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Best Hotels in Koh Samui

The paradise island of Koh Samui is the second most popular island destination in Thailand after Phuket. This 3rd largest island of Thailand sits in a 80 island strong archipelo which form the Ang Thong National Marine Park, a kayaking and snorkeling paradise.

Koh Samui offers a wide variety of attractions and accommodation for all budgets: there is something on this island for both ultra-tight budget backpackers to ultra-rich high rollers. The island offers white sandy beaches, typical Thailand night life attractions, some of the best and safest skuba diving, snorkeling and kayaking locations on the planet plus many others water sports and land based sight seeing.

Here in this article we have listed some of the best hotels in Koh Samui in different classes.

Best Luxury Hotels in Koh Samui

Banyan Tree Samui

Banyan Tree Samui is one of the best hotels on Koh Samui Island which is literally a stone throw away from the beach, shops, and restaurants. The 78 all-pool villas combine the best elements of a tropical getaway with white beaches and sun. The hotel also provides Kid’s Club, a program where kids can partake in a wide selection of activities such as baking, painting, sand art, etc, assuring a perfect getaway for family bonding. With a full range of popular amenities and a friendly, caring staff, you will keep returning to Banyan Tree Samui Hotel.

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W Retreat Koh Samui Hotel

W Retreat Koh Samui is a chic luxury hotel with signiture "W Hotel" "wow" factor.  The resort features seven designs of Villas from Jungle Oasis (163sqm) to Extreme Ocean Haven (892sqm). Its facilities include a library, a ‘SWEAT’ Fitness Centre, AWAY Spa, WAVE Water Sports Centre. The Kitchen Table restaurant is where to enjoy healthy salads, Japanese food or even pizzas while SIP and
WOOBAR both serve modern cocktails and fresh smoothies.

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The Tongsai Bay Hotel

The Tongsai Bay Hotel proves itself as a perfect getaway among the natural surrounding of Samui Island. All of its 83 suites and villas are designed under the ‘Great Outdoor Living’ Concept. Apart from the standard room amenities, each unit has a spacious terrace with a bathtub and other open-air facilities to ensure a perfect leisure stay. A range of facilities the resort provides to maximize guests’ relaxation include sailing boats, canoes, windsurfs, snorkeling equipments, swimming pools, children’s wading pool, tennis court, Jucuzzi pool, and Spa with sauna room and massage treatment programs.





Best Boutique Hotel in Koh Samui

Zazen Boutique Resort

Zazen Boutique Resort offers a very relaxing beach holiday with bungalows on the beach, nice food, good service and overall nice Koh Samui experience. Situated in Bo Phut, the resort offers luxury bungalows on the beachfront and in tropical gardens. It is famous with its restaurant which won Thailand Tatler’s ‘Best Restaurant’ award for four straight years and Le Spa Zen which is notable for its outstanding spa treatments.

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MAI Samui Beach Resort and Spa

MAI Samui Beach Resort and Spa is the ultimate in beach side fun and relaxation. The resort is at the North-Western tip of the gorgeous island of Samui. The tourist friendly beaches of Lamai and Chaweng can be easily reached, and for a quieter day, MAI Samui offers all the activities minus the crowd. This luxurious resort includes three restaurants, a beach club, two pools, tennis courts and a spa. For the ultimate in beach luxury and a truly enjoyable holiday, MAI Samui Beach Resort & Spa should definitely be booked.

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Akaryn Samui

Akaryn Samui is located on its very own beach at Hanuman Bay. Away from the crowds, rooms in the resort are spacious at very reasonable rates.

"We came for a few days of luxury after two weeks Of moving through budget/midrange hotels to finish our honeymoon. We could not have chosen a better place. The staff was friendly and smiling the resort is just beautiful And the room was too good to be true. The room was large, clean and just perfectly designed. The restaurants are expensive but good and there are many Good cheap alternatives near by. We hope we get a chance to come back. It was the closest to paradise we have ever been."

Agoda.com Penang Hotel Deals 2013

Malaysia's Penang Island is a famous and important tourist destination in Malaysia for both local and international tourism. The island's beaches are definitely not the best in Malaysia but its cultural heritage and food (Penang is also well known for being the "food paradise" of Malaysia) adds much more flavor as a tourist destination. Penang is definitely one of Asia’s most dynamic and historic cultural melting pots and it is also a popular gateaway from Singapore thanks to regular flights from Singapore to the island.

Asia's leading and fastest growing online hotel reservation service Agoda.com is now offering up great hotel deals in Penang.

Penang has been a major hub in the development of Southeast Asia for hundreds of years, with a wide variety of traditions and customs that are woven into the very fabric of its modern culture. Centuries ago, its strategic location in the Malacca Strait – still one of the busiest and most important maritime passageways in the world – ensured that merchants from China to Persia to Africa traded and mingled on their years-long expeditions to acquire spice, fabric, wood, ivory, perfume, gems and other valuables. Many of them merely passed through on their journeys, but many settled here, adding to the vibrant mix of backgrounds and skills that the locals possessed.

Today, the state of Penang is a major part of Malaysia’s multi-cultural identity and one of the most economically important parts of the country, with a modern transportation and communications infrastructure. The state consists of two parts – the mainland area, called Seberang Perai, and Penang Island, home to the capital city of George Town. This is where most tourists head, arriving via ferry, plane or the highway bridge that connects the two areas.

Penang is definitely one of Asia’s most dynamic and historic cultural melting pots
which offers nice beaches and the best food in Malaysia.

But don’t be misled by talk of a vibrant, modern destination – Penang still offers plenty of historic neighborhoods and antique houses, many of which can be seen via several well-known Heritage Walks that wind through some of the more interesting neighborhoods, markets, and hidden corners of Georgetown. And if the buzzing, steamy cities get old, there are plenty of beaches and nature walks within Penang National Park, which offers a wealth of distinct plant and animal species, not to mention pristine jungle and warm, blue water.

And of course, all of this is supplemented by some of the most delicious and varied food one can imagine. With influences from Indian, Chinese, Malay, and Thai cuisine, among others, an amazing meal is never too far away – indeed, it’s usually one of the highlights of any trip!

Bayview Beach Resort 4*
Enjoy 23% off your stay. Expires June 14, 2013.

Bayview Hotel Georgetown 4*
Enjoy 23% off your stay. Expires June 14, 2013

Hotel Equatorial Penang 5*
Enjoy 50% of your stay. Expires December 31, 2013.

Naza Talyya Seaview Beach Hotel 3*
Enjoy 50% off your stay. Expires August 24, 2013.

Straits Quay Hotel 4*
Enjoy 50% off your stay. Expires June 30, 2013.

23 Lovelane Penang Hotel 5*
Book before November 30, 2013 and enjoy 50% off your stay. Expires December 31, 2013.

Tune Hotel – Downtown Penang, 3*
Book before March 31, 2013 and enjoy 40% off your stay. Expires December 31, 2013.

G Inn 3*
Enjoy 42% off your stay. Expires December 31, 2013.

Agoda Maldives hotel deals 2012/2013

With its pristine white beaches and turquoise water teeming with colorful marine life Maldives, the group of over 1,000 islands (200 of them inhabited) off the southwest tip of India,  has long been a destination for those seeking a healthy dose of tranquility, a unique cultural experience, or a remote, romantic getaway.

The capital of the Maldives is Malé, with all international travelers arriving via Malé International Airport. Maldives resorts are accessed solely by domestic flights or by speed boat given that many of the islands here aren't connect by roads. Spread out over the entire archipelago, resorts in the Maldives can be up to 45 minutes away from Malé Airport by seaplane, and offer guests seclusion and pristine environs. South Malé Atoll and North Malé Atoll are both home to many luxurious Maldives resorts.

agoda.com, Asia’s leading hotel booking site, is providing sunny winter deals on hotels in the Maldives, one of the most beautiful – and endangered – countries on Earth. These deals are for some of the nation’s best hotels, which will make this year a perfect time for a winter getaway to one of the most picturesque nations in the world.

Niyama By Per Aquum - 5 Star


With only 40-minute seaplane ride from Malé, this blissful resort allows you to truly experience the Maldives. Featuring a 24-hour spa, Per Aquum's flagship Lime Spa, Niyama By Per Aquum is also home to the world 's first underwater club. With 86 studios and overwater pavilions, guests can find comfort both indoors and outdoors at Niyama By Per Aquum.

50% Super Low Rate stay, valid until 23 December 2012.



The Beach House at Iruveli Maldives - 5 Star

A charming and adorable place of stay, The Beach House at Iruveli Maldives offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere and is located in the Haa Alifu Atoll. Sitting on a peaceful location, this haven is situated in the most northern atoll of Maldives.Featuring beautifully designed rooms that combine Asian traditional interior designs with modern facilities, these villas are simply extravagant. An architectural masterpiece, the resort is a perfect blend of Maldivian and International interior designs.

50% Super Low Rate stay, valid until 25 December 2012


Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Resort - 5 Star


Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Resort provides a tremendous stay which guarantee by twice voted Best Hotel in the World. This hotel provides a unique and cozy atmosphere of the island. Also, it boasts with water villas, beach villas and the retreat water villas for guests to choose. The resort offers all of the facilities required for a comfortable and pleasant stay as well as the world class treatment and luxuries therapies for the health-conscious traveler.

40% off, valid until 26 December 2012


Hilton Maldives Irufushi Resort & Spa - 5 Star

Nestled amidst 85 acres of tropical garden and bounded by infinite white pristine ocean, the hotel is secluded in a peaceful and harmonious island. This stunning hotel & spa, is just a 45 minutes seaplane ride from Male, Maldives. Boasting both beach villas and water villas, the Hilton Maldives Irufushi Resort & Spa is an impeccable choice of stay.

Book 5 days in advance for a 25% discount. Valid until 31 December 2013, booked before February 14, 2013


Constance Halaveli Resort - 5 Star


All types of accommodations at the 5-star plus Constance Halaveli Resort feature spacious living area with private sundeck as well as individual plunge pool in all unit. Lazily lounge by the main pool or get some sun at the beach and let your day pass with no worries.

From 22 Nov to 22 Dec: Stay at least 3 nights and get 30% Discount (Per Night)



Lux Maldives - 5 Star

Set on the tranquil island of Dhidhoofinolhu, Lux Maldives offers one of Maldive’s most romantic resort destinations. With its location near Mamigili, you are close to the marine wildlife protected area where whalesharks can be spotted all year round. A 25 minute scenic seaplane ride transports guests to the island, surrounded by some of the world’s finest diving sites.

Stay 4 nights, pay for 3. Valid until 31 October 2013


Gangehi Island Resort - 5 Star


Gangehi Island Resort is an ideal place of stay for travelers seeking privacy and comfort of luxury resort in one the most wonderful reefs in the world. This resort is situated within easy reach of the Male airport only 20 minutes. The hotel also offers a pleasant stay with the graceful and stylish villas as well as a gourmet Italian cuisine. Guests can enjoy the main attractions of Maldives diving to see the manta rays and whale sharks.
Up to 50% discount on selected room types, inclusive of Full Board meal plan. Valid for stays until 31 August 2013


Angsana Velavaru Resort - 5 Star


This resort is located on its own tropical paradise and is a picturesque 45 minute flight from Male airport. The small island is filled with tropical palm trees and is surrounded by untouched white sandy beaches. Featuring stylishly designed bungalows, Angsana Velavaru Resort aims to offer an opulent stay by featuring modern amenities and brilliantly located villas that capture amazing views of the crystal clear waters.

30% discount for 3 night minimum stays, valid until 23 December 2012


Eriyadu Island Resort - 4 Star

This beautiful and simple resort, situated in North Male Atoll, is located on an island of mesmerizing tropical beauty. A beautiful lagoon encapsulates the resort, and it is nestled near the reef. Its central location very close to 35 of the best dive sites of the North as well as the South Male atoll, providing a prime location for divers.

Minimum stay of 4 nights on Full Board meal plan, get the 4th night free. Valid for stays until 26 December 2012


Equator Village Resort - All Inclusive - 3 Star

This luxury resort provides guests with comfort and relaxation offering easy access to natures finest. Equator Village is located in the southern tip of Gan Island, Addu Atoll approximately 1 km from Gan Airport. The resort is located on a small part of the big Island which is a very different area from the rest of the Maldives.

Rates for All-Inclusive meal plans starting from $121 excluding taxes. Valid until 30 April 2013

World's Best Islands

Travel + Leisure magazine has an annual World’s Best survey where readers ranked their favorites. In 2012 survey, the readers (mostly from USA so the list is a little biased) has ranked the fantastic paradise of Philliphines, Boracay Island as the best island of the world.

Here are the world's best islands according to Travel + Leisure readers:

1 - Boracay Island, Philippines

 Tropical island Boracay with its long white sand beaches tops the list of best islands in 2012. The island is an hour's flight from Manila and other than swimming, scuba diving, boat tours, kite boarding, it offers a pulsating night life for visitors.

Boracay Island made its debut last year in World's Best Islands at No. 4 and just in a year climbed to the top spot. 2.5-mile stretch of powder-white sand of White Beach is the best beach on the island but this is also the most crowded area on the island so accommodation here is not recommended if you are looking for a calm stay.

Where to stay? - Monaco Suites de Boracay Hotel is the only exclusive all suite hotel in Boracay Island that offers infinity Dolphin Shaped Infinity Pool, wellness sanctuary & spa, on-site water sports, private access road, private beach with docking port and splendid ocean views from all the rooms. The 14 Villa and 1 Club House property consisting of 50 Ocean View Suites nestled in between a slope hill and a sparkling sea.

Another beautiful beach, Puka Beach, Boracay

2 - Bali, Indonesia
Bali, one of the world's most popular island destinations in the world, is not suprisingly in a top spot in the best islands list. Also known as island of gods, Bali appeals to a very broad range of visitors from young back-packers to the super-rich.

Where to stay? - The Haven Seminyak is set in Seminyak, a thriving tourist and residential area on the west coast of Bali, north of Kuta and Legian. With surrounding high end shopping centers, eateries and commercial strips, The Haven Seminyak is a good base for travelers of all sorts.

3 - Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Travel+Leisure readers voted this isolated small Pacific archipelago of islands 600 miles off of South America to number 3 in the best islands list.

Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

4 -  Maui, Hawaii
The second largest of the eight major islands of Hawaii, offers many activities such as hiking, canoeing and kayaking, mountain biking, snorkeling, sight seeing and whale watching. According to Travel+Leisure, Napili Beach, a crescent of golden sand lapped by blue-green sea, is the best beach on the island.

Where to stay? - 2 star Maui Seaside Hotel offers an excellent beachfront location and provides access to the city's biggest attractions.

5 - Great Barrier Reef Islands, Australia

Getting to the Great Barrier Reef and staying there is not cheap. But once there, the food is great, the beaches picture perfect and the heaven on earth atmosphere to just awesome. According to Travel+Leisure, Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays is the reef’s most photogenic beach: a 4.5-mile stretch of sand that seems to go on forever.

Where to stay? - 5 star Lizard Island Resort offers 24 luxurious white sandy beaches and a relaxing time where you can snorkel, dive or deep sea fish.

6 - Santorini, Greece

Santorini was ranked world's top island for 2011 in Travel+Leisure Magazine and "the world's best island" by the BBC in 2011. In 2012 list it is in the 6th spot of world's best islands list and keeps its status as the best island in the Mediterranean Sea.

Where to stay? - Kalestesia Suites, on the top of Akrotiri hill, offers an exclusive collection of individually decorated units in Santorini Island.

Santorini Island

7 - Kauai, Hawaii
Covered with thick greenery and tropical plants Kauai is also known as Garden Island. It is the northwestern most of Hawaii's major islands and is the oldest. Thanks to its age, Kauai also has more miles of sandy coastline than the other Hawaiian islands.

Where to stay? - Ko a Kea Hotel & Resort at Poipu Beach is located on the beach in Koloa's Poipu neighborhood, close to Poipu Beach, Brennecke Beach, and Kiahuna Golf Course. Other points of interest near this luxury resort include Moir Gardens and Baby Beach.

8 - Big Island, Hawaii
The beaches of the Big Island, especially on the Kona side, have been consistently voted amongst the best beaches in the world.[1] Some (like Mauna Kea Beach) front hotel resorts, while others (like Makalawena) remained unencumbered by modern tourism. Hapuna Beach is reputed to be one of the best, consistent with the picture many outsiders have in their head of what a Hawaiian beach should be.

Where to stay? - Situated on the Kohala Coast, Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel on the Big Island is a luxury hotel which shares 1,839 acres of oceanfront paradise with the legendary Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Perfectly nestled into the bluffs above the #1-rated Hapuna Beach, the hotel presents a flowing, contemporary Hawaiian style where guests experience the true essence of rejuvenation.

Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel

9 - Sicily, Italy

Sicily, Italy

10 - Vancouver Island, British Columbia

This 450 km long and 90 km wide island in British Columbia is a popular destination for hikers, campers, whale-watchers and kayakers. Tofino on  Central Vancouver Island has been transformed from a logging and fishing village to a center for ecotourism and offers activities such as whale watching, surfing, and camping.

Where to stay? - Nestled in the heart of Tofino (BC), Wickaninnish inn is an ideal spot from which to discover Tofino (BC). From here, guests can enjoy easy access to all that the lively city has to offer. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city's must-see destinations.

11 - Vieques Island, Puerto Rico

This  relatively small, rural Caribbean island 8 miles east of Puerto Rico is still maintaining its rural character, although tourist interest is increasing. The island was home to a major U.S. naval base so it stayed under developed.

One of the most important attraction on the island is bioluminescent bay. The large population of microscopic bioluminescent organisms called dinoflagellates glow in the dark when stimulated.  But the greatest attractions of  Vieques Island are its uncrowded and untouched beaches.

Where to stay? -  W Retreat & Spa Vieques Island Hotel offers an upscale beachfront accommodation and a great base from which to explore this vibrant city.

Bioluminescent bay - Phoro : Bio Bay

Big Island, Hawaii

Hotels in Tioman Island: Japamala Resort

With its relative proximity to Singapore and beauty, Tioman Island is one of the most popular getaway from Singapore. Japamala Resort, Tioman Island's only boutique resort, is one of the world's top 10 "ultra-boutique" hotels according to the luxury travel site Globorati and the only resort in entire Malaysia chosen to be a member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux. It has wonderful private beach full of coral and tropical fish ideal for swimming and snorkelling. The landscape around the resort is just stunning with natural streams, steep cliffs and tropical vegetation. Absolute romantic weekend getaway from Singapore!

Japamala Resort is an ideal luxurious tropical escape from the busy city life. Tioman Island is under developed so there are almost no roads on the island. Boats and trekking are the only means of transportation and with South China Sea facing chalets and a thick tropical vegetation behind, the environment is isolated and relaxed. Very ideal for a love escape or a honeymoon indeed.

There are many ways to get to this resort but flying from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore is highly recommended over ferry which is tiring and sometimes unreliable. Berjaya-air operates 48 seat Dash-7 turboprop flights to Tioman from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore daily peak season and several times a week during the monsoon season. It is a 35 minutes and costs around 130 USD per person for a round trip. Next time we will choose to fly.

There are several accomodation options in Japamala Resort. Here are them in the descending order in terms of price and luxury:

The resorts Penghulu's House which is resting on the beach is the resort's only 2-storey-2-bedroom villa for rent. Resorts second best accommodation option, Seaview Sarang, is a love nest secluded and romantic. There is also currently only one villa of this kind at JapaMala.

Japamala Resort (Tioman Island) Seaview Sarang

Jungle Sarangs are on the lower terrain of the resort with an open-air bath tub with the rainforest as its backdrop (no worry, hidden enough to allow total privacy) a private living area good for dining, sunning or simply relaxing.

Japamala Resort Jungle Luxe Sarang

These accommodation options are on the high edge of the Mountain or Cliff Hill with a stunning view of the lagoon right below (all these chalets have unobstructed view of South China Sea).

Japamala Resort Seacliff Chalets

Japamala Resort Treetop Chalets are the cheapest accommodation options in the resort. Do not worry; it is not a steep and painful climb from the beach to these units hanging over the jungles canopy. And since they are just in the middle of the tropic island nature (and the cheapest units to rent in this luxurious resort), these chalets so keenly sought after.

Japamala Resort Treetop Chalets

Best time to go to Tioman Island is the dry season which extends from late February to mid-November. Rainy season of Malaysia’s East Coast is between November and February when the frequent rains are punctuated by intermittent sunshine. This is the cooler season.

Hotels in Tioman Island: Berjaya Tioman Beach Golf & Spa Resort

Tioman Island is one of the best tropical holiday destination relatively near Singapore and it is very popular as a skuba diving, snorkeling or a simple weekend getaway from Singapore location. The island lacks roads on it which gives a real and relaxed isolation feeling. This makes Tioman Island a good place to relax after a busy work life in the city.

If you are thinking where to stay in Tioman Island, I will recommend Berjaya Tioman Resort on Tioman Island which in my opinion is one of the best resorts in Tioman. The resort is near Kampung Juara Beach and Asah Waterfall. The scenic location of this resort is great with miles of palm-fringed beaches, crystal clear waters and a rich fauna.

This tropical island resort has modern chalets spread over 200-acres of tropical rainforest and a private 18-hole golf course. Featuring one of the most beautiful beaches of Tioman Island, Berjaya Tioman Resort promises dive enthusiasts a magnificent experience.

This resort in Pulau Tioman has 268 air-conditioned guestrooms featuring minibars and coffee/tea makers. All accommodations have balconies. It also features 4 restaurants, a poolside bar and a bar/lounge are open for drinks.

Berjaya Tioman Island Resort on Tioman Island

Berjaya Tioman Resort features an 18-hole golf course with sweeping views of the South China Sea and rainforests. The resort's 2 outdoor pools have poolside bars and lounge areas. A tennis court (with night lighting), basketball court, and beach volleyball are located onsite. A fitness center has cardio and weight machines, as well as a sauna. Hotel staff can also arrange diving excursions or jungle treks nearby.

Tioman Island features a duty free store for shoppers. It is close by to the jetty (within walking distance) sells drinks for cheap.

Tips to stay in Berjaya Tioman Beach Golf & Spa Resort

• The resort is not cheap. Bring your own beach wear as it is a little expensive at the resort.
• Hotels restaurant is expensive but the food is much cheaper and nicer at the Thai restaurant/seafood bbq to the right of resort outside the gates.
• Definitely go for boat trip. For snorkeling bring a big pack of bread to hand feed the fish.

Japamala Resort on Tioman Island is listed as one of The Worlds Top 10 Ultra Boutique Resorts

Japamala Resort, an exclusive boutique resort located on the South West corner of Tioman Island off the east cost of Malaysia, is one of the best places you can have a tropical island holiday experience on Tioman Island. Japamala Resort is composed of only a dozen of malay village-style villas and chalets. Rooms (called Sarangs,which means'nests') lie remotely hidden amidst luxuriant jungle, or are perched high on stilts above the turquoise lagoon. The place offers luxury in a remote location and is especially ideal as a hideaway location for honeymoon.

Japamala Resort is one of the world's top 10 "ultra-boutique" hotels according to the luxury travel site globorati.com. Globorati includes only the hotels with a dozen rooms or less into boutique category.

Japamala Resorts

Tioman island is one of the most beautiful location in Malaysia. It is a small island located 32 km off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the state of Pahang. It is 39 km long and 12 km wide.It is densely forested and sparsely inhabited, and is surrounded by numerous coral reefs, making it a popular scuba diving spot.

There are more island resort escapes nearby Singapore:

Dive with giant turtles in Tioman Island	Paradise Island just3 hours away from Singapore	Privately owned paradise Nikoi Island