Buzz: Formerly Langham Place Samui and Gurich Samui,  the resort has now been rebranded as Le Meridien Resort. Architect Jakarin Aksravadeewat from Be Gray Bangkok (designer of The Scent and Anantara Lawana) was inspired by the story of a self-made Chinese tycoon to create five types of rooms ranging from rustic to opulent colonial-style suites.
Rooms: 63 suites (45-50 sq meters) and 14 pool villas (105-175 sq meters).
Food & Spa: CHA serves contemporary Thai and The Spa offers treatments based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine.
Verdict: We love this place. The ancient Chinese village atmosphere seems to slow time down to a crawl. If you can afford it, opt for a pool villa and you’ll never want to leave.
Rates: Thai resident rates from B4,452 per night for a luxury suite to B12,167 per night for an ocean pool villa, when book for two nights. Get free roundtrip airport transfers, one-hour body massage and one Thai set dinner when booking for three consecutive nights (total B13,355-36,501). Through Jul 14. All rates are net.