Baywater Resort Samui

On an island packed with bland mid-range options and pricey luxury spots, the Portofino Baywater Resort Samui is a nice departure. It looks a bit like a country club when one drives up to it -- a fine enough first impression for what is a contemporary and stylish property. The lobby is in a long and flat low-rise orange building that peeks from above a tiered set of grass terraces from out on the main road. Interiors are bright and minimalist, with details like white marble floors, long carved wooden tables, and cool designer furniture (check the metal spiral loveseat and purple rattan chairs arranged throughout the lobby). Outdoors, there's a wood patio with different types of modern patio furniture and a pool that sees plenty of action in high season. Given its location in low-key Choeng Mon, this resort lacks the part vibe of comparable properties down the road in Chaweng. It's most popular with tour groups, families, and couples. 

The resort is located in Choeng Mon, a sleepy village in northeast Koh Samui. This isn't the part of Samui meant for party-goers, but that's why many travelers make their way to this corner of the island. The location is convenient, yet it's also tranquil, and within easy walking access of plenty of restaurants and shops. While the resort isn't on the beach, it's a five-minute walk to the shore, and the resort itself is slightly off the main road through town, making it a quiet spot. Samui's Big Buddha -- one of its most popular landmarks -- is a five-minute drive from here, and the shops and restaurants of Fisherman's Village, in Bo Phut, take about 15 minutes to reach by car. It's a 15- to 20-minute drive from the resort to happening Chaweng -- the wild heart of Samui's party scene. The airport is along the way, 10 to 15 minutes from the resort.

There are 100 rooms here and most are similar in style, with the main difference being whether or not they have pool access. All rooms are quite spacious and have dark wood floors, white walls, and oak-veneer minimalist furniture -- the look has just a touch of Scandinavian flair, with its clean lines. Yellow accent panels brighten things up even more, though there's not much wall art in most rooms except for a few floral paintings. All rooms have tons of space, with even entry-level Deluxe Rooms offering 52-square-meter floor plans (560 square feet). 

Modern amenities include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, minibars, safes, alarm clocks, and electric hot water kettles for tea and coffee. Bathrooms are also large and have walk-in rainfall showers and tall wood drying racks. All rooms come with free Wi-Fi. Large balconies with modern rattan and metal furniture are a nice bonus. Deluxe Pool Access Rooms have loveseats and outdoor access into a narrow pool (this pool is separate from the main swimming pool). The top category Pool Access Villas come with coffee machines, and the pool outside has a small waterfall shower to enjoy.

BayWater Resort is home to some excellent facilities. The swimming pool is the main draw. It's large and freeform, snaking its way around the property. There's an island in the center that creates even more sunbathing space and is reached by a buoyant raft walkway. An area for children has pool toys, and on one side there's a swim-up pool bar. 

Adjacent to the pool is the large fitness center with cardio equipment and a few pieces of pulley equipment, which occupies several rooms. Next to this is the library, which has stylish chairs and sofas, free computers to use, and is suitable for reading or just relaxing. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. On the other side of the pool is the large open-air Poolside Restaurant and Sky Bar, where buffet breakfasts with Thai and Western options are served in the morning, followed by a range of Thai and international meals throughout the day and evening. Breakfast isn't included in all room packages.

The resort also has a small meeting room and gift shop, and is building a Japanese onsen hot spring spa, as well as a kids' club -- both should be operating by 2016. Cooking classes can also be arranged.