Coral Bay Resort, Koh Samui, Thailand

Hi all! We keep intending to write but being blissfully relaxed is taking up all our time and energy! Thanks so much for turning us on to Coral Bay Resort. At the risk of sounding like one of those effusive tourist brochures... the place is seriously paradisiacal.

Picture this. Ten acres of coconut-palmed hillside sloping gently down to a secluded beach on the undeveloped northeast coast of Koh Samui. Endless jungle gardens of exotic tropical plants and fragrant flowers.

You know, those lush but not manicured kind of gardens that invite meandering... unless of course you’re just too busy lounging by the sea-view pool sipping a refreshing drink. Which is what we end up doing every afternoon. (We’ll go sightseeing tomorrow, we keep telling ourselves.)

Besides, why venture forth when everything we need is right here? Our thatched-roofed wood and stone bungalow is perfect. Like the gardens it’s well tended and has all the modern conveniences yet exudes a homey naturalness. (We understand all Samui resorts were built in this rustic style before concrete replaced coconut wood as the construction material of choice!)

We begin each day with an American breakfast served al fresco at the Pakarang restaurant. Yeah, it’s a hard life gazing out beyond the magnificent flowering bougainvillea at the gentle waves lapping the sand. If we feel super energetic we might wade across to Koh Matlang, a tiny island opposite the resort, and snorkel around the reef. But mainly we just hang out reading. Or better still, eating. The food here is incredible. It actually tastes Thai! (Unlike that westernized stuff that masquerades as Thai cuisine in so many restaurants.)

Listen. You guys should DEFINITELY think about coming along with us next time. We’ll book the luxurious Baan Chomjan villa (three bedrooms and bathrooms, a kitchen, dining room, living room, balcony, private entrance) and just chill. Sounds like an amazingly good plan, n’est-ce pas?

Oops, it’s nearly sunset beverage time at the Coco-Rock Beach Bar. Gotta go watch the sky turn pinky violet and listen to eclectic grooves from their vast CD collection. And face the heaviest decision of the day: what to have for dinner! Take care and see you soon (if we ever manage to tear ourselves away from here).

Who we are ...

Coral Bay Resort is designed for travelers in search of a relaxing and eco-friendly holiday experience. The peaceful natural environment of Coral Bay Resort minimizes the stress of today's urban lifestyle and offers a welcome alternative to the crowded concrete establishments that, unfortunately, are becoming all too prevalent on Koh Samui. Our 53 bungalows are set amid 10 acres of lush tropical gardens, ensuring an atmosphere of serenity and privacy. Surrounded by luxuriant coconut palms and flowering shrubs, the charming Samui-style dwellings (built of wood and stone with traditional thatched roofs) offer high standards of comfort.

Our Philosophy ...

Since opening in 1982, we've worked hard to maintain the delicate balance between preserving the natural charm of Koh Samui while providing the amenities for our discerning guests. The abundant tropical flora creates a sanctuary for many species of birds, butterflies and squirrels. Ever conscious of the environment, we use recycled waste water to maintain the extensive gardens and new plants in our nursery.

The waste water is pretreated through three stages of septic tanks before filtering through a natural treatment system of gravel, water hyacinths, cattails and fish. This "constructed wetlands" system has enabled us to indulge our passion for gardening on an island where fresh water is a precious commodity.

Each of our native style, thatched-roofed, wood and stone bungalows has a spacious interior, a huge private balcony commanding a view of extensive tropical gardens or the sea and are equipped with air-conditioning, ceiling fans in both the room and balcony, skylight in the bathroom, hot/cold shower, refrigerator and fully stocked mini bar, tea/coffee making facilities and a personal electronic safe .

:: Deluxe Double & Beachfront Deluxe Double ::

Contemporary design elements combine with the one-of-a-kind interior and exterior furnishings to create a uniquely elegant yet funky ambiance. Each spacious bungalow comprises 75 m 2 (including a large 25 m 2 balcony), with large bay windows, and is decorated with unusual furnishings handcrafted from indigenous Koh Samui materials.

All deluxe doubles have an extra large 7-ft bed as well as a day bed that can be used for a third person or child. The large airy bathroom boasts a small interior garden, hammered stainless sink bowls, complimentary toiletries are custom-formulated using all natural botanicals with our signature fragrance, a skylight, and overflow showers. The spacious balcony area is equipped with comfy deck chairs and loungers. Cooled by sea breezes and a ceiling fan, it's a perfect daytime or nighttime hangout.

:: Superior Family ::

Newly renovated and set amidst lush tropical gardens toward the rear of the property, the Superior Family bungalows are furnished in our signature funky-chic style and are perfect for a small family or several friends. The 80 m2 two-bedroom units feature original furniture handcrafted from indigenous Koh Samui woods and bamboo as well as locally produced fixtures and artwork.

All include air conditioning, ceiling fan, IDD telephone line, free broadband connection, cable TV, CD/DVD/mp3 player, refrigerator, mini bar, safe and coffee/tea making facilities and bathrobes as standard amenities. The two sleeping areas are separated by the dressing foyer and bathroom. The extra-large 7-ft bed in the front bedroom with a day bed can accommodate up to three persons, while the two twin-sized beds and day bed in the rear bedroom are perfect for children.

The large airy bathroom boasts a small interior garden, hammered stainless sink bowls, complimentary toiletries are custom-formulated using all natural botanicals with our signature fragrance, a skylight, and overflow showers. Each 20 m2 balcony looks out onto the gardens, some with vistas of the sea in the distance and features area is comfy deck chairs and loungers. Cooled by sea breezes and a ceiling fan, it’s a perfect daytime or nighttime hangout.

:: Deluxe Family & Beachfront Deluxe Family ::

Perfect for families or a group of friends, the original furniture and fittings in these spacious new bungalows create a rustic, elegant feel. Located towards the front of the property, these beachfront units are just steps away from the beach while the higher units command breathtaking sea views.

The 104 m2 bungalows are built like a duplex: the two side-by-side-bedrooms share the large 30 m2 balcony, but have separate large and airy bathrooms with complimentary toiletries, custom-formulated using all natural botanicals with our signature fragrance. Each of the interconnecting bedrooms has an extra large 7-ft four-poster bed as well as a day bed that can be used for a third person (or child).

An IDD telephone line, free broadband connection, cable TV, CD/DVD/mp3 player, refrigerator, safe and coffee/tea making facilities and bathrobes are standard in each room, as are the original art pieces, native fabrics and unique artifacts. Equipped with plenty of comfy deck chairs and loungers, the wide balcony area is cooled by sea breezes and ceiling fans and makes a perfect daytime or nighttime hangout.

:: Baan Chomjan Villa ::

The stunning Baan Chomjan Villa is located on one side of the resort, close enough for easy access to the beach, pool and restaurants yet totally self-contained for those desiring greater solitude. Offering uninterrupted vistas over a secluded bay, the luxurious Baan Chomjan Villa is aptly named “moon-viewing house.”

The Thai word “jan” (moon) also refers to the clusters of huge white moon flowers that climb the trellis in front of the spacious and ultra-private villa and bloom only in the late afternoon. Built of teak, local hardwoods, sandstone and slate, the villa embodies a simultaneously lavish yet earthy design, redolent of an island-style country residence.

The 55 m2 master bedroom on the ground floor opens onto a spacious private terrace. With its ensuite bathroom, chaise lounge, writing desk, and 21” cable TV, the large airy space makes a perfect hideaway within the villa. The room stays pleasantly cool either by using the air conditioner or in the cooler seasons, by opening the sliding doors to let in the sea breezes. Upstairs, each of the two 32 m2 bedrooms has a balcony, ensuite bathroom and a ceiling fan as well as air conditioner.

Ingeniously arrayed under a tall vaulted ceiling, the fully air conditioned open-plan living room, den and kitchen/dining area offer maximum space and functionality.

The den has plenty of comfortable seating for reading or watching the 50" flat panel LCD TV with its surround-sound speaker system. Web surfers can check emails on the computer workstation with an ADSL connection online all the time. Wi-Fi is available from various access points in the villa (den, upstairs balcony, living and dining rooms and the terrace). For those who prefer cooking at home, the European-style kitchen is fully equipped with all major appliances including a 4-burner stove and oven, microwave as well as utensils and cutlery.

Ingeniously arrayed under a tall vaulted ceiling, the fully air conditioned open-plan living room, den and kitchen/dining area offer maximum space and functionality. The den has plenty of comfortable seating for reading or watching the 50" flat panel LCD TV with its surround-sound speaker system. Web surfers can check emails on the computer workstation with an ADSL connection online all the time. Wi-Fi is available from various access points in the villa (den, upstairs balcony, living and dining rooms and the terrace). For those who prefer cooking at home, the European-style kitchen is fully equipped with all major appliances including a 4-burner stove and oven, microwave as well as utensils and cutlery.

Although the hotel pool is only a few meters away, an added perk is the new 4m x 10m private lap pool for the exclusive use of Baan Chomjan and Baan Chomdao guests. Built on a raised concrete surface with a wooden deck, it’s surrounded by sandstone tiles and features a lava rock waterfall. Nearly hidden behind lush tropical trees and flowers, the lap pool is sunny until noon and stays pleasantly cool and shady during the hot afternoons. The built-in swim jet will provide a challenge for those in need of a serious workout.

The beautifully appointed Baan Chomjan is set apart in its own compound with private entrance and night time security. The rate is inclusive of breakfast and tax for up to six persons. For an extra charge, an additional two people can be accommodated by converting the two day beds in the den into single beds. Those sleeping in the den can either share one of the upstairs ensuite bathrooms or use the guest toilet downstairs. Baan Chomjan residents also have full use of all hotel facilities.

Eats and drinks ...

Whether you're a carnivore or a vegetarian, a bon vivant or a teetotaler, you'll find something to satisfy your needs on our extensive food and drink menu. Our guests often say we serve the best Thai food on the island. They appreciate that we don't tone down the flavors to satisfy westernized notions of Thai cuisine unless we're specifically requested to do so.

Plus we use only the fresh coconut cream in our curries and cocktails. (With nearly 200 coconut trees on site, why buy the canned stuff?) At the Pakarang ("coral" in Thai) restaurant, you'll never feel enclosed, whether dining indoors or al fresco on the wooden deck.

Sipping an exotic cocktail (shaken, never stirred) at the Coco-rock Beach Bar is an ideal way to celebrate the end of yet another perfect day at Coral Bay Resort.

HANGING OUT HERE ...

Our free-form swimming pool HANGING OUT HERE Being in paradise doesn't mean being bored! On site is a fresh water swimming pool (with children's section) overlooking the sea, plus ping pong and beach volleyball. The coral reef in the bay offers good snorkeling, fishing and shelling.

The tiny island of Koh Matlang opposite the resort has an adjacent reef and is accessible by short long-tail boat or at low tide, by wading. Snorkeling equipment and kayaks are available for rent, as are jeeps and motorbikes. Windsurfers, para-sailers, scooters and jet skis can be rented on the main part of nearby Chaweng beach..

SPA ...

Our new spa is located next to the swimming pool. With its cool interiors and intimate setting, it's an ideal hideaway for a day of pampering and healing. Detox in the infrared sauna followed by a high pressure jet massage, then bliss out under the gentle care of our well-trained therapists. We take pride in using only the very best natural products to ensure that you benefit fully from each treatment with no possibility of an allergic reaction.

Consult our Spa Manager, who is also a registered nurse, to choose a therapy to suit your needs or have a package custom-designed for you. Whatever your choice, we aim to de-stress, detoxify, soothe away your aches and pains, rejuvenate and elevate your sense of well-being. Go ahead, make your day! Give your body the treat it deserves.

TOUR DESK ACTIVITIES ...

Fishing and snorkeling trips to Koh Matsum and Koh Taen, PADI Diving courses, Angthong Marine National Park tour; Kayaking at the Angthong Marine Park; Koh Pha-ngan tour; Koh Samui Island tour; Koh Tao and Nang Yuan tour; Jungle Safari, Guided Hiking trips to the hills of Samui, Elephant Trekking, Pearl Diving.

HANGING OUT THERE ...

For those who want a change from their perpetually blissed out state here at Coral Bay Resort, there's plenty to see and do on Koh Samui. Our tour desk can arrange a variety of local excursions and activities on Koh Samui as well as to surrounding islands. PADI diving courses

Water sports : Windsurfing, para-sailing, scooter and jet ski rentals are available on Chaweng beach around the corner from the resort's bay.

Entertainment : The bars on Chaweng and Lamai offer Thai boxing, transvestite cabaret shows and other exotic nighttime entertainment, as well as dancing from dusk 'til dawn. Food wise, resident expatriates from Italy, France and Germany are constantly opening (and often closing) all manner of restaurants in Chaweng, Bophud and Maenam. Some are actually fabulous! The notorious Full Moon Night Party is still going strong in Koh Pha-ngan once a month.