Payments made by partners impact the order of prices displayed. Room types may vary.
The listings of booking offers for each property take into account the compensation paid to us by our partners. Prices shown may be for varying room types. Prices displayed are the lowest available, corresponding to the least expensive room type available, as provided from our partners as of the time of the user’s search.
"Treat yourself to the best of Thailand at Sandalwood Luxury Villas where guests enjoy panoramic views of the Gulf of Siam from every room and our nine private infinity. Located on the beautiful island of Koh Samui, our fourteen Thai style pavilions are positioned around nine infinity edge swimming pools. Each intimate and secluded villa has a panoramic ocean view and is linked by landscaped gardens with intricate stone walkways. We provide exclusive and sophisticated accommodation while seamlessly blending traditional Thai architecture with a modern contemporary style. At Sandalwood Luxury Villas, we strive to give each guest an outstanding level of quality service with our warm Thai hospitality. From the moment our professional drivers pick you up at the airport, our staff is available to cater for your every need. Whether enjoying an authentic Thai meal in our Blue Ginger Restaurant or a massage at our Sanctuary Spa, our goal is to make your Sandalwood stay a special experience.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
We stayed in Jumpee, the views were fantastic and the villa, outdoor area were all very private. The room was well furnished, clean and the room had a small kitchen which was handy. The location is up a very steep hill and it's about £10 for a one way cab (cabs in Koh Samui were more pricey than elsewhere in Thailand). The staff were nice but if you're after 'luxury service', you might not get that. For example, we did laundry there, which was quite cheap but it came back damp and we were still charged for it. We had a floating breakfast one morning which was very nice.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed in a 3 bedroomed grand pool villa (Rose) and it was just wonderful. The villa has the most spectacular views. All the staff we came across went above and beyond. The location is up a steep hill (how else are you going to get those views 😍) and you need transportation to get anywhere but the drivers at the Sandalwood are on hand to take you anywhere you want to go at any time. (Between 400-600 baht) They so offer free transport to two beaches between 8-5pm. The restaurant on-site was excellent and you can even have your meal delivered to your villa for extra 100 baht. Food panda works well too so you can order in if you so wish. So sad to leave our stay was just amazing. Thank you Sandalwood, we hope to return someday!
Read more
Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Splash out and get a villa with a pool
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We spent 4 nights in the Leelawadee 3 bedroom pool villa with our two teenagers. The staff were very friendly and the villa was very private and secluded, as advertised, with beautiful views and lovely clean pool. The outdoor spa was not that great, so we did not use it. The rooms are positioned adjoining a lovely long outdoor balcony area. There is no interior connection between the main room and the kids rooms so we were lucky our kids were old enough to be on their own overnight. Not recommended for families with young children at all. The main bathroom ensuite is a bit strange and nothing as nice as the pictures look. The bath (which looks luxurious in the images) was not very clean with dirt and bugs and the shower came hot and cold intermittently. We had just stayed a week in the luxury of Santiburi (a 5 star resort in the north of the island) so Sandalwood, although nice enough, was a step down. They advertise it as 5 stars but it is closer to 3 stars. The villas are up a very steep hill. Many taxis and tour operators will not go up it and you probably do not want to walk up it. Sandalwood offers free transport up and down the hill with their own friendly drivers between 8am and 5pm and they are very available and helpful. We ate in the restaurant two nights and the food was good - they close at 8pm and we were the only ones there. We had breakfast delivered to our room one morning, which was ok. Highly recommend a trip down to Vikasa Life Cafe for breakfast which was delicious. The Whats App they use for communication is very useful and staff are responsive to your needs between 8am and 8pm. The beds were comfortable; however mattresses were old are in need of replacing. The thing that makes this place is the view - if you can put up with things not being necessarily luxurious and a little outdated, and not being able to walk to other restaurants or attractions (thus relying on organising drivers), then it is worth a few days stay just for the friendly staff. scenery and peacefulness.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2022
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We really liked staying here- and ultimately I think it was the right choice for our stay. However, it’s really important to understand before your stay that this hotel is secluded and you are therefore reliant on the hotel for transport, and to an extent also food.
It’s definitely worth booking an infinity pool villa as this made it a special and unforgettable experience, if you don’t do this you might be better off staying down on the beach as the selling point of this hotel is the view and the private pools.
The transport up and down the hill and to other places gets expensive fast- we paid about 3000 baht extra just in shuttle costs into town. The cheapest way to deal with this is get the free shuttle to crystal bay beach and then hire a bike, but you might struggle to get the bike up the hill, so again you’re reliant on paying the hotel for transport which even at the beach costs you after 5pm.
The other issue is the food. You’re stuck with the restaurant there’s literally nowhere else to go. The Thai food was fine but expensive compared to everywhere else, the drinks weren’t great, but the problem for us was the breakfasts. They were unpleasant both thai and western options. Better to hold on and avoid eating there if you can, but as stated if you’re at the hotel it is the only option without paying for transport- there is nowhere else to eat.
The service however was lovely and friendly.
If you’re after a quiet escape then it’s worth it, and if you want to prioritise the pool and the view, otherwise you might be better off somewhere more central.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We splurged and booked a 3 bedroom villa with a private pool for 5 nights. Villas are up a steep mountain so transfers are available for a cost to chaweng, bophut, lamai etc. Reception closes at 8pm but they have a freelance driver who you can message for night time pickups and you pay him directly. Generous supply of bottled water daily, wifi could be a bit better but otherwise what a beautiful place to wake up to every day. It is away from any of the shops or restaurants so factor this in as you will need transfers as the steep mountain would be hard to walk. Staff are lovely and friendly. Really loved our stay.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:You will need transfers as the location is up a steep mountain
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
As cliche as it sounds, our stay was magical. My boyfriend and I were on a 2 week trip in Thailand with a large group of friends that happened to coincide with our anniversary so for our last night on Koh Samui we decided to treat ourselves with a stay at Sandalwood. Our taxi driver wouldn't drive up the steep hill but we had a motorbike that was able to make it, and while it was interesting with all of our bags, we made it to the top and were greeted by the nicest people I've ever met in hospitality. We found out that they would have picked us up from the airport or the bottom of the hill if we had called or asked ahead of time and even followed us to return our motorbike at the end of our trip and drove us to the airport. We carried our bags to reception and were greeted by name, with chilled glasses of juice and a cool refreshing towel to cleanse our travels off. They seated us at a comfortable table so we could take in the breathtaking view and enjoy our beverages while they walked us through the amenities and set our phones up with the WIFI - they provided a phone for our use in contacting them for shuttle services throughout the island, and described on site amenities like the Spa and restaurant. The owner ended up checking us in and made it feel like such a personal experience. You can immediately tell they take great pride and care in their facility. We were then brought to our room by the Owner (who had already had someone deliver our bags to the room) and he showed us around. We rented the Amarin Grand Jacuzzi Suite which was already cool with air conditioning and decorated with flower petals for our anniversary. The owner recommended we indulge in the Milk Bath from their spa staff in our own private balcony Jacuzzi which was 800 baht (basically $25 USD). We went to dinner at the on site restaurant Blue Ginger (delicious food, drinks, dessert, and great staff and views) and came back to our room with the Milk Bath set up - flowers and candles surrounded the bath. Like I said, magical. The balcony is incredibly private and has a 180 degree view of the bay below and the views were the best we had seen on the island. The bed was comfortable, the shower was hot with good pressure (game changer on a long vacation of cold showers), and the mini fridge was well stocked with VERY reasonable prices, along with complimentary water, coffee, and tea. We woke up the next day and enjoyed coffee on our balcony before having a wonderful breakfast at the restaurant (menu and buffet included in cost of room and had tons of options, all of which were delicious). From start to finish, our one night stay was incredible and the perfect way to finish our trip to Thailand. Our biggest regret was only booking one night at Sandalwood - we even considered extending our trip just to enjoy it another day. Needless to say, I would highly recommend Sandalwood for any romantic getaway and would be a huge driver for me returning to Koh Samui in the future.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2019
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:The Grand Jacuzzi Suite has a very private balcony with beautiful views of the bay below.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Robert D, Owner at Sandalwood Luxury Villas
Responded 29 Feb 2020
Wow what a great review! You said it all. Glad you appreciated all the little things we do to make your stay with us comfortable. We love for our guests to catch the magic. We will continue to improve so that the next time you join us you will have an even more relaxing and pleasant stay with us. Hurry back soon.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our stay at the Sandalwood luxury villas was extremely disappointing. We rented a three-bedroom villa for our winter break and when we arrived we discovered that the pool for the villa was in the shade ALL day long at this time of year. The pool was not heated so we were not able to use it as it was in the shade. We paid much more for a villa with a pool, we discussed this with the resort before we booked and we were never told that the pool was entirely in the shade and never warmed up. If we wanted sun while in Thailand for 10 days, we had to drive down the hill and go to the beach. The staff were very friendly but I would never choose to stay at this location again. Extremely disappointing. The view is beautiful but the location just doesn't work.
Be aware that the villas are older and a bit run down also. But the biggest issue was literally having no sun on our deck or pool (and every day was sunny and beautiful) the entire time we were there.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Make sure you ask if the pool has sun directly on it during the season you are traveling.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fabulous little place high up in the hills above Lamai Beach. We stayed as a family of four in a two bedroom apartment with a private pool and gorgeous views of the coast (sunsets were spectacular as were the electrical storms!) Our trip lasted 5 days.
The apartment was well fitted with fridge, freezer, microwave, pots and pans, cutlery, plates etc so plenty of room to cook simple meals and keep our water, juices and beers cool. There was a mini bar provided if you needed anything extra. There is a great sofa area where we watched films on an evening and the bedrooms are spacious with huge bathrooms with shower and separate bathtub. We asked for an extra bed for the children’s room and this set up worked perfectly for us. The bathroom provided toiletries, hair dryer, and plenty of towels for the bathroom and pool. The pool area is very well maintained with loungers, drying rack, chairs and a table. We loved lounging around our apartment each day!
We used Grab during our stay to delivery a few essentials which was really convenient. We didn’t need to leave our apartment much so thoroughly enjoyed the peace, privacy and tranquility. It might be an idea to rent a car if you plan on staying longer but for our trip, we used the taxi at the hotel to get around and this was enough for us.
Owners, Robert and George, and their great staff team met our every need from providing gluten-free food, to making perfect day trip recommendations, to finding the best places to find vegetarian food. We could not have asked for more from them. The breakfasts were plentiful and varied and the restaurant, Blue Ginger, was a tasty little find too.
This was a completely flawless holiday for us and we will return. Sandalwood Villas is a special place and I could not recommend it more.
Read more
Date of stay: June 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:If your budget can stretch, get a private pool!
Take a day trip to Koh Tan and hire a golf cart...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I have been going to Sandalwood, luxury resorts on Ko Samui several times over 20 years. I go back because everything there is always a surprise… Better than I remember from the moment I see this smiling face at the airport holding up a sign with my name on it is always a relief after a long flight. By the time I make it to my room, I am in a cocoon of beauty, attention to detail, that makes me feel special there. Every room is different and has its own personality and view. There is an attention to your privacy in every room. Most villas have private pools. The gardens are magnificent The integration of rooms and environment is inspired. I love the Blue Ginger restaurant on the grounds with its tasty menu and stellar views. It’s a perfect place for a honeymoon or a family. I have always loved the staff as they are warm and attentive. There is a feeling of family there. The views of the island from Sandalwood are riveting; Birds Eye vistas reveal Chaweng and Coral Cove Beach with the ever-changing colorful sea.. often I extend my stay here because I love it so much. I will be back to Sandalwood.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It was our first major trip after the honeymoon which we booked through Antilog vacations and we got a good deal. I was looking for a complete experience from our trip to Bangkok. I went through a lot of online portals both to get an idea of the pros and cons of the various resorts and also to get acquainted about Bangkok in general. I found the particular portal- Antilogvacations.com quite extensive and the site was replete with pics and package deals. I found a package of 6 days and 5 nights to the Hansar Bangkok particularly lucrative and despite the slightly high tariff I decided to go ahead with it mainly due to the umpteen superlative reviews about the resort. The resort was close to the airport and we were welcomed at the reception with a welcome drink and a face wipe. The ambience and the interiors of the resort were magnificent. The sitting area bordering the area was beautifully maintained with fresh flowers and an artificial waterfall. We got a room in the third floor. The room was fantastic around 500 sq mt of space replete with additional storage space, attractive décor and a very posh bathroom. The rain shower needs special mention because of its fabulous water pressure and international feel. Other amenities like fridge, plasma TV and safe were also stacked up in the room. The food was an eclectic mix of Thai and continental fares. The breakfast was marvelous with a variety of eggs prepared as per order. The lunch and dinner buffet also continued the rich tastes of the morning. Dumplings and dim sums became my wife’s favorite during the course of our stay. The service of the entire staff was typified by the waiters who were at our helm throughout our meal. Thus the Hansar provides an excellent stay in Bangkok and is highly recommended.
Read more
Date of stay: October 2019
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Robert D, Owner at Sandalwood Luxury Villas
Responded 1 Mar 2020
Thanks for the good review.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed in Jumpee villa. The pool is HUGE. 8 feet deep!. I don't remember much about sun exposure but im certain the staff will be able to advise you. I envy you. My husband and i hope to return to Sandalwood this autumn. Enjoy!!
We originally booked the one bedroom villa which looked very nice don’t know the difference between the other one. Make sure you get one that has an individual pool not the little community pool that’s right there by the reception area. When we got there they upgraded us to the three bedroom even though it was just me and my wife at the very end, beautiful views but a walk up the hill
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.