Bhundhari Koh Samui

The hotel's sprawling acreage features abundant tropical greenery and tall trees. Traditional Thai architecture and styling elements are highlighted throughout the property. Features that pop out upon arrival at the hotel are the imposing stone entranceways and the grand, partial open-air lobby space, which is decorated with hardwood interiors, tall ceilings, water features, and comfy seating. Bold splashes of pink and blue are playful, though somewhat kitschy and over the top at times. There are quiet common areas and tranquil hangout spots set along the beach. These include a multi-tiered swimming pool with a swim-up pool bar, a large beachfront sun deck, and a plush lounge. The beach is scenic and great for long walks or lounging, but too shallow and rocky for swimming. 

Bundhari Resort is located on the far northern end of Chaweng Beach. The area feels a bit isolated and isn't within walking distance of downtown nightlife or restaurants. Central Chaweng -- the island's main tourism, party, and cosmopolitan center is about a 10-minute drive away. The area has tons of nightclubs, beach clubs, cabaret shows, local bars, restaurants, and shops. Petch Buncha Thai Boxing Stadium and Central Point Samui shopping mall are also located in Chaweng. Unfortunately the hotel doesn't offer a shuttle service into town, though taxis are readily available in the area. Transfers to Samui International Airport are a breeze from the hotel, only taking around five minutes by car. Guests continuing on to Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, or Surat Thani (mainland) can catch a Lomprayah catamaran speedboat from the Maenam Pier (a 30-minute drive away).

Bhundari Resort offers a variety of room types to suit different budgets and needs, with 124 rooms spread out among the sprawling grounds -- either in a flat lush tropical area down by the beachside, or set perched along a steep hillside. The hillside rooms offer stunning ocean views, though they take a lot of climbing to reach -- or a buggy ride. Options include streamlined modern suites, standalone wooden bungalows, and villas with one- or two-bedroom configurations. Villas feature private plunge pools, plenty of outdoor chills space, and have ocean or garden views.Rooms have balcony seating areas, and are for the most part clean, though somewhat aged with maintenance issues. Interiors feature Thai stylings and dark-toned woods throughout, with hardwood floors, trim, and furniture. Sparsely decorated white walls contrast with the dark woods, plus decorative red and gold accent walls add some interest to the spaces. Rooms are outfitted with wooden platform beds, work desks and chairs, low couches, and wardrobes. Standard amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, free Wi-Fi, refrigerated minibars, safes, and two bottles of water. Bathrooms feature white terrazzo interiors, lots of counter space, outdoor rainfall showers, and deep soaking tubs. Bathrobes, slippers, hairdryers, and toiletries are provided. We noticed some maintenance issues such as peeling paint, chipped furniture, tube-style TVs, and musty smelling bathrooms.

This beachfront resort has a well rounded range of facilities. The most attractive common spaces are set perched along the hotel's scenic white-sand beach. The beach pool is a large multi-tiered swimming pool with a sunken swim-up bar, and the deck is lined with plenty of lounge chairs. The main pool, restaurant, and lobby are housed along the hillside section of the property. The main pool features three tiered pools, a shallow kids' pool, and a sun deck. Bay Restaurant serves Thai and Western meals, plus a daily breakfast buffet for a fee. There's also a small fitness center and a full-service spa. Free extras include Wi-Fi and on-site parking. A small white wedding gazebo is also perched along the beach, plus the hotel has its own in-house wedding planners.