Punnpreeda Beach Resort

Punnpreeda Resort is a small property that's first impression is fairly nondescript, other than the purple tuk-tuk parked outside and the conspicuous sign advertising it as a hip resort. Whether it delivers on true hipness is debatable -- this certainly isn't one of Samui's see-and-be-seen hotels -- but the overall experience is pleasant, and far more laid back than similar hotels in Chaweng. The open-air lobby features creative bamboo accents that make for a funky first impression. Bamboo-reed panels line the ceiling and walls, and eye-catching woven lampshades hang overhead. There are a couple of low-slung couches with colored cushions, and the back of the room leads out to a bridge over a carp pond, with a stone patio waiting on the other side. The style throughout is simple, tastefully done, and soothing, as befits a resort that bills itself as a "chill out and relax" destination. The vast majority of guests are couples on vacation, usually younger, though the atmosphere is not party-hard.

Punnpreeda Beach Resort is located along Bang Rak Beach, in the small village of Bang Rak. The location is convenient for those who have an early morning ferry connection to Koh Tao or Koh Phangan, or an early morning flight -- there are several boat piers just down the street from the resort, and the airport is less than 10 minutes away by car. There are plenty of restaurants and shops near the resort, although the feeling in town is far more sedate than in bar- and nightclub-mad Chaweng, a 15-minute drive southeast. Other nearby sights include the Big Buddha, which is a five-minute tuk-tuk ride from the hotel, or a little under 20 minutes away on foot. Due to Bang Rak's being a boat-pier haven, the beach here is fairly small and not all that nice, but there are great sea views and it is one of Koh Samui's more relaxing towns. -- although the main road that runs by the resort has a never ending stream of traffic on it throughout the day. Fortunately, rooms in the resort are set back in the garden and closer to the beach, so they don't suffer from noise. 

There are just 25 rooms at Punnpreeda Beach Resort, all of which offer a great value, as the rates are lower than similar digs in Chaweng. The look throughout all rooms is simple and contemporary -- expect to see white walls with dark wood accents and occasional pops of color like gold and orange. Wall art is used sparingly, to the point of the sleek style seeming a bit plain. We did spot a bit of minor wear and tear, something that previous guests have noted as well.

The entry-level Deluxe Rooms have either polished hardwood or white tile floors, and feature vaulted ceilings with exposed wood beams, settees, and designer lamps and small wall hangings. These rooms can feel a bit cramped, especially compared to similar Koh Samui hotels. Deluxe Villas have built-in platform beds that are draped with mosquito netting. Large glass doors provide plenty of light. Both Deluxe Rooms and Deluxe Villas have a small tiled terrace with chairs and garden views. The best rooms are the Grand Deluxe Rooms. These feature an adjoining room with a daybed that leads to a patio set with sun loungers that overlook the garden. There's one Oceanfront Deluxe unit which offers the same luxuries, and a prime beach-view location. 

Amenities here and in other room categories include flat-screen TVs in most rooms and satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, DVD players, minibars, safes, and electric hot water kettles for making free tea and coffee. Bathrooms in Deluxe Rooms and Deluxe Villas have tile or glazed concrete floors and accents, with decent-size vanities and walk-in showers. The Grand Deluxe Rooms have some of the island's biggest bathrooms. They include large bathtubs with whirlpool jets, plus a separate walk-in rainfall shower and toilet. 

Punnpreeda Resort is pretty small, and thus not too heavy on the extras, but it does have a few decent facilities for guests. The swimming pool is a highlight, as it sits in a garden next to the beach and has green tiles, making it particularly eye-catching. There's also a shallower section just next to it that can work for kids. Lounge chairs line one side of the pool, and small fountain features make for a nice decorative touch. In front of the pool and overlooking the beach, the resort has set out another lineup of sun loungers plus bean bag cushions along a wooden terrace overlooking the sea. This is a a solid addition, as the beach itself is pretty small. Keep in mind that with the nearby boat piers and motorboats bobbing in the water, swimming here can be a less-than-ideal experience.

The Chill@Hip restaurant and bar is located right by the beach and pool. It's a small open-air eatery with thick wooden tables and chairs underneath a shingled roof, plus a few tables out on a deck under a tree. The restaurant serves a free buffet breakfast to guests -- which generally includes a simple selection of fruit and egg dishes -- and then does Thai and western cuisine for lunch and dinner. A variety of drinks are served all day and into the evening. The hotel can help arrange car and moped rentals as well as massage and laundry services. Tours can also be booked through the hotel. Wi-Fi is free, but there is no on-site parking.