Tag Archives: Koh Samui

Akyra Hotel, Koh Samui

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As Koh Samui is popular with all kinds of travellers, there are accommodation options to suit all needs. Akyra hotel is one of the more affordable luxury offerings with double rooms starting from £65 per night including breakfast. Situated at the northern end of Chaweng beach, and within close proximity of the airport, it is ideal particularly for short-haul visitors.

The hotel has 65 suites and rooms, a small swimming pool and restaurants, one casual poolside eatery, the other at the front of the property, offering Japanese cuisine. The property is simply designed, concrete features heavily throughout, which sadly looks less cool and more construction site. Perhaps they ran out of money before finishing the plan. One of the hotel’s best assets is the stretch of white sand beach, a lovely place to relax in the sun and frolic in the sea.

We were unenthusiastically checked in and shown to our Grande Deluxe Double room. The room was basic but comfortable and clean, decorated in natural coloured hues and organic materials. Alongside the nicely dressed double bed was a full-size sofa, flat screen TV, mini bar facilities and bath robes. The bathroom was industrial but spacious, with a power shower and conveniently big mirrors. A small wooden terrace was pleasant for outside reading in the afternoons.

Very few guests seemed to make use of the food outlets on site, and consequently the main restaurant, Noodle House felt soulless and empty. The waitress seemed glum about it too as she grumpily wandered around looking for something to do. The food (we tried spring rolls and noodles dishes) was okay, but with such good street stalls nearby I’d recommend venturing out for anything more than a snack. Club Akyra was slightly more lively at lunchtime, offering fragrant curries and fruit juice, it was satisfying and tasty for a midday meal. Breakfast is served in Noodle House, an array of fruit, pastries and savoury options.

When we visited a few months ago this resort felt tired and unloved, the staff seemed disgruntled and the property’s character jaded. With such an enviable location and competitive prices Akyra really does have potential to be a successful business but currently their are many hotels I’d recommend staying at instead.

More information and book here.

Akaryn, Samui, Thailand

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Part of the Thai AHMS collection and a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group, Akaryn is a highly regarded hotel on the island of Samui. It is set on the serene Hanuman Bay slightly removed from the main hubbub of tourist activity. With 52 suites built amongst the lush tropical greenery and backing onto the idyllic beach, it is the ideal secluded luxury accommodation.

Weaving our way along a leafy path, we found ourselves at Pool Suite 124, a lovely hexagonal villa with a private plunge pool. The suites are subtly designed in a chic Asian style, a mix of antique furniture and modern technology giving a cosy but contemporary feel. Huge heavy curtains ensure the room is pitch black at night, but they also look grand and indulgent concealing the windows and adding a touch of decadence to the decor. Our open-plan suite had a high ceiling creating a calming sense of space. It included a blissfully bouncy kingsize bed, a thoughtfully designed living area with characterful wooden furniture, fruit bowl and magazines. We didn’t use the TV and iPod speakers spending nearly all our time outside or reading on the wonderfully comfortable bed.

Some of the suites include a glorious hand-carved roll top bath, we were sad to miss out on this but still enjoyed our well equipped bathroom: a simple area with walk-in shower and separate toilet, equipped with complimentary naturally sourced toiletries using essential oil extracts, exclusively designed for the hotel. The only fault with the bathroom was a lack of light which I found irritating in the evening.

In the public spaces a wet bar dominates, guests can splash about while enjoying a cocktail or have a more civilised drink at the side of the pool. There are several refined restaurants from which to choose, important if one is staying for longer. The variety of cuisines on offer created by international chef Christoph Lindner, is a great asset to the hotel. We tried the traditional Thai menu from the Legend Restaurant for dinner whilst admiring the sea view. We loved the spicy Papaya salad, fragrant Chicken satay and irresistibly crispy Stir-fried beef with garlic and black pepper sauce. If you desire something a little more European try the Italian thin base pizzas made in the handmade wood-fired oven. For special occasions one can ask for a romantic, lantern lit dinner on the beach. Breakfast is also served by the beach on the breezy terrace, we tried a delectable selection of treats. I can particularly recommend the Baker’s favourite French toast rolled in cinnamon sugar with pineapple jam and homemade yoghurt, also delicious is the bottled fresh pineapple juice.

When it is time for some pampering, the Ayurah spa offers a range of eclectic and exotic treatments to soothe and revitalise. We experienced our first traditional Thai massage here, dressed in Karate style baggy white cotton outfits we lay face down while nimble ladies pushed and pulled our bodies in and out of shape. It was quite an experience, sixty minutes of painful pleasure! This treatment is known to reduce stress and relieve muscle soreness, but at the time it felt like quite the opposite.

Akaryn promotes itself as ‘intuitive luxury’, it is a relaxing retreat to satisfy all the senses and transport you far away from your busy everyday life.

More information and book a stay here: www.akaryn.com

Things to do, Koh Samui, Thailand

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Koh Samui is known as Coconut Island by locals due to the abundance of coconut trees on the island. Just a 45 minute flight from Bangkok this island often features on the itinerary of travellers in search of idyllic beaches and laid back vibe. While some areas around Chaweng Beach are slightly ruined by rowdy tourists, but there are plenty of quieter discoveries to be enjoyed all round the island. Taxis are operated by a central system and prices are high (unlike Bangkok) instead travel by the shared open-air taxi buses (known as songthaew) that drive round the island, expect to pay 100 BHT per person per ride.

To stay

Library Hotel – the only Design Hotel on the island this minimalist and chic book-themed accommodation is luxurious and innovative in equal measure. It has wonderful facilities and great food on site but is best known for its striking ruby red tiled pool.

Banyan Tree – Isolated and extraordinary, Banyan Tree Samui is a once in a lifetime place to stay. Private villas cling to the hillside, each with an infinity pool and jaw-dropping views of the surrounding area. The rainforest spa is a reason alone to visit, set aside at least three hours to immerse yourself completely in the unrivalled facilties and treatments.

To eat

Romantic Bamboo – Found on Lamai beach this unpretentious and charming restaurant offers delicious Italian and Thai food and is a favourite for tourists and locals alike. Customers always comment that the owners are particularly friendly and welcoming.

Drink Gallery – Part of the Library Hotel complex this stylish contemporary eatery and bar offers a range of delicious Asian and continental dishes. Particularly impressive though is the varied and inventive cocktail list which features a range of tasty concoctions. The Bourbon based ‘Suave and Singular’ and ‘Vintage’ were our favourites, perfectly balanced and very easy to drink!

To see

Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai) – Visible from the plane as you land into Samui this iconic landmark is a popular tourist attraction. Built in 1970s this smiling gold Buddha sits at the top of a temple, he looks very majestic amongst the surrounding run down area. Entry is free but remember to dress modestly.

Wat Plai Laem and Wat Laem Suwannaram – A short distance from the Big Buddha you will find these colourful, newly constructed temples. Marvel at the ornate and decorative buddhas, my favourite was the one we affectionately named Big Baby.

Moulin Rouge show – if you are intrigued about the Lady boy culture but don’t want to support the seedy strip and sex shows, visit Moulin Rouge on Chaweng strip to see a flamboyant cabaret performance celebrating this third gender. Expect big costumes and even bigger egos.

Chaweng Stadium – this is the place to see Muay Thai boxing, the popular but brutal Thai sport. Fights are hosted here every Friday and Saturday night, tickets start at £30 and can be bought through most hotels and hostels.

To do

Fisherman’s Village – this is a must for anyone visiting the island. From 5pm onwards on Fridays this lovely market sells homemade souvenirs and delicious street food. I’d recommend arriving just before dark so you can enjoy sunset by the pier with a Chang beer in hand.

Tour to Ang Thong Marine Park – There are plenty of tours to choose from when staying at Samui. We considered a trip to Koh Tao but were advised this excursion is best for keen divers. Instead we visited the awe-inspiring Marine Park, one hour away by speed boat with Koh Samui Tours. The day out costs £40 per person and includes hotel transfers, snorkelling, kayaking, lunch at a local village and water and snacks throughout the day. For a more upmarket option go with the highly recommended, luxurious 100 Degrees East which will cost you £90 per person for a similar, but more exclusive itinerary.