The Briza Beach Resort Samui

The Briza Beach Resort offers a tranquil seaside vibe. The deep red-paneled decor is Buddhist temple-inspired and captures the spirit of the Srivijaya Empire, with deep reds, black lacquer finishes, and pitched wood-slat roofs. The grounds are lush and beautifully landscaped with tropical plants and trimmed hedges. Outdoor living is the theme, with outdoor massage beds, plenty of lounge chairs, and tables overlooking the deep blue private pools throughout the property. The resort is hilly and filled with steep climbs, so reception can be quite a trek from some rooms. A golf cart is available for those who do not wish to walk. Mosquitoes can be more problematic here than at other Thailand hotels, possibly because of the private plunging pools and numerous trees. Most of the guests here are couples looking for a romantic escape at decent rates, though families also pass through as well as groups of friends. Expect a lower key, more mature vibe than staying right in Chaweng.

Located on Chaweng Beach at the north end of Koh Samui, Chaweng town is one of the most popular destinations on the island. It's vibrant and lively, with cabarets, nightclubs, and bars. The hotel is north of most of the action, and guests can reach the more lively areas of town in 15 to 20 minutes on foot, though the entertainment area stretches south beyond that. It's a five-minute cab ride to most destinations. Restaurants and massage parlors dot the road along the beach. Across the street from the hotel is one of the best and cheapest massage parlors in Koh Samui, "My Friend Massage." For those who don't want to walk into Chaweng, there's a shuttle that runs twice a day. Koh Samui's airport is a five-minute drive from the hotel. 

All of the rooms at this hotel are villas and are extra spacious (starting at 113 square meters, or over 1200 square feet); they include separate living areas and bedrooms, or have massive terraces. There is an array of categories available, and features vary. Decor also varies, and some villas are far more modern than others -- the aquamarine floors in the Duplex Pool Access  and Pool Access rooms were a particularly unattractive design element. Duplex Pool Access Villas have two floors and simple dark wood veneer furniture, some of which is worn. Wall art includes bright photographs of local houses, and other decorative elements are kept to a minimum. Other rooms, like the various Plunge Pool Villas that we visited, have more stylish hardwood floors, along with deep maroon accents throughout. All rooms are air-conditioned and guests can request extra fans. Villas have outdoor living areas, some with stunning views of either the pool or the ocean, but privacy can be somewhat compromised in Ocean Access Villas as people walk along the beach. All villas feature direct access to a shared pool, or their own plunge pools., as well as flat-screen TVs, safes, and minibars. Bathrooms are modern throughout, with sleek glazed concrete finishes and contemporary fixtures. Most include walk-in showers, but some higher category rooms have tubs or jetted tubs. Mosquitos can be an issue and not all beds are set up with mosquito nets. 

The main draw of this hotel, in terms of public features, is the beach, which is sandy and set with lounge chairs -- it's directly behind the hotel. Beach vendors regularly patrol the area and sell everything from coconuts to manicure services. Guests can borrow kayaks from the hotel. The hotel lacks a true shared pool -- don't expect to laze about sipping tropical drinks with other guests (instead, the rooms all have their own pools, or direct access to a shared pool). The small bar and one restaurant are adequate, but most people head into Chaweng to eat for more variety after the free breakfast is served -- shuttle services run twice daily into town. Room service is available and there are private barbecue facilities for guests to use. There's a modern gym with limited cardio and weight equipment, and massage services can be arrange, though there is no spa on-site. The hotel's free Wi-Fi is generally quick.