Located off the east coast, Koh Samui is the third largest island in Thailand and features a variety of beautiful beaches, delicious and affordable Thai food, and of course, shopping. With so much to do, a beautiful beach resort is the cherry to top it all.
One such resort to set your eyes on in Koh Samui is Prana Resort Nandana, which overlooks the quieter Bangrak beach, is close to malls and shopping places, as well as near several tourist attractions and just 10 minutes away from the airport.
Prana, a part of the QI Group of Companies founded by Malaysian entrepreneur Vijay Eswaran, is the company’s investment in sustainable tourism. The resort strives to ensure that all its guests have the best possible experience while leaving the smallest carbon footprint.
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Rooms with a view of the pool
Some of its eco-friendly practices include its digital check-in process and restaurant menus embedded in QR codes to reduce paper usage; biodegradable or reusable alternatives to replace single-use plastic items; sustainably and locally sourced ingredients used at the restaurants to reduce carbon footprint and support local communities; as well as volunteering initiatives participated by the hotel staff to clean up the beach and support the local community.
Thanks to all its green and sustainable practices, Prana’s efforts have been recognised by the Department of Environmental Quality Promotion and Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Thailand. The resort was awarded the Green Hotel Standard (Gold) by the government.
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“As travel and tourism picks up again, we must remember the lessons from the pandemic and never take mother nature for granted again. The sustainable future of hospitality businesses is likely smaller-scale, authentic and experiential. Governments, businesses and consumers must align their tourism practices with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and a 1.5 degree future,” says Eswaran, an outspoken advocate for incorporating sustainable policies and practices in business to combat climate change.
A deluxe room at the resort
Options had the opportunity to spend a few days at Prana for the perfect island getaway. I stayed in a Cozy Deluxe room with the pool view (from 2,610 baht or about $100 a night) that comes with a beautiful view of the resort’s main pool from the room’s balcony. The room was quite spacious, spanning about 42 sq m (452 sq ft), with a comfortable large bed and a spacious bathroom with a rain shower.
While the room was indeed clean and comfortable, the best part of the resort was the Amezcua Spa, which blends spa treatments with nature by using open-air pavilions. The spa treatments are influenced by Eastern and Western philosophies, as well as medical practices, to provide a holistic relaxing experience. The therapists at the spa are skilfully trained and could easily put you in a deep state of zen with the massage and facial treatments.
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Amezcua Spa’s open-air pavilion
For dining in, there are two restaurants at the resort — the Poolside Café and the Tropikana Beach Club & Bistro. The Poolside Café serves the delectable buffet meals and hosts cooking classes by Prana, while Tropikana overlooks the seaside and serves a la carte dishes.
Other facilities within the resort include three swimming pools, playroom for children, fitness centre, multi-function lounge, banquet hall for events, as well as round-the-clock security.
Rest assured that you will be well taken care of at Prana, as the staff there are warm, friendly and are quick on their feet to support your needs. Some services provided by the resort include in-room dining, laundry services, tours and excursions, babysitting, as well as limousine and airport shuttle services.
Start planning now for your holiday at Prana, and escape from the hustle and bustle to a happy and serene place.
For more information on the resort, visit pranaresortsamui.com.
Photos: Photos: Prana Resort Nandana
