As with all Karma properties, they were built as Villa residences, which were then sold to individual owners. Karma rent most of them out and include restaurant, room service, spa etc as part of the experience. This means that service is a little laid-back compared to a traditional up-scale resort experience, but I have always found it to be very warm and helpful, if not always super slick.

Our of all the places I have stayed on Koh Samui, I probably relaxed the most at Karma Samui. I have no idea why, but I just found the place very peaceful.

They have two smallish infinity edge pools (one for adults and another for kids), but we never used them as we had our own, as you will.

The beach is rocky, with coarse sand, but once you negotiate the little channel that takes you out into the sea, then it's fine, and it is so secluded that you feel as if it is your own private beach.

Bathrooms are half-tiled, with walk-in showers and separate tubs, but not wildly luxurious. Everything works OK, but it's not exactly Aman or Four Seasons, although in this case, I preferred Karma Samui to FS Koh Samui as you can.at least walk around this resort!

Thai and Italian style food. Chef's name was Stefano Leone in the Padme restaurant.