We stayed at Karma Samui two months ago for a blissful week-long island escape, having chosen the quiter Koh Samui (as opposed to Phuket) for our first-ever visit to Thailand. Situated to the north just outside the hustle and bustle of Chaweng town, this pool-villa resort, steeply sloped against a hill, was everything and more than we had anticipated. Chaweng Town with its 6km long beach and numerous shops is but a 10 minute ride away by novel converted truck-taxi (50 baht p.p. a ride). Our magnificent all en-suite 3-bedroom pool villa (no 18) was ideally positioned halfway down to the little resort beach and lovely pool area, making access to the lobby at the top not too much of a climb. The resort tranquillity and island ambience is complemented with beautifully lush, manicured gardens throughout. Our über-spacious villa (465 sq.m!) was in impeccable condition and truly fit for a king: spread over three separate pavilions (one of them comprising the master bedroom wing) around a sparkling pool with sala and huge lovely garden. Attention to luxurious detail, typically with Thai touches, in all of the villa amenities, furnishings and appointments really impressed us. Villa service twice daily, always unobtrusive, included a turndown service. Extremely friendly English-speaking front office staff was always ready to help with any type of information - and assistance, like offering without fail a golf cart ride down to our villa. The only very minor problem...We stayed at Karma Samui two months ago for a blissful week-long island escape, having chosen the quiter Koh Samui (as opposed to Phuket) for our first-ever visit to Thailand. Situated to the north just outside the hustle and bustle of Chaweng town, this pool-villa resort, steeply sloped against a hill, was everything and more than we had anticipated. Chaweng Town with its 6km long beach and numerous shops is but a 10 minute ride away by novel converted truck-taxi (50 baht p.p. a ride). Our magnificent all en-suite 3-bedroom pool villa (no 18) was ideally positioned halfway down to the little resort beach and lovely pool area, making access to the lobby at the top not too much of a climb.

The resort tranquillity and island ambience is complemented with beautifully lush, manicured gardens throughout. Our über-spacious villa (465 sq.m!) was in impeccable condition and truly fit for a king: spread over three separate pavilions (one of them comprising the master bedroom wing) around a sparkling pool with sala and huge lovely garden. Attention to luxurious detail, typically with Thai touches, in all of the villa amenities, furnishings and appointments really impressed us. Villa service twice daily, always unobtrusive, included a turndown service. Extremely friendly English-speaking front office staff was always ready to help with any type of information - and assistance, like offering without fail a golf cart ride down to our villa. The only very minor problem we encountered was our villa lounge telephone that would not dial internationally, and a somewhat erratic Internet connectivity in the business centre - but hey, who cares if you are on an island escape?

The resort restaurant, Rockpool, deserves a special mention. Beautifully positioned at seaside and stylish, the deck extends right over the soft waves below. We enjoyed two lovely romantic lantern-lit dinners on the deck. Highly acclaimed chef Martin Selby's food and his presentation thereof, is simply gourmet. The menu bears as good a variety you will find anywhere on the island - for fine dining and leisure bites, with bar menu and island cocktails to match.

Karma Samui for us, made for a Thai paradise holiday. We will recommend this charming and luxurious resort to anyone who enjoys laid-back island luxury and serenity. The resort deserves its status as member of the prestigious "Leading Small Hotels of the World".More