After the disappointment of our Mumbai failure we were in need of a real pick-me-up. Koh Samui offers an incredible selection of luxury accommodation and acknowledging that our budget wouldn’t stretch to the fabulous-looking W Hotel Samui or the Six Senses we were lucky to find that the Kala Samui Resort had last-minute half-price rooms.
What a spectacular property it is. Hugging the smooth rocks on the coast between busy Chaweng and Lamai beaches it really fit the bill.
We opted for one of the seven one-bedroom villas with a private pool. Room 101 has magnificent views over the turquoise ocean to the busy lights of Chaweng. It also is on the end of the row so is more private and the open-air rainfall shower was very impressive. The private pool is actually on the lower level below the bedroom but is a good size and receives a pleasing amount of sun in both the morning and afternoon. Down another set of stairs and you reach a small sun deck with a table and two chairs – a great spot to sink a few Singha beers while listening to lapping waves. Just a few steps from the sun-deck and you reach your own small rocky beach where the crabs go about their business and you can easily wade-in for a paddle or snorkel.
Room 101 bathroom
Room 101 outdoor rainfall shower
Inside room 101
Room 101 private pool deck
View from the private pool
Main hotel pool
The hotel’s Rabbit Bar
Daily breakfast at the restaurant – yoghurt with mango, fruit plate and fruit pancakes
Other breakfast options all included in the room rate were banana muffins, toast, poached eggs with spinach, omelet with bacon and potato, or the Asian option of chicken with rice or noodles
Pros:
- Incredible views
- Real feeing of luxury
- Great breakfast included in the room rate and served any time you were ready up until 6pm
- Direct access to small rocky beach and good snorkelling
- Free Kayak and snorkel hire
- Infinity pool
- One free daily transfer to Chaweng Beach at 4pm and one free daily transfer to Lamai Beach at 11am
Cons
- Not really walking distance to anywhere and not a lot of passing taxis so your best bet is booking a transfer with the hotel (300bht one-way to either Chaweng or Lamai)
- Dinner at the hotel restaurant is pricey and portions are not large, although room service was better
- Only a short 5-6pm daily happy which gives you two drinks from a selected list including for the price of one (and you are still paying more than you would for a cocktail on the beach)
The Kala Samui, 210/8 Moo 4, T.Maret, Koh Samui,Surat Thani 84310, Thailand
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