Perched on a hill with stunning ocean vistas, this upper-middle-range resort offers 46 contemporary rooms in a quiet area. All rooms come with flat-screen TVs and furnished balconies, plus most have living rooms and kitchenettes. Also overlooking the ocean, the attractive infinity pool has an adjacent pool bar and is a popular spot to catch the sunset. The restaurant serves Thai and western fare, including buffet-style breakfasts. Massage treatments and free rooftop yoga classes are available, but there's no gym. The location is peaceful but removed from restaurants, bars, and shops. Travelers wanting to be along the beach and walking distance from the Full Moon Party should look into the similarly priced Palita Lodge.
Perched on a hill with stunning ocean vistas, this upper-middle-range resort offers 46 contemporary rooms in a quiet area. All rooms come with flat-screen TVs and furnished balconies, plus most have living rooms and kitchenettes. Also overlooking the ocean, the attractive infinity pool has an adjacent pool bar and is a popular spot to catch the sunset. The restaurant serves Thai and western fare, including buffet-style breakfasts. Massage treatments and free rooftop yoga classes are available, but there's no gym. The location is peaceful but removed from restaurants, bars, and shops. Travelers wanting to be along the beach and walking distance from the Full Moon Party should look into the similarly priced Palita Lodge.
The upper-middle-range Saboey Resort and Villas is a beachfront hotel in a scenic and secluded location a four-minute drive from the Big Buddha Temple. There are just 20 suites and villas -- some just steps from the shore -- making it an intimate and romantic spot for couples, though families do frequent this spot, too. It's a mostly quiet hotel, but it's worth noting that a peaceful day at the beach or pool could be interrupted by the sound of planes flying overhead due to the nearby airport. Rooms exude traditional Thai style, but are equipped with modern amenities such as air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and safes. As an alternative, Bandara Resort & Spa's prices are slightly higher, but it offers additional features such as a gym and spa.
The upper-middle-range Saboey Resort and Villas is a beachfront hotel in a scenic and secluded location a four-minute drive from the Big Buddha Temple. There are just 20 suites and villas -- some just steps from the shore -- making it an intimate and romantic spot for couples, though families do frequent this spot, too. It's a mostly quiet hotel, but it's worth noting that a peaceful day at the beach or pool could be interrupted by the sound of planes flying overhead due to the nearby airport. Rooms exude traditional Thai style, but are equipped with modern amenities such as air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and safes. As an alternative, Bandara Resort & Spa's prices are slightly higher, but it offers additional features such as a gym and spa.
The Scent is a charming upscale boutique hotel at the edge of Bang Rak village on Koh Samui's north coast. It has only 15 rooms, which are elegant and classy and include flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms have sea-view balconies. In addition to a saltwater swimming pool and beach, the resort has a small spa, and a selection of loaner books and DVDs. Le Jaroen restaurant, overlooking the beach, is one of Koh Samui's true haute cuisine establishments, serving superb menus along with signature drinks in a faultlessly romantic setting. This is a quiet area of Koh Samui, with just a few restaurants on the road outside, and travelers wanting to be closer to the scene in Chaweng should consider Novotel Samui Resort Chaweng Beach Kandaburi.
The Scent is a charming upscale boutique hotel at the edge of Bang Rak village on Koh Samui's north coast. It has only 15 rooms, which are elegant and classy and include flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms have sea-view balconies. In addition to a saltwater swimming pool and beach, the resort has a small spa, and a selection of loaner books and DVDs. Le Jaroen restaurant, overlooking the beach, is one of Koh Samui's true haute cuisine establishments, serving superb menus along with signature drinks in a faultlessly romantic setting. This is a quiet area of Koh Samui, with just a few restaurants on the road outside, and travelers wanting to be closer to the scene in Chaweng should consider Novotel Samui Resort Chaweng Beach Kandaburi.
Chaulty Towers is a tiny, family-run guest house on small hill above Lamai Beach. A great two-pearl value for Lamai, it feels secluded, but the main road and beach are within a 10- to 15-minute walk and the hotel runs a free shuttle into town. The six homey rooms are brightly furnished, and all include DVD players, TVs, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi. There's a small swimming pool in the courtyard, plus a restaurant and bar serving English breakfasts and Thai food. The English owner and his Thai wife are good sources of local information, and the vibe here is akin to a home stay. While Chaulty Towers isn't as charming as the Montra, which is around the corner, its rates are much lower.
Chaulty Towers is a tiny, family-run guest house on small hill above Lamai Beach. A great two-pearl value for Lamai, it feels secluded, but the main road and beach are within a 10- to 15-minute walk and the hotel runs a free shuttle into town. The six homey rooms are brightly furnished, and all include DVD players, TVs, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi. There's a small swimming pool in the courtyard, plus a restaurant and bar serving English breakfasts and Thai food. The English owner and his Thai wife are good sources of local information, and the vibe here is akin to a home stay. While Chaulty Towers isn't as charming as the Montra, which is around the corner, its rates are much lower.
Situated on the northern coast of Koh Samui, on its own little stretch of sand that looks out on the sea, the five-pearl W Koh Samui is a hip and fun chain hotel with attention to stylish details. It features 74 villas, each with its own private plunge pool. Many of the villas are more like homes than hotel rooms. They have full kitchens with stoves and ovens, and the largest option has four bedrooms. Although the hotel does have event space for rent, it's more frequently used for weddings than meetings, and the majority of amenities are geared toward leisure travelers. Facilities include an amazing spa, a 24-hour gym, and multiple restaurants serving everything from Japanese food to pizza. Travelers looking for an alternative should also consider a stay at the luxurious Santiburi Beach Resort & Spa, just west of the W.
Situated on the northern coast of Koh Samui, on its own little stretch of sand that looks out on the sea, the five-pearl W Koh Samui is a hip and fun chain hotel with attention to stylish details. It features 74 villas, each with its own private plunge pool. Many of the villas are more like homes than hotel rooms. They have full kitchens with stoves and ovens, and the largest option has four bedrooms. Although the hotel does have event space for rent, it's more frequently used for weddings than meetings, and the majority of amenities are geared toward leisure travelers. Facilities include an amazing spa, a 24-hour gym, and multiple restaurants serving everything from Japanese food to pizza. Travelers looking for an alternative should also consider a stay at the luxurious Santiburi Beach Resort & Spa, just west of the W.
Le Murraya is a mid-range resort with 41 rooms located in downtown Chaweng, Koh Samui's most popular beach town. The property is a five-minute walk from the beach, and guests have access the sister property's beach club and pool. The Thai boxing stadium is next door, and nightlife, restaurants, and shopping are nearby. Rooms here are a good value for Chaweng, as they're some of the largest in town and have spacious balconies. The resort has a swimming pool with built-in kiddy pool and whirlpool plus a small fitness center. There's also a poolside restaurant, which serves a free breakfast. Wi-Fi is also free. For large rooms at reasonable rates, this is a solid bet, but for more style consider the Samui Resotel and Spa, though rates are higher.
Le Murraya is a mid-range resort with 41 rooms located in downtown Chaweng, Koh Samui's most popular beach town. The property is a five-minute walk from the beach, and guests have access the sister property's beach club and pool. The Thai boxing stadium is next door, and nightlife, restaurants, and shopping are nearby. Rooms here are a good value for Chaweng, as they're some of the largest in town and have spacious balconies. The resort has a swimming pool with built-in kiddy pool and whirlpool plus a small fitness center. There's also a poolside restaurant, which serves a free breakfast. Wi-Fi is also free. For large rooms at reasonable rates, this is a solid bet, but for more style consider the Samui Resotel and Spa, though rates are higher.
Koh Phangan Dreamland Resort is a rustic mid-range property located along the white-sand Thong Nai Pan Yai beach on the northeast coast of the island. The 62 wooden bungalows are traditional and basic, and it's worth upgrading to a unit with air-conditioning, a mini-fridge, and TV. All have attractive furnished terraces that overlook a garden. Limited features consist of a popular, attractive swimming pool overlooking a pretty lounger-equipped beach, an all-day restaurant serving Thai and international cuisines, and small market for alcohol and snacks. There are no gym or spa, but kayaks and snorkeling equipment are available. While the low rates are fair for the simple property, travelers wanting more modern digs should consider the Salad Buri Resort & Spa, which has pleasant rooms and free breakfast.
Koh Phangan Dreamland Resort is a rustic mid-range property located along the white-sand Thong Nai Pan Yai beach on the northeast coast of the island. The 62 wooden bungalows are traditional and basic, and it's worth upgrading to a unit with air-conditioning, a mini-fridge, and TV. All have attractive furnished terraces that overlook a garden. Limited features consist of a popular, attractive swimming pool overlooking a pretty lounger-equipped beach, an all-day restaurant serving Thai and international cuisines, and small market for alcohol and snacks. There are no gym or spa, but kayaks and snorkeling equipment are available. While the low rates are fair for the simple property, travelers wanting more modern digs should consider the Salad Buri Resort & Spa, which has pleasant rooms and free breakfast.
Nestled on a hillside abutting serene Chaweng Noi Beach, the Sheraton Samui Resort is a four-pearl, 141-room property brimming with tropical character. Despite its size, it feels intimate thanks to its peaceful surroundings, and it’s only a short drive to the busier tourist spots. Rooms are airy, if a bit thematic, with soft pastel tones and hardwood accents; all are air-conditioned, and have free Wi-Fi and furnished terraces (some with ocean views). Dining options include a full-service beachfront restaurant, an Asian-inspired breakfast buffet, and a sleek cocktail bar. Two pools provide views of either the gardens or the sea, and there's a popular spa on-site as well. Those looking for a true luxury splash should consider the Anantara Lawana, which is far more chic, though has higher rates to match.
Nestled on a hillside abutting serene Chaweng Noi Beach, the Sheraton Samui Resort is a four-pearl, 141-room property brimming with tropical character. Despite its size, it feels intimate thanks to its peaceful surroundings, and it’s only a short drive to the busier tourist spots. Rooms are airy, if a bit thematic, with soft pastel tones and hardwood accents; all are air-conditioned, and have free Wi-Fi and furnished terraces (some with ocean views). Dining options include a full-service beachfront restaurant, an Asian-inspired breakfast buffet, and a sleek cocktail bar. Two pools provide views of either the gardens or the sea, and there's a popular spa on-site as well. Those looking for a true luxury splash should consider the Anantara Lawana, which is far more chic, though has higher rates to match.
Crystal Bay Yacht Club is a mid-range hotel set along a scenic white-sand bay on Samui's eastern coast. The hotel’s immediate location is a bit quiet and offers little to see or do on foot, though downtown Lamai is a 10-minute drive away. The all-villa property features a traditional Thai aesthetic, quiet common areas, and manicured tropical grounds. The 43 villas have rustic facades, clean interiors, and quality amenities, though they are a bit dated. Rooms also include balcony seating areas and most have ocean views. All facilities are positioned beachfront and these include a saltwater swimming pool, a multi-cuisine restaurant and bar, and a massage hut offering traditional Thai massages. Those wanting to be closer to the action should consider the Weekender Resort, a beachfront property in the heart of downtown Lamai.
Crystal Bay Yacht Club is a mid-range hotel set along a scenic white-sand bay on Samui's eastern coast. The hotel’s immediate location is a bit quiet and offers little to see or do on foot, though downtown Lamai is a 10-minute drive away. The all-villa property features a traditional Thai aesthetic, quiet common areas, and manicured tropical grounds. The 43 villas have rustic facades, clean interiors, and quality amenities, though they are a bit dated. Rooms also include balcony seating areas and most have ocean views. All facilities are positioned beachfront and these include a saltwater swimming pool, a multi-cuisine restaurant and bar, and a massage hut offering traditional Thai massages. Those wanting to be closer to the action should consider the Weekender Resort, a beachfront property in the heart of downtown Lamai.
Jungle Club is a hilltop retreat with a back-to-nature vibe and budget rates set along a lush jungle hillside with breathtaking ocean views. It's located a 20-minute drive from Chaweng's buzzing nightlife scene, along ultra steep roads with hairpin turns and sheer vertical drops. Room options include rustic semi open-air bungalows with thatched roofs and wooden interiors, plus an ultra modern two-bedroom villa compound with a private plunge pool, lounge, and kitchen. Jungle Lodge Rooms are perched along the cliffside and have the best views. Facilities include a small infinity swimming pool and a multi-cuisine restaurant and bar. The restaurant is often packed with outside guests, who come for the views and photo ops. As an alternative, Montra Hotel has more modern rooms and a gorgeous garden swimming pool.
Jungle Club is a hilltop retreat with a back-to-nature vibe and budget rates set along a lush jungle hillside with breathtaking ocean views. It's located a 20-minute drive from Chaweng's buzzing nightlife scene, along ultra steep roads with hairpin turns and sheer vertical drops. Room options include rustic semi open-air bungalows with thatched roofs and wooden interiors, plus an ultra modern two-bedroom villa compound with a private plunge pool, lounge, and kitchen. Jungle Lodge Rooms are perched along the cliffside and have the best views. Facilities include a small infinity swimming pool and a multi-cuisine restaurant and bar. The restaurant is often packed with outside guests, who come for the views and photo ops. As an alternative, Montra Hotel has more modern rooms and a gorgeous garden swimming pool.