Some places have simply got the lot. And this restaurant is one of them. Air-conditioned comfort and splendour inside, and panoramic 180–degree views from an expansive rooftop lounge/bar under the twinkling stars above. Introducing one of Samui's extra-special restaurants – Moon.

It's located within the lovely Silavadee Pool Spa Resort just outside of Lamai. And if you're driving there yourself, coming on the ring–road from Chaweng, take the first turning on your left after the IT Complex building and the resort is on your left about 500 metres further along.

Arrive at the main lobby/reception and you'll be silently glided along in an electric buggy and dropped off outside the restaurant. And it's recommended that before going either inside or around to the outside dining platform/terrace to take your table, you ascend the steps up to the amazing Star rooftop terrace bar.

Once you've reached the top and taken a step forwards, I can guarantee you that your breath will be taken away by the views. So what better place to indulge in a pre-dinner cocktail (or two!), especially if you arrive between 5:30 and 6:00 pm when you can immerse yourself in a Samui sunset and see the golds, reds and yellows reflecting across the bay. Of course, with a name like Star, it's the perfect place to return to for another drink after your dinner and take in the romantic night sky. Numerous bar stools along the edges and super-comfy round sofas form the seating, and there're even four extra-special tables for four, that you step down into and around, which are bordered all around by water.

And after your visit to Star (which is, of course, optional!), you come back down to Moon – the entrance for which is at the base of the stairs. This is the fully-enclosed, 60-seater, air-conditioned restaurant itself with polished teakwood flooring, ceiling and wall paneling and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out across the swimming pool to the ocean beyond.

Comfortable seating, discreet spotlighting and table candle-lanterns, a glassenclosed walk-in wine cellar and lots of lovely space make Moon one of the island's most attractive dining venues.

On special theme evenings (such as 'Barbecue Night') Sun – is where you'll be heading for. And that's an idyllic deck next to Moon that's been built above and between the monumental rocks that sit above the water below. And the views from here are also stunning, which is hardly surprising as they take in an incredible 270 degree panorama. In fact, it's probably one of the very best places for viewing the moonrise from the ocean on one side and the sun set into the bay on the other.

And the International cuisine on offer at Moon is also as good as it gets! The menu is so full of temptations that you'll want to take your time making your choices. Having said that, you can't go wrong – whatever you select!

"...and the Australian Wagyu beef dishes at Moon are truly phenomenal!"

Here are a few recommendations that may help you, starting with the appetizers. And the Chimichurri Tuna – seared tuna saku served with chimichurri sauce and wasabi, and the Quinoa and Smoked Duck Salad – softy quinoa, smoked duck breast, orange, cherry tomato and honey lime dressing, the Seafood Bouillabaisse – French style seafood soup with Pernod flambé, or the Poached Sea Bass with green apple salsa and mashed potato will introduce you to the evening's gastronomic delights.

And although there's an excellent selection of main course dishes, the Australian Wagyu beef ones are truly phenomenal! Famous for its intense marbling which, in effect, cooks the meat evenly throughout making Wagyu beef the best in the world and Moon offers dishes incorporating the top cuts – striploin, tenderloin and rib-eye. And the executive chef himself recommends that you try the Silavadee Pizza with its delicious roasted wagyu beef so it must be something special! I'd better stop there or there'll be no room to recommend a dessert.

And I'd suggest that you leave room for dessert, too – particularly the Pumpkin Pie, which is a spiced pumpkin-based custard filled with marshmallow.

And should you wish to experience more Silavadee magic another night, their excellent Thai restaurant – The Height – is well worth making a quick return for!

Moon is open for breakfast from 6:00-11:00 am,
for lunch from 11:00 am until 5:00 pm, and for dinner from 5:00 pm,
with the kitchen closing at 10:30 pm.

For reservations, transportation and further information, telephone +66 (0) 7796 0555.