This month, Lamai Beach welcomed The Manathai Koh Samui (www.manathai.com/samui).

This boutique newcomer boasts colonial-style decor, such as a large spiral staircase and a large, elegant chandelier, with Thai touches in the form of lots of teak, rattan and Jim Thompson silk cushions.

The hotel also offers some pretty grand communal facilities, such as a beach-facing swimming pool and a kids club with scheduled activities suitable for all ages, ranging from yoga classes and dancing to pandan leaf weaving.

There are four room types, ranging from a deluxe balcony that comes with an antique four-poster bed, marble bathrooms and a spacious balcony, to the 200-sq-meter Manathai Suite with two bedrooms that also boast a seperate living and dining area. Rates start from B6,915 per night.