Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa

The Renaissance Koh Samui has a broad appeal, but nonetheless offers a more private and laid-back setting. The entrance to the resort feels like a Thai temple with its high vaulted ceiling, reflecting pool, statues, and local artwork. A few modern inclusions such as a paisley scrim and upholstered chairs allude to the decor found elsewhere in the resort, which includes a mix of traditional Thai and contemporary design features. The grounds are beautifully maintained with lush tropical plants and well-lit, perfectly manicured walkways. Upon arrival, guests -- most of whom are families or couples -- are offered welcome ice creams in flavors such as mango or lemongrass, setting up the vacation vibe from the get-go.

About a 45-minute drive from the airport and 30 minutes from Chaweng Beach, the Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa is located on a hill in a secluded area of Lamai with its own private beach and cove. Finding this property can be a little tricky as it's about five minutes from the main road, but its off-the-beaten-path location also ensures peace and quiet. Buses or shuttles into the downtown Lamai area run throughout the day, and a number of area attractions, such as Coco Splash Waterpark, Wat Lamai temple, and Hin Ta and Hin Yai rock formations, are within a 10-minute drive away.

The 78 Rooms, Suites, and Villas in this hotel are spacious, with elegant decor that mixes modern and traditional Thai influences. Rich wood floors and furnishings, simple sofa beds with comfy throw cushions, and lots of windows bringing in tons of light give the rooms an elegant and open feel. All rooms have flat-screen TVs with cable, minibars, air-conditioning, kettles, robes, and irons. Wi-Fi access comes with a hefty daily fee attached, but guests who enroll in the Marriott Rewards program before their stay can use it for free. Deluxe Rooms have open-air walk-in showers, so bathroom floors can get slippery. All rooms have patios or balconies with whirlpool tubs, and Pool Villas actually have small private pools (as well as oversized bathtubs in the bathrooms).

There are multiple restaurants on the Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa property. The daily breakfast buffet in the bright and airy Banana Leaf (which also serves International cuisine for lunch and dinner) gets good reviews and comes with a wide range of choices including fresh juices, homemade granola, and made-to-order pancakes and eggs. However, the spread is not included in room rates. Also on the property is the Tawann restaurant, which has views over Lamai Bay and serves fresh seafood at dinnertime.  The casual open-air Tapas restaurant that is also only open for dinner but offers Thai, Middle Eastern, and Spanish cuisine and serves up great cocktails.The fitness center is free for guests and is well-stocked with cardio equipment -- including treadmills, exercise bikes, and a rowing machine, plus weight machines and free weights. There's also a lap pool flanked by palm trees and parasol-shaded lounge chairs. The multilevel beachside pool has ocean views and includes a children's pool area and cabanas suspended over the water. There's also a pool bar and a number of lounge chairs with parasols. Goddess fountains and a miniature tree in the middle of the pool add to the Thai feel. Beyond the pool is a private -- but rocky -- beach, and the resort offers rubber water shoes that guests can borrow if they want to go out into the ocean.The full-service Quan Spa offers a variety of treatments and products in a tranquil setting. The wood floors, high ceilings, and garden views in the treatment rooms add to the relaxing feel; open-air treatment facilities and side-by-side couples' massages are available. There's also a  steam room and plunge pools, and decorative ponds and Thai statues add to the spa's relaxing vibe. The resort also has a glass-walled library with a thatched-roof and dark wood furnishings with a computer/printer. Parking is free.