Santhiya Tree Koh Chang Resort

This was our third stay, so clearly we like the resort, and we think it’s reasonable value. The staff are polite and respectful, service is good, breakfast is good and the food is generally tasty without being too pricey. We eat at the resort and nearby. The beach is okay, though not the best. The main pool was unclean this time. People go in covered in sunscreen, and there aren’t showers nearby to rinse off. The once-free shuttle bus now costs extra, which is disappointing given the room rates. It doesn’t affect us since we hire a scooter. The main road with plenty of shops and restaurants is about a 15-minute walk away. One room smelled musty, and sometimes the drains did too, though that’s not surprising in the heat. I suspect some guests ignore the request not to put loo roll in the toilets. They seem to make an effort to control mosquitoes if they’re after you. The spa massages are very good. I’ve recommended the resort and will keep doing so for visits to Koh Chang.

We had a great time and were treated so well. The staff gave amazing service, especially Khun Zin, who went above and beyond. Thanks also to Khun Lucus, Aung, Chef Charn, massage therapists Khun Da and Honey, and the check in staff. We stayed in both a villa and a room in the main hotel, and both were great and well cared for. The location is lovely, with a beach that felt like a natural pool when the tide was high. The water was perfect.

The resort is beautiful, with lovely Christmas decorations, an excellent breakfast and incredibly friendly staff. We’ve stayed at two of Santhiya’s sister hotels and really love their distinctive style. WhatsApp communication was great too. Still, the price and what you get don’t line up for us. A Hideaway Villa at €650/night feels overpriced. We’ve had better equipment and service for much less elsewhere. For such a high-end price, English skills are very limited, and even ordering a drink can be difficult unless you point at pictures. The singers at the beach restaurant were terrible; the place was empty, and we left right after dinner. It’s a beautiful idea, but the service and entertainment don’t justify the high cost.

Seriously beautiful resort. The food could be better for a hotel of this standard. Also, the pool has so much chlorine that it completely ruined my linen swim shorts, which really upset me. Don’t wear precious swimwear in there.