Those of you planning a trip to Napasai Koh Samui soon will be treated to enticing new culinary offerings. The Belmond Hotel has announced the appointment of Mauricio Reyes Corti as the new Executive Chef of the hotel’s Beach Restaurant and Lai Thai Restaurant.

According to the Belmond property, the chef will focus on delivering elevated culinary concepts curating fresh, locally sourced, tropical-inspired menus. Each dish will showcase pure and genuine flavours of Samui, sourced from the surrounding ocean, farms, and mountains.

With over 20 years of culinary expertise and a journey that spans countries rich in gastronomic traditions, the Uruguayan-Italian veteran brings a wealth of experience to Napasai.

“I focus on clean and pure flavours with the aim of respecting each ingredient’s integrity. The menus highlight the richness of local produce, celebrating the unique environment surrounding us,” said Corti.

“My vision is to bring a sense of honesty and authenticity to each dish, with a special emphasis on the simplicity and sophistication derived from the local terroir.”

Chef Corti will work his magic at the property’s Beach Restaurant. His new menu comprises signature indulgent dishes, such as octopus anticuchos, with sweet potato chips and an aromatic coriander-tomato dressing, grilled seabass, beer-naise, roasted kale and tomato salad. Dessert choices include decadent coco puff tiramisu, with a fragrant coconut mascarpone cream, cacao, baileys, and coffee.

Additionally, central to the restaurant’s culinary ethos are time-honoured techniques such as lacto-fermentation and charcoal smoking which is featured in 80 percent of the dishes, imparting a nuanced depth to every creation.

Showing its commitment to the environment and community, the restaurant also collaborates with Samui’s local organic farms and fishermen, ensuring a menu of natural, nutritious, and simple cuisine that resonates with a passionate punch.

At Lah Thai refinement and tradition come together in delicious form. An enclave of elevated dining, the restaurant prides itself on Southern Thai gastronomy.

Here, each dish is crafted with precision and passion, utilising ingredients sourced locally from the bountiful lands of Koh Samui as well as herbs and spices from its own in-house herb garden.

With its warm and sophisticated atmosphere guests can sample delectable local favourites including wok-fried signature noodle dishes such as Kuey Tiew and Pad Thai Kung Hin, Thai Crab Curry Kanom Jeen Gaeng Poo and Mango Sticky Rice.

Diners can also elevate their culinary journey with an extensive wine list and discover flavours meticulously curated from the rich tapestry of Southern Thai cuisine.

Vegan diners are also not forgotten at Napasai Koh Samui. An array of international favourites and local specialties such as Gaeng Liang – a hearty Thai vegetable soup with tofu amongst other plant-based selections are available in a separate menu.