ITUATED along a quieter stretch of Chaweng Noi Beach, perfectly positioned to catch the early morning rays, the 80-room Vana Belle, Koh Samui, is a new luxury addition to this island playground in the Gulf of Thailand. Split-level timber-floor suites, all with pools, lead from bed to sunken sofas that serve up huge sun-dappled views and an ideal spot for a curl up with a good book or that significant other.

In-room expect large comfy beds, iPod docks, televisions going up to a neck-turning 46-inches, DVD players, glass partition bathrooms with standalone tubs, twin vanities, down pillows, a cool combination of marble and rich wood underfoot, and complimentary WiFi. Part of the Starwood Luxury Collection, this hideaway aims to be among the best Samui spa resorts on the strip and the Vana Spa has an extensive menu of wellness treatments and massage for that apres-work or post-prandial rubdown.

There is a fitness centre and a library too but with direct beach access and an outdoor pool, these may not be top of everyone's list. Refreshingly, there is no meeting facility at the resort and none of that pin-striper conference clamour. Instead, leave unruffled footprints in the sand from dawn to dusk. Dine Italian or international in fine breezy venues where a resort casual dress code will not leave you feeling unduly stressed or pressed for sartorial invention to go with the gin and tonic.

Samui, a brief flight south from Bangkok is an island idyll with coconut trees and monkey shows, laid-back villages with plentiful street food, bars, and even Big City neon - in small doses. It is a time honoured recipe for a great escape with or without the kids. This is an island for exploration, lazy drives, cruises and dives. At the end of it all is that deep, golden, tan, the kind your friends will whisper about. Sometimes, less is more. Luxury does not need to be a strait-jacket. Visit and find out why.