Jungle Club Boutique Resort

Jungle Club is an intimate hilltop retreat with a back-to-nature vibe, featuring sprawling tropical grounds and a laid back ambience. The hotel's defining feature is its spectacular vantage point, with breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean and jungle valley. The views attract plenty of outside guests and they can crowd the restaurant at times. The infinity swimming pool is reserved for in-house guests only. It's perched dramatically along the cliffside overlooking the view, with a serene tropical setting lined with manicured greenery and tall trees. The restaurant is housed in a circular building, and includes an indoor dining section and bar, plus a tiered wooden deck lined with fun beanbag seating. There are also private dining pavilions with low tables and floor cushions. The stylish and rustic space is constructed almost exclusively out of natural building materials and blends well into the natural surroundings. 

Jungle Club is perched along a steep hillside, and is fairly arduous to reach, at least without a dirt bike or four-wheel drive car. With cramped single-lane roads, sheer drops, and almost vertical hairpin turns that will keep even confident drivers on edge. The easiest option is to call the hotel and arrange a pickup. Or guests can park their motorbikes at the bottom of the hill and get a lift from there. Guests should note that most taxis won't drive up the hill.

Chaweng, the island's main tourism and party hub, is located around a 20-minute drive from the hotel. The area has a wide range of nightclubs, beach clubs, cabaret shows, and local bars, plus plenty of dining and shopping options. Chaweng also features picturesque white-sand beaches and the island's largest shopping mall, Central Festival Samui. 

Lomprayah catamaran speedboats are one of the most reliable transfer options to Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, and Surat Thani (mainland). Boats depart from the Maenam Pier, a 30-minute drive from the hotel. Guests should budget around 45 minutes for transfers to the Samui International Airport.

Jungle Club offers 19 different room types spread out along the grounds. Bungalows feature traditional Thai building styles and elements with a rustic look and natural materials utilized throughout like thatch roofs, hardwood trim and furniture, woven rattan accents, white stucco walls, gray polished concrete floors, and wooden decks. Most rooms have generous floor plans, plus balcony seating areas with lounge chairs and hammocks. Rooms are outfitted with king-size beds and canopy mosquito nets, sofa chairs, and wardrobes. Standard amenities include TVs and DVD players, wall fans, safes, mini-fridges, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and bottled water. Only the Jungle Private Pool Villa has air-conditioning. It also features a more contemporary aesthetics. The villa's large footprint includes two bedrooms, a plunge pool, a kitchen, and a comfy lounge. The two, dome-shaped Jungle Lodge Rooms have the best views on offer. They are built into the cliffside overlooking the ocean and feature large windows, plus wraparound decks. All other room types are set along the tropical grounds and have garden or partial ocean views. Bathrooms are clean and spacious, though a bit dated. Most don't include bathtubs but do have rainfall showers, sufficient counter space, hairdryers, and toiletries. Some have lovely partial open-air showers with greenery. 

Jungle Club's biggest assets are the breathtaking ocean views and the tranquil tropical grounds. The swimming pool is perched dramatically along the cliff's edge overlooking the view and it features a gorgeous tropical setting and a handful of lounge chairs. Although, the pool can get crowded at times. The restaurant serves three meals a day, with a compact menu featuring Thai and French dishes. Breakfast is served a la carte and is included in room rates. A small boutique shop by the lobby sells locally made clothing and Thai handicrafts. Free return shuttles to Chaweng Beach operate twice daily and on-site parking is available. Wi-Fi is free throughout.