You should not go if you expect the resort to match pictures and descriptions on booking sites and the resorts own website. A lot of pictures are simply either not of this resort or are pictures of facilities that no longer exist or have degraded with age.
The list of free activities also does not match what goes on at the resort. Way too many free activities are not happening. The resort is simply way too expensive for what it currently is. My advice is dont book this without verifying with resort that the expected facilities and activities are actually there/occurs.

We ended up going checking out early and going somewhere else.

Took my family of 5 to Shiva for a week. We were a little worried by some of the reviews but were really impressed. We stayed in a beachfront villa overlooking the most beautiful and warm sea. The beach club was a couple of minutes walk down the beautiful beach and was lit at night. The beach club was lovely. We went all inclusive for the first time ever and were not disappointed. The food was delicious, cocktails devine and staff were so friendly. The owners were amazing and everyone contributed to a memorable holiday. Special mention for the dogs who kept stray dogs away and the nightly volleyball with Lech - thank you. We will be back with other family next year!

I’m writing this review whilst still here at Shiva, hopefully you will find it useful

Booked a 3 Bed villa through the website with “ Nicky” very easy and informative, I wanted a villa near the beech, and she delivered exactly what I wanted, in addition took flight details and arranged transfers.

Arrived at the resort and was greeted by Lydia, all information given and then on to a Golf cart and taken to the villa, 1st impressions “ wow” the villa is stunning, well equipped spotlessly clean, iron, washing machine and full kitchen facilities, microwave, kettle, dishwasher and everything you need if you want to cook for yourself ( we don’t) but some people may do.

Location is a little far out to walk anywhere but reception Lydia or Jet can easily book you a taxi, taxis here are a little more pricey than that of bangkok- to Lamai ( 500 baht 1 way) the hotel has a shuttle at 50/100 baht per person and runs 3 times a day, Lamai is good if you want entertainment and lots of food options, supermarket and pharmacy etc.

I wanted a resort that was chilled and relaxed and Shiva has delivered this!, the food served here is also fresh and tasty, we tried the Saturday BBQ and it was really good value for money, hot dogs, burgers, ribs, chicken wings, pasta, salads, etc... do only 350 baht, half price for kids if you have any as well as eating off the main menu, prices are also reasonable for such a place - waiters and all of the beech club staff are really friendly, polite and overall very pleasant with music in the background and plenty of nice loungers and chairs and sofas all around the pool and beech area, the beech is clean and powdery, really nice, the sea is quiet far off the beech due to the tides but again great for kids as it’s shallow rock pools make great exploring.

I am a Titanium Marriott member due to work travels, I could have easily booked the “W” or Marriott in Samui - I’m so Glad I didn’t! Shiva is well run, friendly, clean and totally different vibe to a hotel...

Downside if I had to be picky, the wi fi isn’t great in the villa, no English premier league sports channel ( but many other channels, sports movies etc) but that’s it!! The rest of shiva totally makes up for this

You can order room service, hospital, reception, taxis etc from the mobile phone they supply in the villa or call anywhere in thailand for free if you so wish.

I think anyone giving negative overall reviews here would be wise to think first before they write...this isn’t a Hotel its a luxury laid back, beautifully managed beech resort with friendly staff.

Keep it up shiva we will be back!