Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui

Tongsai Bay opened in 1987 on a private bay on the quiet north east corner of Koh Samui, and the founding rule was simple, do not cut the trees. Nearly forty years on the buildings are still terraced into the hillside between them, and the 28 acres hold more than 170 plant species, over 85 kinds of bird, plus slow loris and monitor lizards. Run now as Garrya by Banyan Group, it stays low key, with suites and villas that come with sea views, outdoor bathtubs and, higher up the list, private pools.

The beach belongs to the resort, so days drift between kayaks, sailing dinghies and paddleboards, none of them motorised, treatments at the spa with its private onsen, yoga and long lunches. An organic garden of 8,000 square metres, planted in 2003, grows much of the produce and composts the kitchen waste. Cars stay in the car park and electric buggies do the rest.