Zazen Boutique Resort & Spa

The ambience at Zazen Resort is tranquil and serene thanks to manicured tropical grounds, peaceful common areas to relax in, and a picturesque white-sand beach. The family-owned hotel was established in the '90s ago and comes from humble beginnings; it's first configuration consisted of just a handful of simple wooden bungalows dotted along the beach. Over the years it has developed into one of Koh Samui's premier boutique hotels, yet is still family run and has retained much of it's original character, which can be summed up as rustic, eclectic, and artsy. The common spaces have been designed with the tropics in mind and are bright and airy, with most structures featuring an open-air design. Natural building materials have been used throughout, which gives the spaces an earthy yet polished look, with orange stucco walls, thatched roofs, and terra-cotta floor tiles. Interiors feature a blend of Thai, Moroccan, and Indian design elements. It's easy to see why the hotel is such a popular choice for couples and honeymooners, as the setting is intimate, romantic, and peaceful.

Zazen Boutique Resort is located along Bophut Beach, a 20-minute walk or five-minute drive from Fisherman's Village, a vibrant tourist hub lined with designer boutiques, funky cafes, and beachfront restaurants. Chaweng, Koh Samui's main tourism and party district, is around a 30-minute drive from the hotel. Chaweng features a buzzing nightlife scene with tons of bars, nightclubs, and cabaret shows, plus has plenty of dining and shopping options, including the largest shopping mall on the island -- Central Festival Samui. The Lomprayah catamaran speed boats leave from the Maenam Pier (a 15-minute drive away) to Surat Thani, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. The Samui International Airport is located about a 25-minute drive from the hotel.

Zazen Boutique Resort has three different room types on offer: Beachfront Deluxe Rooms, Garden Deluxe Rooms, and Garden Villas. All of the room types have identical amenities and feature similar layouts and stylings, but varying views. The Beachfront Deluxe Rooms offer ocean views and the other room types overlook the tropical grounds. Rooms feature a combination of Thai and Mediterranean design elements, with earthy orange colored stucco walls, natural stone features, hardwood floors and trim, and terra-cotta tiled terraces. An eclectic range of art is on display with colorful photographs of Thailand, intricate wood carvings, and paintings done by local artists. Rooms are furnished with platform beds and quality mattresses, low couches, outdoor terrace seating, vanity dressing tables, and spacious wardrobes. Standard amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, safes, free Wi-Fi, iPod docks, refrigerated minibars, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and free bottled water.

Bathrooms have a partially open-air design with a gap between the walls and ceiling that lets in fresh air. The bathrooms have a stylish yet rustic look, with light colored plastered walls, hardwood floors, and stone features. All bathrooms include rainfall showers, large vanity countertops with porcelain sinks, and large mirrors. Hairdryers, bathrobes, slippers, and lemongrass-scented bath and body products are provided.

Zazen features an excellent range of facilities, and its biggest asset is the picturesque white-sand beach that it overlooks. However, one consistent guest complaint is that the waters out front of the hotel can get crowded with fishing boats -- making it difficult to swim. The outdoor swimming pool has a relaxing setting with tropical surroundings, tall trees, and plenty of lounge chairs laid out. Guests can order drinks or foods to the pool as it's adjacent to the restaurant. Le Rouge Lounge is a relaxed, fine dining, multi-cuisine restaurant with gorgeously appointed interiors, indoor and alfresco dining areas, and ocean views. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a focus on fresh seafood and an extensive menu that includes authentic home-style Thai dishes plus French and Mediterranean specialities. The hotel's underground wine cellar contains over 300 different wines. Breakfast is included in room rates and served buffet style, with a great spread that includes eggs made-to-order, pancakes, french toast, a salad bar, fresh fruits and juices, cereals, bacon and sausages, deli meats, cheeses, and baked goods. Le Salon De Ti is a chic lounge housed above the restaurant, which specializes in tea and French pastries.  

Le Spa Zen offers a range of beauty and massage treatments, and features open-air couples massage rooms set overlooking the tropical scenery. The spa is also equipped with a sauna and steam room. Other facilities include a small boutique shop and a business lounge with comfy couches, a desktop computer, and a selection of books and DVDs that guests can borrow. There's a well equipped fitness center and yoga shala, plus guests can use the kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and bikes free of charge. Room rates also include Wi-Fi, and on-site parking.