Tembo Beach Club & Resort has opened, perched on the soft white sands of Bangrak Beach, in the north of Koh Samui.
Life at Tembo (which means ‘elephant’ in Swahili) revolves around the spacious pool terrace, where guests can relax on single- or double-day beds, enjoy the beach, sip a refreshing drink, dine al fresco, or simply soak up the views across to neighbouring Koh Phangan from the welcome shade of the bar.
Tembo is open to non-residents who can snack on beachside tapas and small bites, exotic cocktails and mocktails, carefully selected wines and ice-cold beers. There is also live music or a DJ several times per week.
With its signature teal and pale wicker palette, comfortable chairs, Tembo restaurant is the place to sample creative, tasty Mediterranean and Asian-inspired dishes and there is a heathy selection of vegan and vegetarian food.
Guests wishing to stay can select from nine delightful double bungalows (seven king size beds and two twin-bed rooms) and a spacious luxury villa located right on the beach, all with outside space to enjoy the landscaped gardens.
Tastefully decorated in a relaxed, coastal style, the rooms’ whitewashed furniture has been custom created by artisans in Northern Thailand, reflecting the owners’ ethos of supporting local and family businesses. Dramatic hand-carved bedheads create a central art focus, complemented by Jim Thompson fabrics.
In the beachfront villa, just steps from the beach, a canopied four-poster bed and a large bathroom with free-standing tub are the highlights.
High thread-count bedding and premium mattresses promise optimal comfort, and all rooms have internet-ready flat screen TVs, tea and coffee making facilities, Indian cotton bathrobes, safety boxes, jasmine-scented amenities, ceiling fans and air-conditioning.
Those looking for some ‘me time’ can escape to TEMBO Spa, which offers a small, carefully curated spa menu. All-natural organic products are used for body treatments and beauty rituals and therapists are highly trained to deliver the ultimate spa experience. Upcoming features at the resort, which collaborates with a range of local and international NGOs and charities, include a Sandwich Shop/Delicatessen and a Chefs’ Table-type restaurant seating just twelve people.
