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

Baan Sairee

It's wasn't until we drove from the airport and saw how developed Samui is becoming that we realised just how special Baan Sairee is both in terms of its design and the secluded location. Authentic wooden buildings and unspoilt surroundings make the villa feel very established – something built by a trader perhaps, or a member of the Thai aristocracy – and more akin to the traditional accommodation available in the north of Thailand, but with added bonus of a beach and superb facilities for the kids.

For families there is more than enough space and although the villa is a fair distance from the main tourist centres, there’s plenty to keep you occupied onsite. A combination of swimming, volleyball, badminton, tennis, a trampoline with safety net and frisbee sessions on the lawn, plus the added treat of kayaking (there are two provided with the villa) when the tide comes up, will keep the kids smiling all day and sleeping well at night. Unless you feel the urge to venture out often, perhaps to visit a waterfall or ride on an elephant, it’s hardly worth hiring a rental car (and the staff can organise transport if needed).

The villa manageress couldn't do enough for us and the chef carefully caters for all tastes. The staff are also used to coping with kids’ food requests (although the manageress told us she often manages to get them to try new things – apparently chicken satay is now on quite a few ex-guest's weekly menu). For special occasions such as birthday parties the staff will set the table on the lawn and organise fireworks on the beach.

Baan Sairee offers the chance to experience an authentic but luxurious Thai home and enjoy it as your own. It's not a place for those looking to dine out and party all night. That would be a waste of the villa's special charm.

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TBA

Bedrooms 4

Sleeps 8

Our
Rating 7.8

Baan Sairee

Thailand » Koh Samui » Laem Sor

It's wasn't until we drove from the airport and saw how developed Samui is becoming that we realised just how special Baan Sairee is both in terms of its design and the secluded location. Authentic wooden buildings and unspoilt surroundings make the villa feel very established – something built by a trader perhaps, or a member of the Thai aristocracy – and more akin to the traditional accommodation available in the north of Thailand, but with added bonus of a beach and superb facilities for the kids.

For families there is more than enough space and although the villa is a fair distance from the main tourist centres, there’s plenty to keep you occupied onsite. A combination of swimming, volleyball, badminton, tennis, a trampoline with safety net and frisbee sessions on the lawn, plus the added treat of kayaking (there are two provided with the villa) when the tide comes up, will keep the kids smiling all day and sleeping well at night. Unless you feel the urge to venture out often, perhaps to visit a waterfall or ride on an elephant, it’s hardly worth hiring a rental car (and the staff can organise transport if needed).

The villa manageress couldn't do enough for us and the chef carefully caters for all tastes. The staff are also used to coping with kids’ food requests (although the manageress told us she often manages to get them to try new things – apparently chicken satay is now on quite a few ex-guest's weekly menu). For special occasions such as birthday parties the staff will set the table on the lawn and organise fireworks on the beach.

Baan Sairee offers the chance to experience an authentic but luxurious Thai home and enjoy it as your own. It's not a place for those looking to dine out and party all night. That would be a waste of the villa's special charm.

more...

TBA

Bedrooms 6

Sleeps 8-12*

Our
Rating 7.8

Ban Laem Sor

Thailand » Koh Samui » Laem Sor

Ban Laem Sor is one of the more modest villas we've seen on Koh Samui, but what it lacks in extravagant amenities it makes up for with privacy and tropical ambiance. After all, not everyone needs a flat-screen TV in their bedroom or a private jacuzzi tub in the ensuite. In fact, removing such distractions meant we spent more time exploring and appreciating the beach and natural surroundings. Walks from this villa are very therapeutic, either along the sand or through the coastal lanes (best undertaken in the cooler parts of the day).

If you choose to self-cater it's a good idea to stock up at one of the island's larger supermarkets (Tesco Lotus or Big C) in Chaweng (20km from the villa) at the beginning of your stay. There's not much available locally in terms of provisioning, but having a handful of local restaurants nearby does mean you can take the easy dining option if you feel like a night off.

Adventurous types can plan their stay around some interesting trips: it's a short drive to waterfalls, elephant rides or a little local village culture. You can even rent a long-tail boat from Tong Krut (3km) to explore the offshore islands. This is not really a base for night owls though: Lamai is a little too far away for late-night driving and once you leave the main ring road there's not much in the way of street lighting. Relaxed, home-based entertainment was our preference, with some soothing music on the stereo (bring your favourite CDs) and a nice bottle of wine selected from the in-villa wine list with dinner.

Laem Sor was being spruced up when we returned for a follow-up visit in June 2013. The villa was looking good, with a new lick of paint and varnish, and more garden lighting being installed.

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TBA

Bedrooms 4

Sleeps 8

Our
Rating 6.8 Guest Rating 9.1

Ban Mekkala

Thailand » Koh Samui » Laem Sor

Ban Mekkala is now considered one of the grand dames on Koh Samui's ever-expanding luxury villa list. Although the fixtures and furnishings are a touch faded, there’s no lack of indulgent comforts and private holiday bliss, and the multitude of fine facilities on offer are well thought out, especially for a large group or family holiday. We enjoyed the natural Thai elegance of the place, which fits perfectly with the secluded tropical setting.

Even though we’d hired a car, it remained in the car park for most of our visit as we opted to stay put and enjoy the relaxed confines of the villa. Waking up to the stunning blue seascape, breakfast served on our poolside terrace by the gentle staff, set the scene for days of idle pleasure as we switched between the pool, the jacuzzi, the massage table, the beach and the dining sala.

Balmy evenings begged for outdoor repast and we explored the suggestion menu with gusto before retiring to the poolside loungers to stargaze. A proliferation of TVs makes it well worth stocking up on films, while the poolside bar and barbecue are great for impromptu parties. Once you begin to adjust to the peaceful surroundings though, you may find that early nights become one of your holiday treats.

more...

TBA

Bedrooms 4

Sleeps 8

Our
Rating 7.8

Ban Mekkala

Thailand » Koh Samui » Laem Sor

Ban Mekkala is now considered one of the grand dames on Koh Samui's ever-expanding luxury villa list. Although the fixtures and furnishings are a touch faded, there’s no lack of indulgent comforts and private holiday bliss, and the multitude of fine facilities on offer are well thought out, especially for a large group or family holiday. We enjoyed the natural Thai elegance of the place, which fits perfectly with the secluded tropical setting.

Even though we’d hired a car, it remained in the car park for most of our visit as we opted to stay put and enjoy the relaxed confines of the villa. Waking up to the stunning blue seascape, breakfast served on our poolside terrace by the gentle staff, set the scene for days of idle pleasure as we switched between the pool, the jacuzzi, the massage table, the beach and the dining sala.

Balmy evenings begged for outdoor repast and we explored the suggestion menu with gusto before retiring to the poolside loungers to stargaze. A proliferation of TVs makes it well worth stocking up on films, while the poolside bar and barbecue are great for impromptu parties. Once you begin to adjust to the peaceful surroundings though, you may find that early nights become one of your holiday treats.

more...

TBA

Bedrooms 5

Sleeps 10

Our
Rating 7.8

Ban Mekkala

Thailand » Koh Samui » Laem Sor

Ban Mekkala is now considered one of the grand dames on Koh Samui's ever-expanding luxury villa list. Although the fixtures and furnishings are a touch faded, there’s no lack of indulgent comforts and private holiday bliss, and the multitude of fine facilities on offer are well thought out, especially for a large group or family holiday. We enjoyed the natural Thai elegance of the place, which fits perfectly with the secluded tropical setting.

Even though we’d hired a car, it remained in the car park for most of our visit as we opted to stay put and enjoy the relaxed confines of the villa. Waking up to the stunning blue seascape, breakfast served on our poolside terrace by the gentle staff, set the scene for days of idle pleasure as we switched between the pool, the jacuzzi, the massage table, the beach and the dining sala.

Balmy evenings begged for outdoor repast and we explored the suggestion menu with gusto before retiring to the poolside loungers to stargaze. A proliferation of TVs makes it well worth stocking up on films, while the poolside bar and barbecue are great for impromptu parties. Once you begin to adjust to the peaceful surroundings though, you may find that early nights become one of your holiday treats.

more...

TBA

Bedrooms 6

Sleeps 12

Our
Rating 7.8

Villa Kalyana

Thailand » Koh Samui » Laem Sor

A villa with the ambiance and amenities of an exclusive private-island-hotel, but one where guests have the luxury of dictating their own schedule and choosing who they share precious holiday time with. This was the impression we took away with us following our recent stay at Villa Kalyana.

Whether you want a tropical holiday retreat for family and friends, an exclusive executive escape, a dream wedding venue or space for some other special celebration, Villa Kalyana fits the bill. With nine privately positioned and thoughtfully appointed guestrooms (five with romantic garden bathrooms) plus a kids bunk room, and an abundance of cool communal areas, both outside and in – including a dining room fit for a banquet (and a kitchen to cater for one), a games room for the gents, movie room for the kids and poolside lounge for the ladies – options for fun and relaxation are seemingly endless.

The villa’s quiet beachside location on Samui’s southernmost tip may not suit the clubbing crowd whose idea of the perfect holiday is to be out on the town every night, but it’s ideal for large group gatherings who enjoy their own company. There’s little need for nightlife, restaurants, shops and other amusements at this self-contained villa where a team of willing staff are on hand to look after you; there’s an impressive selection of gizmos gadgets and games for entertainment, and friends and family provide all the company you could wish for. The huge (chemical-free) swimming pool, vast gardens and virtually private beachfront make Kalyana a great choice for families with energetic children too.

Kalyana only opened to guests mid 2012 and with a few finishing touches, including a more confident and polished dining service, we feel sure that it will soon rank easily among the best private luxury villa experiences on the island.

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TBA

Bedrooms 9

Sleeps 18-22*

Our
Rating 8.4