80/32 Moo 5, Bophut, Thailand | (888) 616-5829
Gorgeous setting over the sea
Only about a 10-minute drive from the airport
Enormous three- and four-bedroom villas with private pools
Villas have full kitchens with ovens, ranges, and dishwashers, as well as washer/dryers
RockPool Restaurant is one of Samui's finest, features an oyster brunch and spectacular seaside setting
Resort has several swimming pools by the sea, a pampering spa, and a small gym
Free Wi-Fi
Not many dining options in the nearby area; all must be reached by taxi
Room rates, as well as restaurant items, are pricey
Some find the gym ill-equipped for a property of this caliber
Ocean can be rough and sometimes dirty
The Kanda Residences is a set of exclusive multi-bedroom villas located north of Chaweng Beach near Choeng Mon on Samui's northeast coast. The property is just about 10 minutes from the airport, and is a gorgeous retreat, with the enormous villas featuring their own pools, full kitchens with dishwashers and ovens, and total privacy. Additionally, the resort is home to the renowned RockPool Restaurant, famed for its oyster brunches and the nouvelle cuisine of Executive Chef Christopher Pierre; it has a multilevel deck perched right over the sea, oozing romantic charm. The Kanda Residences also has a small gym, a relaxing spa, and several public swimming pools in addition to the private pools in the villas. The price tag here is high, but the villas really are meant for larger groups, which makes them a good deal considering all you're getting in a somewhat hidden location away from the masses.
Scene
High-end dining and fabulous views make the noted restaurant the most happening spot on the property. With their high price tag, villas are not for the budget crowd but for those looking for a peaceful, luxurious hideaway.
The Kanda Residences provide a quiet escape. Guests come here for the mammoth villas and all the amenities that come along with them. There really isn't much need to go out, as the views from the main swimming pools are enjoyable, and even more impressive are those from the RockPool restaurant above the pools, which draws quite a crowd, both from inside and outside the hotel. It is one of Samui's most lauded restaurants, serving high-end ingredients such as imported oysters or Wagyu beef, so it gets discerning diners looking to enjoy a romantic meal in a gorgeous setting over the water. The villas here don't come cheap, and this isn't a spot for penny pinchers, but large families or groups may find it a solid value with all the extra features and amenities, not to mention being able to cook your own meals in the villas' kitchens. The villas are very private, so other than the restaurant or pool, this is a pretty quiet spot.
Location
Quiet location north of Chaweng on Samui's east coast, right next to the sea
The Kanda Residences sit just north of Chaweng Beach along a quiet stretch of seaside. This area is very tranquil, and the villas are hidden off the road so they feel miles away from the hustle and bustle of Chaweng. The resort is only ten to fifteen minutes by car from the airport. The location is perfect for those looking for a private retreat that's nonetheless within reach of Chaweng for nightlife and dining. However, without private transport, one will have to pay taxis for this, as it is too far to walk, and the immediate neighborhood does not feature too many other restaurants or shops.The resort is between the road and the beach, and the beach here is not very pleasant in terms of swimming, as it is rocky, and gets a fair amount of debris washing ashore; waves can also get rough. However most guests make use of the public and private pools, and the views out to sea really are outstanding.
Rooms
Enormous three- and four-bedroom villas have private pools, fully-equipped kitchens with ovens and dishwashers, open-plan living spaces, dining room table, and plenty more
The villas here are quite astounding. There are only three- and four-bedroom villas available, and each of them are luxe and large enough for several families. Each villa comes with a fully equipped kitchen with microwaves, ranges, ovens, dishwashers, extra-large refrigerators, and full cutlery, glasses, pots, and pans. Villas also have washers and dryers, and plenty of bathrooms to choose from, which include large bathtubs, separate showers, and lots of amenities. Other villa features are large open-plan dining and living room areas, enormous flat-screen TVs, bar stool counters as well as full dining room tables. The crowning grace on each villa is a private swimming pool out on the patio, with sun loungers, sala beds, and even massage tables in some. The prices here rival any of Samui's high-end hotels, but for the space and amenities, especially for large groups, they are a fantastic value and feel very exclusive and private.
Features
Noted RockPool restaurant and bar in a romantic setting over the sea, serving up oyster brunches and more, is a highlight. The two swimming pools set above the beach are also pretty spectacular.
The Kanda Residences is the home of one of Samui's most noted restaurants, the RockPool. Executive Chef Christopher Pierre dishes out Wagyu beef and a selection of oysters from France, Australia, Ireland, Japan and the U.S., and its most popular on Sundays when there is an oyster brunch. The restaurant sits on several levels perched over the sea, and with its pastel blue colors, it looks like something out of Santorini. There are two swimming pools at the Kanda Residences (in addition to private pools in the villas): a kids' pool and adult pool look out over the sea. All the pools are useful, as the beach here is small, very stony, and gets a lot of trash floating in, not to mention the water can be a bit rough, so most guests enjoy the pool settings. The resort also has a small gym and a pampering spa with phenomenal views.