ROOM

On arrival at Explorar, we were greeted by the reception team with big smiles and a warm welcome and even a fresh coconut with the option to add a local rum shot, which was absolutely delicious, ice cold and super refreshing. We were then kindly shown to our room and left to settle in.

During our time at the Explorar Resort, we stayed in one of the Beach Pool Villa’s, which is set right on the beachfront, with our very own sunbathing terrace and private pool, both of which had stunning views of the ocean. They’ve cleverly blocked off access from the front to guests which means you keep the privacy of your own luxury space whilst enjoying beautiful views – perfect for those Insta shots.

When setting foot into our room the first things we noticed were the space, the smell and the music. It was like stepping into a spa, it was fresh, sweet and floral all at the same time, so relaxing and felt very luxurious. The music came courtesy of DJ Marco Loco who is one of the resident DJs and they have one of his sets available on their TV channel, it’s a chilled house mix which just adds to the great vibes.

They have all the expected amenities such as fast Wi-Fi, modern & quiet air conditioning units, a great hairdryer and lots of little extras that just make it feel like a real home-from-home.

THE BED

The huge king-sized bed was possibly the comfiest thing we have ever slept on! Like an actual real-life cloud. The mattress and the bedding were so luxurious… Mr Explorar could you let me know where to buy these please and thank you!

THE BATHROOM

The large bathroom had a double sink unit, a huge double shower with complimentary toiletries and a glass partition so you can see the sea views – very romantic. And of course, no luxury hotel stay would be complete without large fluffy towels & boujee bathrobes.

THE PRIVATE TERRACE & pool

Our spacious terrace was the perfect place to lay and sunbathe, enjoy the pool and just completely relax. With two sunloungers and an umbrella, surrounded by lush greenery, there is no place I would rather be on a warm, sunny Samui day.

THE LITTLE LUXURIES

Explorar went above and beyond with little luxuries, including His and Hers complimentary toiletry bags, fresh drinking water, a thoughtful fruit arrangement upon arrival, and a well-stocked mini-bar (purchases come at an extra cost).

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BREAKFAST

We are still dreaming about Explorar’s breakfast buffet, which is nothing short of extraordinary, offering a delightful selection that caters to every craving imaginable. From the classic English fry up to flaky French pastries, fresh coconuts and sweet lychee juice to overnight oats and spicy Thai dishes, the choices are endless. Eggs are cooked to your liking but the dedicated breakfast chef and you can get your morning fix with coffee and tea served just as you like it, and not forgetting the soft and chewy bagels with smoked salmon and cream cheese the crispy hash browns, and an assortment of freshly baked bread in all shapes and sizes,

Is it obvious how much we loved this breakfast buffet? It was truly outstanding and easily one of the best breakfasts we’ve had at any hotel in Thailand, it has definitely left a lasting impression and we can’t wait to return.

LUNCH

Would you just look at these colours! The lunch menu at Odyssey is a testament to global influence, featuring an extensive array of soups, salads, and small bites.

During our stay, we indulged in a number of fresh and flavourful dishes, from the vibrant Sea Bass Ceviche with fresh mango and chilli to the classic Greek Salad. The Beef Tartare with Parmesan crisp was Carl’s favourite, while the Green Gazpacho with mint ricotta was easily one of my favourites, it was light, fresh and felt good for the soul. We also enjoyed the Chicken Caesar Salad and the Mezze Platter, featuring hummus, tahini, and babaganoush, at one of the outdoor tables and it really showcased the commitment to authentic flavours and fresh ingredients.

Whether you’re looking for the vibrancy of Mediterranean flavours or the spice and aromatics of Thailand, Explorar has a little something for everyone at lunchtime.

DINNER AT ODYSSEY RESTAURANT

Odyssey draws inspiration from the legendary Greek hero Odysseus and his epic exploration of the Mediterranean region. This wonderful restaurant celebrates the diverse and rich culinary heritage of countries along the Mediterranean coast, including Greece, Italy, Spain, Southern France, and Turkey.

Once the sun has set, the staff transform the outdoor space into a romantic dinner setting. With a backdrop of dark skies and twinkling stars and the sound of the gentle waves on the shore. We dined here both nights during our stay and tried a selection of the dishes from the Argentine grill, some of the Italian-inspired dishes, and some of the great Australian wines on the menu.

On our first evening, we were lucky enough to have the brilliant singer-songwriter Nok La Fiesta, performing for all the dinner guests. She has a soulful voice and is a brilliant acoustic guitarist, it just added something really special to our night, and despite the threat of rain, she performed a full set and was absolutely incredible.

Ok, so onto the food…

Everything we ate at Odyssey surpassed our expectations. On the first night, I opted for the Whole Roasted Cauliflower with chilli and roasted peanuts, as extras I went for Truffle Fries and a side of buttery greens. Carl chose the Chicken Schnitzel with a rich mustard cream sauce. The flavours here are just exceptional and each and every element was cooked to perfection.

We went for a more Mediterranean selection the following night, choosing the Classic Bruschetta, Herb Roasted Pork Chop and an indulgent Truffle Risotto. The bruschetta was light, fresh, the tomatoes were absolutely bursting with flavour and seasoned to perfection. The pork chop was juicy and tender and was served with buttery asparagus and sharp, salty pickles. The truffle risotto was cooked perfectly, it was oozy and earthy and utterly delicious.

Odyssey is a restaurant that welcomes you for romantic evenings, where the spectacular food and wine are complemented with live entertainment. The attentive and wonderful staff enhance the overall ambience, creating an inviting atmosphere that extends a warm welcome whether you’re a guest at the hotel or seeking an exceptional dining experience in Mae Nam. Odyssey is a must-visit destination for those in search of great flavours and fresh ingredients in a truly extraordinary setting in Mae Nam.

THE POOL & GARDENS

If you’re looking for a pool that has it all, you’ll want to visit Explorar. It’s 50 metres long and is lined with comfy loungers, perfect for sunbathing and enjoying a good book. Equally, you can float around on the enormous rubber ducks, enjoy a pool party or just hang out at the swim-up bar and enjoy the happy hour drinks offers from 2pm – 3pm, where you can pick up local beers and carefully crafted cocktails for great prices.

The surrounding gardens are absolutely beautiful, with tall palms, lots of lush green plants and include a selection of butterfly-loving flowers, which make the space feel very whimsical. It feels very luxurious walking around the hotel as everything has been carefully selected to provide guests the ultimate in 5-star luxury.

ACTIVITIES

Indulge in a holistic experience at Explorar with daily activities, including beginner-friendly yoga sessions, introductory Muay Thai, cocktail masterclasses, Thai cooking classes and Thai language lessons. With a diverse range of offerings, there’s something unique and interesting scheduled every day, simply check the calendar on the Explorar app when you arrive to plan your daily dose of fun and entertainment.

COCKTAIL MAKING CLASS

Ever wanted to learn the art of mixology? Well, when staying at the Explorar, you can.

We took part in a short class which taught us how to craft the perfect Whiskey Sour. Led by Wut, the bar supervisor, and supported by the delightful Cocoa, we were taught how to correctly assemble the cocktail shakers, learn more about the ingredients, how to correctly measure the spirits, and even how to use egg white substitutes for a vegan-friendly twist. Wut’s knowledge, confidence, and fun-loving demeanour made the learning experience both informative and entertaining, whilst Cocoa was the best cheerleader.

It’s only a short class, maybe 15 – 20 minutes but it was a great opportunity to have some fun with the staff and enjoy a tasty cocktail once we were done. Don’t miss out on this fun cocktail-making class—it’s a must from us!

Have you ever tried a cocktail-making class like we did at Explorar? What did you think?

THAI COOKING CLASS

On our last day we took part in Explorar’s Thai Cooking Class, where we explored the vibrant flavours of a classic Som Tam (papaya salad), one of our personal favourites. Guided by Aung from the F&B team, the class was a delightful journey into the heart of Thai cuisine.

Aung walked us through the array of ingredients that make up a perfect Som Tam, offering insightful tips on substitutes for those harder to find in Australia and the UK. We then watched as Aung showcased the correct method to creating a deliciously fiery papaya salad. The meticulous order of ingredient addition, as Aung explained, is crucial to maintaining the shape of softer items like tomatoes.

We eagerly sampled his creation before trying to recall the correct sequence and ingredients, and in Carl’s case, resisting the temptation to add too much palm sugar, it made for a lighthearted and enjoyable activity. The best part was savouring our creations afterwards, making the Thai Cooking Class not only an educational experience but a deliciously rewarding one.

Have you ever taken a cooking class during your travels? If so, what dish did you learn to make?