30 / 1 Moo 2 Jansom Bay, Koh Tao, Thailand | (888) 708-2081
Great beach location in "hidden" bay is excellent for snorkeling
Restaurant has gorgeous setting and views
Bungalow-rooms nestled in the jungle feel private and some have sea views
Only a short stroll via a sea path to town
Massage hut on the beach
Free Wi-Fi throughout
On-site PADI dive shop
Wi-Fi goes out regularly
Long and steep walk to get anywhere, including on-premise spots
Maintenance problems in the rooms and public areas
No swimming pool
Mosquito issues (a common problem in Thailand)
This mid-range property offers rustic bungalows and a scenic back-to-nature location, but with some major flaws. There is no swimming pool, and while rooms may look charming upon first glance, their poor construction means guests can expect bugs and possible maintenance issues (such as lack of hot water or broken air conditioners). With a location hidden in the forest right next to the sea on a good snorkeling bay, the Charm Churee does offer privacy, a romantic outdoor restaurant, and access to nearby Mae Haad for eating and drinking. The pretty private beach with a massage hut, bar, and free snorkeling equipment is an upside, but loungers here could be nicer. It may be worth considering the pricier Haad Tien Beach Resort for a pool and fun beach bar, or the slightly cheaper Chintakiri, which offers a small pool with great views.
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Scene
A rustic, romantic resort -- with some flaws
The Charm Churee combines romance with rustic escape to varying degrees of success. The Starlight restaurant, illuminated with ambient lighting at night, juts out into the bay, while the cottages are hidden away in the jungle setting by the sea. The resort does sit on a private beach and great snorkeling bay, and by charging non-guests, attempts to keep this slice of paradise for themselves. The lobby could use a refresh: once vibrant paint and Thai touches are beginning to fade, though a tree growing in the center of the room is a nice reminder of the jungle setting. The grounds are lush and hilly, with a slightly overgrown and unkempt look that isn't for everybody. Most of the guests are international families and couples, looking for a beach getaway.
Location
Close to town yet on a secluded bay
They say that location is everything and in the case of Charm Churee it's the real highlight. The resort sits on quiet Jansom Bay, which unfortunately is right next to noisy Mae Haad beach and town. One has to drive up a very steep road in order to reach Charm Churee by taxi (making for pricey transport charges), although guests can opt to travel on foot via a seaside path to get to town in 10 minutes. Additionally, the property sprawls along the cliff/seaside, meaning it's a 10-minute walk on steep ground from rooms to reception, from rooms to restaurant, to the beach, etc. At least you will be in shape during your holiday here. However, the resort does combine a more pristine bit of Koh Tao life with easy access to all of the convenient development nearby.
Rooms
A variety of bungalows and cottages in a jungle setting above the sea
Rooms here come in the form of a vast variety of bungalows and cottages. While some do look out at the sea, most are hidden in the jungle, and end up being far more rustic than they planned, with spotty Wi-Fi, minimal hot water, and (sometimes non-functional) air-conditioning. Positive aspects include four-poster beds covered with mosquito netting (which guests will need, as bugs do get in), vintage-style mini-fridges stocked with treats, and thatch roofs. Mismatched furniture like ornate dressers and rattan headboards look eclectic next to bold floral curtains. Some rooms have stained glass window panes and direct ocean views. Bathrooms range from outdoor sinks to indoor urinals. The outside areas of the bungalows are far more inviting, with hammocks or nice places to sit and enjoy the green surroundings.
Features
Romantic restaurant, free (spotty) Wi-Fi, semi-private beach, and massage hut
There are three dining options at Charm Churee, and each is charming, though past guests have complained that the food is overpriced and could use improvement. The Elvis Beach Bar & Restaurant is located beachside for lunch and snacks. Starlight (for Asian and Thai food) is the loveliest option, and is perched on a deck set over the bay. When lit up at night, it's incredibly romantic. Breakfast is served in the semi-open air dining room called Chaba. There isn't a pool, but the private beach (non-guests must pay to use it) has some of the best snorkeling around. A massage hut stands in for a proper spa. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, though it can't be relied on.
