To play safe and for hassle-free travel, we shortlisted a few nearby countries with less than 2hr flight time - places like Phuket, Langkawi, Bangkok, Bali, Koh Samui... thing is we have been to all of them already (read: boring!) but then again the focus of this vacation is to relax so familiarity isn't a bad thing so that we don't have to do the touristy bit of visiting places of attractions.
After much consideration (Have to make this count since it could well be my last flight before I pop!), finally settled on Koh Samui though we have only been there barely few months ago. Hassle-free is the key thing - short flight time, short transfer time to resort, shopping and eateries within walking distance from resort, very good food (we love thai food) and massage (the 'Tiger Balm' massage is worth every bit).
Day 1
Flight by Bangkok Airways, the one and only from Singapore (that explains the fare which could fly us to Hong Kong already) was at 8.10pm. By the time we reached Samui, it was only 9pm local time (Samui is one hour behind Singapore).
Our choice of resort this time was Buri Rasa Village, Samui, located at mid (a bit towards south) area of Chaweng Beach. Although we love Sareeraya very much from the last trip, its location is not ideal being the northern part of Chaweng and quite far from the eateries and shopping; and it's not convenient for me to ride scooter like we did the last time. Buri Rasa seems to be one of the best establishments along central Chaweng.
Made prior arrangement for airport pick-up by resort and in no time, we checked into Buri Rasa Village, Samui located at Chaweng Beach. Since it was still early, hubby made his way to his favourite spa for his Tiger Balm massage while I lazed around our room.
Here's my customary run-through of the resort and room (note, photos taken over few days).
Entrance to the resort by main street of Chaweng Beach, considered mid-south area.
Reception area. Staff at Buri Rasa are quite friendly, but not overwhelming. I booked a Deluxe Studio Room through email and got a promo/discounted rate. The entire reservation process was prompt and easy. Initially thinking of Deluxe Garden Court with Dip Pool so that we could swim in privacy but after reading reviews that the pool is way too small and visible from level 2 rooms (no privacy), we dropped the idea and settled for Deluxe Studio which is said to offer "stunning sea-view".
The spacious and cozy living room. Spent our lazy mornings and afternoons watching DVD and TV programmes. Only gripe, TV screen is too small.
Small pantry area beside the living room, with bar fridge (hidden) and coffee/tea making facilities.
Our balcony, which offers only partial view of the sea. But I guess our room is the one closest to having sea-view already. Seldom hang around at the balcony as there were lots of mosquitoes.
Now to the cozy bedroom. The poster bed with mosquito netting is most useful to ward off the mosquitoes. Bed and quilt are both very comfy.
Sofa and TV is bedroom which we didn't use since we prefer hanging around the living room.
Spacious and impeccably clean bathroom with separate shower and bath tub. I love the overhead shower.
Jacuzzi bathtub. Could soak in the bathtub while admiring the view.
Separate walk-in wardrobe area which is most useful for depositing our luggage and hang the clothes and stuff.
That pretty sum up our room. Next to some facilities around the resort, which is quite a small establishment, probably considered a boutique resort.
Beach is fairly deserted at this part of Chaweng Beach.
Very small pool, only 1.2m depth.
Betelnut Restaurant where we have our daily breakfast included in the rate. Didn't have chance to try other meals.Day 2
On to Day 2, starting with a leisurely breakfast.
This is part of the self-service breakfast spread, consisting of assorted breads and pastries, jams and spreads, cereals and oats, yogurts, fruit juices and milk and fruits.
There is also a menu where we could place orders for various hot items. My order, omelette and pork sausage, which was fairly standard.After breakfast, we strolled a bit and went back to the room to laze.
Lunch time soon, so we walked and shopped along the streets towards central Chaweng. I guess it took a fair 30mins. Most of the shops open late and the streets were fairly deserted. Probably most people were sun-tanning by the beach or out for sea sports or just snoozing in the comforts of their rooms?
Settled for a quick lunch at Will Wait Restaurant which we visited before. Food was so-so.
After lunch, we decided to go for some massage (yes, again for hubby) at a spa (Paragon Massage & Spa) we passed by that looks not bad.
I did a foot scrub, foot massage (not reflexology) and pedicure, whereas hubby did foot scrub and foot massage. The therapists were quite skilled and gentle knowing that I'm pregnant. It was totally soothing for me, whereas hubby still preferred his Tiger Balm body massage at the other spa.
Then it was back to the resort for more lazing. In the evening, I decided to go Poppies Restaurant at Poppies Resort (south of Chaweng) as it was supposedly a highly-acclaimed restaurant with very good reviews and we didn't try it the other time.
Tom Yum Seafood soup. Hubby's favourite and it is usually this dish that determines our rating for the place. It was ok only, not the best we tried before.
Pandan chicken. Meat was very tender, not bad.
Stir-fried morning glory (kang kong). Not bad as well.
I love this fish with tangy sauce which was very appetising. Fish meat was tender and fresh as well.Overall, it was a good meal, but not overwhelming. Ambience was so-so as it was rather dark. Service though friendly, a tad slow. Food was reasonable but we could have equal or better thai food at fraction of the cost elsewhere (such as Sabieng Lae). So it is unlikely that we will be back again to Poppies.
After dinner, some shopping and then back to the resort. Slow but relaxing day :)
Resources
- Bangkok Airways http://www.bangkokair.com/
- Buri Rasa Village, Samui http://www.burirasa.com/
- Poppies Restaurant http://www.poppiessamui.com/uk/uk-samui-restaurant.html
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