The rain today reminds me of the hot summer days we spent on Koh Samui. I wanted to recommend the hotel we stayed at, Shasa Resort & Residence, but it's been a while since our trip in April.

*** The Shasa Hotel is located on Laem Set, in the southeast of Koh Samui. It is close to tourist attractions such as the Butterfly Garden and is about a 30-minute drive from the city center. Therefore, the hotel's main advantage is its peace and privacy. However, this is also a significant disadvantage, as it is quite isolated from the city center. The peace comes at the cost of distance, and if you don't rent a car, the taxi fare from Phuket city to the hotel can be around 400-500 baht. The hotel is also located in a rather deep alley, requiring a drive up and down a hill (although not very steep, even a Honda Brio can handle it). Therefore, I would deduct a few points for the location, but not too many, as the setting is both an advantage and a disadvantage. ***

P.S. If you want to take a metered taxi to the hotel, most drivers won't know it. Tell them you are going to the "Sasa" or "Shasa" hotel at Laem Set, near the Butterfly Garden. They will recognize it. The hotel's name is a bit confusing, as it is spelled "Shasa".

*** Modern decor, like a true boutique hotel, with few elements reflecting Thai identity. Westerners yearning for an oriental atmosphere might not appreciate it, but those who actually stay will be impressed by the excellent service and the beautifully decorated modern style. I think the architect and owner of this hotel have done an outstanding job with the layout. Despite the limited space, they managed to fit three buildings without making them feel cramped. There are also two large swimming pools, a saltwater pool with massage chairs for those who love water therapy. The hotel is located on a hill, so there are different levels from the accommodation buildings to the restaurant, fitness center, spa, swimming pool, outdoor restaurant, beer corner, and even the beach. ***

Despite its beachfront location, the hotel's beach is not suitable for swimming due to the abundance of rocky outcrops, a common feature of Koh Samui's beaches. This limitation extends not only to the hotel's immediate beachfront but also for kilometers to the left and right. The rocky terrain poses a safety hazard, especially at night when the area is deserted. Therefore, guests staying at Shasa are encouraged to enjoy the hotel's amenities and facilities, as venturing out for swimming is not recommended.

Let's take a look at the highlight of the accommodation, which has received a perfect score because every room offers stunning sea views.

The accommodation building consists of three buildings, each with four floors. All rooms are suites with one or two bedrooms. The floors that are on promotion are likely only the first and second floors. However, the first floor is already slightly higher than the reception area. The third and fourth floors are mainly reserved for international guests. Importantly, the units are sold as fully furnished condominiums. It seems that a fair number of foreigners have already purchased units.

The apartment resembles a typical one- or two-bedroom condo unit, but with significantly more space. A small pantry or kitchenette is present, featuring an open-plan design and full functionality. This includes a large side-by-side refrigerator for storing meat, vegetables, and fruits, an electric hob for cooking, a range hood, and a complete set of cutlery, knives, and pans. Everything is readily available for light cooking, whether Western-style for weeks or months, or even Thai dishes like stir-fried basil. Simply open the small door in the kitchen area, and the washing area will effectively ventilate the space. Additionally, opening the living room's wide doors allows for a refreshing sea breeze. Oh, and there's a complete set of coffee brewing equipment and supplies, but you'll need to grind the beans yourself. The provided coffee beans are from Starbucks, making the process enjoyable. However, my skills are so lacking that no one, including myself, will drink the resulting coffee. What a waste!

The living room is spacious and offers ample space for relaxation, particularly the island sofa, which invites you to lounge and unwind. The balcony provides a refreshing sea breeze and features additional seating and a dining table, creating a truly expansive outdoor living area. The entertainment system includes a 40-inch LCD television, a DVD player, and a sound system compatible with iPhones (iPod, iPhone 3-4s only; models 5 and above require Bluetooth connection). The air conditioning is effective, although the Wi-Fi signal may be weak during peak hours. Interestingly, my True 3G connection proved to be stronger than the Wi-Fi.

Let's continue to the bedroom. I bought the single-bedroom package. If you choose the two-bedroom option, they will open the other bedroom for you, which also has a sea view. However, I recommend buying separate rooms as the price difference is negligible.

The bedroom is spacious and has its own air conditioning unit, separate from the living room. The air conditioning is powerful and keeps the room cool. The television is smaller than the one in the living room, around 24 inches, but I didn't watch it much anyway. The bed is a king-size and very comfortable. It has a view of the sea (although my room had a tree blocking the view, even though I specifically requested a room with the best view. I booked three months in advance, so I'm a little disappointed. Maybe I should deduct some points for that). The bed is very comfortable, and I slept soundly. However, it might not be suitable for people with back problems who need a firm mattress.

The bathroom is larger than the bedroom, with separate his and hers areas. It features a shower box, a bathtub, and a well-separated wet and dry area. The highlight is the Balinese-style bathtub, which is so large that two people can bathe comfortably (although I bathe alone). For those with small children, the bathtub can also be used as a small pool, which is sure to delight them. All necessary amenities are provided. The only drawback is the weak water pressure.

The restaurant's interior design is not well-documented in the photos. However, the quality of the food and breakfast buffet is more important than the aesthetics of the dining area. The food deserves a five-star rating. Everything was delicious, and the prices were comparable to those of local restaurants (excluding street food vendors). While many tourists in Koh Samui frequent seafood restaurants, the food here surpasses the quality of those establishments at similar prices. The main drawback compared to seafood restaurants is the limited menu variety, which caters more to Western tourists with dishes like grilled crab, shrimp, and shellfish.

Fresh oysters are best enjoyed elsewhere, but everything else here is delicious. The recommended dish is the stir-fried basil with mantis shrimp, although I didn't try it myself. The table next to me, occupied by foreigners, ordered it and gave it a thumbs-up.

The breakfast buffet offers a wide variety of fresh and delicious options. The highlights include freshly squeezed juices, smoothies, eggs Benedict, and local dishes such as fried rice and rice porridge. The portions are generous, so you can easily skip lunch and have dinner instead.

Shasa Resort and Residence is a stunning hotel with luxurious interior and exterior design, offering fully equipped rooms and convenient amenities. Located on the southeastern tip of Koh Samui, the resort provides a tranquil and private escape, away from the bustling areas of Chaweng and Lamai. While the location may seem remote, it offers a serene atmosphere and stunning natural beauty. For those seeking peace and quiet, the resort's setting may be considered a paradise. The resort is conveniently connected to Koh Samui's new road, allowing for easy access to the entire island. The southern and southwestern parts of the island retain an authentic local charm, offering a scenic drive along the coastal road with a melancholic ambiance. One drawback is the rocky beach with coral, unsuitable for swimming, which is a common feature on the southern coast of Koh Samui. Additionally, the water pressure may not be as strong as expected, and the Wi-Fi connectivity could be improved. However, these minor inconveniences are compensated by the resort's peaceful atmosphere, breathtaking scenery, exceptional cuisine, and comfortable accommodations. Guests can easily spend an entire day relaxing and enjoying the amenities within their rooms.

Key Features:

- The architectural beauty of the buildings

- Fully functional accommodation

• The bathroom is large and the sink is very big.

- The food is delicious.

Weaknesses

- Remote location from the city center

- Weak water pressure

• Not flammable.

- Not suitable for swimming

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