Poppies Samui comprises 24 Thai-style cottages with peaked roofs spread among a gorgeous landscape of wooden walkways, palm trees, waterfalls, and a koi pond. There’s a small pool area with natural features like rocks and leafy plants. Much like many properties in the area, the hotel's architecture is open to the landscaped greenery at nearly every turn. The look here favors classically formal Thai decor, and there are carved wood accents throughout, plus an abundance of marble in the hotel's lobby. Throughout the rest of the property, though, the vibe is decidedly relaxed, and there's a beachfront restaurant with open-air dining that features traditional Thai music and dance on certain nights. The flat, sandy beach has umbrellas and chairs -- an even more ideal spot for kicking back -- as well as a beach bar with a thatched roof. Couples make up the lion's share of guests here, though some families do pass through as well.

The hotel is on the quieter southern end of four-mile Chaweng Beach. Other resorts are nearby, and numerous shops and restaurants line the street outside of Poppies. The nightlife of central Chaweng is around a 20-minute walk or 10-minute drive from here, while Muay Thai kickboxing at Hat Chaweng Boxing Stadium is a four-minute drive away. One of the island's more famous sights, the Big Buddha, takes about 20 minutes to reach by car, and the quaint Fisherman's Village is a 15-minute drive from the property. Samui International Airport will take just over 10 minutes to reach by road.

The hotel offers charming cottages with classically elegant Thai decor -- it's not the sleekest or most contemporary look, but everything is well-kept and has its charm. Expect to see beautiful wooden floors as well as lots of windows with leafy views. Off-white walls are hung with ornate wood carvings (and, unfortunately, advertisements for the hotel in some cases), while chunky furniture has classic Southeast Asian lines. There are nearly separate living areas in most cottages, with a day bed-style couch and wicker chair. Tile patios are furnished with chairs where guests can enjoy the open air. All rooms have mini-fridges, air-conditioning, electric kettles for coffee or tea, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi, though some guests find the Internet connection spotty. Thoughtful touches like fresh fruit and evening treats are provided in rooms. Spacious bathrooms are partially open to the outdoor rock gardens and have rainfall showers with sunken marble tubs. Toiletries and towels are provided. 

Poppies Samui is located directly on a flat, sandy beach with lounge chairs, umbrellas, and a beach bar. The restaurant earns good reviews for its cuisine that includes international and Thai dishes with plenty of seafood choices. A la carte breakfasts are included in the room rate and feature items like made-to-order eggs. A happy is offered on most nights, and the free occasional cakes are a hit as well. Live music and dance performances also take place on select nights at the hotel. A small outdoor pool and hot tub is available, but there's little area to sit on the deck, while a spa offers body treatments and massages. Diving lessons, golf outings, and excursions can be arranged for a fee, and free parking is available. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, though it can be spotty. Unfortunately the hotel charges for airport transfers.