My partner and I stayed at Rocky's for a week in a Junior Suite Ocean View room. What sets aside the rooms from other hotels is the attention to detail, amenities and furnishings . The rooms are absoloutely gorgeous, serviced daily and a nightly turndown, and everything you could possibly need provided including a beach bag and hats. The resort itself is spectacular and impeccable, with over 300 candles being lit every night throughout the resort. The 2 x pools are small but being a boutique resort we had the pool to ourselves most afternoons. As soon as we would arrive by the pool, we would be delivered towels and iced water. At night the scene is serene and peaceful with the glow of red lanterns and candles throughout the property. Buffet breakfast is sensational, and instead of the traditional egg station, there is an a la carte egg menu that you can order from as well as asian station, fresh fruit, pastries, continental breakfast and more. The stunning dining room overlooks the ocean. Lamai is in a quiter part of the island so not close to the bars and restaurants of Chaweng. Chaweng (the busy area) is about 20 min by taxi and costs about AUD$20 one way. Lamai has a busy area too (not as busy as Chaweng) which is 5 min and about AUD$10 by taxi. We hired motor scooters so would just tour around ourselves which is very easy to do. The resort can arrange any tours for you and Ariane (the guest relation manager) is extremely professional, friendly and helpful. We arrange two tours with her and also requested beach front seats for the BBQ fire show at the resort in which she arranged. Alecs, the Assistant Manager is also very friendly and you get to meet the staff on the complimentary cocktail night each Wednesday that also serves amazing canapes. Overall we loved the resort and would definately visit again!

After a 30 year absence from Koh Samui, my wife and I decided to make a return trip for a 1 week drop and flop holiday.

Unfortunately, the increasing number of visitors coupled with unregulated tourism has had a negative effect on this once idyllic island paradise. Consequently travelers with the explorer spirit will need to go much further afield. That said, this small resort is an absolute godsend amongst the garish bars, crass attractions and animal shows that now draw the crowds.

That said, from check-in to check-out the Rocky's team were friendly, professional and always helpful. We stayed in a junior suite with an ocean view which was well appointed, a good sized bathroom along with a small but comfortable balcony that over looked the beach. It was cleaned daily with a turn down service each night.

The pools and beach area were perfect for us with ample sun beds and beach towels, regular top ups of ice water and fruit skewers offered to those feeling a little hungry. The small beach was picture perfect, you just need to catch the right tide, and the lounges placed on the path above the beachfront are perfect places to relax with a cocktail and watch a beautiful sunset.

We also borrowed a kayak to paddle from Rocky's up to the middle of Lamai beach which was great fun on a warm and sunny day. We stopped at the Weekender Resort on Lamai which was where we stayed 30 years ago. It had subsequently been remodeled to become just another lifeless hotel, however it was great to see one of the original beach huts from 30 years ago still standing in a field right beside it. Yes I probably do sound like an old fart . . . . . but hey :-)

Others have commented on the quality and quantity of the buffet breakfast, and we just filled up over breakfast and were able to get through to dinner without another meal. We ate in the resort on BBQ night, and whilst the atmosphere and fire dancing show were terrific, the food did not live up to the same quality. It was not bad, perhaps I just set my expectations a little to high. The beach bar is very comfortable and the location and comfortable seating is hard to beat.

We ate out most nights and would recommend the Cliff and Dr Frogs as 2 restaurants worth a visit. Both have great food and magnificent views. If you need the nightlife it is a 400B (AUD$18) return trip if you go to Lamai, and 1000B (AUD$43) return trip if you go up to Chaweng.

So, Rocky's resort is a fantastic hotel which I would recommend to couples and families with older children who wanted to be away from the crowds and noise of the larger towns, but close enough to visit with a quick taxi ride.