Kanda Residences - One Week Kanda Residences was everything we had hoped for and more. From check-in to check-out, it was faultless. A beautiful resort, our pool villa was sensational; they pride themselves on your stay being a home away from home. It was so spacious, clean and very relaxing. You could easily spend the day chilling out in the villa and enjoying the room and pool fully serviced with a kitchen and laundry, which is great for doing your laundry while travelling. The room was serviced twice daily, and the housekeeping staff were a pleasure; we looked forward to them dropping in and ensuring our place was perfect. We loved that the resort didn’t overprice its mini-bar, restaurant food and drinks; it was affordable and a great happy hour for 2 hours a day in the fabulous Rockpool bar, which also had a gorgeous view and setting. Kanda is ideally located between Bophut & Chaweng, only 10 mins. The resort also offered their hotel car at very favourable Taxi pricing. The breakfast was a fantastic selection, including delicious coffee, and you also had the option of freshly cooked eggs the way you prefer. The staff were exceptional and exceptionally Smart, from check-in to Lisa, the Executive Chef. She was always full of local knowledge and ideas on spending time in Samui; she was also a delight to chat with, making you feel at home. A special thank you to On and all the restaurant staff for the free Thai lessons and the above-and-beyond service we received; nothing was too hard! A huge thank you to the whole team, and we highly recommend this resort for a stay to remember in Samui; we will be back.

Penthouse with Stunning Sunsets - Three Months This apartment was outstanding and ideally located and exceeded all our expectations. We stayed in the apartment for three months and were very impressed. We found the location perfect, less than 10 mins from Chaweng and Fishermans Village. Bangrak is full of fantastic restaurants and beach clubs only mins away. Chi Samui is a gorgeous beach club and The Social Samui for all-day dining and cocktails. If you want authentic Italian food, visit L'Italiano in Fishermans Village. If you want an original Thai bar with a local atmosphere, check out On Street Bar , with live music on the weekends in Chaweng. The apartment is at the top of a steep hill, but getting back up wasn't too much of a hike. However, we mainly used NaviGo (a tremendous online transport app, like Grab or Uber), which is much cheaper than taxis on the island and easy to pop into your locations. The sunsets are incredible. There is a great swimming pool in the complex that was perfect for swimming laps (approx 25m) and had a lovely view — 24-hour security. The apartment is fitted with all essentials, and everything is available if you prefer to cook. If you are looking for a great supermarket, Tops in Chaweng will satisfy all your needs. Recommend this property for your getaway in Koh Samui.

L'Italiano - Multiple Visits Delizioso. To stumble across this little authentic Italian restaurant in Fishermans Village, Bophut was a lovely surprise. We were so impressed with our first dining experience we had been back three times since we were in Samui. Francesco (the owner) and his team are an absolute delight to spend time with; the level of service is perfect! Daniele, the head chef, is also Italian, and after having travelled through Italy earlier in the year, we have become partial to Italian-style cooking, and Daniele does not disappoint. We have tried multiple kinds of pasta on the menu, and if you are looking for some delicious lamb chops, he is an expert and ensures the best meat quality is always on the list. Daniele will always say hi and advise on what you should order. I also have a dietary requirement of no onion and garlic, and most of his dishes do not use these ingredients, and the food is spectacular. We love the feel of the restaurant and how homely it feels; Francesco will share time with you and surprise you with a welcome taste of prosecco; the girls are great and make sure you are well taken care of and understand your dining style. Great Italian wine selection and very well-priced for Samui; they also have a great selection of Grappa! I cannot recommend L’Italiano enough; make sure you pop down there one evening if you are in Samui and become part of the family and enjoy the delightful atmosphere and authentic Italian food. NOTE: Chef Daniele has now left and opened his restaurant.

Rock Pool - Multiple Visits I was dining with a view. The food is fabulous and well-priced for a resort. We tried most of the menu over one week and were not disappointed with any dishes. The pizza is perfection; I loved the pasta and Thai dishes too. All meals are perfect serving sizes, so you definitely will not go hungry, and they have great value. I also have a dietary requirement, and Chef Lisa was very accommodating and made sure my meals were prepared based on my needs. Happy Hour every day from 5-7 pm, which is two for one, and you can enjoy your drinks looking over the uninterrupted view of the ocean and the rocks, and it is a little piece of paradise. Executive Chef Lisa makes you feel welcome, is always full of local knowledge and ideas on spending time in Samui and makes you feel at home. Her team was also exceptional; the food service and delivery were fast and top quality. The reception will deliver you to the restaurant by golf buggy if you need assistance, as it is a short walk down a hill from reception. Recommend RockPool for a romantic meal with your loved one or friends and family; you will be impressed.

Chi Samui - Twice Weekly A chic beach club. When you enter this beautiful establishment through a magnificent wooden door, you are in awe of the sensational view, pool, elegant decor and attentive service. Chi Samui beach club is the perfect place to chill out and relax for an afternoon by the pool, drink cocktails with friends, or just read a great book on your own. The collection is stunning, and the beach club is very picturesque. You can also lounge by the beach on very comfortable beanbags; they also have great beanbags to soak up the sun while in the pool. It’s very private and exclusive but available for all to enjoy. It’s also perfect for watching the majestic sunsets of Samui during the evenings. The restaurant is upon entry, and you can dine indoors or outdoors by the pool. The food is exceptional, and Andrew (Exec Chef) has a perfect menu, and all dishes are excellent; he has a great selection of international, including local cuisine Thai. The Wagyu burgers are a must, or work your way through the starters, which are fabulous for sharing: the excellent wine list and weekend packages. The pricing is reasonable, and they accept credit cards. Both lunch & dinner are superb settings; there is also a stunning table of 12 with a water feature flowing through the centre with a waterfall effect. The service team is an absolute delight, and they all have quirky and friendly personalities (especially Khun Wut & Khun Sai); you feel incredibly welcomed and part of the family.

Salefino - Multiple Visits Picturesque and authentic Italian. When you enter this lovely little Italian restaurant, the view is stunning, sensational sunsets and great to see the local boat life and culture nearby. The owner is Italian, and she is also the chef who prepares your authentic dishes. The food is delicious and has a great selection. We all enjoyed plates of pasta and were not disappointed. The service is excellent, and the restaurant is very intimate & cosy. Great wine selection to satisfy all the wine lovers and reasonably priced for Samui, also fabulous Negroni's if this is your fave. Recommend Salefino for a romantic night out or dinner with a small group of friends.

Bangrak Laundry We stayed in Samui for an extended holiday, and Bangrak Laundry is our local; they have been amazing. Communicating with them is accessible via Facebook Messenger or Line, and they are swift to respond and have excellent English. The pickup and drop off of your laundry where you are located, it's only 60 baht a kilo, and they have express service for extra if urgently required. All your clothes are returned laundered, clean, folded and fresh scented. Recommend them for their customer service and value; your clothes are always clean and fresh.

NaviGo Love NaviGo , we have been staying in Ko Samui for a few months, and it has been the most convenient and best value transport we have found. You will love it if you are an Uber or Grab user. Your order is via the NaviGo app, and you can pay cash or by credit card; you pop in the pickup and drop-off location to make it easy on the drivers. You never have to wait too long, and if there is a language barrier, they have the details on the app to deliver you where you need to go efficiently. Install the app if coming to Samui; much cheaper than taxis. The cars are modern, clean and comfortable; I highly recommend NaviGo.

On Street Bar The best local bar & live music. If you want an authentic Thai beach bar experience with a fun atmosphere, excellent service, and live music, look no further; this fantastic bar is located in Chaweng. It's beautiful to support the owner's dream of always owning a bar where everyone can enjoy each other's company, listen to live music and be surrounded by art. On Street Bar is full of life, great crowd and lots of locals. It provides the authentic experience of a local Thai bar sitting on plastic chairs in the sand while drinking very well-priced drinks (or buckets) and listening to excellent live music over the weekends. Each time we have visited the bar, everyone enjoys themselves and becomes a family; it's a great community and vibe. If you love to dance, you also have the opportunity to hit the dance floor.

The Social - Every weekend Epic Sunsets. This fantastic restaurant and bar have recently opened; you will not be disappointed with the food, view, cocktails, or atmosphere! Social is a perfect place to watch the sunset; it has the most spectacular view each evening. You can have a sunset drink in the restaurant or the bar lazing around on beanbags. You also have an up-close and personal look at the Big Buddha. Damian has creatively designed a cocktail menu that will make you want to continue through the list; the quality of the drinks is the best on the island. Martin has also created an extensive selection for all appetites, from Breakfast to dinner. The delicious food will keep you coming back to enjoy all the offerings. We love the sharing platters; they give you a great selection of meat/vegetarian choices (and the cheese platter is well worth it). If you are keen on a lazy weekend (or weekday, in fact) brunch, then this is the place for you. Fantastic selection for Breakfast, and if you are a smashed avo fan, you will even enjoy it more. The establishment has a beautiful design, lots of wood and greenery, and some fantastic art to wow you. Recommend going for sunset; as a bonus, no tax or service charge is included, and the pricing is very reasonable for food and drinks. The team are amiable too and very attentive!