I once met a restaurant owner in Miami who told me that in any establishment, atmosphere is twenty percent of the flavor.
Few places I’ve been honor this philosophy as well as the Bay Lounge & Resort on Koh Phangan.
Whether it’s the carefully placed bamboo throughout the bar or ultra chill lighting during the twilight hours, it’s apparent that there is an attention to detail here that helps to achieve an atmosphere that tastes of pure paradise.
This oasis in the rocks is frequented by many of Thailand’s “who’s who.” It’s no mystery after one has had the pleasure of enjoying a sunset sitting in Bay Resort’s stunning infinity swimming pool, open daily to the public.
The lounge, which is open 7 days a week from 8:30-1:00am, offers a splendid menu displaying a vast array of Thai, Western and fusion dishes. Some of the most popular menu items include the crispy duck in orange sauce, the seared yellow fin tuna, the fresh sashimi with spicy lemon sauce, steamed glass noodles with shrimp soy sauce and finally the king fish in tamarind soup.
If you’re just stopping in for drinks, their signature cocktail, Tom Yum Martini, is divine and if you make it between 4pm-7pm you can enjoy their daily happy hour: two Martini’s for the price of one. The wine selection includes everything from Lazo to Kangaroo Ridge, and all of the bottles have been hand-selected and professionally tested before making it on the menu.
Saturdays you will find the 8-month old Bay Lounge at its very best as they offer one of the island’s most renowned gourmet buffets.
For 499 Baht not only can you eat like royalty, but with your two complimentary glasses of wine, you can drink like it too.
Another treat for those who make it to Bay Lounge on Saturdays is the music. Beginning at 6, two of the Island’s most notorious DJs ,Rega and Boyonic, spin the best in chillout, progressive and minimal house. The owner Jun Kim is a DJ himself, so proper music is something Bay Lounge always maintains.
One feature that sets Bay Lounge & Resort apart from the rest is the fact that they will send a complimentary car to pick you up for dinner anywhere on the island from Thongsala to Haadrin! Exclusivity is a top priority to Bay Lounge & Resort, which inspired them to set a limit of only 36 guests who can stay in the 18 available bungalows at any time.
Some of the Sea view rooms offer romantic outdoor bathtubs while others feature giant natural rock structures within them, giving you the feeling your outside amongst nature while in the sanctity of your room.
Each room comes equipped with a fridge, air conditioning, heated showers and an impressive surround sound system pre-loaded with the carefully crafted Bay Lounge & Resort Playlist.You can enjoy a lovely massage on either of the two beaches available or just spend the day lounging on one of their comfy beach side day beds.
It’s been said that paradise is not somewhere you go but how you feel for a moment in time. Bay Lounge & Resort arouses feelings of paradise in those who have the fortune of visiting this natural haven in the rocks.
My time there always leaves me rejuvenated, relaxed and a bit tipsy! I highly recommend this place for anything from an afternoon hangout spot to a week-long retreat from chaos.
Bay Lounge & Resort offers something unique on an island of much sameness and it hasn’t gone unnoticed.
The atmospheric flavor is something that should be tasted by all in search of a unique and surprisingly peaceful environment on the party island of Koh Phangan.