Jealousy is a terrible thing. It’s destructive and only hurts the person feeling it. But when you visit a place like The Imperial Samui Hotel you can’t help experiencing tremendous envy of the people who are staying there and having a superb holiday in such a fabulous resort.

OK. That might sound a bit over-the-top. But it really is true. In fact, upon coming here many outside visitors decide to switch hotels – mid-holiday! And even though I’m not on a vacation, I’m jealous, too. But that’s because the residents here have one of Samui’s best places to dine, in-house.

Tara Restaurant is LOVELY. The location is magnificent. The food is fantastic. The service is superb, with happy, smiling staff. And I wholeheartedly recommend you going there. It’s as simple as that. But as I have plenty of space left, and you probably want to know a bit more about this special place, I’ll go into some more detail …

Arrive at the hotel reception and you have your first choice of the evening. Be whisked directly to Tara Restaurant in an electric-motored golf-style buggy, or take the opportunity of strolling down the hillside through one of the largest tropical gardens on the island. Splashing waterfalls and colourful vegetation line the pathway as it meanders down towards the beach. And taking this slower route is great for seeing this beautiful resort close up, and also for building up an appetite (you can always take the buggy on the way back).

 When you reach the restaurant it’s decision time again. Upstairs or downstairs? Or, to be more specific, Skylight at Tara, or Tara Restaurant itself? Skylight, as you’ve probably guessed, is a rooftop restaurant. And up there you have a 360-degree view taking in the expansive beach and the tops of the surrounding floodlit palm trees, and the starlit heavens, too. There’s seating up here for 24 on some of the island’s most comfortable dining chairs. And with huge cushions all around you there’s no risk of having back-ache here. The only danger is that you won’t want to get up at the end of the evening. There are also four open salas up here, with even more comfy cushions, where you can stretch out with cocktails before your meal, or with a brandy after.

Don’t worry that the seating downstairs won’t be as comfortable, it is. And although it isn’t as open as Skylight, it’s almost as light and airy. This is due to the floor-to-ceiling windows encircling the restaurant that are normally left wide open, allowing the sea breezes to flow throughout.

There’s ample room for 90 here in this elegant contemporary-styled part of Tara. And it’s all spaciously set around a square central bar which radiates a soft sky-blue light from its sides. White pillars, Sardinian textured walls (matching the architecture of the resort as a whole) and a massive open-kitchen all play their respective parts in successfully creating a Mediterranean atmosphere. Which matches the Mediterranean cuisine served here perfectly (there’s a full Thai menu, too).

“…  and I wholeheartedly recommend you going to Tara.
It’s as simple as that.” 

And food doesn’t come any better than what you’ll get here. Start off with the Crab Bisque, complete with poppadoms and crab claws, or go for the Grilled King Scallops served with a Greek eggplant salad. Either one will put a smile on our face, and reassure you that you’ve come to the right place.

Move on to the mains and try the French Magret Duck-breast on a potato gratin, dressed with kumquats and wild berries, or the Pan-fried fresh Sashimi Tuna Steak ‘Café de Paris’ zucchini sticks and cous-cous, and your smile will get even bigger.

But why stop there, when it’s as good as this? How does the French Apple Tart with vanilla ice-cream and caramel disc, or the Passion-fruit Mousse with kumquats and almond tulip sound to you? However they sound, I promise you they will taste even better.

Mediterranean wines are prominent on the large wine list which also covers other popular wines from around the world. And should you be a cigar lover, you’ll be pleased to know that there’s a fine selection at Tara which you can enjoy in the smoking section (complete with a complimentary armagnac to go with it).

The Imperial Samui Hotel is in Chaweng Noi, just 2 minutes’ drive south of Chaweng. Make the effort to get to Tara Restaurant and I personally guarantee that you won’t be disappointed.