The inside dope on a beach resort with herbal intent

Meet the luxury beach resort that is using cannabis as a selling point.

The Beach Samui, on Thailand's Koh Samui island, this week announced the opening of The Herbalist at The Beach Samui, billed as the first in-hotel herbal dispensary in South-East Asia.

It coyly says the new outlet is "designed to aid in healing using natural plant-based remedies to supercharge one's lifestyle."

The Herbalist at The Beach Samui will be staffed by two registered Herbal Pharmacists trained under Thailand's Ministry of Public Health's Department for Development of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, and a roster of guest practitioners, "to deliver an all-natural healing experience as each guest wishes".

The hotel website says the "in-hotel medical cannabis and herbal dispensary will serve the finest cannabis flower, gourmet edibles and infused teas."

"Under the guidance of government-trained herbal pharmacists, using purpose-driven, certified-clean, plant-based cannabis ingredients, guests are invited to experience "a truly magical combination of cannabinoids that enhance the natural journey of well-being with a focus on the celebration of health and relaxation throughout their stay".

The Beach has 21 suites with ocean views, an a restaurant with a focus on infused Thai home-style cooking - just in case you get a big hungry!

The inside dope is that T-Basa, a cannabis industry leader in Thailand, will spearhead licensing and cultivation.

Charlotte Rose Melsom, founding partner of The Beach Samui, says: "Thailand has a long history of medicinal herb use and is once again celebrating their importance in everyday life.

"It has become our purpose to create a place where those wishing to discover the well-being benefits of medicinal herbs and cannabinoids can do so in a safe, monitored and elevated journey of outstanding hospitality, ultimate comfort, authentic experience and fundamental education."

Visit thebeachsamui.com/win for more details and a chance to win a free stay.

How about staying in your own private resort?

How about getting a few well-heeled friends together and enjoying some time in the sun in your own private resort?

Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort in Thailand is offering groups of friends and family an opportunity to book a stay in their own resort-within-a-resort.


The private villa cluster has space to accommodate up to 15 adults, with four king bedrooms and one twin bedroom apartment offering privacy and direct water access.



The villas are described as being "perfect for indoor/outdoor island living" with partially open-air bathrooms equipped with rain showers and soaking tubs, along with a private poolside sala for lunches or dinners under the stars.

The complex is being promoted as "ideal for extended families and groups of friends".

Located in a quiet area just off Koh Samui’s buzzing Chaweng Beach, retreat features low-slung swim-out villas circling a private full-length swimming pool.



With decor inspired by Sino-Thai fishing villages, the compound allows travellers to stay connected while giving each guest private space.

Throughout their stay, travellers enjoy access to Villa Host services, supervised kids’ club activities and exclusive benefits as part of the package.

Offering stays between four and seven nights, the package starts from $1,690 per night based on double occupancy and includes villa accommodation, daily breakfast, in-residence bubbly breakfast experience, in-residence gourmet dinner, complimentary soft drinks from the minibar and a four-hour island-hopping tour for seven-night stays or more.

Anantara Lawana Koh Samui is located only seven minutes away from Koh Samui International Airport.

See www.anantara.com/en/lawana-koh-samui