Delish.
As luck would have it, they are pretty dab hand with the fruity cocktails also and so… we had a million of them.
Oh, any they also have a pretty phenomenal fire show with fire “juggling balls”, “diablos” and “staffs”. (Yes, those are the actual names…Feel free to use them amongst friends).
As a group of 8, We wanted to be in the very thick of it with the most atmosphere and flame danger, but should you want something a little more private, then as Thailand always delivers, you can arrange a “Dining by Design” (in a private setting anywhere in the resort’s beautiful surrounds).
It is literally perfect for proposals, anniversary dinners, family celebrations etc.
So, when in Koh Samui, I would definitely recommend checking out both the Full Moon Party and the Full moon restaurant… Although this one you’ll Definitely want to go back to more than once.
kòrp-koon kà!
Gin & Bone 