Baan Talay Resort

Baan Talay Resort is a modern mid-range beachfront resort at the quieter end of Chaweng Beach. The 54 one-story rooms -- which the hotel calls bungalows, though they are not free-standing units -- are set on lush grounds with palm trees, shrubbery, manicured hedges, and gardens. The open and airy high-ceilinged lobby has a minimalist look, and features white walls, light blond woods, chocolate brown leather sofas, and hanging pod chairs. The spare, minimalist feel carries through to the restaurant, which features wood mid-century modern tables and chairs and largely bare walls. One end is open to the outdoors, and features orange and burgundy-colored day beds for guests to recline on and take in views of the beach and water. Guests gather around the beachfront swimming pool overlooking the beach and gulf. The resort draws families and couples who appreciate the spacious rooms, swimming pool, beach, and quiet location.

The resort is situated at the quieter southern end of the four-mile Chaweng Beach, in an area with other resorts. Numerous shops and restaurants are within walking distance, and central Chaweng with its nightlife and cabaret shows is within a five-minute drive. However, walks to the same area will take at least 20 minutes. The center of Muay Thai boxing in Koh Samui, Petchbuncha Boxing Stadium is a four-minute drive away, while Aquapark, which is home to a 15-foot climbing wall and giant trampolines on the waters of the gulf, is a five-minute drive or 15-minute walk away. Laem Din Market is a 12-minute drive and the famous 40-foot gold Buddha statue is at Wat Phra Yak Buddhist temple, about 20 minutes away by car. The resort is a 30-minute drive from Wat Khao Hua Jook Buddhist temple, situated at the top of a 295-foot hill with views of the east coast of Samui Island and the Gulf of Thailand. Guests coming from Samui International Airport will drive about 15 minutes to reach Baan Talay Resort.

All rooms at the Baan Talay Resort are one-story rooms, some with pool views and some with a beachfront location and views of the gulf. Rooms have a simple, minimalist aesthetic, with IKEA budget-chic contemporary decor complemented by tiled floors, wood furnishings and trim, and a white and beige palette with pops of slate blue. Unlike many beds with hard mattresses in Thai hotels, the beds here are comfortable, with cushy mattresses, custom duvets, and cotton-rich sheets. The rooms range from 312 to 740 square feet (30 to 68 square meters), so all are fairly spacious. Most rooms get good natural light, although those facing away from the beach don't have much of a view. All come with private wood terraces -- most with tables and chairs -- and beachfront rooms have day beds and a hammock. Standard features include air-conditioning, loveseats, desks, in-room safes, mini-bars, coffee/tea makers, and two free bottles of water. There is also free Wi-Fi and DVD players with 32-inch flat-screen TVs, which offer a limited selection of satellite and English channels. Bathrooms are clean and well lighted, though some are small, with limited counter space around the sink. Bathrooms do not have bathtubs.

Baan Talay Resort has a 25-meter beachfront pool, bordered by a deck with lounge chairs that's a favorite of many guests here. It's long enough for laps, though couples should expect to see families with kids as well. The beach offers more lounge chairs, plus umbrellas; it's clean and has soft white sand, though during winter the water is a little choppy for swimming. The resort has no spa, fitness center, or sauna. The Baan Talay can arrange car and scooter rentals and nearby water sports or excursions (for a fee). Featuring views of the beach and gulf, the resort's restaurant serves reasonably priced Thai and international dishes for lunch and dinner. In the morning it provides a decent free breakfast buffet (up to two guests per room), featuring a made-to-order egg and omelet station, bacon, sausages, Thai items, cereal, toast, fruit, coffee, and juice. The bar serves a wide range of tropical fruit drinks and cocktails. In addition to free Wi-Fi, there's a lobby internet corner, and the resort has a 24-hour front desk and free parking.