It’s one of those places. Once inside, they’ve got you. And it’s not that they tie you down while you’re struggling to get away. Quite the reverse. Karebu is so comfortable and relaxing, that you just don’t want to leave. Especially as the food is so delicious here too.

There are two ways that you can reach the restaurant. Either directly from the shore itself (it's right in the middle of Chaweng Beach, next to Tradewinds Resort and just along from Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui ), or from the Chaweng Beach Road. And this is the route I'd advise you to take. Not that the beach entrance isn't attractive, it's just that going the other way leads you on a magical journey …

Take the road that leads to the sea from the crossroads of Laem Din and the beach road (near the OTOP shop). Just 50 metres up on the right you'll see the entrance to Le Paradis Resort . Go through, and the minute you step inside, you're in another world. A totally spellbinding one. And although you're in a central Chaweng location, it's as peaceful here as it gets. A real tropical oasis.

The name of the resort suggests that it's French, but it's not. It's as Thai as it could possibly be, and everyone should visit here to see how absolutely enchanting it is. The grounds are spacious, and the pathway through to Karebu leads you past original Thai houses (all on stilts), which now serve as super-luxury accommodation. And perhaps the best feature of all is the Oriental lily-pond encircling a rustic Thai-style meditation sala. You won't see anything like it on Samui, and it's one of those sights that will remain etched in your memory long after you've returned from your holiday.

You eventually emerge from this secret world at the swimming pool and restaurant at the water's edge. Open on all sides, with a huge wooden terrace spanning its entire length, Karebu is immediately enticing. There's room here for 95, and that includes seating at tables set up on the beach itself. But although that sounds like a lot of people, it's not cramped and, with many tables-for-two, romance is definitely in the air.

Dress up, go casual, or remain in your daytime beachwear – it's up to you. And it's this mixture of diners, and totally relaxed atmosphere which creates part of the charm of Karebu. You'll find a diverse mix of nationalities here, and everyone from families with children through to honeymooners, and even people celebrating their golden wedding anniversaries.

The food here is excellent. It's as simple as that. And the choices are abundant. Whether you're here for lunch (when there are some sensational open sandwiches available alongside most of the dinner menu), or you've come for some innovative tapas dishes to nibble with an exotic cocktail, or you're at Karebu to have a three-course International or Thai feast, you won't be disappointed.

“… and, with many tables-for-two, romance is definitely in the air.”

And although you didn't ask, I'll carry on with some more personal recommendations! For international starters, the Avocado and Scallop Cebiche – fresh marinated scallops served with avocado, and the Crab Thermidor – steamed crab, baked in the oven with a creamy white sauce and parmesan cheese, are both wise choices. Although you might prefer one of the excellent salads, especially if you're leaving room for two more courses!

There's a good selection of international mains, with both the Young New Zealand Lamb Chops stuffed with feta cheese and served with a red wine sauce, and the restaurant's signature dish Lobster Karebu served in a light saffron sauce being prime examples. And the Thai menu includes some notable dishes worthy of recommending, too.

Try the Pad Nam Prik Pao Talay – seafood in chili paste with holy basil, or the Ped Yang Nam Daeng – caramelised roast duck, and you'll be converted to Thai cuisine – that's if you're not already.

And, finally – desserts. And it's at this moment you wish that you'd gone for a light appetiser, or skipped it altogether. Especially when you discover that they offer goodies such as Crème Brulée , Panna Cotta , Crêpe Suzette and Caramel Nougat!

Yes, you certainly won't want to be leaving Karebu in a hurry!