Sandalwood Luxury Villas – A Tastes of the Good Life High Above Koh Samui

Perched high above the east coast of Koh Samui is one of the islands most luxurious retreats. The Sandalwood Luxury Villas is a collection of 10 Thai style pavilions, each elegantly decorated and packed with high-end amenities. I reached out to owner Robert Dolgin on short notice (while on the ferry to Koh Samui!) and although the Sandalwood Luxury Villas were booked, he was kind enough to put us up in his budget accommodations next door – the Best View Villa.

Although not much to write home about, the Best View Villa is just that – a villa with sweeping views of the island. A bit run down and geared towards budget-minded travelers, the Best View Villa was more than adequate for resting our heads.

 Poolside at the Sandalwood Luxury Villas

What Robert really wanted to share with us was the Sandalwood Luxury Villas and therefore provided us access to the amazing pool, restaurant, and bar. We spent a day enjoying just that – relaxing in the sun, cooling off in the amazing infinity pool, and enjoying the good life.

Touring the Sandalwood Luxury Villas

In the afternoon we were invited to have a look inside some of the amazing buildings. Ranging from stunning to jaw-dropping, these private sanctuaries each seemed to be better than the last. All villas offer amazing views and most have private pools. Sizes range from studio and lofts to 3 and four-bedroom houses that can accommodate a traveling family.

Getting to the Sandalwood Luxury Villas

The Sandalwood Luxury Villas is located on the eastern side of Koh Samui in-between Maret and Bo Put. Due to the amazing location of this hotel it shouldn’t have been a shock that getting up the hillside would be a struggle, yet there we were, white knuckled in the back of a cab that tried (and failed) to climb the ridiculously steep road. After a couple failed attempts we got out at the bottom and called the hotel to which they happily sent down a driver in a 4×4 vehicle to pick us up. This is important to note as I have read reviews of others staying at the Best View Villa and the Sandalwood Luxury Villas that have complained about hoofing up the hill with their backpacks or luggage. Never hurts to ask!

Because of its secluded location, the Sandalwood Luxury Villas are the perfect place to relax. With everything you need onsite including a high-end restaurant and spa, leaving the property may be a struggle. Even though the property is high above the shore line, there is a gorgeous beach just below and the staff will happily drive you to. If you are looking for some shopping or entertainment Chewang is also just a short courtesy shuttle ride away.

Eating

The Blue Ginger Restaurant offers guests traditional Thai dishes with a high-end restaurant twist. An example of this is a beautifully portion of Pad-Thai that I have ever seen. We found the restaurants in Chewang lacking in quality and overly touristy so eating at the Blue Ginger was a welcomed treat.

If you have time, the Blue Ginger also offers Thai cooking classes – one more reason to stay onsite opposed to dinning in Chewang.

Pamper Yourself

If you are in Koh Samui and looking for a quiet retreat that is still within reach of everything the island has to offer consider staying at the Sandalwood Luxury Villas. Rooms start around $300+ so be prepared to splurge . The price does come with amazing amenities, views, and a relaxing stay that can only be found in the Thai islands.

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Although I was provided a couple of cosy Thai nights at the  Best View Villa next to the Sandalwood Luxury Villas,
the experience, opinions, oohs and awes are my own.