2 Best Hotels in Koh Samui, The Gulf Coast Beaches

Although it doesn't quite achieve the effortless cool it's striving for, Punnpreeda is still a fine place to stay. Rooms, all of which have balconies, are decked out in pretty colors and have walls that look like hardened clay. Framed by palm trees, the sparkling pool gazes out at the ocean. For those looking for nightlife, there's a shuttle to Chaweng twice each evening.

The cottages at this small resort on one of the island's quieter beaches have glass sliding doors and peaked roofs, and bathrooms have showers with glass ceilings. Dine alfresco under hanging gardens, or walk down the beach and enjoy fresh seafood at the beachside restaurant across the channel from Cape Fahn Hotel.