Amy Adejokun
Section editor
The high standard at Chaweng Beach: one the most frequented beaches in Samui, the sophisticated hotel business of the Central Samui Beach Resort, supported by a very complete equipment, almost manages to make you forget the crowd around you...
Central Samui Beach Resort - © Patrice Hauser / EASYVOYAGE
Central Samui Beach Resort - © Patrice Hauser / EASYVOYAGE
On the fringes of Chaweng Beach (on the south side), the longest and most frequented beach in Koh Samui, on the east coast of the island. The airport is 4 miles north, which is around fifteen minutes by car. Nathon, the main town in Koh Samui, is opposite, on the west coast, 22 miles away (50 minutes by car).
There are only two categories for the 208 rooms of the Central Samui Beach Resort, all renovated in 2005: 199 Deluxe rooms and the rest are suites (8 junior, 1 royal). All rooms are opposite the sea. They have a generous area (more than 215 square feet) and offer a high standard accommodation in a particularly fancy setting: designer furniture with a successful arrangement of the bathrooms, contrasts of colours with superb materials: each detail seems to have been dealt with a special care. Same thing for the equipment: nothing is missing, including the central control panel on the bedside chest.
Built in 1996 and renovated during 2005, this very beautiful hotel - one of the most luxurious on the island - clearly shows its location through its huge and splendid lobby open on the outside, facing the beach, where everything favour relaxation in a discreetly colonial atmosphere. The hotel is parallel to the sea, 7 3-floor buildings linked to each other by covered paths and decks. The complex of the sites and common equipment (swimming pool, restaurants, sport installations, etc.) are harmoniously divided on the very vast land planted with trees separating the buildings from the shore. There is sufficient space for the hotel, even if fully booked, to offer privacy to everyone. Without being too original, the modern architecture of the complex managed to blend very effectively with the surrounding decoration.
The food offer of the Central Samui Beach Resort complies with the general service level of the establishment: quality choice, with three specific restaurants (Thai, Japanese, international) offering a sophisticated cuisine accompanied by a varied cellar. A theme evening is organised every evening, buffet style, with an orchestra to ensure musical entertainment. The beach bar is open from noon.
Opposite the hotel, the Zico's Brazilian Grill and Bar is part of it.
The public beach of Chaweng, the most frequented in Samui, has the advantage of extending its welcoming extensions of sand over many miles of seaside, then offering a vast space where to frolic, run, etc. However, the price of success, it is also highly crowded, especially during high-season, which does not make it a particularly relaxing place. Nothing to say about the swimming: the water of the Gulf of Thailand are here at a good level of cleanliness and the level is satisfactory. Many local shops offer, on the beach, water sport services and material: sailing, windsurfing, jet skiing, water skiing, diving, free diving, fishing, canoeing, banana riding, etc.
The Central Samui Beach Resort is part of a Thai hotel chain in full development, the Central Grand Plaza Hotel Public Company, which owns another establishment on the island, the Central Samui village, as well as, among others, installations in Phuket and Bangkok. The hotel has a very beautiful spa, perfectly equipped and provided with a small garden where the aromatic essences used for the body cares offered grow.
Animation.
A children club for 4 to 12 years old children takes care of them from 10 am to 5 pm every day. The adult activities are the same every day. They start in the morning at 10 am (body shape, abdos, aquagym, water volley ball) and again after lunch time till 5 pm (ping-pong, frisbee, foot, kayak).
massage, beauty salon, sauna, spa
tennis, gym, aqua gym, volleyball, beach volley, mountain bike, sailing, kayak, canoe, bums and tums, badminton, water-polo, sports
Open since 2001, the Impiana is a nice small hotel but is highly lacking in facilities as it has 98 rooms available. The hotel is located on the shores of Chaweng Noi Beach. You will need to travel for two miles to reach the centre of Chaweng. The hotel is comfortable and constructed parallel to the beach.
The Tongsai Bay Cottages follows its own rhythm. Enjoying a more remote location than the complexes at Chaweng Beach, this hotel thrives in its surroundings. Here, life takes on the relaxing and tranquil pace guests usually look for when on holiday and the complex has all the facilities you could need: spa, pool, beach, table tennis, and a relaxation area. It's true that this isn't a luxury resort, but it still holds a few secrets. In this complex, couples, families, and groups of friends all fit in in their own way. The establishment especially attracts a Japanese and Korean clientele.
The sign at the entrance sets the tone, with the following written in black and white: "Member of the Design Hotels". This statement would hardly be noticed in Berlin or in the trendy districts of London, but when you read this sign wearing flip-flops, with a gaudy shoulder bag, right in the heart of touristic Thailand between Chaweng Beach and Koh Samui, it takes on a whole new dimension. Why? First, because design is very uncommon in this region that is distinguished by its Oriental Zen style, at least in the hotels. Second, because those who feel comfortable surrounded by clean lines, solid colours, and a full complement of modern technology, will have found the establishment of their dreams here. In addition, this hotel has a number of surprises. Here's a clue: red.
The Chaweng Cove is the type of hotel you come to for the price. As long as you bear this in mind you'll know what (not) to expect and you might even go so far as to appreciate some of the things the hotel does have to offer. This is no luxury hotel but rather an economical option where elegance is not a matter of importance. The hotel offers a basic level of comfort but the cramped surroundings do make the place feel crowded. Then again, that's the price you pay for a hotel at the heart of Chaweng, standing right on the famous beach.
Open since May 2006, the Kandaburi Resort and Spa is a comfortable establishment. Its typically Thai architecture combines very well with the decor and vegetation. It benefits from a beautiful location in front of Chaweng Beach. Although the hotel does not have childcare, you can find many families but also couples.
Slightly on the outskirts of the big concentrations of Chaweng Beach, the Blue Lagoon offers a convivial atmosphere in a charming environment, despite a beach that is not always indicated for swimming.
North of Chaweng, isolated from big crowds but a 5 minute walk from the town centre, the Amari Palm Reef Resort offers a hotel business of good quality in a charming decoration.
Centara Grand Beach belongs to a Thai company but is done out in a vaguely colonial style that is certainly more Western than it is Asian. Having opened some 15 years ago, the hotel is one of Koh Samui's bigger hotels, standing in the middle of Chaweng Beach, and is something of an institution on the island. The services here are aimed at the more luxurious end of the market but are sometimes lacking in elegance. Although this establishment is ideally-located for those looking to make the most of the Chaweng nightlife, it is also a great destination for families, thanks to its comprehensive range of facilities.
Open from 1st February 2007, the Four Seasons Koh Samui is worth the reputation of the hotel chain with the same name. Isolated on the top of a hill, the establishment is far from civilisation. The setting is splendid and the impressive view is on the Gulf of Thailand. Delicacy and elegance are the keywords of the place. To taste with delight!
Entirely away from the crowd, on the west coast of Samui, the Royal Meridien Baan Taling Ngam is a very exclusive place in a magnificent environment. As costly as it is charming.
The Zazen Bungalows is a small charming hotel touching the water. It benefits from a very nice setting, undeniable comfort in a friendly and relaxing atmosphere.
To the north of Koh Samui, the Santiburi Dusit Resort is located bordering the beautiful beach of Maenam with its high quality amenities: here, there is nothing but luxury, calm and intense pleasure...
The Belmond Napasai hotel offers impeccable comfort in a dream-like setting. Couples looking for calm will be delighted with this nest at the end of the world.
On the south coast of Samui, far from big touristic concentrations, the Central Samui Village plays the card of nature and relaxation in a charming decoration. Tranquillity is guaranteed.
The sign at the entrance sets the tone, with the following written in black and white: "Member of the Design Hotels". This statement would hardly be noticed in Berlin or in the trendy districts of London, but when you read this sign wearing flip-flops, with a gaudy shoulder bag, right in the heart of touristic Thailand between Chaweng Beach and Koh Samui, it takes on a whole new dimension. Why? First, because design is very uncommon in this region that is distinguished by its Oriental Zen style, at least in the hotels. Second, because those who feel comfortable surrounded by clean lines, solid colours, and a full complement of modern technology, will have found the establishment of their dreams here. In addition, this hotel has a number of surprises. Here's a clue: red.
Quite isolated from the crowds of the northeastern coast of Samui, the Imperial Boat House displays the complete recent renovation of its set of amenities, as well as perfect originality: it offers the possibility to live in a ship, a real one.