The calmness of the sea and the towering palm trees full of coconuts alerts you to a paradise awaiting inside the Mai Samui Beach Resort and Spa.
Upon arrival, you are greeted with a smile and an ice-cold drink. But you are distracted by what’s around you. The rooms tower above and border the swimming pools below. Your eyes are spoiled at the sight and you know from the beginning that your stay at Mai Samui will be a vacation that you’ll never forget.
The Mai Samui resort is located in the North West of Koh Samui, about thirty minutes from the International Airport. Depending on your package, you may have a free transfer to and from the resort. If not a taxi will suffice; they all know where Mai Samui is without having to worry about directions.
The staff is what made the trip and stay so memorable. The politeness, their eagerness to help, the smiles and greetings – they were just so friendly. Any problem encountered, they were quick to resolve it. Sure there was a language barrier but it did not make the stay any less enjoyable.
The rooms were large and spacious, with a sizable bathroom and a grand view of the resort and the swimming pools below from your own balcony. If you pay extra, you can get a room on the bottom deck at the deluxe poolside room.
All rooms have the usual that is provided at most hotels/resorts, mini bar, tea and coffee, shampoos and soaps, room service and a laundry service.
There are a series of rooms available at Mai Samui; depending on your budget you can book a normal deluxe room, poolside deluxe room, as well as suites and villas. The basic room goes for about $150 a night. But always keep an eye on specials.
Three great restaurants and an awesome evening time Beachside buffet make up the dining experiences at the resort. The menu has an excellent selection of both Thai and western cuisine.
The Mai Pub: Tucked away in the corner of the resort. The Mai pub is an Ala carte set up, which is open nearly all day. Stay for dinner or stick around with your mates and watch international sports provided on the big screen.
Fine Dining Sala: directly in the middle of the resort this restaurant features great food. You will enjoy a great vantage of the resort, with views of the beach, the pools and many palms scattered throughout the resort.
Beachside BBQ Club: The best of the lot and only open for dinner. The Beach BBQ Club is a buffet style resort that is situated on the beach. That’s right – you dine on the white sands of Koh Samui, watch the gorgeous sunset as you eat and dine in style.
All swimming pools are conveniently located near the middle of the resort, with plenty of sun-bathing chairs with umbrellas provided to get your tan, or simply have a cocktail while you relax. The swimming pools come with two swim up pool bars just in case you get thirsty – don’t forget about happy hour between 1-6pm.
Activities are a plenty at Mai Samui, with never a dull moment provided. Do some water yoga in the pool, play a game of squash on the court provided and keep your fitness in check at the resort gym. Other activities to do are as follows:
Kayaking: let’s get this straight, Mai Samui beach isn’t a swimming beach. But don’t let that stop you from entering the water on the occasions when the tide is in. Kayaks are available free to guest on the shore near the bar.
Mountain Biking: Bikes are available free of charge to ride around the island and perhaps to the next town in Na-Thon. But be careful of Koh Samui traffic, it’s manic.
Thai cooking class: At one-pm every day the friendly chef will provide a one hour Thai cooking class. Check the resort for prices.
Mai Samui Spa: A spa centre to die for. The professional staff at the spa centre will provide you excellent service, a welcome drink on arrival and a tea as you leave. There is a large range of massages and spa treatments to choose from, you will leave you session feeling relaxed and energized to continue your holiday in Koh Samui with renewed spirit.
Shuttle Bus: Three times a day a shuttle bus leaves the resort and takes you to the main town centre in Koh Samui in Chaweng. A thirty-minute trip, you will be able to spend a large number of hours shopping, dining or swimming at the beach until you return.
Hin Lad Waterfall tour: Every Sunday the resort organises a free shuttle to the Hin Lad Waterfall. Bring your hiking boots because it is a thirty minute walk once off the bus through a little rough terrain. But it is more than worth it upon arrival.
Mai Samui provided a holiday that my wife and I will never forget. The rooms were clean and spacious and the bedding comfortable. The staff were excellent and the food was simply delicious. The design of the resort gives you a feling of being in paradise; you will leave the resort feeling rejuvenated.
Fair Dinkum Traveller Rating 9/10 Excellent.
Michael Zullo says
Nice article, Anthony. We enjoyed it and the wonderful photos. Koh Samui, is a lovely get-a-way from city life and we’ll be sure to check out the Mai Samui Beach Resortand Spa.
M&G
NYC
Dave says
Nice property! I always enjoy hiking to waterfalls – I’ll put Hin Lad Waterfall on my must do list next time we are down in Samui 🙂
Fern Lee says
PLanning to go back to Thailand soon. On my list. thanks Anthony!