Expat manager Olivier Mosching was in charge at The Sunset Beach Resort & Spa in Koh Samui during the period of this review. He went out of his way to share the delights of this unspoilt spot on Samui, explaining some of the history about this special position on the island,

"Taling Ngam, where the report is located, has seen the least change of any area on Samui. From a natural point of view its as though time has stood still here. It was originally named Taling Punk, 'Damaged Shore' in English, after a destructive storm hit the shoreline very hard over a hundred years ago. The place regained its beauty over time and was finally renamed 'Beautiful Shore', Taling Ngam in Thai, in the 40's. As you can see it remains a natural wonder today, particularly the amazing sunsets!"

Mr Mosching is a charismatic host, and leads his team by good example: such as during regular beach cleaning exercises. Swiss by nationality, he's a relatively young yet well traveled manager who's able to speak a multitude of languages - including some of the local tongue as his partner is a native of Thailand. He says his work ethos is to anticipate and exceed guest expectations on an individual basis, a goal he achieved well at the time of this review.

Energising Water Sports

Sunset Beach Resort provides a variety of beach activities for water sport lovers, and beginners. Sea Kayaking is complimentary for guests; a great way to easily enjoy the sea, as is snorkeling to explore the underwater delights of the area.

The resort's private speedboat allows guests the convenient luxury of easily arranging:
- Water Skiing
- Two Island Tour with snorkeling and picnic lunch on the beach - highly recommended.
- Private Sunset Cocktail Cruise
- Private Picnic Cruise (half day or sunset)

Exotic Dining Options

The Five Islands Restaurant - in addition to the hotel offerings below, this nearby expat owned establishment is also highly recommended for discerning travellers.  Located on a sandy beach - overlooking five limestone islands for which it is named - the local fishermen literally deliver fresh seafood from their boats. Thai fusion cuisine at its best is promised, and is delivered. Long-tail boat tours are available to see caves and bamboo dwellings perched precariously on limestone cliffs, before a freshly-prepared lunch or sunset dinner.

L’ananas - From a table overlooking the resort out towards the Gulf of Thailand commanding spectacular views of the nearby islands and stunning sunsets. At L’ananas you can experience modern Thai cuisine, a range of international and organic dishes that although delicious, are also carefully prepared to make them healthy too.

Lilavadee - The open-air pool bar is a delightful retreat from the sun and a relaxed venue for lunch or dinner.

Sunset Beach BBQ - Private beach BBQs can be arranged on request, perfect for those special occasion.

Luxury Boutique Accommodation

The Sunset Beach Resort & Spa, Taling Ngam has 21 uniquely decorated rooms and villas. Sunset rooms are located above reception in a two storey building. Garden villas are positioned around the swimming pool and of course the beach front villas are right by the sand and sea.

No matter which of the stylishly designed and carefully finished Sunset Rooms you stay in, nothing will interrupt your view of the stunning Samui Marine National Park and sunsets.

- For a treat choose one of the three Sunset Jacuzzi Deluxe Rooms to enjoy a stunning sunset view with a spacious living space.

- Another top choice is a Garden Jacuzzi Villa (135 m2) which features a refreshing plunge pool and a private Sala in which to just relax or be pampered with a luxurious spa program.

- To really live it up go for a Beachfront Pool Villa (250 m2) which can be set up as 2 bedrooms or 1 bedroom and 1 living room, in either case you'll have a refreshing private pool and sala overlooking the beach.

Samui Island Location

The Sunset Beach Resort & Spa, Taling Ngam is located on the South-West coast in an area called Taling Ngam. This part of the island is very different to the busy resorts such as Chaweng and still retains its pristine island charm.

Koh Samui itself is located in the Gulf of Thailand, approximately 84 kilometers east of Surat Thani Province, or approximately 700 kilometers south of Bangkok.

Getting There

By Air - Qatar Airways offers convenient services from Budapest to Phuket in Thailand, via Doha.
The island of Koh Samui is easily reached by flights from Phuket - and even by bus or car.
The transfer time to / from Koh Samui airport to Ban Sabai is approximately 45 mins.

Visit The Sunset Beach Resort & Spa online
126/9 Moo 3, Taling Ngam A. Koh Samui
Surat Thani 84140 Thailand
Tel +66 (0) 77 428200

Part of The Unique Collection of Hotels & Resorts
Formed in 2005, The Unique Collection of Hotels & Resorts was established to meet the growing trend of boutique hotels and resorts, providing guidance and assistance from concepts and design through to opening and ongoing in all areas of hotel and resort management to deliver a unique and personalised experience.