Centara Reserve Samui

Centara Reserve Samui occupies a truly enviable spot on the quieter, southern end of beautiful Chaweng Beach. As the site of one of Samui's first ever resorts, it has the great benefit of being a compact, walkable hotel - whereas many more recent additions to Samui are set upon sprawling hillside areas and require buggies to transport guests from A to B. None of that at Centara Reserve: even in the fiercest April heat you can easily stroll from your room to the pools, beach or restaurants, through stunning Frangipani tree scented gardens.

The hotel has some serious wow factor from the moment you enter the airy, bright white lobby. Even lead in rooms are chic and spacious with a truly impressive array of thoughtful amenities - from a free cocktail bar (replenished every day) to safes that have phone chargers inside (clever!) and a button on the telephone marked 'surprise of the day', which you can dial once daily for a mysterious treat to be delivered right to your door. Wardrobes are even stocked with two types of bathrobe, fulfilling preferences for either a light silky affair or cosy towel fabric. For those celebrating an occasion, consider a Deluxe Pool Access Room or even a Reserve Pool Suite or Villa, both boasting their own private pool.

Both families and couples alike are extremely well catered for, as one swimming pool is adults only (always a great benefit), and a tech free kids club provides a creative programme of nature focused activities. A range of dining options include a buzzing beach club style bar and restaurant, often hosting live music, a fantastic Thai restaurant (if you want to retreat to the air con!), and international fine dining at their renowned Steak House.

All in all, a seriously classy retreat with elegant, intuitive rooms, exceptional facilities and a perfect location with squeaky white sand - close enough to the buzz of Chaweng if you want to access it, but far enough away that you're not going to even know it's there if that's not your thing. Book with confidence for real luxury on Samui.