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resortlike atmosphere. The cheapest choices are the furthest from the beach but even these
are comfy and pleasant.
Code
( 0 7760 2122; www.samuicode.com ; Mae Nam; ste 4300-7500B; ) If Apple computers de-
signed a hotel, this is what it would look like - all sleek modern lines, white and not a hint
of dust. The contrast of this against the turquoise sea and the hotel's large infinity pool
makes for a stunning piece of architecture. The all-ocean-view suites are spacious and ef-
ficient and the service is just as grand.
Of course, as with any fine piece of machinery, everything you need is at your finger-
tips, including a gym, spa and restaurant.
HOTEL $$$
RESORT $$$
W Retreat Koh Samui
( 0 7791 5999; www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels ; Mae Nam; r from 13,000B; ) A bejewelled
'W' welcomes guests on the curling road to the lobby, and upon arrival jaws immediate
drop while staring out over the glittering infinity pools and endless horizon. The trade-
mark 'W glam' is palpable throughout the resort, which does its darnedest to fuse an urb-
an vibe with tropical serenity. Do note that this hotel is on a hill and not on a beach.
Napasai By Orient Express
( 0 7742 9200; www.napasai.com ; Bang Po; r from 9100B; ) Gorgeously manicured
grounds welcome weary travellers as they glide past grazing water buffalo and grounds-
men donning cream-coloured pith helmets. A generous smattering of villas dot the ex-
pansive landscape - all sport traditional Thai-style decorations, from the intricately carved
wooden ornamentation to streamers of luscious local silks.
RESORT $$$
West Coast
Largely the domain of Thai tourists, Samui's west coast has skinny beaches of grainy sand
but the sunsets, sandy-bottom blue seas and views out to the Five Islands and the shadowy
greens of the mainland more than make up for this. It's a welcome escape from the east-
side bustle.
Am Samui
BUNGALOW $$
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