Centra by Centara Coconut Beach Resort Samui

The Centra Coconut Beach Resort usually hosts a mix of families and couples of all ages. Most are looking for a fairly inexpensive stay at a quiet beach; you won't find a party crowd on this side of Koh Samui. The main hangout spots at this resort are the two pools. Those with pool access from their rooms prefer the Long Pool as they can access it from their back doors, while those staying near the garden prefer the big circular pool down by the beach. The beach area, with beanbag cushions and a swing, is also popular, although it's not that big of a space. The other hot spot here is the Maprao Bar, which does two-for-one Happy Hour drinks and has beanbag chairs set up to look out at the sunset and small offshore islands. Indoors, the lobby includes a blue and white abstract reception desk next to a sunken living room that holds a semi-circle built-in couch topped with orange, blue, and brown pillows. Tour brochures and English language newspapers are displayed. 

The Centra Coconut Beach Resort is located far off the beaten path in the southwest corner of the island. This is one of Samui's least developed areas, so it's great for those looking for a quiet escape from the party hordes. Thong Tanote Beach, which fronts the resort, is a tranquil spot, although the areas of the beach adjacent to the resort are not well maintained. There are a few local restaurants, shops, and bars in the neighborhood. The resort does run a shuttle bus several times a day to Lamai, which is full of bars and eateries, but there's a charge for this service. The vibe along this part of the coast is a bit old school, so it's a good spot to experience Samui as it used to be.

Guests at Centra Coconut Beach Resort can select from rooms above and next to the Long Pool or Villas in the garden. Villas are the top category and come with large bathrooms and an all wooden interior. They look pretty worn, and are more expensive than the Deluxe Pool Access rooms which lead into the Long Pool. The Superior Pool View rooms are the same as the Deluxe except that they have upstairs balconies rather than direct pool access. All rooms come with desks, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, safes, mini-fridges, electric kettles, and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms have soaking tubs while others have showers. Decor is a bit dull. The wall behind the bed is painted a deep green, but the rest of the room is white and neutral, including the tile floors. 

The standout feature of the Centra Coconut Beach Resort are its two swimming pools. One is long and narrow, sitting in a courtyard between the two room buildings, with a swim-up bar, YNam, in the middle. The other pool is by the beach, a circular pool with plenty of sun loungers and all day sunshine. The beach here also has loungers and bean bag chairs, and is a pretty chill spot, although the adjacent areas are rather dirty. Kayaks are available to rent. The resort has a small spa and a tiny gym, which consists of only a few cardio machines and a set of free weights. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.Maprao Bar is next to the beach, with bean bag chairs to watch the sunset on. Mix Bistro, also near the beach, serves free buffet breakfasts and then lunch and dinner, with a mix of Thai and international fare. Sabai Thai Party does weekly seafood barbecues. Room service is available.