Baan Hin Sai Resort & Spa

There isn't much of a scene at Baan Hin Sai Chaweng. The resort bills itself as a boutique resort, but it is a bit weathered and certainly not an upscale place. However, the resort does have a rather rustic charm to it, located on a green jungle-clad hillside high up above the rocky surf and sea. It's a great place for those seeking a hidden escape from the crowds of Samui. There is no partying going on here -- one needs to go into Chaweng for action, a 10-minute drive. Most guests can be found at the Chom View Restaurant up top, an open-air space with weathered wood and pretty, blue tile touches; the venue serves breakfast, and along with the lobby, is the only spot at the resort for Wi-Fi access. If the charming infinity pool overlooking the cliff weren't so shady and hidden, it might be a popular hangout -- fortunately, it's quiet and shows off the tranquil charms of the resort at its best. Budget-travelers will appreciate it here; Samui's east coast tends to be way overpriced, so rooms here are a deal, if one can put up with the steep terrain and lack of nearby restaurants and bars. 

Baan Hin Sai Chaweng Noi Boutique Resort is located on a steep hillside up above the viewpoint between Chaweng and Lamai beaches on Samui's east coast. The resort is about a 20-minute drive from the airport, and a 10-minute drive from both Chaweng and Lamai. The resort occupies a hilly area between the ring road and the sea, and the road outside the resort is steep, narrow, and well-trafficked. There aren't many restaurants or shops here, so one needs to rely on taxis to go to Chaweng and Lamai. There also isn't a beach here, just big rocks and crashing waves, which makes the resort rather charming and hidden. 

Rooms here range from small Chalet rooms to fancy Sea Front Deluxe. All have lots of wood, much of it pretty weathered -- including floors, bed frames, closets, and bathroom saloon doors. All rooms have small tube-style TVs, electric kettles, safes, and minibars; but none have Wi-Fi. While the most basic Chalet and Villa rooms don't have much in the way of views, and do look a bit weathered and cramped, the Sea Front Chalets and Sea Front Deluxe rooms have a more wild and rustic feel, perched right above the crashing ocean, and really feel like secluded hideaways. Bathrooms have older shower/tub combos, drab lighting, and few toiletries -- although there are huge, rickety wooden closets for hanging clothes. The Sea Front Deluxe units are the exceptions, with separate shower cubicles, as well as outdoor bathtubs on private decks overlooking the sea.

The Baan Hin Sai Chaweng has two swimming pools, both of which are small but tiered. There is an upper pool just below the resort entrance and restaurant. The infinity pool tucked away at the bottom of the resort, right above the cliffs and pounding surf below, is an excellent spot to watch the sea -- and as it's rather shady and lacks a beach below, the pool doesn't seem to get too much use, and almost feels private. The resort also has a spa located right on the cliffs above the sea. The dinner restaurant, Tiew Kluen, serves Thai and international cuisine in a romantic setting over the ocean. There is also the Chom View restaurant adjacent to the lobby, which serves breakfast and has Wi-Fi access. A kiddy pool and hot tub are available, as well.