Laem Set Koh Samui Villas for Rent | Thailand Luxury Rental Villas - list view

Baan Tawan Chai

We particularly enjoyed the natural surroundings of Baan Tawan Chai; its well-maintained garden, beach in front and coconut groves to the sides. Watching sea birds explore the shore at low tide, and the myna birds taking a bath in the pool was entertainment in itself, as was watching the resident dog, Tawan, take his regular walks down to the beach. This elderly dog belongs to the staff and lazes in their quarters throughout the day, only heading to the beach for a dip in the sea or to half-heartedly chase a crab every now and then.

This part of Koh Samui’s coast enjoys a regular breeze off the sea, so is a little cooler than other beaches on the island. It’s this breeze that has drawn one of the kite-surfing schools to Laem Set. The beach, although not the most pristine, is good for beachcombing, and exploring with the kayak shows a different perspective of this coast.

Khun Sompit, the bubbly villa manageress, is very knowledgeable about the surrounding area and offers good advice on where to go and what to do. We spent nearly all our time outside, moving between the shady sala and the poolside loungers, taking cooling dips, relaxing over a drink and enjoying the birdlife while doing very little.

It was lovely to wake up to views of the ocean from the comfortable bed in the master suite, and have tea set out and waiting to enjoy in the sala while deciding what to do – or not to do – for the day. Our inclusive continental breakfast was well presented, with a good selection of fruit, cereal, toast and muffins as well as juices and tea or coffee.

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TBA

Bedrooms 3

Sleeps 6

Our
Rating 7.5

Baan Tawan Chai

Thailand » Koh Samui » Laem Set

We particularly enjoyed the natural surroundings of Baan Tawan Chai; its well-maintained garden, beach in front and coconut groves to the sides. Watching sea birds explore the shore at low tide, and the myna birds taking a bath in the pool was entertainment in itself, as was watching the resident dog, Tawan, take his regular walks down to the beach. This elderly dog belongs to the staff and lazes in their quarters throughout the day, only heading to the beach for a dip in the sea or to half-heartedly chase a crab every now and then.

This part of Koh Samui’s coast enjoys a regular breeze off the sea, so is a little cooler than other beaches on the island. It’s this breeze that has drawn one of the kite-surfing schools to Laem Set. The beach, although not the most pristine, is good for beachcombing, and exploring with the kayak shows a different perspective of this coast.

Khun Sompit, the bubbly villa manageress, is very knowledgeable about the surrounding area and offers good advice on where to go and what to do. We spent nearly all our time outside, moving between the shady sala and the poolside loungers, taking cooling dips, relaxing over a drink and enjoying the birdlife while doing very little.

It was lovely to wake up to views of the ocean from the comfortable bed in the master suite, and have tea set out and waiting to enjoy in the sala while deciding what to do – or not to do – for the day. Our inclusive continental breakfast was well presented, with a good selection of fruit, cereal, toast and muffins as well as juices and tea or coffee.

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TBA

Bedrooms 4

Sleeps 8

Our
Rating 7.5

La Lagune

Thailand » Koh Samui » Laem Set

Sitting in the beachside sala at La Lagune, we were struck by the secluded feel of the place. Even though it's not that far to the main tourist beaches (Lamai is 10km away), you're totally removed from the commotion of Koh Samui and that's certainly one of the of the villa's main advantages. Day and night we enjoyed the benefits of total escape, helped by sensitive staff who remained unobtrusive unless we needed them. The only contact with outsiders was the occasional greeting from a passing fisherman, and having the sunset completely to ourselves was as much of a treat as the opulent surroundings we enjoyed it from (turning off the garden lights to star gaze at night is even better). The villa's open design and cool, tiled floors mean you can pad around barefoot in your beach wear, and with so many options for outdoor repose you're only ever fully indoors while sleeping (weather permitting of course - the villa's folding doors can all be closed during wind or rain). Staying in the master suite is a pleasantly private experience as the only view from the bed is across your private terrace to the sea. The owners are definitely active types and having so many options for recreation close at hand means that even kids will rarely feel the need to venture beyond the garden and beach. Having said that, it was fun to strike off and explore the coastal paths on the villa's two bicycles and drag a kayak out to deeper water so we could paddle to the nearby offshore islands. With delicious meals prepared to order by the chef, coming back to La Lagune at the end of the day was always a pleasure, sound in the knowledge that a blissful, private and chic retreat awaited our return.

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TBA

Bedrooms 3

Sleeps 6

Our
Rating 8.1

La Lagune

Thailand » Koh Samui » Laem Set

Sitting in the beachside sala at La Lagune, we were struck by the secluded feel of the place. Even though it's not that far to the main tourist beaches (Lamai is 10km away), you're totally removed from the commotion of Koh Samui and that's certainly one of the of the villa's main advantages. Day and night we enjoyed the benefits of total escape, helped by sensitive staff who remained unobtrusive unless we needed them. The only contact with outsiders was the occasional greeting from a passing fisherman, and having the sunset completely to ourselves was as much of a treat as the opulent surroundings we enjoyed it from (turning off the garden lights to star gaze at night is even better). The villa's open design and cool, tiled floors mean you can pad around barefoot in your beach wear, and with so many options for outdoor repose you're only ever fully indoors while sleeping (weather permitting of course - the villa's folding doors can all be closed during wind or rain). Staying in the master suite is a pleasantly private experience as the only view from the bed is across your private terrace to the sea. The owners are definitely active types and having so many options for recreation close at hand means that even kids will rarely feel the need to venture beyond the garden and beach. Having said that, it was fun to strike off and explore the coastal paths on the villa's two bicycles and drag a kayak out to deeper water so we could paddle to the nearby offshore islands. With delicious meals prepared to order by the chef, coming back to La Lagune at the end of the day was always a pleasure, sound in the knowledge that a blissful, private and chic retreat awaited our return.

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TBA

Bedrooms 5

Sleeps 10

Our
Rating 8.1

Shiva Samui Resort - Baan Chanchai

Thailand » Koh Samui » Laem Set

Arriving at Shiva Samui Resort on a very hot day, we were met by friendly guest service staff who escorted us to Baan Chanchai and its inviting swimming pool. Eager to see what the estate had to offer, we strolled the 100m to the beach after a refreshing swim and were stopped in our tracks by the view – a white sandy beach, vivid blue of the shallow sea, and a bright blue sky with wispy white clouds. But punctuating the scene were dashes of colour from the kite surfers’ catching the breeze. Lower down, someone was gently paddling a duck-yellow kayak along the shore, and further yet, a local fisherman was stringing up nets. It’s hard to ignore a view like this, and we wanted nothing more than to be a part of it, so before even unpacking our bags we were enquiring about kite surfing lessons.

We found ourselves torn between wanting to make the most of all Shiva Samui Resort has to offer, and just relaxing and enjoying the sea breeze by the pool. The solution: to wake early, head to the gym or for a sunrise run on the beach, and then relax by the pool. When the kids get restless, the kids’ club comes in handy and mum can book a spa treatment at the same time. For the energetic, you’ll find plenty of country roads to explore by mountain bike, as this is the quieter side of the island. Or, perhaps a friendly tennis challenge will work off some energy before another dip in the pool.

Come evening time, the Clubhouse Restaurant is festive, with live music on some evenings, happy hour and a games room with pool and table tennis. We were lucky enough to stay on a Monday night, when the à la carte menu is replaced by a Thai buffet. The tasty spread was well presented and offered a good selection. Thursday evenings present a barbecue buffet for another change from the usual menu. We were equally impressed by the selection on offer at the breakfast buffet, a great way to start the day.

Although the villa is small, we found it perfect for our little group (two adults and two kids) and enjoyed the outdoor living spaces, comfortable beds and rain showers.

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TBA

Bedrooms 2

Sleeps 4

Our
Rating 7.6

Shiva Samui Resort - Baan Khwam Rak

Thailand » Koh Samui » Laem Set

Arriving at Shiva Samui Resort on a very hot day, we were met by friendly guest service staff who escorted us to Baan Khwam Rak and its inviting swimming pool. Eager to see what the estate had to offer, we strolled the 100m to the beach after a refreshing swim and were stopped in our tracks by the view – a white sandy beach, vivid blue of the shallow sea, and a bright blue sky with wispy white clouds. But punctuating the scene were dashes of color from the kite surfers’ catching the breeze. Lower down, someone was gently paddling a duck-yellow kayak along the shore, and further yet, a local fisherman was stringing up nets. It’s hard to ignore a view like this, and we wanted nothing more than to be a part of it, so before even unpacking our bags we were inquiring about kite surfing lessons.

We found ourselves torn between wanting to make the most of all Shiva Samui Resort has to offer, and just relaxing and enjoying the sea breeze by the pool. The solution: to wake early, head to the gym or for a sunrise run on the beach, and then relax by the pool. When the kids get restless, the kids’ club comes in handy and mum can book a spa treatment at the same time. For the energetic, you’ll find plenty of country roads to explore by mountain bike, as this is the quieter side of the island. Or, perhaps a friendly tennis challenge will work off some energy before another dip in the pool.

Come evening time, the Clubhouse Restaurant is festive, with live music on some evenings, happy hour and a games room with pool and table tennis. We were lucky enough to stay on a Monday night, when the à la carte menu is replaced by a Thai buffet. The tasty spread was well presented and offered a good selection. Thursday evenings present a barbecue buffet for another change from the usual menu. We were equally impressed by the selection on offer at the breakfast buffet, a great way to start the day.

We found Baan Khwam Rak perfect for our group, sleeping six comfortably, and enjoyed the outdoor living spaces, comfortable beds and rain showers.

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TBA

Bedrooms 3

Sleeps 6

Our
Rating 7.6

Shiva Samui Resort - Baan Lotus

Thailand » Koh Samui » Laem Set

Although it looked a little boxed-in when we first arrived, once inside, the spacious interiors at Baan Lotus quickly made us forget that we were surrounded by similar properties. The homely atmosphere makes this an experience more akin to traditional self-catering holidays than to the new upscale villa rental concepts that have taken over in many parts of Samui. This is not necessarily a bad thing, especially if you have kids, because staying within a private, gated community brings added security, and with an office on-site and staff ready to handle requests and deal with problems, it’s very convenient too.

The beach in front of Shiva Samui Resort is quiet and clean and the water is shallow, flat and calm for much of the year, so children can play happily and safely. It’s only a short stroll from Baan Lotus, so older kids could even be left to amuse themselves by the sea while the adults lie by the pool. A lot of thought has clearly gone into the property’s interior design, which combines practical features with some interesting, artistic Asian decor. This gives the house plenty of character, in some ways even making it feel more up-market than it actually is. But despite these touches of style, you never feel uncomfortable wandering around in your swimming gear or putting your feet up on the sofa. All the bedrooms are very comfortable and nicely furnished, particularly the upstairs master, which also has a pleasant balcony looking down over the garden and pool. The bathrooms are quite compact with no tubs to soak in, but large rain showers do the job well enough and there's plenty of storage space in the attached dressing areas.

Despite a lack of spectacular sea views, Baan Lotus still offers a relaxing, seaside ambience with modern comforts and comprehensive service options that make your stay easy and enjoyable.

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TBA

Bedrooms 4

Sleeps 8

Our
Rating 7.0

Shiva Samui Resort - Baan Sarika

Thailand » Koh Samui » Laem Set

If you worry that staying in a gated community means dealing with intrusive neighbours and beating them to the sun beds in the morning, think again. As soon as you close the front door at Baan Sarika you're in a private, exclusive world and free to relax in your own space, surrounded by tropical extravagance. The decor may be a little magniloquent for a beach villa, but at least you never forget you're in Thailand and once you slip on your bathers and flop into the pool, you quickly get used to feeling like a royal guest.

A team of staff take care of the entire estate, and as a guest at Baan Sarika you enjoy VIP treatment (although you can stipulate the amount of attention you receive!). Mealtimes are almost as much of a pleasure as the down time in between, most of which is easily spent doing very little in a horizontal pose.

When you yearn for life's simple pleasures, you can wander along the quiet beach to watch the fishermen bring in their catch or just gaze over the calm waters to the small islands on the horizon. Although you share the beach with other guests and residents, this part of the island never feels crowded and local island life continues around you undisturbed. This is the kind of villa that inspires a long, satisfied sigh.

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TBA

Bedrooms 5

Sleeps 10

Our
Rating 7.5

YL Residence No. 17

Thailand » Koh Samui » Laem Set

Arriving at YL Residence for a friend's birthday weekend, I initially thought I'd come to the wrong place. On first inspection, the collection of modern, white buildings seemed to be part of a resort - and indeed it could be - but instead, the owners choose to rent the entire place as a private residence, which provides a unique opportunity to share a stunning space with a close group friends or family.

The suites and communal areas are all exquisitely furnished and the entire property is incredibly well staffed. This means you can either choose your spot and stick to it, or make the most of what is essentially a millionaire's playground. Our host had plenty of people dropping in and out throughout the weekend, plus 20 of us staying over, so it was easy to drift between different scenes and social groups at will.

The poolside party included parents and kids, who tended to favour the sun deck and pool lounge, the drinkers meanwhile hung out in the club house bar with their ipods permanently plugged in to the Bose music system, the beach bums switched between the sand, the sea and the games room, while the inner circle often retreated with the birthday boy and his partner to the master YL Suite, which became affectionately known as "the lux lounge". Every space had its own dedicated staff with exquisite meals, snacks and a full range of drinks served at almost any hour. The barbecue was a particular treat and big enough for a banquet. Unequivocal extravagance!

As an extended party pad, YL Residence is hard to beat, but not everyone would choose to stay here on a wild weekend. Unofficially, it is the largest villa in Thailand so rock star connotations are virtually unavoidable, but the property also manages to hold onto its natural side thanks largely to the dramatic beachfront setting and the forest of coconut palms and casuarina trees that fill its grounds (a fellow guest suggested cutting a few of them down to build a 9-hole golf course!). Even for those on a more sedate holiday, the villa offers a one-of-a kind experience. The staff, cuisine and multitude of diversions make it a rounded luxury holiday haven. The only drawback being that without a gang of fellow guests to share its vastness, one could feel a little lonely and isolated.

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TBA

Bedrooms 10

Sleeps 20

Our
Rating 9.0