Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [489]
Moon (0 7724 7740; bungalows 600-1800B) Moon is a throwback to an earlier time when Samui was rife with seaside shacks. Several modern concrete cottages have recently sprung up on the property – they’re comfortable and clean, and they don’t detract from the general laid-back jungle-on-the-beach atmosphere. The large wood-beamed restaurant is the heart of the action.
Health Oasis Resort (0 7742 0124; www.healthoasisresort.com; bungalows 800-4500B; ) If you’re lookin’ to get ‘cleansed’ – whether it’s your aura or your colon – then you’ve happened upon the right place. Guests can choose from a variety of healing packages involving everything from meditation to fasting. Bungalows are modern and receive plenty of sunshine. There’s also a vegetarian restaurant on site, of course.
Four Seasons Koh Samui (0 7724 3000; www.fourseasons.com/kohsamui; villas 30,000B) Four Seasons feels more like a private village than a resort. The international luxury brand has purchased an entire peninsula at the far western corner of Bang Po, and transformed it into a hilly enclave. A ridiculous amount of on-site amenities means that you’ll probably never leave the grounds. Each villa has a large private plunge-pool and spacious sitting areas. Should you decide to be more social, there’s a beautiful stretch of flaxen sand offering beach chairs and water sports.
WEST COAST
Largely the domain of Thai tourists, Samui’s west coast doesn’t have the most picturesque beaches, but it’s a welcome escape from the east-side bustle.
Na Thon
The island’s main settlement is dominated by the ferry pier and is not much to look at. There’s really no reason to stay here, but if for some reason you feel compelled, try the following.
Jinta Hotel (0 7742 0630, 0 7723 6369; www.jintasamui.com; r 500-650B; ai) Jinta’s white walls and linoleum floors feel a bit institutional, but they get the job done. All rooms have satellite TV.
Grand Sea View Hotel (0 7742 0441; www.grandseaviewbeachhotel.com; r 1000-2000B; ai) Na Thon’s pick of the litter, this five-floor hotel is popular with visiting businessmen. Spacious rooms have sparkling tile floors, light wooden framing, air-conditioning and cable TV. The higher levels have great views over the town and sea.
Taling Ngam
A quiet stop south of Nathon Thon, Taling Ngam is a charming hideaway with a quaint local village nearby.
Wiesenthal (0 7723 5165; fax 0 7741 5480; bungalows incl breakfast 1500-2500B; ) The name sounds like a smoky German beer hall but this Thai-owned operation is a breezy beachside paradise. Cast modesty aside, spread your curtains wide, and welcome sunshine and sea views in through your floor-to-ceiling windows. Lounge-worthy porch furniture further contributes to the comfy, casual vibe established at the open-air restaurant and pool.
Ban Sabai (0 7742 8200; www.bansabaisunset.com; bungalows 6800-25,000B; ) Beautiful Baan Sabai has 20 rooms on a secluded stretch of sand and palms. Villas along the beach have multiroom lavatories under a charming patchwork of thatching and starlight. Rooms have a private waterfall – the bathtubs receive water from a charming cascade-like faucet. The intimate common spaces and semi-detached cottages make this resort a great place to relax with friends.
Baan Taling Ngam Resort (0 7742 9100; www.baan-taling-ngam.com; bungalows 8500-16,000B; ) Unlike most of Samui’s five-star digs, Baan Taling Ngam has been designed in a ‘classic Thai’ theme. Luxuriously appointed guest accommodation contains custom-made Thai-style furnishings and the service here is impeccable. As it’s not right on the beach, a shuttle service transports guests back and forth; airport and ferry transfers are also provided.
SOUTH COAST
The southern end of Ko Samui is spotted with rocky headlands and smaller sandy coves. Accommodation is mostly midrange and top end.
Laem Set Inn (0 7723 3299; www.laemset.com; bungalows 1200-20,000B; ais) This secluded paradise offers