Beach Republic The Residences

The entrance to The Residences is located off a quiet residential street. The bright if somewhat boring lobby is arguably the least impressive common space in the hotel. The sprawling grounds, connecting the main building with stand-alone villas, are lush, filled with palm trees and tropical flowers. Activity at the hotel centers around the two oceanfront pools, adjacent open-air restaurant, and beach club; a DJ spins chilled-out tunes by the pool in the afternoon, while the scene at the beach club borders on a party atmosphere during the high season.

A 10-minute drive north along the coast from renowned Lamai Beach, The Residences is a bit away from the area's main action, but the hotel has its own scenic Koh Samui beach that guests can take advantage of. And the attractions of Lamai are just a free shuttle or hotel-arranged car ride away. The immediate neighborhood is more residential, but there are a handful of local eateries within walking distance. In Lamai town, in addition to the beach, nightlife, and restaurants, there are grocery stores where you can stock up on food for guest room kitchens. The hotel can also help arrange excursions to local temples, other beaches, and golf courses like Royal Samui Golf & Country Club. Samui International Airport is a 20-minute drive north, and The Residences can provide transportation upon request.

Most rooms at The Residences are sleek and modern, with platform-style beds, natural wood and neutral-toned furniture, white tiled floors, and fresh flowers. All have fully equipped kitchenettes -- complete with outfitted fridges and bars -- and private balconies with sitting areas. Villas feel like private residences -- some are stand-alone -- with multiple private terraces and pools as well as spacious living and dining areas. Bathrooms are similarly spacious and modern, and all but the lowest-tier rooms have whirlpool tubs in addition to showers. Traditional Pool Villas are decorated in an older style and feel less modern than other spaces, with dark-wood furnishings, terra-cotta tile floors, and purple sofas. All rooms have iPod docks, flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, bathrobes and slippers, and more.

The Residences' prized feature is its lively Ocean Club, spread along its small but scenic stretch of sand. A club-like atmosphere is created at times with plenty of loungers and cabanas, a beach bar, music, and non-resident partygoers frequenting the property. In addition to the private beach, the hotel has two oceanfront pools with a hot tub and lots of plush loungers where drinks and snacks can be ordered. The open-air restaurant -- serving pricey Mediterranean and Thai food throughout the day, including a free daily buffet breakfast -- has both outdoor and covered seating and ocean views. it's a popular spot with guests and locals for Sunday brunch. The property also has a spa with a full menu of Asian-inspired treatments and a steam room, as well as a small fitness center and business center. Families can easily be catered to with babysitting services available upon request. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.