Santhiya Tree Koh Chang Resort

This 50-room resort is set in a tropical garden and has a more dated style than other hotels that aspire for upscale status. Details like dark hardwood floors, exposed beams and wicker furniture make some areas -- such as the lobby and the main restaurant -- look a little dull, but there’s a dash of romance here as well. This includes areas like the outdoor pools -- with gleaming tiles and sandstone statues -- and the pool bar, with its intimate palapa setting. The swimming areas are a highlight, as they're surrounded by lush greenery and have sea views. There are numerous nooks to rest and relax, whether in the spa or bars, or just reading in a quiet spot on the private beach. Given the romantic vibe of the hotel, it’s no surprise that couples are the main guests here, but the on-site restaurants, free breakfast, and large pool mean that families often pass through as well. 

Located on South Klong Prao Beach, the Santhiya Tree is situated in a quiet area of the island, away from the hustle and bustle of towns nearby. There are a couple of good restaurants just a few minutes’ walk along the beach, but the main concentration of these is a bit too far to reach on foot. Ban Changthai elephant camp is a five-minute drive from the hotel, and the larger Ban Kwan Chang will take around 32 minutes to reach by car, while visitors interested in wilder nightlife can reach lively Lonely Beach in around 17 minutes by car. There are also hiking and cycling trails close at hand. From Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport, there are daily flights to Trat Airport -- taking around one hour. From there, pickup truck taxis run to the ferry terminal for Koh Chang (a 15-minute drive). Driving from Suvarnabhumi airport to the ferry terminal will take around three hours and 50 minutes, or around six hours on public bus. Direct buses are also available from the airport and Ekkamai bus station in Bangkok, and resort offers airport transfers (for a fee). Free parking is available at the hotel without reservation. 

All 50 rooms at the Santhiya Tree are Deluxe, with either garden views or pool access, and private terraces. Some of the larger rooms have whirlpool tubs and views across the Gulf of Thailand. Decor is muted and a bit dated, with neutral color walls, hardwood floors, and lots of teak paneling. Splashes of color are seen through some furniture, artwork, and bed throws, as well as thoughtful touches like flowers and scattered petals on beds. Some units have four-poster beds, with white linen curtains to give them an extra dash of romance, and all have seating areas and work desks. Standard in-room amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs with DVD players and satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, minibars, electric kettles, and safes. Bathrooms are spacious and quite splashy when compared to the rest of the resort, done in natural sandstone or slate plus pebble features on floors. Each bathroom has a separate shower, corner tub, and skylight, which provides lots of natural light. Counter space can be limited and hairdryers and free toiletries are provided.

This boutique resort is well located on a quiet stretch of beach on the west coast of Koh Chang and packs in a lot of great features. The main restaurant -- Chantara -- serves a free continental breakfast each morning and is also open for lunches and evening meals. The resort has a second restaurant -- By The Sea -- which is located beachside and offers local and international fare. There is a charming, tree-lined interior courtyard pool with lounging deck, a larger pool offering views across the Gulf of Thailand, and access to the private beach area as well. A bar provides poolside drinks, and a full service spa and modern fitness center with cardio and weight machines are also available. Free parking is offered without prior reservation and airport transfers can be arranged for a fee. There are two computer terminals in the lobby and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort.