Sometimes, it all gets a bit too hectic. Although there's a certain buzz about being in the busy resort areas of Chaweng and Lamai, it's always nice to get away from all that frenzy occasionally. Especially when you go out for dinner somewhere special that's not only a beautiful restaurant but one that also serves excellent food.

Beyond The Sea at Shasa Hotel, on Natien Beach in the very south of the island, is such as place. It's only 10 minutes away from Lamai with the lane leading down to it being just 500 metres along on the left after you pass the landmark Samui Butterfly Garden.

And as you enter the driveway and car park, the subtle lighting and unique design features will give you an indication of what's inside. Carry on into the lobby, and the contemporary décor and styling continues. Interesting colours interwoven with contrasting textures abound. And as you're led down pathways past water features and through tropical gardens to Beyond The Sea, you'll see the vista open up encompassing views of three huge free-form swimming pools and swaying coconut palms on the beach with the Gulf of Siam beyond.

Arrive at the restaurant and you'll immediately be reassured that you've made a good decision to go there. It has the elegance and style reminiscent of top Bangkok restaurants – but with an amazing tropical beach location. It really is the best of both worlds. Reflective black glass on walls and ceilings, marble table-tops, floor-to-ceiling windows and discreet spotlighting all combine to create one of the most attractive places to eat on Samui.

Choose to sit at a conventional upright table, or opt for one of the lower ones with sofa-style seating. Both of these are in the main 30-seat air-conditioned section but you may wish to enjoy the balmy night air and dine on the open-sided 22-seat lower terrace below. Wherever you select, the friendly and relaxed ambience remains the same – as does the food.

And this is where Beyond The Sea scores a direct hit as it's one of the very few places on the island which serves totally authentic Thai cuisine – no de-tuning for the Western palate here! When you order your favourite Thai dish at this restaurant, you'll get it exactly like the locals have it, and it's guaranteed to be delicious.

Although the restaurant does have some very appetising appetisers, such as the Yum Nue Yang – grilled strip-loins with a salad fused with chili, cucumber, onion and tomato, and the ever-popular Pad Thai Goong Sod – stir-fried rice noodle with prawns, egg bean-sprout, tofu and dried shrimp in tamarind sauce, many diners often go for the innovative Thai Tapas to start their meal.

"… and it's one of the very few places on the island which serves totally authentic Thai cuisine."

The concept of Thai Tapas is unique to Beyond The Sea and really is such a good idea as you and your dining companion(s) can share a variety of these super-tasty treats, such as the Risotto Prik Gaeng Talay – seafood risotto and Parmesan red curry cream, and the Pla Muek Tod – deep-fried calamari and mayo chili. An excellent way of trying many different tastes
of Thailand at the same time.

From the wide selection of Thai main courses, the undisputed champion is the nation's favourite dish – Gaeng Som Pla – a southern-style sour soup with fish and young coconut shoots. And not only is Beyond The Sea's version of this Thai classic also totally authentic, it's one of the best you'll ever have the good fortune of experiencing, too.

And although the restaurant focuses on its exceptional Thai cuisine, there's also a full International section on the menu, with several highly recommendable dishes of its own including the delicious Marinated Lamb Rack with crushed rosemary.

You can finish the authentic Thai dining experience with local desserts, but with outrageously tasty dishes, such as the Chocolate Lava – luke-warm chocolate cake served with vanilla ice-cream, and the Soft - baked Sundae – oven-baked soft cookie filled with chocolate sauce and
served with pistachio ice-cream, on offer, you could easily be tempted away

For a special dinner away from the bright lights and jam-packed tables of Samui's busier areas, Beyond the Sea makes an enchanting alternative, and one well worth taking.

Beyond The Sea is open from 7:00 am with the kitchen closing at 10:30 pm. For reservations, free transportation from the Lamai area and further information, telephone 0 7791 3888.