Orient Express to create Koh Samui nature reserve

A Koh Samui island resort is set to undergo a major conservation project in the early summer.

The Thai beach resort of Napasai on Koh Samui is set to be revamped in time for the summer, after Orient Express announced plans to create a new underwater nature reserve.

Napasai already boasts the longest private sandy beach on the island, but the new 28,000 square metre lagoon will give UK travellers another reason to bookflights to Thailand.

The one-month conservation project will see the removal of dead coral and underwater rocks to make an ideal habitat for swimmers and wildlife alike.

Environmentalists need not worry, as the living coral reef will not be touched and all the work carried out will be done with the aim of encouraging new marine life.

Those inspired by the inviting lagoon waters can take a PADI-accredited diving course during their stay at the Orient Express resort.

Travellers arriving on flights to Bangkok can reach Napasai in less than two hours, while the accommodation on offer includes beachfront villas and luxury suites.

Written by Ruth Norris