Maenam Villa Hotel

The three dogs were such sweet company, especially the big white one who'd come along on beach walks and wait for us to get up. We were lucky to have Rhi and her team look after us on our first stay in Thailand. Rhi made breakfast every morning and took the time to learn about gluten-free food so she could make us a special meal each time. Our room was clean and air conditioned. It wasn't one of the beachfront-facing villas, but the beach was only a 30-second walk away, so it made no difference. The road up is an extremely steep hill, though you can walk along the beach and through the resort next door to reach the street, shops, and bars without climbing it. We had an amazing time and would come back :)

Stepping out of my villa toward the beach is a moment I'll always remember. The stay felt wonderfully rejuvenating, and the staff were so hospitable. The girl at the front had the calm, slow, laid-back island energy I've never encountered in anyone else. I'd recommend it 100% for solo travelers.

The beach bungalow was heavenly in the mornings, with birds singing and the ocean waves nearby. The flowering trees and their lovely fragrance made the place almost painfully beautiful. I stayed for a few weeks and kept extending because it felt like home. The owners are a sweet, caring couple, and their devotion to the place shows in everything. Mayo, the hotel dog, is a joy to see wandering around in dog heaven. Nearby, Zazen boutique resort has a fantastic restaurant, my favorite in koh samui, just a few minutes from Meanam.

The views and setting are breathtaking, and the staff were friendly, helpful, and gave great service. The only small drawback is the very steep hill behind the hotel, which means there's no through traffic. The owners rent scooters for 250 baht/day, an easy fix. We had a great time.