Guest blogger Carmen Jenner explores the culinary and romantic attractions of Koh Samui.

The night promises all the drama of a tropical storm, as the palm trees bow before the raging weather gods. The calm skies give way to the approaching monsoon as the rain lashes down horizontally onto the Waterline restaurant at the Manathai Koh Samui. Everyone seeks shelter while the waiters prepare the restaurant for the impending deluge.

There are many more comfortable ways to cool off in the sea, such as the stunningly beautiful Crystal Bay, named for its incredibly clear water. Join the many attractive women in bikinis emerging from the sea and strolling to the waterfront Rock Salt Restaurant, where you can enjoy a wide selection of fresh and flavorful dishes. Choeng Mon, near the Big Buddha at the northwestern tip of the island, is popular with a sophisticated crowd, while the soft sands of Bophut Beach will give your calves a good workout and then offer the perfect opportunity to relax before heading to nearby Fisherman's Bay for a refreshing dip.

Forget the noisy full moon parties and instead explore Koh Phangan's idyllic, almost secluded beaches, just a 20-minute ferry ride away. From the ferry terminal, take a taxi or grab a map and rent a boat or bicycle to explore the island at your own pace. Two beaches are particularly worth seeing: Bottle Beach in the remote north boasts powder-white and turquoise waters. If you have the time and inclination, climb the steep path and enjoy the breathtaking view – perfect for Instagram. From Bottle Beach, you can reach Thong Nai Pan Beach on foot or by longtail boat. There, two paradisiacal sandy coves await, each with charming restaurants. Numerous bungalows right on the water invite you to linger – and that's a good thing, because you won't want to leave. A visit to the island is a must: Treat yourself to Parisian cuisine at the atmospheric L'Alcove and a dessert at the nearby Organic Chocolate House, also known as the Naked Chocolate Café. And I bet you're wondering why.

Safari Boats offers tours and private charters to Koh Phangan, Koh Nang Yuan (considered the most beautiful of the islands), and Angthong Marine Park. This park encompasses an archipelago of 42 islands, including Monkey Island, named for its gorilla-like shape, although no monkeys live there. Snorkel among schools of sea bass and pilot fish, take an invigorating hike to Emerald Lake, go sea kayaking, and swim among spectacular rock formations.

Back on the mainland, it's time for new memories and culinary delights like Pad Thai, green chicken curry, and green papaya salad at the Island Organics cooking school. Even if you're not a foodie, it's worth spending time with owners Cameron Hanson, a renowned photographer, and his charming wife Lat, and taking a tour of their lush garden, which they have impressively transformed from a barren piece of land.

Back to our tempestuous dinner at the Waterline Restaurant. Inspired by his Italian roots and serendipitous finds washed ashore, chef Roberto Bellitti creates an imaginative menu. For example, "Liquid Underwood," with its mushroom and herb soup and mascarpone, evokes the ebb and flow of the tides, while "Sweet and Salty" features river prawns, calamari, mango, and coconut salsa. Each dish is not only a revelation but also a unique creation.

Daylight transforms the restaurant into a casual spot with a beach club atmosphere. While the wooden boats shimmering in the green light at the pier in front of the hotel attract octopuses, Natalie Kamolwattanasoontorn, General Manager of the Manathai, raves about the unique qualities of Samui: "It's the third largest island in Thailand, and for me, the charm of bygone eras, with its romantic, secluded beaches and bungalows, perfectly suits our guests. And thanks to its manageable size, you have a magnificent sea view from everywhere." True to the island's character, the Manathai is unique, as it's the only colonial-style hotel on Samui. If Graham Greene were still alive, I could easily imagine him writing a novel here, just as he did "The Quiet American" at the Metropole Hotel in Hanoi. The suites, which only opened in July 2015, are decorated in soft shades of blue and green and feature four-poster beds and wood paneling – luxuriously furnished and generously proportioned.

Manathai is located in Lamai, a neighborhood known for its French expat community. Several French bakeries and a cheese shop are nearby – perfect for a delightful beach picnic. Or let yourself be enchanted at Villa Chocolat, a café serving coffee and handmade chocolates, accompanied by the sounds and twirls of its in-house ballet school.

The island prides itself on its pristine condition and therefore attracts couples who value a healthy and harmonious lifestyle. The breathtaking views from the Jungle Club, the Gecko Bar, and June's Art Café are just a few of the hotspots that indulge in fresh, organic cuisine. Vikasa and the Yoga Garden, with yoga classes for those who prefer a more flexible approach, are also worth a visit. Numerous day spas offer opportunities for relaxation, and Tamarind Springs, located near Manathai (whose spa opened in October 2016), provides heavenly treatments amidst lush vegetation.

Carmen Jenner stayed at the Manathai Koh Samui (www.manathai.com/samui). Prices start at approximately AUD 100 per night. Further information about Koh Samui can be found at www.kohsamui-tourism.com.

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