Quentin and his wife Muriel, known as Moon to the local Thais, have been on Koh Phangan for five years after escaping their lives in Belgium to live their dream life with their two sons.
Phanganist travelled to Seetanu Bungalows, which Quentin and Moon run, situated on Ao Chao Phao beach in the heart of a magnificent tropical garden, a delightful relaxing setting, tranquillity, and to sit down for an interview with us...
Hi Quentin, so tell us your Phangan story...
It's a long story. We came from Brussels while travelling for nearly six months but not continuously; I would holiday with my wife only or the whole family.
We went to Croatia, Venezuela, Dominican Republic and then spent nearly twenty days on the islands of Koh Samui, Koh Tao and here, but most of the time on Phangan. We like the island as it's not too big or small.
In 2011 on the 26th of September, we arrived here after leaving our jobs and selling the house in Belgium. We found this place in March and, within one month, had put down the deposit.
We didn't change the name. We stayed with it and knew that Seetanu Bungalows was what we wanted, even though it needed much work. After the bungalows being here for twenty years with the sea and salt elements, this takes its toll on them, so we have made everything new!
What attracted you to Seetanu Bungalows?
The location! We knew it needed a bit of love and work so we could create something. One of the small bungalows was used for laundry, so we got rid of this and turned it into something lovely.
Now we have three different styles of bungalows on the beach, aircon and fan. So it's a good mix.
What kind of guests do you get?
Couples, families and yoga students. The yoga community use us as a landing point. They rent for one month or a week while looking around for a house. We are seeing more and more families coming as well.
There is a European holiday in July and August, and many people come then. So we have learnt a lot through the job and with customers on what to do with our business.
What is the concept behind Seetanu?
'My home is your home'. We are a family business, and I haven't changed my way of life. I work a lot here, and with the staff, our customers feel at home, which is very good.
We like to exchange knowledge with our customers, they are interested to know why my family is here, and some come back next year or the year after so we get to see the children grow and make friends.
What makes Seetanu Bungalows unique?
We are not on the road; the beach here is like a private beach.
As I said, with more families coming here, it is a good place as the children can play around without worrying about traffic in a lovely setting and location.
The sunset here is fantastic, I set up the Koh Phangan sunset lovers and garden lovers pages, and we are building a swimming pool for when it's hot, and the tide is out, people can cool off and swim.
And tell us about your restaurant...
It's the same menu as our Belgian Beer Bar with a sea view and eleven tables which seat approximately thirty-five to forty people. People come from outside, even if not guests, so booking a table in high season is advisable.
We are open from 8 am to 10 pm, so customers can sleep after being out the night before and have breakfast at 2 pm.
So what are your hopes for the next few years?
The next step is the pool. It will be fifty metres with a kid's area, too, then. Then, in November or earlier, we will do another restaurant by the pool with a different menu and drinks.
We work with Chaloklum Diving for accommodation and send customers there also.
I love cooking, really I do. I go to the market every morning and teach my staff, which they and I enjoy, so I will continue to do this. So many people come to us for meat and steaks, and I get the black Angus and Kobe steaks in, especially for meat lovers.
Do your children enjoy the lifestyle here?
Yes, our younger son does kitesurfing in Ban Tai with Dani V, and the other one works at The Challenge, although they are both still studying online and with a private tutor.
And what is your life philosophy?
(Quentin shows us the tattoo on his arm) My wife and two sons this is their names in Thai.
Follow your dream; really, it is that.
We got told we were crazy when we wanted to be ex-pats, but in Belgium, we didn't see our children. So here we do, and we live the dream.
Seetanu Bungalows hosts seventeen bungalows and one villa with nearly twenty attentive staff.
Each area of the resort has a taste. The garden is beautifully taken care of. There are waterfalls, ponds, and pretty flowers, including the arching Buganvilia, which encases the restaurant entrance with its excellent fuchsia colour.
Like their family, Quentin, Moon and their dog Furby will welcome you to come and enjoy a piece of their perfect paradise at Seetanu Bungalows.
Koh Phangan is a popular island destination in Thailand known for its picturesque beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant party scene. However, while many visitors come to Koh Phangan for its famous Full Moon Party, plenty of hidden gems on the island offer a more serene and relaxing experience. One of these hidden gems is Seetanu Resort, a tropical oasis on the island's quiet and unspoiled west coast. With its lush surroundings and serene atmosphere, Seetanu Resort is the perfect getaway for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a truly tranquil vacation.
Seetanu Resort offers various accommodations catering to different preferences and budgets. From cosy and comfortable bungalows to spacious and luxurious villas, there's an option for every traveller. All rooms are designed with a fusion of traditional Thai and modern aesthetics, providing a unique and charming atmosphere that reflects the island's natural beauty. The resort also offers a variety of amenities, including air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a private balcony, and hot showers, ensuring that guests are comfortable and well taken care of.
Seetanu Resort offers a range of dining options to cater to different palates. The resort's restaurant serves a variety of Thai and international cuisine prepared with fresh and locally-sourced ingredients. So whether you're in the mood for a hearty breakfast, a light lunch, or a romantic dinner, the restaurant has something to offer. The resort also features a beach bar, perfect for enjoying a refreshing cocktail while enjoying the breathtaking sunset views.
Seetanu Resort boasts a range of facilities to cater to guests' needs and ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The resort has a large outdoor swimming pool surrounded by lush tropical gardens, providing a perfect spot to relax and soak up the sun. Guests can also enjoy various activities, such as kayaking, snorkelling, and island tours, all organized by the resort's friendly and knowledgeable staff. Additionally, the resort has a spa, offering a range of treatments to help guests unwind and rejuvenate.
Seetanu Resort is located on the quiet and unspoiled west coast of Koh Phangan, providing a perfect escape from the island's busy areas. The resort is only a short distance from some of the island's most beautiful and secluded beaches, such as Haad Yao and Haad Salad. Guests can also explore the island's attractions, such as the beautiful waterfalls, temples, and local markets, all easily accessible from the resort.
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