211/7 Moo 4, Maret, Thailand | (618) 248-8274
On a hilltop with stunning views of the gulf
Villas with kitchenettes, some with private pools
Outdoor infinity pool with beautiful views
Full-service spa with steam bath
Fine-dining Thai cuisine and cooking classes
Free shuttle to three area beaches
Loaner mobile phone for pick up anywhere on the island
Breakfast included in room rates
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Not on the beach
Hilly property requires walking
No fitness center
The Sandalwood Luxury Villas is small hilltop retreat overlooking the sea. The 10 luxury villas are decorated in a traditional Thai style, and half of them have their own private infinity pools. The smallest have kitchenettes, while larger units (which can have up to four bedrooms) add full kitchens. There are also a fine-dining Thai restaurant, free breakfast, and an infinity pool with postcard views. The property is not in walking distance to the beaches, but the hotel provides a regular free shuttle service, along with a mobile phone to call for pick up anywhere on the island.
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Scene
Intimate tropical hilltop boutique popular with vacationing families
The Sandalwood Luxury Villas sits at the top of a winding jungle road, in a secluded spot with panoramic views of the sea. The small open-air lobby has an airy lounge with large pieces of rattan furniture and a library nook in one corner near the reception desk. Traditional Thai decorations and intricately carved wooden panels painted with gold accents adorn the room, which opens onto a terrace and the infinity pool. Most guests at this upscale resort are vacationing couples and families.
Location
South of the main stretch of Lamai Beach
Sandalwood Luxury Villas is located on a hill on the east coast of Koh Samui between two other resorts. However, as there is little else around, it feels isolated. It's about 10 minutes by car (or the hotel's free shuttle) to the popular Lamai Beach, along with its shops, restaurants, and bars. More dining and shopping is clustered near Chaweng Beach in the opposite direction, also about 10 minutes away. Expect a 25-minute drive north to Samui Airport.
Rooms
Private luxury villas with hot tubs or private pools
The hotel has only 10 individually designed villas, ranging in size from studios to four-bedroom units, and all with panoramic views of the sea in the distance. Traditional Thai decor mingles with marble, granite, and dark hardwood. Living areas have couches and flat-screen TVs. Sliding glass doors open to private balconies or terraces, most of which have outdoor hot tubs. Five villas have their own private infinity pools. Smaller units have kitchenettes with microwaves and stocked minibars, while larger units -- some of which span two floors -- add full kitchens and dining rooms. Marble and glass block bathrooms have walk-in showers, and some come with soaking tubs.
Features
Outdoor infinity pool, full spa, Thai restaurant and cooking classes, and free breakfast
In addition to the many private villa pools, the hotel has a shared infinity pool overlooking the ocean on a sundeck lined with striped lounge chairs. The Sanctuary Spa has a steam bath and several treatment rooms for Thai massage, facials, scrubs and manicures. Locally sourced ingredients are the center of the cuisine at Blue Ginger, which specializes in traditional Thai curries (from Kang Ga-Ree to Panang) and seafood (think whole fish, steamed or fried). It also has a few western options such as pasta and steak. Thai cooking classes are offered, and breakfast -- either Asian or Western -- is included in room rates. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property and the hotel provides guests with loaner cell phones they can use to call for a hotel shuttle pick up.
