MACK on the arcing acres of Chaweng Beach, the Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui is a stately colonnaded establishment right out of Gone With The Wind with a huge grass lawn offering a verdant counterpoint to the stark white building. The pool area is right on the beach and the sea is swimmable even at low tide. It goes without saying that this hideaway is among the best Koh Samui family resorts, child friendly, comfortable, and with brisk, attentive service that never intrudes into the laid back pace of things.

There are 203 rooms and suites with flat-screen satellite TVs for your daily soap or news, in-room video, as well as tea and coffee-making facilities. Expect spacious rooms welcoming of light with brightly coloured walls in hues from cobalt blue to mustard yellow and cream, cool timber parquet flooring, and rich Thai fabrics. While this Centara Grand is among the best Thailand

family resorts, hedonists and honeymooners can splash out on top-drawer digs. Try the 114sq m one-bedroom Grand Pool Suite with its own private courtyard, Club Lounge benefits and a luxurious bathroom.

The SPA Cenvaree offers aromatic distractions with a raft of wraps, unguents, lotions, and massage to have you looking your best on that white sand beach. The Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui also offers a dive centre, tennis courts, children's pool and play area. Go sailing, soak in the outdoor Jacuzzi, learn Thai cooking or party the night away at Zico’s – a Brazilian bar and grill with hot dancers and great hip-swinging atmosphere.

Other gourmet options on the menu include Japanese, Asian and Continental. Look under the bonnet and you’ll also find a slick Samui conference hotel, ideal for meetings and corporate functions for up to 200. This is one of the best Koh Samui family resorts, a few minutes’ walk from the action.