Ban Kao Tropical on Koh Samui

Tropical Tales

Vipasai Niyamabha

The Nation

At slightly more than an hour's drive from Samui International Airport, Ban Kao Tropical Boutique Residence & Spa seems almost a world away from the crowded tourist spots on this popular island.

Leaving the airport, you pass through Chaweng, Lamai, Hua Thanon and the butterfly garden, before turning right, away from the sea on into the coconut plantations leading to Ban Kao Tropical.

Even regular visitors to Samui are unlikely to discover Ban Kao Tropical until they come upon the sign by the main road that announces the boutique hotel, residence and spa.

One-storey houses with terracotta tiled roofs are nestled in the orchards. A new house is still under construction and looks as though it will soon be completed. There is also a swimming pool, the Asiate restaurant, the Oriental spa and a fitness centre.

Jean Pierre Versus, the affable Frenchman who owns Ban Kao Tropical, aims to make this project unique for long-stay visitors on Samui. He says each villa is individually furnished and designed in a different style ideal for island holidays. The owners come and stay every year, but prefer to rent them out when they are away.

He gives us a list of the villas, complete with the owners' name, plot sand house size. They range from 110 square-metres to280 sqm and some have private pools.

Ban Kao Tropical may be remote but anyone renting a villa for their holidays will be getting their month's worth. General manager Kinnaree Hin-orn, says the main target is families who are looking for space and privacy. Each two and three-bedroom house has a well-equipped kitchen with oven, microwave and family-sized fridge. Pets are also welcome.

Every villa has a living room, with television, cable TV and DVD player. The room is air-conditioned and the sofa is comfy.

Currently Ban Kao Tropical has eight houses for rent to visitors. The prices are quite attractive, at Bt5,000 a night for a villa with a pool, and between Bt4,000 to Bt5,000 for a two-bedroom house without a pool. A studio room without a kitchen goes for Bt2,000 a night.

Although there is no sea view at these prices, the resort provides a 10-minute transfer by car to Laem Sor beach.

There are plenty of homes to rent on Samui these days, with the majority in Chaweng and Lamai. Now, the trend is expanding to the north of the island.

Recently, the expansion to further north of the island seems to start. Versus says he is aiming to make Ban Kao Tropical as friendly and luxurious as possible, to tap the family target, especially Thai visitors.

He notes that more and more people are travelling in small groups, for example, three couples along with their children. They find it more convenient to stay together in a large house, which is better and cheaper than spending a vacation in a three-star hotel.