Blu’ Beach Bungalows

The Blu' Beach Bungalows is most notable for its incredible value -- prices here are hard to beat for the area. This intimate property with just 11 bungalows appeals mostly to budget-minded couples, and has a quiet, secluded feel thanks to the lush ground and established Banyan trees. Because of the cheap rates and low inventory, the resort is usually booked during high season. Though the pool is small, it's large enough for this teensy resort, and is a highlight for most guests, thanks to its great ocean views and cushioned loungers. 

This is a simple, no-frills place that gets its fair share of backpackers (who tend to book the rustic, and aptly named, Backpackers Bungalows) but it's not a party spot. 

Blu' Beach Bungalows is located a five-minute drive, or a 20-minute walk along the sand, from the shopping and restaurant hub of Lamai Beach. There are also convenience stores and restaurants immediately nearby. Lamai Beach is slightly less developed and crowded than Chaweng Beach but is still one of the main destinations on Koh Samui, the third largest island in Thailand. From Samui Airport, it’s a 20- to 25-minute drive to the resort. The resort is surrounded by other properties of a similar caliber and has direct access to the beach. For those seeking cultural sights, it's a five-minute drive to the Wat Lamai Folklore Museum and a 30-minute drive to the Big Buddha Temple. 

While islands along Thailand's west coast experience rainy season during July and August, Koh Samui and its neighboring islands Koh Phagnan and Koh Tao have drier weather during this time period. 

The hotel's 11 standalone bungalows are barebones, but perfectly pleasant for the price, with wood floors, clean white bedding with blue pillow accents, and floor-to-ceiling windows facing the balcony that bring in lots of natural light. The buildings were repainted after our visit, and have a pleasant blue and white trim. Amenities are better than expected for a budget property -- all rooms (except for the Backpackers Bungalows) have air-conditioning (and fans), tiny tube TVs with DVD players, mini-fridges, two bottles of water provided daily, big balconies with table and chairs, and free Wi-Fi (though some say it can be spotty). All have king-size beds except for the Standard Singles and rustic Backpackers Bungalows, each with two single beds. Bathrooms have walk-in showers with detachable showerheads; the showers often don't have adequate separation from the rest of the bathroom, which can lead to wet floors. The Beachfront Bungalow by the pool and beach is the only unit with a sea view. Only the Superior Bungalows and Beachfront Bungalow come with coffee and tea facilities. The Standard Bungalows are smaller than the Superior Bungalows but otherwise quite similar. 

The garden setting with established Banyan trees is a highlight here and enhances the quiet, secluded feel. The game room has a pool table and small but usually full bookshelf of extra reading material. Free parking and free Wi-Fi are added perks.

A stone barrier and steps separate the pool are and the narrow beach. There are cushioned loungers by the pool and also facing the sand and ocean. Though the pool is tiny, its size is adequate considering there are only 11 bungalows. The outdoor massage hut fits two people at a time, making it possible to have couples massages. An open-air restaurant and bar serve food and drinks all day. The space was renovated after our visit, adding new furniture, a fresher white and blue color palette, and sponged bar top.