Coast/Beach:

The quiet and secluded Laem Set beach is located a 5 min drive away. Lamai beach, arguably the finest on Samui, is just 10 min drive.

Villa Emerald is located at Sitara Retreat which is situated close to the southern tip of the island. Nearby to the villa many of the island's main attractions are a short drive away and include Lamai beach, Butterfly Garden, Waterfalls, Aquarium, Elephant trekking, Grandmother, Grandfather Rocks, Thai cookery classes, Thai boxing, horse riding, kayaking, amongst others. There are many fine and varied restaurants serving delicious Thai and Western dishes, all within 5-10 min drive from the villa.

The southern part of the island still has that rustic charm appeal that the whole of Samui boasted years ago. We are frequently told by guests they find the Thai people in this southern part of the island extremely hospitable, and welcoming. In the north where it is far more crowded and touristy on the island there is not always the opportunity to discover the true warmth and charm of the local people. The beaches on the south also remain undeveloped, due mainly to the shallow coastline. If you like to explore you can still find areas where you have the beach to yourself, and never too far away you will find a Thai restaurant where you can enjoy true authentic local dishes.

The villa is a 2-3 min drive, or 15 min walking distance (which is steep in a couple of places) to Laem Sett beach. It is a quiet and secluded beach and here one can spot the local fishermen, with their long tailed boats, come into shore. Located on the beach is the rustic Thai style Cool Bar where you can enjoy delicious food and a drink whilst soaking up the tranquil atmosphere.

Also within the charming area of Laem Sett there are several fine restaurants, serving Thai and Western food, small coffee shop, few small, quiet garden bars, several traditional Thai massage services, Yoga, two local taxi services and a travel agency.

Close by is ShaSa Resort, Centara Villas & Samui Orchid which opens its doors to non residents and has many facilities to enjoy, including smart restaurants and bars.

Five to ten min drive away is the fishing village of Baan Hua Thanon where fresh fish, fruit and vegetables are sold daily at the local market, together with small local shops, 24-hour Seven Eleven store, doctors surgery, a Wednesday Night Market and Chinese Temple, amongst other places to explore and enjoy.

Lamai beach, which is several kilometres long, has many attractions, and includes fine restaurants and varied water-sports.

Getting There:

We provide complimentary transport from the airport, ferry terminal or your hotel on the island, to Villa Emerald and a return journey (one in each direction).

Getting Around:

Once you have booked, we can arrange to have the reliable, runaround, automatic Suzuki Vitara 4x4 waiting for you, which is included as complimentary with this rental. Or if you are very confident drivers, two mopeds.

The use of a car or moped is the easiest way to get around. The Villa is located in the quieter part of Koh Samui, unlike the busy north of the island. Villa Emerald has outstanding ocean views and where you have this, you have a hill to climb. The villa is positioned in an outstandingly beautiful location, and is a 250 mtr length of steep hill from the entrance at Sitara Retreat. It is a condition of Sitara Retreat that if you use a car it will need to be a four wheel drive.

All our cars are insured, with the guest being responsible, and limited, for the first 15,000 Baht of any damage. There is no insurance on mopeds where the guest pays for any damage incurred.

It is the guest's responsibility to ensure that they also have their own comprehensive Travel & Health Insurance, and appropriate driving documentation for Thailand.

With the villa being located in a quieter part of the island, driving can be a more pleasurable experience. To go to the beach, restaurants, local attractions etc, we do strongly recommend the use of the complimentary vehicle which we provide for you with this booking. However, should you not feel a confident driver and do not wish to make use of the car, there are several private hire car companies (of which we can give you telephone numbers so that you can make your own arrangements) that can pick you up at the entrance of Sitara, which is a 4 or 5 minute walk down the hill. Should you decide to use the private hire facility this will be at your own cost.

There is private parking for a vehicle at the Villa, via steps up to the top car park.

Travel:

Samui International Airport is 35 min drive away. Ferries are located 25 mins away.

Distances:

The seaside town of Lamai is a 10 min drive, Chaweng is a 25 min drive. The Butterfly Garden, Aquaruim and Tiger Zoo are all within a few min drive.

A Lotus Tesco Superstore and also the popular large food supermarket, Makro, both located in Lamai, are only a 10 min drive from the villa.