 Updated 20/03/2008 THE
TONGSAI BAY (*****L): Samui Island gets plenty of lovely and luxurious
hotels; but THE TONGSAY BAY remains somehow special. Founded in 1986 by Mr. Akorn Hoontrakul, once the owner of the Imperial Group, which is still the biggest hotel chain in Thailand, THE TONGSAI BAY received a special treatment: it had been designed and managed like a very personal, family run style, four star (and nowadays five star) deluxe resort. This was first time that, in the backpackers cheap Paradise Samui still used to be in the 80's, an hotel was build under the strong Sardinian influence of the Aga Khan's Porto Rotondo! Local architect had been sent there by the owner, and brought back to Samui this luxuriously relaxed concept which keeps on making THE TONGSAI BAY a most distinguished property in South East Asia. This peaceful and quiet place
remains strategically located a 10 minutes drive from the airport, and
15 minutes from the bustling Chaweng Beach. The land is one of the most
amazing on the island; not to say in all Thailand. This is somehow Paradise
on Earth. Nature is that preserved that, despite of they exclusive architecture,
the cottages and villas are hidden into the generous greenery covering
25 acres along a private beach: a day dreamed 200 meters long coarse sand
beach half circling a quiet bay. Animals roam the gardens: on their way
to the beach, guests will monitor lizards, squirrels, birds, giant geckoes,
frogs, and butterflies, feeling at ease among human hood.
Concept and location are serving
a philosophy: getting back to nature. The resort is actually emphasizing
on its many open-air areas. The Villas
for instance, operated We also like very much the more affordable Cottage Suites. There are 44 of them on the hillside of the property. Just like the Villas, they have an open-air terrace with a bathtub. Four of them also have a bathroom in their private garden. Depending of their location, the size of the Cottage Suites is ranking from 60 till 68 m2. Daily rate is approximately THB 11,000++: which remains good value for money. In the same category of price come the 24 Beachfront Suites. Located in a three storey building next to the swimming pool, they also have open-air bathtub, and display between 72 m2 and 86 m2 of comfort. Exceptional atmosphere brings exceptional guests: that kind who likes exceptional food. There are three restaurants in the resort. Among the best on the island. CHEF CHOM'S Thai restaurant is ideal for a Tom Kha Kai or some local favourite specialities. Very romantic, because right on the beach, the FLOYD'S BEACH BISTRO serves international cuisine. Intimacy characterizes the BUTLER'S restaurant: seating only 20 people for its daily menu. Last but not least, the hotel
gained increased fame since the recent opening of the PRANA
SPA. It is all about For distinguished day dreamers only. THE
TONGSAY BAY : 84 Moo 5, Bophut, Ko Samui, Surat Thani 84320
THE
IMPERIAL BOAT HOUSE (****L): One of the most original resorts in
Thailand, and actually the most picturesque in Samui, we found THE IMPERIAL
BOAT THE IMPERIAL BOAT HOUSE offers somehow an imaginative cruise in terra firma, meeting the day dreams of our childhood... and the expectation of sea sick guests! Being lulled to sleep by the lapping of waves, and the murmur of sea breezes in a still boat, is one of the most relaxing experiences we could enjoy. It even makes secondary the supreme comfort of the rooms! Each 95 sq. meters Boat Suite features a sunbathing deck, living room, dining corner, tea & coffee making facilities, fully fitted sky lit bathroom and luxuriously appointed bedroom. Besides the boats, there is a classical extension of the hotel: comprising eight southern style low rise buildings, this is ideal for corporate or tourists on a more limited budget. All 182 spacious, airy 38 sq. meters Deluxe Rooms, have private balconies overlooking the lush tropical gardens with its amazing boat shaped swimming pool, and blue coral sea. Lovers of water sports can enjoy sailing, canoeing, and windsurfing in the bay. For those who want to explore further afield, trips can be arranged to many of the beautiful offshore islands. A PADI centre is available nearby, for snorkelling and diving among the most beautiful corals in South East Asia. It is interesting to hear that rates are inclusive of windsurfing, sea canoeing and sailing! The Boat Suite special discounted rate is approximately THB 4,000. Very affordable for such an upper scale product; moreover in Samui. Rack rate for this room ranks between THB 5,250-7,500, depending of season and conditions also applying for Deluxe Rooms (THB 2,800-4,500). A minimum of 7 nights is exceptionally required for high peak season. Major credit cards are accepted. Due to the popularity of the resort, advanced booking is imperative. Part of the IMPERIAL GROUP OF HOTELS, managing top class hotels like the PLAZA ATHENEE in New York. A unique experience in a unique
location!
THE
IMPERIAL BOAT HOUSE: 83 Moo 5, Choeng Mon Beach, Ko Samui, Surat Thani
84320
 OUR
SELECTION OF CHARMING AND AFFORDABLE FOUR/THREE STAR HOTELS IN SAMUI AND
THAILAND IS ON  
 FIRST
CLASS AROUND THE WORLD |
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It
is now part of the legend of Samui. At least for two reasons: its concept,
and its location.
since
December 1998 only, are the actual development of a concept offering more
space to a very high standard of accommodations where top VIPs guests are
not confined by walls. Fitted for movie stars, chairmen of the boards and,
let's say, all of us more ordinary people looking for exception without
gold and marble all around, the summit in THE TONGSAI BAY are their 15
Tongsai Grand Villas. All feature a minimum of 81m2, or wooden terrace.
Each terrace has a gazebo where guests could sleep in the open, a bathtub
for bathing al fresco (according to our experience, and with the exception
of Jacuzzi, this is the unique place in the world where we found that extraordinary
facility), a bar with a large stock of drinks, a dining table, sun beds,
and a washbasin. The land of THE TONGSAI BAY being on a slope, you can
imagine how astonishing may be the panorama from the terrace... The air-conditioned
area of the bedroom is 54-80 m2: it comes with teakwood floor, rattan furniture,
silk curtains and celadon lamps. Villas 515, 511 and 501 are among the
largest, and most required from the guests. The 135 m2 Tongsai Grand Villa
costs about THB 22,000++.
authentic
and artistic healing massage and treatment. Created with the belief that
spa treatment brings a mentally and physically healthy character, PRANA
SPA makes a real enchantment out of remedy and therapeutic approach with
innovative ingredients and styles. It features 3 private rooms: namely
Pitta, Kapha and Vata. Which represents the essential elements of the body.
Each room has two massage beds, two treatment beds, foot massage area,
waterfall or rainfall shower and a floral bath. Guests may enjoy our variety
of massages and treatments from Spa Menu including enticing packages from
suntanners to honeymooners. Other lavish facilities, making THE TONGSAI
BAY one of the best resorts in South East Asia, feature: air-conditioned
120 m2 exercise room with weights and modern exercise equipment, free use
of non-motorised water sports (canoe, windsurf and snorkelling equipment)
and of the snooker room. Seawater swimming pool, freshwater swimming pool,
Jacuzzi, children's wading pool, and tennis court (rackets and tennis balls
provided) are also accessible, free of charge for hotel guests. Jeep rental,
taxi service, sightseeing, scuba diving, and deep-sea fishing can be arranged
by hotel's partners at Tour Desk and Car Rental office. Gift shop and Internet
room are located in the lobby area.
HOUSE
worth the trip. Constituted by 34 authentic teak rice barges, imported
from the muddy waters of the industrious rivers Chao Phraya and Mekong,
imaginatively converted into two storey four star deluxe boat suites, and
"moored" on land just metres from the immaculate Choeng Mon beach, this
is the kind of hotel anybody would actually love at first sight.
