Sala, Koh Samui

Away from the craziness of Chaweng and on what is possibly Koh Samui’s best beach, Choeng Mon, Sala is a little paradise of stylish and spacious villas.

There’s even more reason to stay there this year – take advantage of their ‘2010 Disc’ offer which includes a 10% discount for those who stay at the hotel between now and 31^st July…yippee! This special includes daily breakfast for two, roundtrip transfers from/to Samui Airport, 10% discount on all f&b and late check out…how generous is that?

While we’d love to splash out and stay at the presidential pool villa suite, we absolutely love the more reasonable (but just as stylish) garden pool villas – they have their own outdoor patios, private swimming pools, full sized bathtubs in the garden and outdoor rain showers. The flat screen TVs, flashy home entertainment systems and free wireless internet don’t hurt either!

There are two beachfront swimming pools, though you’ll probably catch us taking an afternoon massage on one of the floating salas which look as though they hover over a tranquil lotus pond.

Private dining in your own villa is a popular way to eat in the hotel, with all dishes from the two international restaurants available on command. Bars in the resort include the Sala Samui and the Pangagea – the former is a trendy new beach bar serving a variety of local and imported beers, wines, liquors and specialty drinks while the latter is an extension of the multicultural gourmet restaurant. The hotel houses Koh Samui’s only beachfront wine cellar and a range of bottles from around the world are yours to sample at the regular wine tastings.

Stroll down the beach and check out one of the bargain restaurants for cheap and cheerful grub and fresh fish specialties. Sala really is a supremely relaxing (and stylish) hideaway.

Deluxe balcony rooms from THB 6990 (approx HKD 1,680) per night.

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