I turned the corner and immediately knew I was in heaven. This was it. This was the reason I love the tropics so much. Well, at least one of them!
We wandered to the breakfast buffet to find the most stunning display of freshly squeezed juice. Their colors were a reflection of the stunning scene awaiting us on the deck. The bright yellow sunlight glistened on the turquoise water in the bay. Soft green palm trees swayed in the breeze above the white sand beach. The orange shades promises of the sunset to come.
Orange. Pineapple. Guava. Mango. Which juice would accompany breakfast this morning?
When I began our search for a spot to call home during our week on the island, I was immediately drawn to the website of Lipa Lodge.
Images of expansive green lawns, ringed by palm trees and tropical plants. A small lobby that held the check-in office, book exchange, and location for the daily breakfast buffet, with a small deck overlooking the sea. The small, but stunning infinity pool overlooking the serene beach.
The Location
What we knew~ we did NOT want to be on the busy east side of Koh Samui. Having previously spent time at Chewang Beach, we were certain that this trip needed to be about sand and sunsets. Not throngs of tourists on scooters.
Lipa Noi is on the central west coast of Koh Samui. The general vibe is rural, with an abundance of coconut trees, and waterfalls.
With no coral, rocks, or steep drop-offs, Lipa Noi Beach is a haven for those looking for serenity, not sur.
Far from the tourist crowds, with no large resorts or noisy clubs. Target acquired!
My favorite feature? The remarkably calm waters, perfect for swimming or simply floating in the sea, experiencing yet another stunning sunset.
The Lodge
The refreshing infinity pool was set adjacent to the stunningly soft white sand beach, with the mellow surf gently wafting with the tides.
Our rooms were equally delightful. Two adjoining cottages with large front porches, perfect for gazing at the ocean over morning coffee, lounging, and playing cards into the night. The rooms are generously sized with a safe, coffee maker, mini-fridge, and well-appointed bathroom.
What followed was no less than paradise found.
The Services
The seaside palapa proved perfect for couples massages.
The staff were ever attentive, and typically Thai friendly without being invasive.
The included buffet breakfast special changed daily, but we were always guaranteed choose-your-own omelets, fresh baked pastries, and a delicious mix of tangy yogurt, local granola, and some of the most delicious fruit on the planet.
If you don’t feel like wandering down the beach in search of dinner, Lipa Lodge even offers dinner service. The food is great, and you sure can’t beat that view!
The Neighborhood
Just a short stroll away brought us to a variety of resorts and restaurants offering up delicious food, all with a stunning view of the sunset over the bay.
We wandered daily along the stunning beach, stopping here and there for a drink, or to watch a local walking their water buffalo.
Inland two blocks, we found a convenience store, a fresh fruit stand, and a few more local restaurants offering up inexpensive deliciousness in a bowl.
We had planned our beach sojourn at the end of our trip very purposefully, well knowing from experience that the Asian culture can easily overwhelm our Western brains. Lipa Noi Beach was the perfectly, wonderfully, serenely, exactly what we needed.
If you’re looking for your own little slice of paradise, check out Lipa Lodge for yourself.
Address: 75 Lipa Lodge resort, 4, Lipa Noi, Amphoe Ko Samui, Surat Thani 84140, Thailand
Phone: +66 81 978 5529