Review: Paradee The Sixth Heaven Koh Samet, Thailand

Prices per night at Paradee vary according to season. In August, in low season, prices start at $450 per night, while in high season, we’re talking more like $620.

Regular customers of Samed Resorts can take advantage of the Friends of Samed loyalty program. By registering and booking directly on their website, the following benefits are offered:

• Earning and redeeming points for reservations
• 10% discount at eligible restaurants, 15% discount on spa treatments and 10% discount on private boat service
• Two free cocktails for those who travel in their birthday month
• Free kayak rental for one hour per room per day

It is also possible to book from platforms such as Expedia, Booking.com and Agoda. By taking part in their rewards programs, you can get a status giving access to discounted prices. You can also combine this with a travel credit card. For example, you could book with the HSBC World Elite^MD Mastercard^MD to avoid the 2.5% foreign currency conversion fee, and get 10% off by booking on Expedia, plus earn 6 points per dollar on your travel spend. You can then use your points to get a statement credit and pay off your stay.

Located in the Gulf of Thailand, off the coast of Rayong province, the island of Koh Samet is about 4.5 hours’ drive from Bangkok. From the port of Ban Phe, you can take a ferry to the island and then take a cab to the resort, but the quickest way is to take Paradee Koh Samet’s private boat service directly to the hotel.

The Paradee Koh Samet occupies a special place on the island, being the only hotel with direct access to two beaches for sunrise and sunset viewing. The hotel is set in an intimate, lush setting of gardens and tropical forest, making it a true haven of peace.

I was surprised to learn that check-in is not at the hotel, but rather in a small building at the port before boarding the private boat to the island. While the staff take care of the paperwork for our arrival, we are asked to choose from several fragrances of essential oils to diffuse in the room, as well as two fragrances of handmade soaps.

We were warmly greeted as soon as we arrived on the beach by a dozen members of staff, offering us fresh towels. Our luggage was immediately taken care of and delivered to our respective villas, which we reached by golf cart.

The welcome was memorable for me and a testament to the exceptional hospitality found at Paradee The Sixth Heaven.

Here are the different categories of villas offered at Paradee The Sixth Heaven:

• Villa Suite
• Garden Villa
• Garden Pool Villa
• Beachfront Pool Villa
• Villa 101 and 102 (with panoramic views)

My room was a Garden Pool Villa, and the short walk to it was far from unpleasant with the vegetation and the scent of flowers.

Each villa has its own distinct entrance and the whole is surrounded by carefully tended vegetation and flowers. As soon as I enter the villa, I recognize the essential oil chosen 30 minutes earlier, which has been diffused in the room. Jack Johnson’s music was playing in the background, creating a relaxing atmosphere from the very first moments.

The entrance opens onto the lounge area, facing a large window overlooking the terrace. As a welcome, a personalized message and a fruit platter were placed on the table. The room is furnished with a large four-poster bed, a small desk tucked away at the back, a Nespresso coffee machine, a mini-refrigerator and a flat-screen TV, among other features.

Next, the very spacious bathroom contains a very large bath, an outdoor shower, an enclosed toilet and a large vanity where I recognized the soaps I had chosen. Small touches like mosquito repellent were appreciated.

And finally, my favorite part of this villa: the magnificent terrace with private pool. Although small, the pool has jets and a bench for a whirlpool effect. There were two deckchairs by the pool, and an outdoor table. I was able to use the space to do an outdoor workout.

A welcome cocktail was offered at the resort’s poolside bar, with a terrace offering a breathtaking view of the sunset. Depending on the weather, you can also sit inside.

To make the most of the villa, breakfast can be delivered to the villa free of charge from the menu displayed in the room and by contacting reception. I opted instead for breakfast in the restaurant. On the first morning, I had a choice of à la carte options and chose the eggs Benedict with smoked salmon.

All this was accompanied by a small buffet to complement the meal.

For my second and last morning at the hotel, breakfast was offered as a buffet. A cook was on hand to prepare eggs according to everyone’s preferences. The buffet was very good and varied, with American, European and Asian breakfast options.

Two villa services are offered during the day: ice cream at 2 p.m. and afternoon tea or coffee at 4 p.m. I was able to take advantage of this second option and had this tray delivered to my room with a cappuccino, a small sandwich, profiteroles and a crème brûlée.

The service was fast and the food very good. In the middle of a rainy day, I really appreciated this option.

The complex has a restaurant called “The Restaurant” in the form of a semi-outdoor pavilion overlooking the pool, beach and sea. In addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner are also available. The menu offers Thai and Asian cuisine, as well as international options. For more privacy and to enjoy your villa, you can have your meal delivered to your room.

I stuck to Thai cuisine for dinner, with shared appetizers and a green curry. Everything was tasty.

This resort is the only hotel on Koh Samet to offer direct (and private) access to two beaches. It’s easy to get from one beach to the other in less than five minutes on foot, or aboard one of the hotel’s golf carts.

Our stay in Koh Samet was very short and in low season, so we weren’t lucky; it rained a lot. I’ll leave you with these photos of the beach provided by the hotel. A variety of non-motorized water sports equipment can be rented free of charge, including kayaks, paddleboards and snorkeling gear.

Day or night, the pool overlooks the beach and offers an unobstructed view of the entire complex. As the weather wasn’t fine, I wasn’t able to take advantage of it, but the view was very inviting.

The hotel spa offers a full range of treatments in an enchanting, relaxing natural setting. You can view the menu here.

An air-conditioned fitness room is available and well-equipped for those who want to stay active while on vacation. Large glass walls give the impression of working out outdoors, and refreshing towels and water are well-stocked in a small refrigerator.

The Paradee The Sixth Heaven on the island of Koh Samet is a five-star luxury sanctuary offering an intimate and idyllic setting to completely disconnect from the hassles of everyday life. The service is impeccable, and the little attentions and extra care offered allow for deep relaxation. Although this resort is primarily for couples, it is also suitable for families.

I’d definitely like to go back and enjoy the place in sunny weather, as it’s indeed a little paradise on earth, and the ideal place to recharge your batteries away from the stress of the city and everyday life, in my opinion. I’d definitely go back.

Continue reading with our Thailand hotel reviews :