Buri Rasa Village Samui

This lovely little hotel has all the potential for being a perfect tranquil retreat. However, for those seeking a super quiet beach, that fantasy is marred a bit during the daytime hours owing to the loud music being played at the KC Beach Club Hotel next door; it makes you feel a bit like you're clubbing in Ibiza instead of rejuvenating in Thailand. (This is an unfortunate occurrence since this has nothing to do with the management and ambience at Buri Rasa itself.) However, lots of open-air common spaces -- including a library room -- with thatched roofs, teak wood, and slatted shutters remind you where you are and provide serenity away from the beachfront.

The gardens are tropical and well-kept with many indigenous plants and authentic Thai accents. Wooden planters in palm trees are an interesting touch. The overall feeling is traditional, with tourists being the main guest population and staff aiming to make their stay special.

Located in the city center, with the beach right out its back door, Buri Rasa Village gives you easy access to both the sea and shopping. Situated near the southern end of the island of Koh Samui, this hotel is a short walk to two boxing stadiums, with local vendors and restaurants such as Gringos Cantina, Kuk Yong, and Tams Guesthouse also nearby. The Samui Institute of Thai Culinary Arts is just south of the hotel, while Samui Airport is a 10-minute drive north. 

The 32 rooms in the hotel are spotless and have a modern feel with enough Thai flair to make them still seem traditionally authentic. Vibrantly colored walls (think canary yellow) juxtaposed with dark wood accents and high ceilings give spaces a bright and airy feel. Platform beds with canopies are the norm, and there’s even a "pillow menu" from which you can choose what you'd like to lay your head on. Flat-screen TVs and stocked minibars are the norm with electric kettles available for making in-room coffee or tea. 

Modern fixtures can be found in spacious bathrooms; some have showers only while others have deep tubs, so be sure to ask if you desire a bath. Robes and toiletries are additional perks. Most rooms have balconies or patios, and some of the more deluxe units even have their own courtyards and dipping pools. And the free Wi-Fi is actually fast, unlike some of the neighboring resorts with seriously spotty connections. 

The relaxed, romantic beachfront restaurant  -- The Beach Club -- has a varied Thai menu created by Chef Khun Kanchana (who is nicknamed "Chef Tim") and also hosts the hotel's daily free breakfast. The adjacent Beach Bar serves up terrific cocktails which can be enjoyed by the pool or surf. While the pool itself is a tad too small to do any real lap swimming, the slate sides and artsy waterfall make it a lovely option for a dip away from the sea. There are also plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas available poolside and on the beach.

The Nam Thai Herbal Spa offers a variety of treatments in indoor or outdoor treatment spaces. Some can be done side-by-side for couples. Fountains and flowers add to the relaxing vibe. There’s no business center on-site but the Internet corner in the library room is available for guest use and consists of a desktop computer with reliable web access.