Chantaramas Resort & Spa

This upscale resort is privately owned by a pair of local sisters who grew up on the island. Interestingly enough, one of the owners names is Chantara -- she was born on December 25, so the name of the hotel is a blend of her name and the word Christmas. The hotel is located at the base of a hill that's covered with lush vegetation, and the grounds here are dominated by grassy lawns and lots of tropical plants and palm trees. The lobby takes full advantage of the hotel's tropical jungle ambience, with huge open windows that look out on the grounds and high ceilings supported by columns that vaguely resemble the trunks of tropical palms. Most guests here are couples and groups of friends in search of a quieter alternative to the hotels found in Haad Rin's busier party areas.

Chantaramas Resort & Spa is located on a lovely swathe of white-sand beach, at the bottom of a hill. The area is relatively quiet, though there are an ATM and a few restaurants in the immediate vicinity. Guests wanting more action can take a 10-minute car trip down to Haad Rin Nok, where monthly full moon parties are held -- the nearby Haad Rin Pier also offers ferries to Koh Samui Airport. Getting to Than Sadet Waterfall National Park takes about 20 minutes by car, and it takes around the same amount of time to reach Phaeng Waterfall.

The resort offers a range of elegant, air-conditioned rooms and villas (some with small outdoor plunge pools). All units have a similar decor scheme, with dark-wood floors and matching furniture, high vaulted ceilings with dark-wood beams and accents, and pops of pale yellow on accent walls and throw cushions. Standard amenities include kettles, minibars, flat-screen TVs with cable and DVD players, digital safes, and robes. Bathrooms are bright, with unusual vessel sinks that resemble large stone bowls. Separate walk-in showers and soaking tubs are an upscale touch. All units have large balconies or patios with chairs and tables and some Supreme Deluxe units add whirlpool hot tubs outside. 

Features at this resort are centered on relaxation and wellness and include -- as the name suggests -- a lovely spa with massages and treatments for singles and couples. The swimming pool is equally lovely with a row of shaded lounge chairs and an infinity edge and views out over the sea. There's also a small beach with white sand and a few more lounge chairs, but not a ton of coastline between the property and the calm, warm waters. For those who want to dine on the property, the beachfront Moon Deck restaurant and bar offers both semi-open indoor (covered) seating as well as a deck of sun beds. Breakfast is included in room rates. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.