Relaxation is inevitable when you arrive to a view like the one you get at Code. Set atop a hill above Bang Por beach, the Gulf of Thailand and the islands of Koh Tao and Koh Phangan stretch before you and can be gazed upon wherever you happen to be in the resort be it reclining on the day-bed from your balcony, whilst sipping a cocktail on your sun-lounger or during your leisurely breakfast. But wait, I’m getting ahead of myself!
We arrived at Code after a red eye and a short transfer in Bangkok. The chill of the Melbourne winter was soon forgotten as soon as the balmy heat of Koh Samui hit us as we emerged from the plane. Thirty minutes after a hassle-free pick up from the airport by Code we were gazing up at our sleek and modern home for the next ten days. With just 40 rooms, and both one and two bedroom suites available, Code caters perfectly for both loved-up couples and families whose paying parents don’t want to compromise on a bit of luxury.
We were ushered to reception and presented with cold towels and juice whilst check-in was arranged. It took a little time to organise as a number of guests were making enquiries and only one staff member was available at reception. But, we had nowhere to be so happily languished in air-conditioned comfort.
We were soon shown to our generous sized suite which had the all important feature when holidaying in this part of the world. A view. And it is to die for. We had requested a room on the fourth level for this very reason. The lack of lift is a minor quibble and easily forgotten when you get to wake up to this vista each morning. The suite has everything you could possibly need during your stay- a kitchen containing a microwave and full size fridge/freezer, TV, reliable wi-fi, a king size bed, comfy leather couches and an efficient air-conditioning unit. The bathroom is on the small side given the size of the suite. We found the shower pressure a bit poor and there wasn’t much room to put your toiletries out but it was adequate. It was otherwise a gorgeous suite to return to after a day out and we especially loved the day bed on the balcony, the handy towel rail to hang your togs and the ability to swivel the TV. And that view.
House-keeping was very thorough during our stay- beach towels are changed every day, the complimentary bottled water in your fridge is topped up and a tropical incense burner is lit upon their departure. We did notice that it took a while to clear room service trays from door-steps but this was hardly a deal breaker.
The resort is small but perfectly formed. It has a spectacular infinity pool, a spa and restaurant. The pool was a highlight of our stay- a great size, surrounded by a decent amount of sun-loungers and spotlessly clean. Buzzers are located next to all sun-loungers when you can’t be bothered heading to the bar for a drink or would prefer to sip or eat poolside. Indeed, buzzers are handy wherever you choose to park yourself to relax, with numerous day-beds and loungers dotted thoughtfully around the property.
Located near the pool area is Vanilla Restaurant where breakfast is served between 7:30am and 10:30am each morning. It’s a great set-up- booth type seating outside and air-conditioned tables inside, both optimising the spectacular view. For a boutique property, we thought the variety of food was excellent. A full range of continental options including a salad bar, charcuterie, cheeses and smoked salmon, hot dishes of both Asian and Western bent and eggs cooked to your liking at the egg station. There were espresso coffees on offer and juices, although we thought offering fresh juices would have upped the ante.
If you’re enjoying a ‘resort day’ the breakfast area is thoughtfully re-arranged to allow guests to make use of the pool table whilst downing cocktails during Happy Hour. The Cinnamon Spa is also on hand to aid your relaxing, offering a wide range of treatments. We indulged in a number of them and found them a bit more expensive than at other resorts in the same price bracket but enjoyed the variety available and the cheerful masseuses. The aloe vera treatment is especially soothing if you’ve had a tad too much sun!
If you plan on traveling slightly further then the resort (and we suggest you do! See our post on Koh Samui street food), it is advisable to hire a scooter or a car given Code’s location. Code operates a shuttle at certain times of the day to and from Bang Por beach and charges 100THB one way at times outside of the schedule. The convenience of hiring a scooter or car straight from the hotel was great. We paid 300THB per day and although we might have received a slightly cheaper rate from a rental down the hill, it was incredibly handy having the scooters right outside reception to grab. It also meant we avoided the hassle of returning it on our final day and having to find a way to get back to the hotel. The ease with which staff organised the scooter and indeed bookings of day trips and spas was admirable. Nothing was too much trouble.
But as is typical with this beautiful country, the people made the greatest impact. Every single staff member was friendly, engaging and unfailingly helpful. From start to finish, Code was completely focused on improving their guest’s experience at the resort. Commitment like this is priceless. Coupled with the completely relaxing, no-fuss, luxurious surrounds of the resort- I’d have to say our stay at Code was pretty perfect.
Good to know:
Code Hotel
55/13 Moo 6
Bang Por Soi 4
Maenam
Koh Samui
Telephone +66 (0) 77 601 122
Rates: we booked via the hotel website for a one-bedroom suite for 6599THB but there are currently some great deals to be had if you’re thinking of visiting soon. The rate included daily breakfast, wi-fi and use of a mobile phone during your stay to contact the hotel. The full booking amount is deducted from your credit card upon reservation. Transfers to and from the airport can be arranged for 800THB one way.
Images: Thomas Southam
