Santhiya Koh Phangan Resort & Spa

Santhiya is located in the remote northeast corner of Koh Phangan Island. Getting here does take a bit of work: the most convenient approach is via a 40-minute speedboat ride from Koh Samui; alternately, it's a 45-minute drive from Koh Phangan pier, though portions of the road are unpaved and rugged. But the remote, exclusive location is part of the appeal, and most guests will find the journey well worth the effort. The resort is perched on a hillside, offering sweeping views of the beautiful bay and beach (to which guests have direct access).

Santhiya's exquisite woodwork is a defining characteristic of the property. The owner is an art devotee and the entire resort features detailed woodcarvings and wood design, all using reclaimed and refinished wood, from lattices, to scenes from the Ramayana carved on columns in the lobby, to mirror casings, to tables. It's a pleasure just to walk through the resort and admire.

The resort's main building houses the lobby and restaurant (where the elaborate breakfast buffet is served); part of the dining area is in a lovely, central open-air pavilion, and part is on a massive terrace with jaw-dropping bay views. Paths from this structure lead down to the beach and pool, where mostly European couples spend most of their days lounging, reading, and drinking cocktails. Even though the resort is undeniably romantic, some families come here, too -- though the vibe is always quiet and relaxed. 

Arriving to Santhiya is a bit of an adventure. Most guests choose to come via the hotel's private speedboat, which leaves from the pier in Koh Samui and takes about 40 minutes. It's a bit pricey but much more convenient than taking the public ferry to the Koh Phangnan pier, from which it's a 45-minute drive to the resort; the final portion of road to the property is steep, rugged, and unpaved. Upon arrival, visitors might feel like they've been dropped into a film set of a tropical paradise. The resort is set in an absolutely gorgeous bay, with luxurious wooden villas and buildings dotting a steep, lush hillside. It's the only hotel on this small but lovely stretch of beach, so it feels exclusive and private. 

The bigger, nicer Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach is separated by a cluster of rocks, and accessed via a narrow path (some minor climbing is involved). It's home to a strip of beachfront restaurants, beach massage huts, and a few more resorts. There are cushioned loungers right in front of the resort, but guests can take pool towels and the in-room loaner beach bags over to Thong Nai Pan Yai should they prefer to soak up the sun there. A road toward the farther end of this beach leads into a little town -- really just one road, where guests will find convenience stories, laundry services, and more bars and restaurants (Luna Lounge is one of the island's nicest eateries). The island's poverty is much more visible here than on the beach. 

The rooms at Santhiya are chock-full of thoughtful details, from the daily bottles of water dressed in little Thai outfits to the beach bags to the fresh-smelling Eucalyptus salts on every bedside table. All are adorned head to toe in gorgeous woods -- expect intricately carved mirrors, wood floors and walls, and carvings behind and on the ceiling above the bed. The beds themselves are comfortable and have quality white linens. Every bathroom has a separate shower and tub; just note that the water filling the tub can have a brownish hue, which is typical for the island. Amenities include Thai-style robes, loaner beach bags, umbrellas, free Wi-Fi, luxury toiletries, and LCD satellite TVs with DVD players (there's a loaner DVD library by reception). 

All rooms have outdoor space and all but the Junior Pool Villa Suites, Hideaway Pool Villas, and Grand Villa Suites have incredible ocean views, which photos don't do justice. The Supreme Deluxe Pool Access Rooms have swim-up access from the Saaitara Pool, which offers incredible views and has floating boat-shaped loungers. Just note that the Supreme Deluxe building is farther up the hill than the Deluxe building -- and therefore farther from the hub of the resort. Free shuttles can be requested at any time, but there may be a 10-minute wait or so, and some guests choose to walk. Those considering upgrading to a villa should consider any of the Seaview Pool Villa Suites, which have both private pools and ocean views. The basic Deluxe Room has a remarkable ocean view, so paying more for a Hideaway Villa may not seem worth it, unless privacy and the private pool are higher priorities. 

The Santhiya's main pool is located by the beach and has a cascading faux waterfall above it. There's a smaller but arguably prettier ocean-view infinity pool with floating boat-shaped loungers farther up the hill, but it's mainly used by guests in the Supreme Deluxe building. Neither pool has a hot tub. There is a towel hut by the main pool, and guests will need to sign a register to borrow towels, and again when they return them at the end of the day. The small beach in front of the pool is essentially private, though it's not as nice as the one just over the rocks (which can be easily reached on foot). 

There are two restaurants here, both with amazing sea views. Chantara Restaurant is the main eatery, and it's here that the free, impressive breakfast spread is served. There are servers at stations for eggs and fresh fruits, a table for breads and pastries, an indoor room filled with food warmers for Western and Thai breakfast dishes, plenty of cold meets and cheeses, and coffee served at the table (other coffee drinks can be requested as well). There are tables out on a lovely deck as well as inside. Chantara also hosts theme dinner nights with live music. The second restaurant, By the Sea, is closer to the beach and open-air; lunch is served here, and this is where beachside and poolside service comes from. (Servers don't come by regularly, so guests may need to go up and order -- but once they do, a server will bring the requested items to the appropriate lounge chair). 

For those who want a healthy vacation, there are a fitness center, a yoga room, and boxing area for Muay Thai boxing, and a small spa. Cooking classes and other organized activities are available for a fee.