Overview: The words “vegan wellness retreat” may call to mind hippies and enlightened yogis, but cast those prejudices aside, because this sleek, health-focused opening is all about fun, healthy living in a naturally beautiful setting. Situated on a stunning cliffside in Samui’s Chaweng Noi, the resort’s safari-style tented villas take glamping to the next level.

The rooms: Set amid the resort’s lush gardens and towering rocks, the cubic, detached “Seaview Farmhouse” rooms (from B1,700/night) cut a contemporary look and sleep up to three people with a double bed and a pull-out sofa bed. The real highlights, however, are the safari-style, rectangular tented villas (from B2,465), each of which sits on tall stilts with a solid concrete floor, surrounded by a spacious private deck overlooking the ocean. Open up the canvas walls and take it all in from the four-poster bed surrounded by white net curtains, chill on the chaise lounge, or sit at the desk for a remote office with a view. The height of luxury glamping, the villas come in muted, earthy tones with natural wooden furnishings, bamboo details. They feature all the creature comforts you could wish for—including air-con, a shower, bath robes and a hairdryer—while a wooden ceiling fan completes the tropical-colonial vibe. Guests with children can request an additional bed (up to four people total).

The facilities: Look a little closer at the property’s verdant greenery and you’ll notice an edible garden sprouting produce like tomatoes, Italian basil, mulberries, passionfruit and cashew nuts—all of which is put to good use in the kitchen. Located in front of the restaurant overlooking the ocean, the Insta-ready cliffside infinity pool features natural floaties, like a raft made from coconuts, and is lined with exotic agave and aloe vera plants. Downstairs, the calisthenic gym—complete with giant monkey bars, outdoor ropes and a compact sauna—plays host to fitness classes and yoga sessions, and is soon to be joined by a compact coworking space. Early risers even can take to the rooftop lounge above the restaurant for a sunrise workout. A hilly 400-meter track looping around the property is utilized by runners, while the staircases leading down the cliffside to the villas ensure you’ll get a good workout.

The food: With a tall tree jutting through its center, the resort’s onsite bar and restaurant, Halapua, deals in all-vegan, all-day classics, like the “bacon and gouda cheeseburger” (B475), which could turn even the most dedicated carnivores with its hefty vegetable patty sandwiched in a soft beetroot bun with barbecue sauce, an onion ring and crispy bean curd bacon. Not to be missed is the remarkably flavor-packed quesadilla (B275), filled with Omnipork meat, bell peppers, onions, vegan garlic butter, green chili sauce, cheddar, chipotle salad, guac and fresh coriander. Lighter bites can be found in the spiced carrot and lentil soup (B190) and the soba noodle beetroot salad (B335). 

The drinks: If you thought wellness meant alcohol-free, think again. From the impressive cocktail menu, we recommend the moody looking Skyline (B375)—Bombay Sapphire gin, violet syrup, Midori, lemon juice, stevia and aquafaba (a chickpea-based alternative to egg white)—and the Tamarind Margarita (B285), featuring El Jimador Reposado tequila, fresh tamarind, lime juice, chili flakes, salt and stevia. Coffee (from B95), bottled beer (B200) and wine (from B350/910 for Italian Prosecco) is also available. Head here on Sundays for an affordable brunch buffet (B299) and pool party.

Why we’d come back: By allowing you to get back to nature and get fit without any of the associated discomfort, Kapuhala offers a unique experience unlike any other on Samui—not to mention, it’s enticingly affordable.