The Sea Koh Samui Boutique Resort & Residences

The lobby of Sea Koh Samui Boutique Resort & Residences is housed in a large white building with a brown roof and Moorish-style windows. Travelers would be excused from mistaking the hotel for a condominium, as it was in fact an apartment block in a former life. In its current incarnation, though, this is a sleek, contemporary hotel that offers a lot in a tiny package. The grounds unfold behind the main building, with paved paths leading past villas surrounded by lush greenery, a lovely outdoor pool, and down to a beautiful stretch of beach. Interiors are bright and modern; the small lobby features handcrafted wooden light fixtures hanging from the ceiling, large windows letting in plenty of natural light, and a white floor and walls that continue the sunny welcome. Simple, blonde wood furnishings include the front desk and a couple of cushioned couches, plus there's a bookshelf stocked with books and DVDs available for borrow. The lingering upmarket residential vibe attracts families and couples seeking a beach getaway with less of a party vibe than many other areas in Samui.

The resort is located in the small village of Bang Por, a sleepy beach town on the north coast of Koh Samui. The resort sits right on the quiet beach, with its entrance on the island's main ring road. It's convenient for the ferry terminal to the mainland, which is about a 15-minute drive west from here, while it's about 30 minutes in the opposite direction to the airport. There's virtually no nightlife in this area, which is part of the reason many guests are drawn here, and those seeking rowdier surrounds will need to drive 30 to 45 minutes across the island to Chaweng and Lamai. There are a handful of good local restaurants around, though, and Jan Hom -- right next door -- is one of Samui's best local Thai and seafood options. If you enjoy peace and quiet, this is an excellent location away from the crowds.

The hotel offers 25 suites and villas that range in size from One- and Two-bedroom Suites to Three-Bedroom Villas. All of them are spacious and modern, with separate living rooms and full kitchens, which include stovetop ranges, ovens, full-size refrigerators, hot water kettles, and full cutlery sets -- toasters and coffeemakers are included in all but the entry-level rooms. Contemporary interiors have dark wood floors and simple blonde wood furniture, while beds are on a raised wooden platform, adding to the sharp look. The color palette is appropriately beachy, though on trend, with plenty of sandy tones plus off-white and sage green accents. There's little in the way of wall art, and the look can best be described as minimalist. Most suites have private balconies with sea views, though the entry-level suites overlook the street. Some suites and all villas also have private pools. Other amenities include flat-screen TVs with cable channels, DVD players, safes,and free Wi-Fi. Large, modern bathrooms have big stone whirlpool tubs as well as separate walk-in rainfall showers. Spacious granite vanities hold marble vessel sinks, bathrobes and slippers, and a nice selection of toiletries are provided.

Aside from a beautiful stretch of beach dotted with sun loungers and umbrellas, the resort also offers a lovely 20-meter (66-foot) outdoor swimming pool that overlooks the restaurant and sea. Loungers and umbrellas are set on concrete blocks right in the water. There's also a small adjacent kids' pool for the young ones. The hotel has a compact, bright fitness room equipped with a couple of modern machines and a proper selection of free weights, as well as a spa that provides massages and facials.For dining and drinking, the hotel's Love Is In The Sea restaurant and bar sits right by the beach. The open-air eatery serves free breakfasts ranging from a la carte choices to buffets that included cooked-to-order eggs, as well as Thai and international dishes for lunch and dinner. A kids' menu is also available. Private romantic dinners can be arranged, as well as beach barbecues and cooking classes. Reviews on food are mixed, though, and the price of the menu is predictably much higher than at local dining spots. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and wedding services area available.