Ammatara Pura Pool Villa

Ammatara Pura is a boutique luxury hotel with a quiet and tranquil atmosphere. The hotel's eye-catching aesthetic with natural stone and red brick facades, imposing structures with tiered terra-cotta tiled roofs, and ornately carved exteriors is inspired by the ancient palaces and temples of Chiang Mai. Interiors are colorful and also highly ornamented, with intricately carved wood and stone features, traditional Thai artworks on display, plus splashes of gold, silver, and red paint throughout. The level of detail and craftsmanship that has gone into the property is astounding, and most of the features have been handcrafted by traditional artisans, woodworkers, stonemasons, sculptures, and painters from the Chiang Mai region. The restaurant is lined by lotus ponds and tall palm trees, and has an especially romantic vibe at night, with gorgeous mood lighting and the constant soundtrack of the ocean waves.

The hotel's location is ideal. It's set along a peaceful white-sand beach in a quiet area with little noise pollution, though it's only a five-minute drive from Lamai's buzzing downtown streets. Lamai features picturesque white-sand beaches, plus a happening downtown hub offering a great range of restaurants, bars, and shops. Although, most of the island's nightlife scene is concentrated in Chaweng, a 30-minute drive away. This buzzing city center is dotted with happening beach clubs, nightclubs, cabaret shows, and local pubs, plus a huge selection of dining and shopping options. Guests pushing on to Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, or Surat Thani (mainland) can leave from one of the four main piers dotted along the island. Lomprayah catamaran speedboats leave from the Maenam Pier, located a 50-minute drive from the hotel. Samui International Airport is located around a 30-minute drive from the hotel.

Ammatara Pura Pool Villa features 18 villas divided into three categories: Beachfront Pool Villas, Sea View Pool Villas, and Garden Pool Villas (not ocean-facing). All villas have matching amenities and a similar aesthetic, with a clean contemporary look and ornate interiors that feature a colorful barrage of traditional Thai stylings, decorations, and artwork. Rooms feature sprawling open-plan living spaces which encompass the bedroom areas, lounges, kitchens, and bathrooms. Furnishings feature king-size beds, comfy daybeds, dining tables and chairs, work tables, plus large walk-in wardrobes. Bedrooms face east towards the ocean and have large glass sliding doors that open out onto roomy private courtyards with plunge pools and covered outdoor lounges. All villas include air-conditioning, large flat-screen TVs with DVD players, iPod docks, desktop computers, free Wi-Fi, safes, and tropical fruit platters that are refreshed daily. Kitchens are well equipped and useable, with electric cooktops, sinks, microwaves, full-sized refrigerators, kettles, capsule espresso machines, cookware and utensils, and  washing machines. 

Bathrooms are expansive and stylishly appointed with touches like black-and-white marble tiling, patterned glass mosaic work, and brass fixtures with a vintage look. Bathroom include vanity counters with double sinks, roomy outdoor rainfall showers, and large terrazzo soaking tubs with jet functions. Amenities like hairdryers, bathrobes, slippers, and toiletries are provided.

Ammatara Pura has a great range of facilities and also features plenty of quiet common areas spread out among the sprawling property. One of the hotel's best assets is the wide and picturesque beach it overlooks, with fine white-sand, picture perfect blue waters, and a semi-private area sectioned off and lined with lounge chairs and umbrellas. Most of the hotel's prime facilities and common areas are situated beachfront to take advantage of the ocean views.

The outdoor swimming pool has a gorgeous setting. It's lined with tall palm trees and a large stone deck dotted with comfy daybeds. Ammata Restaurants is a beachfront, upscale dining venue opened for lunch and dinner. It offers a menu of Thai and Western dishes, plus a decent selection of vegan and vegetarian options. Breakfast is served in an air-conditioned dining room set behind the pool. The large spread includes Asian and Western hot meals, eggs to order, a selection of breads and pastries, cereals, fresh fruits, a juice and salad bar, plus a display with deli meats, cheeses, and smoked salmon. Breakfast is included in most room rates.

Additional facilities include a well equipped fitness center, plus a boutique spa that offers a range of beauty and massage treatments. Tour, adventure, and transport arrangements can be made through reception. Freebies include weekly yoga and Thai cooking classes, Wi-Fi, on-site parking, and on-call return shuttle service to Lamai center.