My wife and I visited Silavadee back in March 2012. After much time spent online we found Silvadee to be the perfect combination of luxury, affordability, and ameneties. Upon arrival after a long overnight trip through Bangkok, and a rough flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui, we were welcomed with an amazing cup of tea. We followed that with an amazing breakfast overlooking the water. Upon arrival, and the staff learning we were on our honeymoon, our deluxe jacuzzi room was upgraded to a private villa with pool. The staff had also left a rose petal shaped heart on our bed. BEAUTIFUL.

That same night a monsoon hit basically killing all of our plans for the following week. No more excursions, trips to other islands, etc, however the staff was amazing. We booked some last minute massages that have been by far the best we have ever had. We took a private cooking class with staff from the restaurants kitchen and they were all great people. We also did a city tour with a private driver that we'd recommend skipping. We later realized it was easier to rent a car and just drive ourselves. What surprised us was the staff kept apologizing for the bad weather and went out of there way to allow us to enjoy the trip.

Based on the luxury we experienced at Silavadee, the amazing staff, killer massages, and great food, we would have no problem returning or recommending it if planning on visiting Koh Samui.

My husband and I wanted to spend a little extra and go somewhere amazing for our honeymoon, and silavadee was absolutely perfect!

Our room was amazing. We walked in with a roses on our bed, complimentary champagne with a honeymoon cake, which was so yummy!

We got a room with a pool we only used it a few times. The hotel had an amazing pool overlooking the ocean, we spent everyday there!

The staff were caring and so friendly. The spa treatment was worth every cent!

When we go back to Koh Samui we will be going back to Silavadee and would recommend it to anyone!

I must say, when we arrived in Koh Samui and took a taxi to the Silavadee Resort, I was really taken aback by the feel of the Island; construction everywhere mixed in with what could only be described as dirty shanty towns, made for a very unappealing scape. I do wonder what the Thai people are trying to turn the island into but I don't think 'tropical paradise' will fit the bill at this point.

On arrival at Silvadee, the first impression of this resort is very positive. The resort is beautifully landscaped with an impressive collection of tropical plants in various states of flower and the low rise resort and its 10 or so villas fit well around both the gardens and the oceanfront setting.

At reception we were offered a refreshing fruit drink and check-in was smooth if a little on the long side. (about 20 mins) I had booked a suite on the top floor (3rd) of the resort's only building.

It took nearly one hour before the bags were sent to the room which was a little disconcerting. You could tell that these rooms were once very beautiful (think Thai style with lots of wood and bamboo features) but regretfully over time things have started to look quiet warn down. Chipped sinks, stained furniture and scratches and scuff marks everywhere will give you a general impression.

Now it is important to note at this point that Silvadee is not promoting itself as a 3 or 4 star resort. No, no, no...it promotes itself as 5 STAR with prices to match. As such it has to be reviewed according to 5 star standards.

One of things you really shouldn't have to do in a 5 star resort is waste your precious holiday time on the phone to guest services because things in your room don't work. We had a lovely spa on the balcony but the jets wouldn't work despite numerous visits from the hotel maintenance team. Dreams of romantic evenings in the spa quickly turned into encounters of a very unromantic kind with disgruntled and grubby tradesman discussing ways to make bubbles appear in the bath.

Having completely lost our first night to this nonsense we were offered a chance to stay in one of the villas with a private pool...but the upgrade wasn't free it was going to cost an extra $200 per night on what I had already paid. I must say that normally upgrades are offered as a sign of goodwill for unsatisfactory service but not at Silvadee. Of course, I was assured the price I was paying was a big discount...but I just don't think the reception staff got it.

Anyhow, after a bit of negotiating we agreed on a price and took the villa for the remaining 3 nights. After this we had a delightful breakfast in the restaurant which offers a selection of buffet foods and an a la carte menu from which you can order your main breakfast meal. The presentation, food and service for breakfast was the Resorts ONE saving grace. The hotel also offers lunch and dinner in the same restaurant but it is pricey and not as much fun as getting out and trying some of the islands excellent cuisine.

The villa was essentially in the same condition as the suite. So much unfulfilled potential because if they actually spent some money refurbishing these rooms and villas the place would look top class. The same can be said about the resort's beach facilities.

On a final note, there is a lot to be said about a resort from the behaviour of its management. (Note if you want to read my review about good management check out my review of Bangkok's Plaza Athenee Hotel)

Unfortunately the manager of Silvadee, an Irish fellow, certainly did not make a good impression. I will give you just one example of what I mean. The Silvadee has a nice bar area where guests can go for a romantic cocktail in intimate surrounds while they listen to a local musician serenade guests. On the night we went there the manager arrived with his wife and two young children and started to drink wine in front of the other guests. The children were restless and at times loud and it ruined the ambience of the venue.
A manager drinking alcohol in front of guests whist his noisy kids run amok.
God Lord... he should be sent packing back to the emerald isle!

We stayed in a seaview pool villa, which is well worth the money. These villa have bags full of privacy, and louging on the terrace with the occasional dip in your own pool is heavenly! Some of them are in need of a bit of TLC but ours was of a very good standard. Not luxurious in a 'polished' way, but very organic and natural. All the required amenities are there. Service is extremely friendly, from chambermaids to the breakfast team, to the helpfull reception team.

A small problem with the room in the beginning (they are extensing the hotel and we had a villa right next to the works) was swiftly resolved by Connor, the GM, and we were moved to another villa.

Breakfast is of the standard of a 5* hotel, and sitting on the terrace overlooking the sea does the rest to make you happy early morning...

The restaurant is quite good as well. We mainly ate of the Thai menu when eating in the hotel. Service in the restaurant can slack off a bit towards the end of the evening, rather a contrast with the super personal service in the morning.

The 'secluded' location of the hotel, mentioned by other reviewers was a big plus for us as we were looking to relax. If you want to explore the island rent one of the hotel scooters (300 bht/£6/$ a day) and you have all the freedom to roam around. But prepared for some shock-horror! when visiting Lamai or Chaweng; the worst examples of mass tourism gone wrong. Smelly, cheap, dirty, noisy bars and restaurants with the unavoidable lady bars. Luckily there are also still untouched parts of the island, well worth a visit.

In all, the hotel is very nice and the staff makes the difference. Perfect spot for relaxing.