Magic moments. When we have them, they’re usually far and few between. Fleeting glimpses of beauty and happiness. But this all changes when you visit Villa Nalinnadda, as the magic moment just seems to go on forever. There are so many individual aspects here that make the place, in general, and the restaurant, in particular, stand out from the crowd.

It’s set between the ring-road and the beach just 300 metres before you reach the rustic fishing village at Hua Thanon, as you’re approaching from Lamai. And you can’t miss it, because of its striking architecture. Pure white in a Mediterranean style, complete with lots of circular pillars and curving arches. And when you talk ‘boutique’ resorts, then this has got to be a perfect example:

Accommodation comprising just eight suites – each, beautifully-styled; a mini-spa with only two treatment rooms – both, superbly designed; and a restaurant with just twelve tables – that’s amongst the top two dining establishments on Samui (and I’m not saying what the other one is!).

And although with only 12 tables you’d think it would be intimate enough already, at Villa Nalinnadda they’re not even in the same place. There’re four tables inside the light and airy stylish interior, five on the rooftop of one of the resort’s four buildings overlooking a (floodlit at night) sandy beach, and three spread poolside which are illuminated in a turquoise glow. And, wherever you choose, it would be hard to find a more romantic setting.

Next, I’ll mention the staff. Because they really are extra-ordinary at Villa Nalinnadda. But that’s not surprising when you find out that so many of them have 5-star hotel backgrounds. The chef, in particular, has the highest possible pedigree in that he has previously cooked for the Thai Royal Family!

The food they produce here is, to put it simply, excellent. There’s just no other word which could describe it adequately. And the presentation is second to none. The cuisine is a selection of Thai, International and Fusion, and here are a few examples of particularly recommendable dishes. From the appetisers section, there’s the delicious Grilled King Prawn Mango Skewers with sweet vanilla chili dressing, and then there’s the huge Nalinnadda Appetiser Plate (for 2) comprising pork satays, chicken satays, shrimp cakes, shrimp bruchettas and spring rolls.

And the Thai main course dish of Stir-fried Chicken with cashew nut is one of the best you’ll ever eat. If you’re a steak-lover, then the Grilled Australian Tenderloin served with sautéed vegetables and the chef’s special potato in its jacket will more than satisfy your meaty desires.

“... and the food they produce here is,
to put it simply, excellent.”

But don’t make the error of not leaving room for dessert. That would be a BIG mistake. Especially recommended are the Blueberry Cheesecake and the Jasmine Crème Brûlée, so you’ll just have to eat both of them. And you wouldn’t regret it if you did!

So, why go all the way over to Hua Thanon for a meal when there are many great restaurants in the main tourist areas of Chaweng and Lamai? Well, pop in to Villa Nalinnadda for lunch, or a pot of tea or coffee (they serve high-tea here with cakes, too) when you’re on a day-trip around the island (it’s near the Grandfather - Grandmother Rocks), and I’ll guarantee that you’ll be back one night for dinner. Especially when you see that the prices are so reasonable. I, for one, would be happy to pay double for what you get here!

And Villa Nalinnadda is definitely a place I’d go with a special person – if I wanted to share a long magic moment, that is.

The restaurant is open from 7:00 am till 10:30 pm (kitchen).
For reservations (recommended) and further information, telephone 0 7723 3131.