Located in the Scent Hotel on secluded stretch of Bangrak Beach in the north of Koh Samui, Le Jaroen Restaurant captures the allure of a colonial dining room in a stylish boutique hotel that’s one of Samui’s best kept lodging secrets. Part of the ever-quaff Relais Chateaux group, The Scent is housed within 1940’s style manor house decorated in Chinese, Western and local antiques with a modern flair that is in drastic contrast to the many minimalist hotel palaces being built on the island. Located in the backdrop of a black bottom infinity pool, an outdoor courtyard terrace opens to the sea with collection of 4-top tables in moody candlelight home to residing guests and gourmet visitors in search of Michelin-worthy cuisine.
The Food
The Scent Hotel brand began in a small shop in Bangkok which sold aromatherapy and perfumes created from ancient recipes in China. Taking this concept further, The Scent Hotel is a mix of old world traditional and new world practicality under the helm of chef Yannick Tirbois who creates a French menu with tropical Thai infusions. Appetizers include raw bar selections of tropical tuna tartare with roasted scallop and sweet-savory glaze. Main course pulls from land and sea for monkfish with caviar garnish, tuna steaks capped with grilled prawns and occasional lobster dish over bed of locally grown greens or homemade pasta arrangement.
Last Word
French colonial dining room by Relais & Chateaux hotelier proves one of island's best for atmosphere and refined romance.