The exterior of Dara Samui is beautifully designed with North Lanna architecture and influence. Statues of twin dragons greet guests in front of white steps that lead into the spacious lobby, dramatically painted in tones of purple, gold, and red. Elephant statues and floor-to-ceiling purple pillars painted with gold designs add interest to the space. A day bed and circular wicker couch provide places to relax.

The Dara attracts a mix of couples and families looking for a convenient beach holiday in the center of Chaweng. The main hangout here is of course the beach and pool, both of which are crowded all day. In the evening, the scene shifts to the two on-site restaurants, one of which is right next to the beach and serves romantic dinners, while the other faces the main road, taking in all of Chaweng's busy nightlife, and has live music each evening. The resort is a casual place, certainly not fancy, but budget and value seekers might want to head elsewhere. 

The Dara Samui Beach Resort is located on Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui's premier party town and main beach. The resort is toward the northern end of town, and occupies space between the beach road and beach. It's a short stroll in any direction to plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops, and it's only a 10- to 15-minute drive to the airport. It's a convenient location, although Chaweng is on the airport's departure flight path, making for overhead noise. The nightlife and streets can get pretty raucous. 

The rooms at the Dara Samui Beach feature northern Thai Lanna decor, with patterned bed and cushion covers, rattan day beds, and wood floors. All rooms come with small desks, large 32-inch flat-screen TVs, DVD players, electric kettles, mini-fridges, hairdryers, slippers and robes, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms feature separate bathtubs and showers. Hand-painted sinks and green tile look cheerful. The higher category Villa and Suite rooms have four-poster beds and the Villas feature outdoor rain showers. All rooms have furnished balconies or terraces, although they don't offer any real views; one cannot see the beach or sea from any of the rooms. 

Despite having Spa Villa in its name, the Dara Samui does not have a spa. It doesn't have a fitness center either. What it does offer is a meandering pool, more suitable as a decoration than for swimming, as it is narrow, shallow, and winds through the beach area of the property. Statues of topless mermaids and swimming dolphins add interest to the pool deck. The beach is beautiful, but the area in front of the resort is somewhat narrow.

The resort has two popular restaurants: The Serene is located right along the beach, and serves buffet breakfasts, lunch, and romantic seafood dinners along with international and Thai fare. Breakfast is included with some room packages. There's a pool bar that serves drinks throughout the day. In front of the resort on the beach road side is the Lanna, a Thai restaurant that also serves fresh seafood. At night they have live music and feature different theme nights throughout the week.

Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.