Do you remember?
Where was the first place you held your lover's hand and embarked on a journey together?

This travel story began with a stroke of luck. We won a prize from submitting a travel expense receipt
through www.thailandhero.com. The prize was a round-trip flight ticket from Bangkok Airways,
with a choice of 1 out of 5 destinations in Thailand.
We didn't hesitate to choose the route to "Koh Samui".
Even though the designated travel period was during the Low Season of the Gulf of Thailand.

++ We received the flight ticket prize from this activity organized by TAT. ++

This is because

"Koh Samui is a place of memories of the first trip with a lover in 2544." Even though more than 15 years have passed, he still walks by his side, holding hands together like in the old days.

++ Laem Khao Viewpoint, Koh Samui, in 2001, when it was still a film camera. ++

Upon learning that I would be visiting Koh Samui, I immediately felt a strong desire to also explore Koh Tao.

Due to the strong winds and waves in the Gulf of Thailand during the late year, it is not suitable for sailing. Therefore, we had to change our plan to stay on Koh Samui. Unlike Pattaya or Hua Hin, where accommodation prices are high on weekends due to high demand, accommodation prices on Koh Samui are higher on weekdays.

Accommodation prices on Koh Samui fluctuate according to high and low seasons. The high season on Koh Samui (Gulf of Thailand) is the opposite of the Andaman coast, such as Phuket, Phang Nga, or Krabi.

In simple terms, the Thai seas are open for tourism all year round. The high season for the Andaman coast runs from November to early May.

The best time to visit the Gulf of Thailand is from July to late August, when the sea is clear, the waves are calm, and there is no garbage on the beach. After that, it starts to rain in October and is heaviest in December (but in early 2017, January was still very rainy).

++ Although you have won a free flight ticket, you still need to pay the prize tax at the place of payment, the service charge, and the airport tax. ++

Enough with the long-winded introduction, let's get to the point.

While Koh Samui's low season may not be as idyllic as its peak, it's far from dreadful. Occasional cloudy skies and scattered showers are to be expected, but there are still ample opportunities to capture stunning memories under clear skies.

Behold! Even on a clear day like this, there are still things to be found.
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++ Viewpoint Laad Khao, Koh Samui, 2016 ++

"Koh Samui" is the third largest island in Thailand.
The eastern coastline of the island is lined with beautiful beaches and numerous resorts.
Our destination for this trip is located along the sandy shores of Koh Samui's eastern coast, at "Chaweng Beach".

I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to "Amari Koh Samui" for generously sponsoring my 3-day, 2-night stay.

In 2015, we were selected as one of the three reviewers for the Discover Hua Hin The Amari Way project. When Amari learned that we would be traveling to Koh Samui, they kindly offered us complimentary accommodation.

Amari Hua Hin Review >> https://goo.gl/zyOyXS

During my previous collaboration with Amari in Hua Hin, I learned that Amari Koh Samui was undergoing a comprehensive renovation. The entire hotel was closed for a year to enhance its appearance and facilities. The renovation was completed in early April 2016, marking the grand reopening of the hotel. This presented an excellent opportunity to experience the transformed Amari Koh Samui.

This review focuses primarily on the accommodation, aiming to showcase the new image of Amari Koh Samui after its recent transformation following 25 years of operation.

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:+: Amari Koh Samui :+:
https://www.facebook.com/AmariKohSamui
http://www.amari.com/koh-samui

Check-in: End of November 2016

The hotel was originally named "Amari Palm Reef", but was later renamed "Amari Koh Samui" for easier identification, using the Amari name followed by the location.

The location is conveniently situated just 2.6 km from Samui Airport. Situated at the beginning of Chaweng Beach, it offers a good degree of privacy. Unlike the bustling heart of Chaweng Beach, the nights here are not as noisy. This makes it ideal for those seeking some peace and quiet, while still being within walking distance of the excitement and nightlife.

The accommodation area is divided into 3 zones.

• Garden Wing: This accommodation option features Lanna-style buildings and is the oldest section of Amari Koh Samui, dating back approximately 25 years. However, it has undergone renovations while preserving its original structure.
• Thai Village Wing: This zone offers individual Lanna-style Thai houses surrounded by lush gardens, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of Northern Thailand rather than a coastal island in the Gulf of Thailand.
• Beach Wing: The newest section, the Beach Wing, is situated directly on Chaweng Beach, separated from the other two zones by a small road.

Thai Village Wing

For this stay, we stayed in the Thai Village Wing, which has also recently been renovated.
The main external structure has been preserved, but the interior of the rooms has been modernized with a focus on earth-tone decor.

The exterior has been re-tiled and more trees have been planted, creating a lush, traditional Thai garden atmosphere.
The overall feeling is more like a resort than a hotel building.

This room is a "Deluxe Thai Village (Pool View)".

The exterior exudes a distinctly Thai ambiance with its Lanna-style traditional houses.
However, upon entering the room, a sense of modernity prevails. The playful decor retains subtle Thai elements, such as intricately carved fruits.

The warm welcome extended by Amari was truly impressive. Their attentiveness brought a wide smile to my face. ^---^

A wide variety of welcoming fruits are available, including watermelon, mango, dragon fruit, orange, and apple.

In addition, there are Thai-style baskets filled with coconut candies and other sweets, such as candied coconut, macarons, and "kalamae" (a sticky rice dessert that is a specialty of Koh Samui, so don't miss it!).

The room itself does not feel cramped, thanks to the high ceilings.

The second floor is a sleeping area with a floor bed and a high fence for safety.

This room can accommodate a family of 2 adults and 2 children.

The price is around 6,xxx baht per night.
If you are staying with children, they will prepare an activity called Hunting Game for the children to enjoy as soon as they arrive at the accommodation.

The interior design incorporates the iconic element of Koh Samui: the coconut leaf. As Koh Samui is renowned for its abundance of coconut trees, the leaf has become a symbol of the island. The vibrant green hues of the coconut leaves are prominently featured throughout the accommodation, not just within the guest rooms.

The bathroom is a long, narrow space without a bathtub, but it has a good separation between the wet and dry areas.

Bathroom Amenities are of the same standard as those used in Breeze Spa.

Personally, I prefer the items prepared in the wardrobe.

In addition to the standard bathrobes, the hotel also provides smaller sizes for children, along with miniature slippers. This demonstrates the establishment's attentiveness to the needs of younger guests.

The entrance door to the room is on the 2nd floor and has a small balcony with a pool view.

I often find myself seeking refuge on the balcony, where I sit and gaze at the lush greenery.
The gentle patter of rain during certain seasons adds to the ambiance, creating a sense of tranquility.
The refreshing touch of the water droplets evokes a sense of rejuvenation.
Taking a moment to pause and simply be present allows me to reconnect with myself and appreciate the simple pleasures of life.

The communal swimming pool of the Thai Village Wing is shaded by tall coconut trees.

The accommodation in this zone may not have a sea view, but it still evokes the mood and atmosphere of a beach setting.

Additionally, a newly constructed Kid's Club is located nearby, featuring large glass windows for clear visibility from the outside.

The interior is lined with soft rubber flooring and offers a variety of activities for children to choose from according to their preferences. The Kid's Club here has a special name, "VIK," which stands for Very Important Kids.

The first two zones, Garden Wing and Thai Village Wing, are located in the same area and are not beachfront. These zones are primarily residential with no restaurants, offering a quiet and private environment for guests.

A small road separates the resort from a long stretch of beach, where guests can experience the vibrant colors and authentic Asian style that Amari is known for.

Let's cross the street and continue to explore the "Beach Wing".

As its name suggests, Beach Wing is located right on the beach.
The lobby is located in this area and is open-air, offering a stunning view of the sea as soon as you enter.

This zone also includes accommodation options, specifically in the form of hotel buildings.

The atmosphere here is distinct from the previously mentioned zones, offering a more resort-like experience.

++ The building with guest rooms is located at the back of the image. ++

++ Beach Wing Swimming Pool ++

This zone will primarily offer communal amenities, including a dining area, spa, and fitness center.

Notably, the "Amaya" food and beverage service area, which stretches from the beachfront to the street, is divided into three sections:
- Amaya Bar (beachfront)
- Amaya Food Gallery (central section)
- Amaya Café (streetfront)

Amaya's decor emphasizes a modern Asian aesthetic, showcasing a diverse selection of ASEAN cuisine, including Thai, Laotian, Singaporean, Malaysian, and Vietnamese, alongside international offerings. The open kitchen allows diners to witness the chefs' culinary artistry, drawing inspiration from the ubiquitous street food stalls found throughout the region.

:+: Amaya Café :+:
Open from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

The first meal at Amari Koh Samui was at "Amaya Café", which offers a variety of ASEAN-style dishes.
Before starting the meal, I cooled down with coconut water mixed with chawanila.
It was served whole with the name 'Amari Koh Samui' carved on the coconut.

I like it again, just like when I saw Watermelon carving in my room.
Personally, I like the presentation that is new and different from what I have seen before.

The beverage selection is equally diverse, featuring coffee, TWG teas, various fruit juices, and healthy smoothies.

The Amaya Café is located on the roadside and is air-conditioned.
In addition to various dishes, it also offers bakery and snacks such as sandwiches, baked goods, and gluten-free pastries for those with wheat flour allergies.

As I haven't had lunch yet, I decided to indulge a little. ^^"
I ordered dishes from several different cuisines, including:

Singapore Laksa (290++ THB)

Fried Rice (280++ THB)
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Vietnamese Morning Glory (190++ THB)

Quinoa Salad (280++ THB)
This dish is a delicious and healthy option.
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Chicken basil (250++ baht)
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Honey Teriyaki Salmon (560++ THB)

Malaysian Lamb Rendang (520++ THB) This dish is served with turmeric rice.

Personally, I appreciate the diverse ASEAN styles. I have never encountered a restaurant that brings together so many ASEAN flavors in one place. Unfortunately, I was too full to try any desserts.

++ I can't resist trying everything in this cabinet! ++

Amaya Bar:
Open from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

An open-air beachfront zone where you can relax and enjoy a drink by the beach or pool.

Unfortunately, I was unable to take advantage of the beachside BBQ service during my stay. I had been looking forward to trying it, especially since there was a Beach BBQ Buffet available on the day of my arrival. However, the weather did not cooperate, and the BBQ had to be canceled due to rain. (As detailed in the description, the dining area is an open-air space, so rain makes it impossible to use.)

The first evening, I had dinner at the house of my next-door neighbor instead.

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:+: OZO Chaweng Koh Samui Hotel :+:
http://www.ozohotels.com

OZO Hotels are part of the same group as Amari (ONYX Hospitality Group). The concept of OZO Hotels is modern and caters to customers who do not require extensive facilities. They focus on a simple and comfortable experience, prioritizing accommodation for sleeping.

The OZO Hotel is centrally located on Chaweng Beach,
making it a lively and vibrant spot, especially in the evenings.

Stacked @ OZO Chaweng Koh Samui

Website

Open: 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM

This restaurant boasts a lively atmosphere, mirroring the vibrant energy of Chaweng. Located at the front of the OZO Hotel, adjacent to the main road, it offers a diverse menu featuring single-plate meals, barbecue, and American-style burgers.

The bar offers a selection of cocktails, beers, and wines, catering to the nightlife scene.

The restaurant offers both air-conditioned indoor seating and an outdoor terrace with street views.
The decor evokes a fun and vibrant atmosphere with a nautical theme, inspired by the concept of a surfer's shack.
A centerpiece of the dining area is a table crafted from a surfboard measuring over 3 meters in length.

This restaurant is highly recommended by TripAdvisor, attracting a constant stream of international tourists. The cocktail menu boasts unique and creative concoctions unlike any others. We watched in fascination as the bartender combined young peppercorns, various leafy greens, sliced tomatoes, and bacon into a 'cocktail'. Yes, you read that right! These ingredients, typically used in culinary dishes, were being mixed into a cocktail! One such cocktail, aptly named "Bacon-Stacked Bloody Mary" (260 baht), may evoke thoughts of tomato juice (which we personally dislike). However, this is not your typical Bloody Mary. The cocktail's flavor profile highlights the peppery and salty notes, with a bacon-rimmed glass adding a unique touch. Another noteworthy cocktail, the "Nicely Stacked" (250 baht), features watermelon as its primary ingredient, complemented by gin and cinnamon.

The main course here is American-style food, so I had to try the burger.
But while waiting for the burger, I ordered two light snacks first.
(I made a small mistake because when I saw the burger plate in front of me,
I told myself that I shouldn't have ordered snacks. TT Because their burgers are very big.)

The first snack dish is "Mango-Chili Prawn Cakes" (210 baht).
I don't want to translate the name into Thai because I'm afraid of making a mistake, but this dish is similar to fried shrimp cakes.
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The second appetizer, "Senor Stacked" (245 baht), is a delicious and flavorful dish made with pork. The crispy skin is a highlight, and the accompanying vegetable salad provides a refreshing contrast. This dish is perfect for sharing with friends and pairs well with beer. (It somewhat resembles deep-fried minced pork salad.)

Let's move on to the main course, the long-awaited burgers. The restaurant offers a range of burgers, from classic to signature creations. The "Hot Mama" (385 THB) is a spicy burger (the ingredients list suggests the use of Sriracha sauce) served with jalapeño-flavored fries and bacon.

Another burger menu, "Cowboy BBQ," features smoked bacon filling. The bread is sprinkled with black sesame seeds, and the filling is bursting with juicy sauce.

For those who are unable to dine in, the restaurant offers delivery services within the vicinity.

This review is starting to focus more on food than anything else. ^^"

The first night at Amari, I slept soundly after a heavy lunch and dinner. The light drizzle added to the sleepy atmosphere. Despite this, I woke up at 5 am to the sound of my alarm clock, as planned. I wanted to see the sunrise at Chaweng Beach, which faces east. I was not disappointed, even though the sky was not completely clear. I saw the first golden light of the day, as I had hoped.

:+: Amaya Food Gallery :+:

Open from 06:30 AM to 11:00 PM. (Breakfast is served from 06:30 AM to 10:00 AM.)

After a leisurely morning stroll along the beach and poolside, capturing the scenery, it was time for breakfast.

Breakfast is served at "Amaya Food Gallery" in the Beach Wing. This open-air restaurant offers a close-up view of the sea.

A unique feature of the breakfast buffet here, not found elsewhere, is...

"A cold-pressed juicer is a great choice for extracting juice from fruits and vegetables. Whether you're craving carrots, cucumbers, watermelon, or a more creative blend with pineapple, cantaloupe, and dragon fruit, this appliance allows for endless possibilities. Beyond the fun factor (especially for those who don't have access to a playground), it also promotes a sense of health consciousness. Feel free to mix and match ingredients to create your own personalized concoctions."

Other dining areas also embrace the essence of Asia through their design and decor.

From sushi and kimchi to Indian dishes like Chicken Tikka Masala, the variety extends to comforting rice porridge with salted eggs, Chinese sausage, crispy fish, and more.

A typical breakfast menu includes various egg dishes and breads.

Additionally, there is a Kid's Corner with muffins for children.

The meticulous attention to detail in the breakfast beverages here deserves further praise.

Even the staff who take orders for iced coffee inquire about preferences, such as whether the customer prefers it very sweet or less sweet.

From a personal perspective, Amaya Café (Coconut Child) demonstrates meticulous attention to detail and meticulousness in the preparation of various beverages.

I personally enjoy the fruit and vegetable extractor.
As someone who loves all kinds of sweet drinks and dislikes plain water,
I am particularly impressed with this feature at Amari Koh Samui.

:+: Voyager Lounge :+:
After a satisfying breakfast, I took the opportunity to explore the second floor of the same building as Amaya. This floor houses the lounge area and various shared facilities.

The Voyager Lounge is a dedicated space for guests who have either checked in early or checked out but are waiting for their departure.

The library provides magazines and computers for your use.

Alternatively, you can use the shower facilities at the adjacent fitness center (FitCentre).

The open-air living room offers stunning sea views and a refreshing breeze.

This review will not include Breeze Spa, as I did not have the opportunity to use its services.

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:+: Prego :+:
Open from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM.
http://www.prego-samui.com

For dinner on the second day of our stay, we dined at the "Pergo" restaurant.
Another restaurant at Amari Koh Samui, located slightly away from the main accommodation.
On the same side as the Thai Village Wing, it serves Italian cuisine.

The restaurant features a bar at the front, with an interior design that incorporates orange brick blocks and wood, reminiscent of the distinctive Tuscan style of Italy. The open kitchen boasts a traditional wood-fired pizza oven, while the dining area offers both open-air and air-conditioned sections.

Begin your meal with Prego's signature cocktails, all three of which are priced at 240++ baht per glass.

Renowned mixologist Joseph Boroski has crafted a selection of tantalizing beverages, including:
- Stark & Thorny
- Hashtag # Tickle Your Taste Buds
- Bumblebee Bruiser

The menu begins with Antipasti, or appetizers, such as various salads. I tried the Chef's Recommendation, the "Antipasto Misto" (590++ baht), which consists of cold cuts, vegetables, and cheese.

The next dish is "Risotto taleggio e tartufo" with truffle.
**Risotto is an Italian dish characterized by its creamy, thick, and sticky texture.
It is made by cooking Italian rice with cream, white wine, sauce, butter, and cheese.
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No Italian meal is complete without pizza! And the pizzas here are made in an open kitchen with a wood-fired oven. I have to go take a look.

This menu item, called "Prosciutto crudo e rucola," features Parma ham topped with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.

To conclude, a sweet treat like Tiramisu.
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Similar to Amaya Café, this establishment offers a gluten-free menu for individuals with gluten intolerance.

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The last morning at Amari Koh Samui
We still went out for a walk on the beach, soaking up the morning atmosphere of Chaweng Beach as the sun shone.
Before we have to say goodbye at noon.

In addition to the comfortable accommodations and beautiful surroundings, I was particularly impressed by the hospitality and attentiveness of the staff.

High-level executives greeting guests at breakfast tables.

It is not often that you see a hotel GM greeting guests during breakfast.
Or even another employee who sees us walking around taking pictures of the interior of the hotel and secretly turns on the ceiling fan before bringing us a cold towel to wipe away the heat without us asking.

A 3-day, 2-night stay filled with relaxation, possibly accompanied by occasional showers.

However, when we finally stopped and allowed ourselves time to reflect, we reminisced about our very first journey together at this very location.

More than 15 years have passed since our journey began, with hundreds of trips under our belt. Yet, Koh Samui remains a special place for us.

In reality, this journey holds a significance that transcends a mere return to a place of past memories.

The day before the trip, the husband passed the exam for a job promotion. This came after a period of intense studying and rigorous training.

This trip served as a relaxing getaway before he embarks on his new role and responsibilities, as well as a celebration of his long-awaited achievements.

Fortunately, I won a plane ticket.
Fortunately, Amari Koh Samui kindly sponsored my accommodation.
Fortunately, my husband passed his exam and got a promotion.

Whatever the good fortune may be,
We believe we are fortunate to have this man as our 'life partner'.

Thank you, my love, for still being by my side and walking with me like we did in the old days.
Even though more than 15 years have passed.

And this is the origin of the name of this review ...
>> Koh Samui, no matter how many times, I still have you <<