POOL DESIGN AWARDS 2016 - Asia - The most beautiful swimming pool for tourism and leisure
Vana Belle 
- Architect: P Landscape Co., Ltd.
- Project team: Wannaporn Phornprapha, Hathai Rojanasripairot
- Location: Koh Samui, Thailand
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‘Vana’ means ‘forest’ in Thai, and belle is beautiful woman: Vana Belle, A Luxury Collection Resort, Koh Samui is definitely a hidden jewel in the dense beachfront forest of Samui, Thailand. Designed in accordance with Buddhist/Hindi literature of the mythical Himmapan (Himalaya) Forest, Vana Belle’s overall picture is a sylvan retreat, which enhances user experience of wandering in a dense jungle. The landscape architect also designs decorative sculptures that symbolize Himmapan creatures and the main swimming pool that represents Anodad Pool, in a tropical contemporary language. The design embraces existing condition of Samui Island slope by terracing the spaces down from upper villas to intermediate level secret pool and gardens that surround the feature swimming pool at beachfront area.
The swimming pool of Vana Belle is located at the front area nearby to the beach which makes easier visual connection to the sea. The connection is made by the water itself with a salt water system. Higher level of slope area surrounds the pool and gives an enclosed cozy atmosphere to the central attraction.
The landscape architect team used existing rocks and trees to preserve existing condition and combines them into the design, which eventually add uniqueness and attractiveness to the pool, and conveys the idea of Himmapan Forest. The mystical atmosphere is also enhanced by pool glimmer fiber optic lighting. Shallow water deck and infinity edge and salt water system are introduced to expand water surface and reinforce the sense of water continuity.