BEEN THERE DONETHAT
ROOM NUMBER 2204 JUNIOR SUITE BEACH WING Amari Koh Samui
14/3 Moo 2, Bo Phut, Chaweng Beach, Samui, Surat Thani, Thailand 84320 Tel: 077-300-306/7 Website: www.amari.com/koh-samui/ Email: kohsamui@amari.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/AmariKohSamui/
Nestledin a secluded part of the lively Chaweng beach, Amari Koh Samui is a five-star resort with 193 rooms and suites. It has two major zones: the Beach Wing, suitable for honeymooners and loving couples, and Thai Village, popular among family and friends. Guests can relax or have a romantic dinner on the beach, or enjoy fun activities in and around the resort. A stay here is a pleasant getaway from the bustle of urban life.
ATMOSPHERE
Located on a pristine beach with stunning views over the Gulf of Thailand, the resort consists of two-storey buildings set in a tropical environment with coconut and palm trees. The outdoor design is contemporary Thai, the interior modern and minimal yet functional, and coconut-inspired.
LOCATION
The resort is a 10-minute walk to Chaweng, 5km or a 10-minute drive to Samui airport, Wat Plai Laem and Bo Phut Walking Street, and 20km to Nathon Pier. The shuttle bus runs to Ozo Chaweng Samui, past Central Samui. Airport transfers are 400 baht per head each way.
CLEANLINESS
The lobby, restaurants, swimming pools and other facilities of the resort are clean and well-maintained. The room I stayed in was spotless. The resort was recently renovated.
SERVICE QUALITY
Check-in and check out were fast. The front desk is open 24 hours. Hotel staff provided good service and were friendly, polite and eager to respond to requests. Buggies for travel between the Beach Wing and the Thai Village were quick.
FACILITIES
All rooms have a private balcony or terrace. The resort has two swimming pools, a kids’ club, gym, spa and meeting space. Its airy and comfy Voyager Lounge provides free Wi-Fi, showers and luggage-sized lockers for waiting guests. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
F&B
The breakfast buffet as well as Asian dishes at Amaya Food Gallery are tasty. Light lunch, sandwiches and coconut desserts at Amaya Cafe are good and inexpensive. Pizza and other Italian dishes at Prego by Executive Chef Marco Boscaini are a must-try. So are signature cocktails Samui Blue Sky and Hot Lips.
GUEST SAFETY
The resort offers 24-hour security and its public areas are equipped with CCTV. Guards are on duty to help guests cross the street dividing the Beach Wing and Thai Villa. Each guestroom has a safe and smoke detectors.
ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL CONCERNS
The resort promotes energy- and water-saving and uses a motion-sensor light system in all rooms. It is part of a campaign to support education, such as building classrooms and giving learning tools to needy schools. Its staff and guests build check dams in forests annually. Rooms on the ground floor are wheelchair-accessible.
SPA
The resort’s Breeze Spa provides a wide range of massages and other treatments. The Samui Pina Colada treatment I had was outstanding and helped soothe sun-damaged skin and promote skin glow. It is exclusive to this spa and contains a special blend of organic extra-virgin coconut oil, vitamins and berries.
RATE
Rates per night range from 8,100 baht++ for Deluxe Pool View rooms to 10,500 baht++ for Deluxe Family Duplex, 12,800 baht++ for Junior Suite Beach Wing and 15,500 baht++ for Two Bedroom Family Suite.