Zazen Koh Samui offers a wonderfully boutique experience in all aspects, complemented by its serene beach location.
Zazen Koh Samui is highly personalised and totally boutique in the truest sense. It has been lovingly (and expensively) enhanced over the years, yet subtly. A larger swimming pool and a more Thai contemporary style, yet the original charm is still happily there.
Located on the eastern end of Bophut. In our view, one of the three best and longest beaches on the north coast of the island. The other two would be Mae Nam, also on the North Coast, and Chaweng on the East. This end of Bophut beach tends to be quieter than the busier western end and slightly narrower but still attractive.
The lively, proudly raucous Chaweng area is about 20 minutes away. At the opposite end of Bophut, you have the popular Fisherman’s Village restaurants and night market, about a 5-minute taxi ride or a 15-minute daytime beach walk. The airport is a 15-minute drive.
Zazen has 26 ground floor villas, either facing the tropical gardens or beach.
All are junior suites in style with integrated step-down living spaces. At Chic we particularly like the larger garden villas (3rd level up on pricing) and still an easy 3-minute walkthrough the gardens to the beach.
You have a choice of:
Tropical Garden Suites or Beachfront Suites, each with 50sqm.
The Garden Villas are larger at 65sqm and particularly suggested if you are seeking extra bed space.
- Spa
- A rather attractive swimming pool—in style, length and location
- Popular beachfront restaurant and bar
- Regular yoga classes on a group basis (private sessions at a supplement)
- Non-motorised water sports
- The beach here is one of the best on the island, with an expansive sweep of fine, soft sand
- At the far end of the beach, a 15-minute walk, you have the Fisherman’s Village restaurant/shopping area
Zazen Koh Samui is instantly appealing. Impeccable style and meticulous attention to detail, complemented by some of the warmest and most heartfelt smiles you’ll find in Thailand.
The rooms are bright and contemporary, maintaining a distinct sense of destination.
There are some small steps, both around the resort and in most of the villas, so you need to be aware, especially without eyeglasses.
Many hotels claim ’boutique’ status without truly understanding the essence of understated luxury and personalised service. Zazen, however, truly delivers. It starts with delightful and ends with exceptional.
Zazen is located at the narrower, quieter western end of the long Bophut beach. It is more secluded but with the livelier attractions just a short walk. For us, it’s primarily a haven for romance and couples, though well-behaved children are welcome.
Samui can be easily circumnavigated in a day by car. Motorbike hire would be against our advice. The East Coast, particularly around Chaweng, is quite developed, offering numerous bars, restaurants, and shops. The North Shore is somewhat quieter.
The South and West coasts have inferior pebble rocky beaches but are more authentic in style with several attractive local villages. There are some waterfalls and ethical elephant camps. The neighbouring islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Tao can also be visited as day trips or longer.
Koh Samui can be easily incorporated into a tour around Thailand, with combinations with Bangkok & Chiang Mai especially popular. Total cultural and scenic contrasts.
Why are there so many places in Thailand starting with Koh? Simple – it means island.
Zazen Koh Samui
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