Guests arriving at the Mai Samui Resort & Spa, most of whom are vacationing couples and families, are met with welcome drinks and a cold towels after passing through a round portal into a pagoda-like pavilion. Inside the open-air lobby, sculpted seahorses prance on an installation behind a small reception desk, with rich wooden screens decorating a breezy lounge. Outside, the property sprawls out through a series of connected pools and manicured gardens.

Mai Samui Resort & Spa is on the quieter northwestern side of the island, directly on Laem Yai Beach. There isn't much within walking distance, but Nathon Pier (with ferry routes to the mainland) is less than a 10-minute drive to the south; in addition, the Lomprayah ferry pier and Mae Nam Beach are within a 20-minute drive. Both Lamai and Chaweng beaches, which have more prolific dining and shopping, are about 40 minutes away on the eastern side of the island. Koh Samui Airport is approximately 35 minutes away by car.

The resort's 97 air-conditioned rooms have modern earth-tone decor with touches of traditional Thai style and teak accents. Most have pool views, with some Deluxe Suites getting partial sea views. Deluxe Pool Access Rooms are all the the ground floor, and open to a section of the lagoon pool dominating the property, while some second-floor suites have a private pool. The Mai Pool Villas open to private infinity pools that spill into a larger communal pool with views of the sea. All units have balconies or patios, some with walk-in access to the pool. Stocked minibars, coffeemakers, and flat-screen TVs come standard, as do with work desks. The bathrooms have walk-in rainfall showers and separate soaking tubs. 

The resort's huge lagoon pool flows through most of the property, with three distinct areas and a kids' pool, amid garden paths set with lounge chairs and day beds. Pool activities include water polo, and there's volleyball and kayaking at the beach (fees may apply). Guests can also set off on mountain biking or bird watching tours, and fishing expeditions can be arranged. There are two Thai restaurants with outdoor seating and a free breakfast buffet. The beach bar has barbecues along with daily wine and cocktail hours, and Thai cooking classes can be booked. A kids' club can entertain children, while adults may indulge in the Mai Samunprai Spa's treatment rooms, which include a couples' room with a hot tub. There's also a modern fitness room with regular yoga classes plus a squash court. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.