Hi all. Good news! My husband has surprised me with tickets to Koh Samui for my 40th birthday in September. He has asked for my help choosing somewhere to stay. Would you please weigh in?

We want that rare hybrid: a place far enough from the tourists to be quiet and unpopulated, but close enough to civilization that we can leave the property for dinner each night. For example, we ADORE the Chedi Phuket, which is on a private beach (shared only with the uber-luxe Amanpuri), but is still easily walkable to a nearby town with little beachfront restaurants and bars.

Thanks in advance!
David