Arriving for dinner at the Prasuthon restaurant, located inside the impressive new Nora Beach Resort and Spa in north Chaweng, is a remarkable experience. The huge wooden tiered roof that shelters the grand lobby and reception area is one of Samuis finest, and the spacious lounge offers an immediate sense of Thai grace and comfort. Its certainly worth taking time to sip a cocktail at the terrace bar, where a tempting range of cocktails and drinks are offered at very reasonable prices, making it the perfect place to meet for a drink whether dining or not. Guests are surrounded by traditional style and decor that includes a large, intricately carved wooden shrine, stone elephant fountains, and a cleverly designed infinity pond that appears to pour gently into the tropical view beyond. Mr. Somchai Pantong, the General Manager of the resort, has several years experience on Koh Samui, and although he is keen to compete with the growing number of international hotels on the island, Nora Beach Resort is also proud to be a very Samui-based operation, and demonstrates this through its style, service, and value for money.

The Samuiness at the Nora certainly shines through the smiling faces of the staff, most of whom are locally employed and trained in-house, and who dress in traditional Thai uniforms to match the majestic setting. Theres no doubt where you are as you stroll through the lush tropical garden to the beachside restaurant, both of which take full advantage of Samuis natural assets. In fact, proximity to the sea is one of the most appealing features of the Prasuthon, which boasts a large grass-roofed dining area overlooking the sea, as well as tables set around a swimming pool just a few paces from the beach. On the night we chose to review the restaurant there also happened to be a full moon, and the silver light reflected on the rolling waves provided a soothing, but at the same time spectacular backdrop to the meal.

There is a culinary theme for each night of the week at the Prasuthon, and the restaurant also caters for private functions, as well as offering a special Dinner beneath the stars package for those who prefer a more intimate meal, complete with their own personal chef and waiter. The regular weekly selection begins on Monday with a Fisherman's Evening that involves a seafood buffet, this is followed by Carving and Salad on Tuesdays, ideal for meat lovers, Thai market night on Wednesdays, for those who appreciate a taste of local fare, and Steak and Seafood on Fridays with and abundance of surf and turf. Chefs recommendation night happens every Thursday and Saturday, and this is when a vast selection of fresh seafood is displayed in a traditional Gor Le boat, and guests can choose their favorite dish, which the chef prepares in whatever style they desire. Everything from freshly plucked local mussels to Phuket lobster is available, and there is also an extensive buffet of salads and side dishes to accompany the meal.

Surprisingly, each of the above theme meals is offered at the very affordable price of 550 baht (net) including a glass of the Nora resorts specially labeled house wine. The food is served buffet style around the pool, and entertainment is provided in the form of a lively Polynesian dance troupe, or one of the Noras own live bands. Visitors and resort guests are all treated to the same levels of service and hospitality, and when community magazine visited on a Thursday evening, the team was greeted by the inspiring sight of fresh crab and tiger prawns on the barbecue, accompanied by some very skilled shaking of Polynesian hips.

To start the meal we filled our plates with a selection of salads and cold meats, the duck with melon was a particular treat, and the salads came with a good selection of dressings. As a second course we then moved on to Thai food, unable to resist a selection of rich Thai curries that were displayed in traditional clay pots and warmed by hot coals, or the delightful spring rolls, prepared and fried fresh in a wok by one of several ever-present Thai chefs. Fortunately, producing a monthly magazine ensures a healthy appetite, so despite all this early indulgence we still found room for the surf and turf. The tiger prawns were as fresh as their barbecued aroma suggested and delicious eaten with traditional Thai chilli and lemon sauce, while the cuts of beef added plenty of substance to the meal, and gave us the perfect excuse to down a bottle of house Merlot. Dessert was a selection of fresh Thai fruit, including some juicy cantaloupe melon, with the added option of special Thai sticky rice and banana cakes. When we finally stopped eating, we knew we had consumed too much, but we were happy about it.

The Executive chef at the Nora beach resort is Khun Suravichit from Phuket. He has previously worked in places as diverse as Miami, Spain, Saudi Arabia and Pattaya, and his twenty plus staff prepare an impressive array of dishes every evening, with choices far exceeding the daily themes. He also offers guests a full a la carte menu that includes both Thai and western specialties, and this features some deliciously creative Prasu combinations. The Rolled beef tenderloin with pesto and basil and the Saute'ed lobster with spaghetti, garlic, and chilli are just two examples of his commitment to fine taste and artistry, and he tries whenever possible to fuse his countrys famed ingredients with the flavours of other nations. Khun Suravichit is also available for lunchtime cookery classes, for those who wish to learn some of his secrets.

As the dancers delighted their audience with fire and frenzy, and the moonlight threw soft shadows across the pool, the evening breeze brought feelings of contentment that only the best holidays can bring. With such good value and service, though still in its infancy, the Nora Beach Resort and Spa is a testament to the levels of quality and hospitality that modern Thai resorts are now able to achieve.
JK

Nora Beach Resort and Spa is located on the north end of Chaweng Beach. For reservations please call: 0 7741 3999 or visit their website at: www.norabeachresort.com