Fair House Villas & Spa

Perched on a beachfront hillside in Mae Nam, the Fair House Villas & Spa has a secluded and romantic vibe that appeals mostly to couples, including honeymooners. Stone pathways wind throughout the grounds, which are filled with leafy tropical gardens. Buildings are in neutral shades of clay and have traditional Thai-style roofs, while a vast open-air lobby combines a high, dark-wood ceiling with natural-stone floors and ornate Thai statues. A blue-tiled pool wraps around the exterior of the lobby structure, and a swimming pool farther into the property offers spectacular ocean views. The open-air bar, with evening happy hour, is a popular spot for guests, as is the pool deck lined with simple loungers. Just past the pool is a tucked away courtyard that features a colorful Thai pagoda and glass-encased bronze statue facing the sea beyond. It's a peaceful place where nature and quiet activity are emphasized.

The resort is in Mae Nam, an area known mostly for its beaches and located on the central north coast of Ko Samui. There are only a couple of restaurants within five minutes' walk, but for more options guests have to walk about 10 minutes to the main road. Bustling Fisherman's Village with shops, bars, and restaurants, is an eight-minute drive or about 35 minutes' walk. The resort has its own narrow beach, while Treehouse Silent Beach (five-minute drive), Mae Nam Beach (nine-minute drive), and Bo Phut Beach (six-minute drive) are other nearby options. Big Buddha statue is 15 minutes away by car. Samui Airport is 15 to 20 minutes' drive. 

Rooms at the resort are divided between the Villa and Chalet zones: Villas are at ground level amidst tropical gardens or beachfront; Pricier Chalet rooms are found on the hillside and offer great views of the sunset over the Gulf of Siam. Decor is consistent throughout -- a traditional Thai style characterized by pitched roofs and wooden screens, plus polished wood floors that combine with neutral-tone sofas and wall hangings for a serene vibe. All rooms and villas have private balconies and nice, big bathrooms with separate tubs and walk-in showers. Hairdryers and toiletries are provided. Free bottled water is a nice perk, and there are minibars and tea- and coffee-making facilities as well. Safes, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi are additionally included. Beachfront Villas with private pools and sunbathing gazebos are stand-out options. Likewise, Deluxe Balcony rooms on the hillside have spacious bedrooms and living rooms, and outdoor hot tubs -- those at the top of the property have the best vistas. 

Bre-Eze Restaurant & Bar serves Thai and international dishes made with ingredients from the on-site organic garden, and overlooks the Gulf of Siam. Breakfast buffet is served daily, with items such as pancakes and waffles, but it's not included with rates. Guests have noted that food and drinks at the restaurant are pricey, particularly given that meals receive mixed reviews. Happy Hour is held nightly, alongside sunset views and occasional jazz music. The Pandanus Spa offers treatments using organic ingredients, such as aromatherapy and hot stone massage, and includes steam rooms and showers. A large outdoor swimming pool with a small kids' section overlooks the sea and has a roomy deck lined with sunbeds. Just beyond is the hotel's narrow and a bit underwhelming beach, where there are more loungers and umbrellas for guests. An indoor fitness center is light-filled thanks to a wall of windows facing the ocean, and has limited modern cardio and weight machines. The hotel offers local and airport shuttles for a fee, as well as 24-hour buggy service and free parking. Scooters and cars can be rented from the lobby, while bikes are available for free. Wi-Fi is free throughout.