Papillon Resort is a tranquil, budget-friendly spot directly on the ocean, but with no sandy beach. It's outside Chaweng, down a dead-end road, which keeps the noise and party crowd at bay. There's a swimming pool, a kids' pool, and a hot tub, and plenty of sun loungers. The popular seafront Cafe des Arts has tables on the terrace, and serves French, Italian, and Thai food, and drinks. French owned, the restaurant draws a large French-speaking crowd, but everyone is made to feel welcome here.

The Papillon Resort is at the northern end of Chaweng Beach on Koh Samui's east coast. It lies off the main road down a small road that dead ends at the resort. Chaweng's restaurants and bars are not within walking distance, and guests must rely on taxis. There are other restaurants and bars in the vicinity, but guests must climb a steep hill to reach them. While the Papillon is right on the sea, there is no beach here, as the water comes right up to the property, which sits above it. The airport is a five- to 10-minute drive from the resort. 

The Papillon Resort has a range of bungalow-style rooms -- five are waterfront and 18 face a lush garden -- each with its own layout. Mini Suites come with a bed in a small loft, reached by stairs, above the sitting area -- be aware that there's not much head room in the loft space. All are simply decorated with handcrafts in the Lana-Thai style. All come with safes, mostly flat-screen TVs, DVD players, mini-fridges, tables and chairs, small terraces, and free Wi-Fi. Stone-tiled bathrooms are small -- no tubs -- but include toiletries and hairdryers.

Papillon Resort is small, and doesn't have such features as a fitness center or spa. It does have two swimming pools, including a kids' pool, right by the sea with plenty of sun loungers. A whirlpool sits above the main pool, which guests can slide right into. There is also a small outdoor "sala" hut  with massages available. The resort's Le Cafe des Arts serves French, Italian, and Thai food, with tables out on the terrace overlooking the sea, along with a bar area with a pool table. There isn't a sand beach, but the ocean comes right up to a seawall that's accessible via stairs.