With expansive views of the Gulf of Thailand, it’s easy to spend an entire day lounging on a beach chair doing absolutely nothing here. That said, there are plenty of other ways to pass the time, whether this means taking a dip in the swimming pool and grabbing a drink at the swim-up bar or getting a full-body massage at Anodas Spa.

Resorts can sometimes feel too far removed from the local culture, but the Nora Beach Resort and Spa maintains many traditional characteristics of Thailand with the high-roofed, partly open-air lobby and flower garnishes placed on the beds. Despite the property’s large size and scope, it’s still possible to feel like you’re surrounded by nothing but nature. Lakes, gardens, and vibrant flowers surround even the walking trails that connect the rooms to other facilities. The resort is probably best suited for couples and honeymooners seeking a romantic getaway, but families regularly stay here as well.

Nora Beach Resort and Spa is located on the top of a slope along the North of Chaweng Beach on Koh Samui, the third largest island in Thailand. From Samui Airport, it’s only about a five-minute drive to the resort. Nora Beach Resort and Spa has direct access to the beach, as do many surrounding resorts in the same category. There’s also a daily shuttle from the resort to Chawang Beach, which is a five- to 10-minute minute drive away. It's about a 25-minute walk down the hill to reach local clubs and bars. Getting back up the hill can be a struggle for some guests, but shuttles and car services are also available. 

Room decor varies but dark wood furniture, colorful silk pillows with intricate embroidery, traditional framed artwork, and white linens are found in every room here. Depending on price and availability, there are a few different room options at Nora Beach Resort and Spa. In total, there are 38 Nora Villas, 42 Superior Rooms and various other upscale villas on the property; each incorporates subtle touches of Thai culture into the decor, like high-ceilings with sloping triangular roofs, rose pedals sprinkled across the beds, and tasteful wall art. Some guests have noted that decor is somewhat outdated, but the modern amenities seem to balance that out. The private outdoor porches overlook a garden and in some cases, the beach, giving the feeling of isolation from the other villas. The bathroom in each has a large bathtub, but the shower is located outside in a private area. A fully-stocked minibar and soft bathrobes up the luxury factor. 

Nora Beach Resort and Spa is romantic enough for honeymooning couples and adventurous enough for families. Guests take advantage of both the outdoor swimming pool during the day and the bars and restaurants in the afternoons and evenings. The pool is large and mostly circular, with a few indents that curve in and a small island covered in grass and trees in the center. Beach chairs and umbrellas around the pool area are on a first come, first serve basis. 

The Prasuthon is the main restaurant and serves a mix of Royal Thai cuisine with ancient recipes and Western and Asian fusion dishes. In all cases, many of the ingredients and herbs are sourced from the surrounding gardens. The wooden chairs and tables are somewhat rundown, but the ocean views are spectacular.

Many amenities are free, including breakfast, parking, and Wi-Fi. The breakfast buffet is particularly popular, as there are a wide variety of options options: fresh salads, cereals, traditional Thai food, pastries cakes, and even omelets upon request. From the pool area, the beach is just a few steps away and there's a two-tier rock divider, very slightly pebbly white sand, palm trees, and calm waters that await at the bottom. Many of the massages and treatments at the Anodas Spa are inspired by holistic healing practices and catered to men and women of the modern age.