When Beach Republic first opened its doors a year ago it was quite a revolution. Never before did Samui have such a cool beach club. Somewhere to spend the day chilling-out, taking a swim, having a tasty bite to eat and maybe indulging in a spa treatment, too. Word soon got out and Beach Republic has become the place to be in the afternoons; especially on Sundays for their famous brunch. But what everyone’s not fully aware of is that when the sun goes down and the lights start twinkling around the Lamai Bay, Beach Republic transforms into one of the most elegant and romantic dinner restaurants on the island.

And it’s very easy to find, being down the turning on the left just 200 metres after the landmark IT Complex on the ring-road coming from Chaweng as you’re approaching Lamai (it’s very well sign-posted so you can’t miss it). Reserve a table for dinner (or a spa package at Beach Republic Spa) and they’ll even arrange free pick-up from your hotel.

So, once you’ve arrived at the entrance, take a short stroll down the leafy lane which runs alongside Beach Republic Residences and you’ll come to the restaurant. And the first thing that you’ll notice here is the amazing architecture. Looping steel arches combine with polished teak to form the main support. The thatched roofing is styled in such a way that the whole area is covered yet open at the same time. And the attention to detail, and comfort, here is second to none. Add to this the chic ‘republic’ theme that runs throughout, with the club’s own flag and funky military-style uniforms worn by the staff, and Beach Republic definitely exudes an elegant, laidback atmosphere.

There’s booth-style seating here, traditional tables and chairs there, and relaxing lounge areas, too. Plus, if you want to be completely out in the open, there are more tables and chairs set up for dining around Location in Thai: the pool and along the 30-metre beach frontage itself. There’s even an individual sala on the beachfront, set apart from the other tables, where
true romantics can enjoy a sumptuous 7-course feast paired with wines to match (reservations only), screened off in their own private paradise (great for honeymooners).

But, with the soft lighting emitting from the red table lamps, the aquamarine glow from the 20-metre infinity swimming pool and the gently floodlit beach, just about anywhere you sit here feels romantic. Add to these things the swaying palm trees overhead, the melodic lapping of the waves along the shore and the twinkling stars above, and the only other thing you need to make this totally romantic is the perfect partner to share it with – but you’ll have to provide them yourself!

“… and the food at Beach Republic is something special, too.”

Now the scene is set, it’s about time to bring along the food. And at Beach Republic this is something special, too. Being open all day, there’s a wide range of sandwiches, salads and snacks always available, as you might expect. But there is a dinner menu and it’s from this that I’m going to give you my personal recommendations. Oh, and do try the tapas here. There’s an excellent selection including the mouthwatering Moroccan Spiced Beef Tenderloin Skewers. Plus there are also some great pizzas, cooked in their very own wood-fired pizza oven, and a range of Thai favourites, too.

But I’m sticking to the main à la carte dishes and for starters I highly recommend both the Goats’ Cheese Mousse with roast beetroot and rye crostini, and the Phuket Lobster Bisque comprising half a lobster tail and a king prawn. Mmm, excellent!

And for the main course, I have to say that the Fillet of 120-day Grain-fed Beef with cumin-spiced beetroot salad and shoestring fries is something very special, as is the Whole Baked Sea Bass with a Portuguese salad. There’s sure to be a dessert that’ll take your eye and, for me, there were two! Namely the Chocolate Fondant and the Caramelised Apple Tarte Tatin with toasted almonds. Both are particularly delicious and I’m sure that if I had the time, and the appetite, I’d recommend even more.

Yes, evenings at Beach Republic are very romantic, even when it’s ‘Movie Night’ on Thursdays, when they screen everything from the latest blockbusters to old classics. Just make sure you sit in the back row!