Palm Coco Mantra

Palm Coco Mantra is a lovely quiet spot with a beautiful view, just right for unwinding. Everyone on staff was helpful and very polite while we were there. We also rented a two-wheeler right at reception, which made getting around Koh Samui easy. A comfortable, hassle-free stay.

We enjoyed our stay, though for more than a few days we'd probably choose a livelier area. The hotel is small and tucked away, with lovely staff and reasonably priced, decent food. Villa 46 gave us plenty of space and privacy; its mini fridge and wifi both worked well. The view was mostly of the villa in front, and the outdoor seating was just a stone bench with cushions, so we carried two chairs outside. Mosquitoes were a nuisance when sitting out there. We could usually find a seat by the pool, except one day when we used a couple of beanbag style chairs on the beach instead. The beach is short, so it isn't ideal for long walks, and there are lots of rocks and coral in the water. Water shoes would help. The shower had good pressure, but mildew and buildup were noticeable. Its holder was flimsy and sprayed water outside the stall, leaving the floor wet. There are no face cloths, so bring your own if you need one. A few times strange bad smells drifted into the villa, then went away on their own. Restaurants, laundry, massages, a pharmacy, and a convenience store are about a 10-15 minute walk away. The road from the hotel to the main road is winding and dark in places, and not great on foot. You can rent a scooter and helmets at reception for 300-350 baht per day.

The sea view from the room is wide open, and waking up to the breeze with the window open was wonderful. You can walk quite a way out into the sea while the water stays the same depth, which is unusual for a beach here. Service was polite and kind, truly five-star in feel. A wonderful place and worth what we paid.

The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the hotel sits right by the sea. Swimming nearby isn't easy, though you can take a motorbike or taxi to Crystal Beach. I walked down over the rocks and found a spot to swim, but it took some effort, which I didn't mind. In the afternoon, after about 5 or 6, there's a nice route along the water toward Lamai night market, roughly a 30-35 minute walk. The food was okay, just not perfect.