Sunset Hill Resort

Located on a verdant hill on the western coast of Koh Phangan Island, Sunset Hill Resort offers gorgeous views of the Gulf of Thailand. Guests arrive at a compact lobby before they are escorted through the lush grounds dotted with wooden carvings and sculptures. Far from the chaos of Haad Rin, and its Full Moon Party, the resort is best for tourists seeking a tranquil retreat. There's little more than a restaurant and infinity pool here, keeping the atmosphere quiet and relaxed. Note that the property is set on a steep hill, which may be difficult for those with mobility issues to climb on foot. As many of the apartments feature living rooms and kitchenettes, they are popular for both short and longer getaways.

Perched on a hill overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, the resort is within a 15-minute walk of the beaches of Haad Chao Phao and Haad Yao on the island’s west coast. While the views are spectacular, the steep hill can be a challenge for those on foot. Additionally, there are only a handful of restaurants in the immediate area. Haad Rin Beach, home to the famous Full Moon Party, is around a 40-minute drive away. Most guests reach the resort by flying to Koh Samui, and taking an express boat from Seatran or Maenam Pier on Koh Samui to Thong Sala Pier on Koh Phangan, which is around a 15-minute drive from the property. The resort offers free parking, as well as regular shuttle service to Haad Yao and Haad Chao Phao. Travelers expecting to explore the island a bit may want to rent a scooter.

The resort offers rooms ranging from standard hotel units up to three-bedroom apartments, dispersed across four buildings. All are spacious and contemporary, outfitted in dark-wood furniture, beige tile floors and walls, blue and orange bed runners and throw pillows, abstract artwork, and Buddha sculptures. All have furnished balconies overlooking the garden or ocean, and past guests agree it's worth upgrading to one with a sea view. Standard amenities include air-conditioning, fans, flat-screen TVs with cable channels and DVD players, free Wi-Fi, fridges, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and safes. Desks and sitting areas are provided, and they're larger in apartment-style units, which also come with minimally equipped kitchenettes. Some upgraded units have rooftop terraces with plunge pools. Bathrooms have open wet room-style showers, plus separate tubs in many, as well as hairdryers, bathrobes, slippers, and toiletries.

The lack of in-room phones can be inconvenient.

The standout feature here is an infinity pool, which overlooks the Gulf of Thailand and has great sunset vistas. However, it's shallow and too small for a real swim. Loungers shaded by umbrellas line a small paved deck and a grassy area, plus there are an adjacent hot tub and thatched-roof pool bar. The all-day Viewpoint Lounge and Bar offers western and Thai fare, as well as buffet breakfasts (included in some rates). The restaurant’s indoor area has floor-to-ceiling windows that can be opened to make the most of the stunning views, as well as traditional Thai floor seating and sculptures. A palm-fringed outdoor terrace is more pleasant.

While the resort has no spa or gym, it can arrange massage treatments, as well as scooter or car rentals, and excursions. Free yoga classes are provided on the pleasant sea-view rooftop.