Koh Samui and Bangkok

Absolutely amazing experience here. Service was remarkable. The best thing was that it was isolated from the throngs of tourist because it was located on it's own private property on the other side of the island. Only drawback was that you were pretty much trapped on the compound, not that that was bad. Food was great, private beach relaxing, and swimming in that pool gives you feeling like no other.

Cut myself on some coral while diving and swimming in the sea. Got 6 gashes on my thigh.

We ended up here because ebookers lost my reservation to another hotel that was in a better location (they did give me my money back). Not that this place was bad, but it was so far south of central Chaweng and difficult to get anywhere. Luckily, we took a whole day doing our sea kayak excursion, so we didn't have to stay around that much.The room was decent. Sheets were a little dirty. Shower had no frontal curtain, but was clean. The bathroom actually looked brand new. It was nice that it was a bungalow right on the beach so that you could watch the sunset from your room. Completely opposite of the Le Meridien, but that's what you expect for the relatively low price of $160/night (for peak).

One of the best ever...claims my wife with much spa experience.

This is where the island paradise experience went south. Chaweng was overflowing with tourists. You couldn't walk on the sidewalk for more than a minute. Not that there were usable sidewalks to walk on. You have to fight through all the street vendors. The main drag is pretty much one big night market.

Another great experience. Service was remarkable. We had a room overlooking the river. We should've stay longer here.

Ended up here on a referral from the Oriental because the Oriental was fully booked. Prices were high for Thailand, but reasonable compared to good US spas. That was fine for a novice like me. For my wife, it was so so.

Luxury silk store. Bought some great pillow cases.

Funkym, cool fusion restaurant. Enjoyable cocktails. We tried to order more "Asian" seafood dishes. Very pleased. Only thing is, it seems like it was established by foreigners for only foreigners to dine there. I felt like I was in New York or London, rather than Bangkok. But, I read that that's how the dining scene is evolving here.