The 88-villa Banyan Tree Samui is an intimate, ultra-luxury property that draws those seeking an exclusive taste of the high life. Each room is a gorgeous stand-alone villa featuring a private pool, separate living area, and a beautiful bathroom with a rainfall shower and separate soaking tub. With four restaurants, a gym and yoga studio, a renowned spa, an infinity pool, and free water sports on the private beach, guests don't need to ever leave. However, those wishing to explore the island can request free shuttle service to nearby towns. Rooms at the InterContinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort -- about 20 minutes west -- are funkier, but lack the standard private pools in every unit.
The 88-villa Banyan Tree Samui is an intimate, ultra-luxury property that draws those seeking an exclusive taste of the high life. Each room is a gorgeous stand-alone villa featuring a private pool, separate living area, and a beautiful bathroom with a rainfall shower and separate soaking tub. With four restaurants, a gym and yoga studio, a renowned spa, an infinity pool, and free water sports on the private beach, guests don't need to ever leave. However, those wishing to explore the island can request free shuttle service to nearby towns. Rooms at the InterContinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort -- about 20 minutes west -- are funkier, but lack the standard private pools in every unit.
This budget-friendly property to the north of Lamai Beach offers 11 standalone bungalows for some of Koh Samui's most affordable prices. Sure, the room decor is spare, the technology is dated, and wear is visible, but it's hard to complain for the price (often under $30 or even $20 a night). For these rock-bottom rates, most guests will be pleased with the clean rooms, air-conditioning, free (if spotty) Wi-Fi, TVs with DVD players, king-size beds, and outdoor balconies (these amenities are in all rooms except the rustic Backpackers Bungalows). The lush gardens have 60-year-old Banyan trees, the small pool has cushioned loungers and ocean views, and the location is within a 20-minute walk of the heart of Lamai Beach along the sand (though note that the strip right in front of the hotel is narrow).
This budget-friendly property to the north of Lamai Beach offers 11 standalone bungalows for some of Koh Samui's most affordable prices. Sure, the room decor is spare, the technology is dated, and wear is visible, but it's hard to complain for the price (often under $30 or even $20 a night). For these rock-bottom rates, most guests will be pleased with the clean rooms, air-conditioning, free (if spotty) Wi-Fi, TVs with DVD players, king-size beds, and outdoor balconies (these amenities are in all rooms except the rustic Backpackers Bungalows). The lush gardens have 60-year-old Banyan trees, the small pool has cushioned loungers and ocean views, and the location is within a 20-minute walk of the heart of Lamai Beach along the sand (though note that the strip right in front of the hotel is narrow).
Located on the southeastern shores of Koh Samui and a short drive north of popular Lamai Beach, Beach Republic The Residences is a luxurious and modern oceanfront resort that attracts tourists and holiday-goers of all kinds. Its spacious suites and villas have fully equipped kitchens and private patios, and the villas all have private pools and spacious living and dining areas, making them popular with families, groups of friends, and couples. Throw in a lively beach club, two oceanfront pools with a resident DJ, a quality (if pricey) Mediterranean and Thai restaurant, and a serene spa with traditional Asian-inspired treatments and it's easy to forgive the property’s location outside the action. If you do want to get into town, The Residences offers a free shuttle to and from Lamai, just 10 minutes away.
Located on the southeastern shores of Koh Samui and a short drive north of popular Lamai Beach, Beach Republic The Residences is a luxurious and modern oceanfront resort that attracts tourists and holiday-goers of all kinds. Its spacious suites and villas have fully equipped kitchens and private patios, and the villas all have private pools and spacious living and dining areas, making them popular with families, groups of friends, and couples. Throw in a lively beach club, two oceanfront pools with a resident DJ, a quality (if pricey) Mediterranean and Thai restaurant, and a serene spa with traditional Asian-inspired treatments and it's easy to forgive the property’s location outside the action. If you do want to get into town, The Residences offers a free shuttle to and from Lamai, just 10 minutes away.
When it comes to beachfront views with little interruption, the Thai House Beach Resort is hard to beat. Regular shuttles make it easy to visit nearby attractions and participate in outdoor activities and water sports. The towering palm trees and lush vegetation give a feeling of peaceful isolation, ideal for both honeymooners and families looking for a quiet retreat. Guests can book either a room or villa; all include the same modern amenities, like free Wi-Fi, cable television, and a DVD player. Private balconies give the feeling of a larger space overall, but decor is relatively sparse.
When it comes to beachfront views with little interruption, the Thai House Beach Resort is hard to beat. Regular shuttles make it easy to visit nearby attractions and participate in outdoor activities and water sports. The towering palm trees and lush vegetation give a feeling of peaceful isolation, ideal for both honeymooners and families looking for a quiet retreat. Guests can book either a room or villa; all include the same modern amenities, like free Wi-Fi, cable television, and a DVD player. Private balconies give the feeling of a larger space overall, but decor is relatively sparse.
Rocky's isn't quite as luxurious as Le Meridien Koh Samui, but it's still plenty upscale and rates here tend to be a bit more reasonable. The resort blends modern touches with traditional Thai style elements, such as satin pillows, ornate artwork, and hanging red lanterns. The 50 rooms start at a spacious 35 square meters (about 375 square feet); three private two-bedroom pool villas are available for larger parties. Babysitting services and a supervised kids play room makes Rocky's suited for families as well as couples. The private beach in front of the resort is small and the sand isn't the finest, but daily free shuttles are offered to nearby Lamai Beach and Chaweng Beach.
Rocky's isn't quite as luxurious as Le Meridien Koh Samui, but it's still plenty upscale and rates here tend to be a bit more reasonable. The resort blends modern touches with traditional Thai style elements, such as satin pillows, ornate artwork, and hanging red lanterns. The 50 rooms start at a spacious 35 square meters (about 375 square feet); three private two-bedroom pool villas are available for larger parties. Babysitting services and a supervised kids play room makes Rocky's suited for families as well as couples. The private beach in front of the resort is small and the sand isn't the finest, but daily free shuttles are offered to nearby Lamai Beach and Chaweng Beach.
Situated on a hill overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, this luxe, mid-sized resort has multiple restaurants and bars, a full-service spa, two pools, and a fitness center -- but the highlight may be the small private beach. All 78 rooms are spacious and include balconies/patios, outdoor hot tubs, minibars, and flat-screen TVs. The overall vibe is refined but nonetheless relaxed, as the entire property exudes a tranquil feel. Wi-Fi and breakfast cost extra.
Situated on a hill overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, this luxe, mid-sized resort has multiple restaurants and bars, a full-service spa, two pools, and a fitness center -- but the highlight may be the small private beach. All 78 rooms are spacious and include balconies/patios, outdoor hot tubs, minibars, and flat-screen TVs. The overall vibe is refined but nonetheless relaxed, as the entire property exudes a tranquil feel. Wi-Fi and breakfast cost extra.
There are just 10 rooms at this two-and-a-half-pearl property set just outside the town of Lamai. It’s a peaceful area surrounded by forest, and is ideal for those looking for a relaxing break away from Koh Samui’s party scene. Unfortunately it's a 20-minute walk to the beach, and a scooter rental is likely in order. The rooms are fairly basic, but spacious, and some have wonderful sea or forest views. Hand-painted wall art ups the charm factor a bit, and all rooms have free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning. The resort itself has some pretty gardens and a small pool. An excellent breakfast is provided free of charge, though there's no full-service restaurant. Those wanting to be closer to the beach could check out Thai House Beach Resort as an alternative.
There are just 10 rooms at this two-and-a-half-pearl property set just outside the town of Lamai. It’s a peaceful area surrounded by forest, and is ideal for those looking for a relaxing break away from Koh Samui’s party scene. Unfortunately it's a 20-minute walk to the beach, and a scooter rental is likely in order. The rooms are fairly basic, but spacious, and some have wonderful sea or forest views. Hand-painted wall art ups the charm factor a bit, and all rooms have free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning. The resort itself has some pretty gardens and a small pool. An excellent breakfast is provided free of charge, though there's no full-service restaurant. Those wanting to be closer to the beach could check out Thai House Beach Resort as an alternative.
The Aloha Resort is a mid-range beachfront property on the south end of Lamai, Samui's second most popular beach. The 74 rooms range in style, from contemporary Grand Deluxe Rooms to simple Standard and Deluxe Rooms that are worn and dated. All rooms feature flat-screen TVs and DVD players, as well as minibars and balconies. The free-form pool has both a whirlpool section and kids' area, and the resort offers two restaurants, one overlooking the beach and one that serves free breakfast. Along with space on the sand, there's a tiered section above the beach with sun loungers. The resort isn't quite as cozy or charming as its neighbor, Samui Sense Beach Resort, where the pool is not as nice and there's only one restaurant, but rates there will be lower.
The Aloha Resort is a mid-range beachfront property on the south end of Lamai, Samui's second most popular beach. The 74 rooms range in style, from contemporary Grand Deluxe Rooms to simple Standard and Deluxe Rooms that are worn and dated. All rooms feature flat-screen TVs and DVD players, as well as minibars and balconies. The free-form pool has both a whirlpool section and kids' area, and the resort offers two restaurants, one overlooking the beach and one that serves free breakfast. Along with space on the sand, there's a tiered section above the beach with sun loungers. The resort isn't quite as cozy or charming as its neighbor, Samui Sense Beach Resort, where the pool is not as nice and there's only one restaurant, but rates there will be lower.