The Chill Resort & Spa, Koh Chang

The Chill is a sharp addition to the resorts and hotels that crowd the western coast of Koh Chang. While many of the older resorts in this area have a cliched traditional Thai look, The Chill opts for austere minimalism and still looks mostly fresh since its opening in 2010. Upon entering, you'll spot just a few splashes of bold colors in the lobby -- mostly along the day beds and in pillows -- while communal spaces like the cozy library setting help to set a relaxed, romantic tone. Even so, most guests spend their time by the pool, or on the beach, and there are lots of loungers that are primed for reading, sunbathing, or sipping on drinks. The main pool is large and surrounded by lush tropical greenery that opens out to wonderful sea views. The resort is heavily favored by couples on beach getaways, as well as travelers on long weekends from Bangkok.

The resort sits along the northern stretches of Kai Bae Beach on the west coast of Koh Chang. It's not too built up in the surrounding area, but there are a number of bars and restaurants within a five-minute walk. There's also a 7-11 just up the road. Khlong Phlu Falls are around a 15-minute drive from the hotel, and there are hiking and cycling trails close by. From Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, there are daily flights to Trat Airport on the mainland, and from there, travelers can catch a pickup truck taxi to the ferry terminal where boats to Koh Chang's dock. Driving from Suvarnabhumi Airport to the ferry terminal will take at least four hours, and traffic from Bangkok can be especially bad on the weekends. Once on Koh Chang, expect around a 45-minute drive to the hotel. 

The 38 rooms, villas, and suites at The Chill Resort & Spa are smart and minimalist, with white walls and floors, contrasting dark wood furniture, and spare pops of bold color in the artwork and bed accessories. Some rooms offer direct pool access, while others have terraces overlooking the lush gardens. Stand-alone villas are arranged over two floors and have private plunge pools. Suites and villas also feature separate living rooms and bedrooms. All units include flat-screen TVs with DVD players, free Wi-Fi, minibars, air-conditioning, electric kettles, and safes. Guests are greeted with a seasonal Thai fruit bowl upon check-in. Rooms generally stay quiet, but pool access rooms might experience some noise from swimmers directly outside. Bathrooms are decorated in the same sleek style as the bedrooms, with walk-in rainfall showers, granite or tiled countertops, modern fixtures and fittings, and dark tile floors. Some higher category units have separate whirlpool tubs. All bathrooms include hairdryers, free toiletries, and robes and slippers. 

This resort has all of the requisite facilities for a beachfront getaway, despite it's relatively small size. Its beach is lined with palm trees, though it's quite small and tends to be a bit rocky. The hotel's large main pool sits in lush tropical gardens and has a decent number of lounge chairs. Ocean views are available from parts of the pool. A casual cafe serves an a la carte breakfast each morning (for a fee) and also offers lunches and evening meals. Food gets solid marks from most previous guests, and there's also a bar. Free newspapers, books, a large-flat screen TV, and computer terminals are available in the hotel's library. There's a small, modern fitness center, though it's really only sufficient for a basic workout, and the sleek full-service spa offers a variety of treatments. Kayaks can be rented at the beach and reception can also arrange for bike rentals. Wi-Fi is free and available throughout the property. In case you need to pick up any last-minute gifts, the hotel also has a gift shop.