Samui Sense Beach Resort keeps a low profile. Other than a small sign out front, it's easy to miss the place, as the resort is set back from the road, with the low-rise main building separated from the road by a driveway, parking lot, and small fountain. The open-air lobby greets travelers with a couple of stone lions outside, and there are a few rattan chairs and a couch with colorful cushions for anyone looking to relax after the sweaty trip here from the mainland. An old grandfather clock and three porcelain statues complete the look, but for the most part the action takes place elsewhere in the resort. A bridge over a carp pond leads from the lobby into the lush tropical gardens, where there are water-filled jugs, lotus ponds, and plenty of greenery. The beach, and beachside restaurant and bar, are a locus of activity, but overall the vibe here is laid back. Expect to see mostly couples, though some families and small groups of friends pass through as well. 

The resort is located at the southern end of Lamai Beach, which is Koh Samui's second most popular beach town after Chaweng. This end of the beach is less crowded, making it a good spot for getting away from the tourist masses. That being said, it can still be a lively area, especially at the peak of high season. The resort is also past the main turnoff from the road out of Lamai, so it sees less traffic than other places further down. The main area of bars and restaurants is a 10- to 15-minute walk, depending on the destination. Chaweng is a 25-minute drive to the north, and one of Samui's main sights -- the Big Buddha -- takes 35 minutes to reach by car. Expect a 30-minute drive to the airport, depending on traffic.

The resort has 44 rooms in a wide variety of styles. One building houses the Superior Rooms, which are the entry-level choice here, and the sharpest of the bunch. These are compact compared to the hotel's other units, but have bright modern Thai decor that includes colorful throw pillows and bed runners, rice-paper lamps, and light tile floors. The look is complemented by an abundance of dark hardwood furniture with clean lines and a backlit taupe accent wall above the bed. While these rooms have no balcony nor views, they still get plenty of light. 

This cannot be said about the old-style traditional Thai Villas, which are dimly lit, though decked out in teak wood furnishings with decorative carvings, including charming bed frames, nightstands, and vanity tables. These villas are set in tropical gardens and have private verandas. Pool Villas are modern and bright, situated next to the swimming pool. Marble floors are paired with wooden furniture and colorful accents like pillows and bright bed runners on crisp white linens. These also have large, furnished patios.

All rooms include small 29-inch flat-screen TVs,electric kettles for tea or coffee, electronic safes, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms vary in style and have either showers or shower/tub combos. All are quite spacious, though the bathroom in the Pool Villa we visited was quite dated. Large vanities are a nice addition, though, and toiletries are provided. Keep in mind that while rooms are relatively attractive, we did spot some visible wear during our visit -- like water stains on desks -- and some guests have complained of cleanliness issues. 

The main draw here is the hotel's lovely section of beach, with the resort's restaurant and bar located right on the sand. While there is an open-air area set back from the beach, there are several umbrella-shaded tables on the sand and near the sea, as well as colorful cushioned sofas. The hotel serves a free breakfast that includes a number of Western dishes, though limited traditional Thai options. Lunch, dinner, and drinks are served throughout the rest of the day. The hotel also has lounge chairs on the sand, though it can get crowded in high season. Alternatively, there's a small swimming pool with a shallow kids' area as well as several sun loungers and umbrellas on the surrounding deck (though they are a bit worn and weathered, as is the concrete deck itself). Other amenities include free Wi-Fi and a parking lot out front where guests are free to park. Laundry and dry cleaning services are available as well, and airport transfers can be arranged -- both come at a fee.