Santhiya Tree Koh Chang Resort

This resort is celebrated for its traditional Thai architecture and wooden design, which features intricate carvings and natural materials, creating a unique and memorable atmosphere. A standout feature for many guests is the inclusion of private pools in many rooms and villas, offering an exclusive and tranquil experience. The resort is nestled within stunning natural surroundings, encompassing mountains, a river, and direct beach access, contributing to its peaceful ambiance. The exceptional staff service consistently receives high praise, with team members often going above and beyond to assist guests. This makes the resort an ideal choice for couples seeking a romantic and private escape, families looking for a serene and engaging environment, and travelers desiring a tranquil, immersive cultural experience. To enhance your stay, consider booking a room with a private pool, and be aware that while the resort offers a secluded feel, convenient shuttle services are available for exploring the area.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently highlight the impressive array of facilities, particularly the numerous private pools available with many rooms and villas, providing a personal oasis for relaxation. The resort also features a main pool that is described as huge, crystal clear, and stylishly designed, situated conveniently by the beach. For those seeking rejuvenation, the spa offers expertly performed massages. While the fitness center is noted as small and basic, it provides essential equipment. Guests appreciate the availability of ample sunbeds around the pools and beach, though some have noted that a few are showing signs of age. Certain accommodations include a jacuzzi, adding to the luxurious feel. Unique touches like providing sarongs as towels are also appreciated. For convenience, the resort offers speedboat transfers and scooter rental services, facilitating exploration of the island.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The resort consistently receives high marks for its cleanliness, with rooms, the overall property, and common areas maintained immaculately. Guests frequently praise the spacious nature of the rooms and villas, which are adorned with traditional Thai decoration and wooden furnishings, creating an authentic and charming ambiance. A significant draw is the private pool featured in many rooms and villas, often accompanied by picturesque mountain views, river views, or estuary views. The air conditioning generally operates effectively, ensuring a comfortable indoor climate. Bathrooms are described as spacious, with some featuring soaking tubs or bubble baths and separate showers, though a few guests noted they can be dark or lack windows, and it's important to note that toilet paper should be disposed of in a bin rather than flushed. While the resort is generally quiet, some guests have experienced minor soundproofing issues. Most guests find the beds comfortable, though a few have described them as firm. Mosquitoes are a common presence in the tropical environment, with mixed feedback on the effectiveness of control measures, and some guests have reported occasional issues with ants in rooms or inconsistent hot water pressure.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast buffet is a consistent highlight, praised for its huge selection, great variety, and delicious offerings, encompassing both Western and Asian options. Guests particularly enjoy the quality of the coffee, with espresso and cappuccino often singled out as fantastic. The main restaurant, located by the sea, offers a good day and evening menu, with many finding the food quality to be good, delicious, and beautifully presented, and reasonably priced for a resort setting. However, some guests have expressed mixed feedback, noting a limited menu for lunch and dinner, or finding the food bland or overpriced compared to outside options. Special dining experiences, such as the fire show and promotional dinners, are highly recommended. Live music, featuring traditional instruments, enhances the atmosphere during breakfast and dinner. Room service is available and generally well-regarded. While the bar offers a pleasant setting, some guests found the cocktails to be light on alcohol. The resort also provides thoughtful touches like welcoming treats upon arrival, and the culinary team is noted for accommodating vegetarian options upon request. Some guests have observed flying ants at the buffet, though staff actively work to manage this.

Location & Accessibility
The resort boasts a prime beachfront location, offering direct access to the sea and a private beach feel, allowing guests to enjoy stunning sunsets. Its secluded location provides a peaceful retreat away from crowds and party areas. However, guests should note that the resort is a bit far from the main road, typically a 10 to 20-minute walk, which can be challenging in the heat. To mitigate this, a complimentary shuttle service to the main road is provided several times a day, which most guests find convenient, though some wish for more frequent trips. Scooter rental is readily available at the hotel and highly recommended for exploring the island. While the resort offers direct beach access, the beach itself can disappear at high tide, and access may involve rocky steps, which could be problematic for less agile individuals. Some rooms offer charming estuary views or river views. There are a few nearby restaurants accessible by walking or a short shuttle/taxi ride, including a popular local spot next door.

Staff & Service
The resort's staff consistently receives glowing reviews for their exceptional friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently describe the service as "next level," with staff members going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. The check-in process is generally smooth, though a few guests reported minor delays or issues with room allocation. The team is highly solution-oriented, promptly assisting with unexpected issues like taxi problems or flat tires. A standout feature is the convenient WhatsApp communication channel with reception, allowing for quick and responsive assistance. Housekeeping is praised for its attentiveness and for keeping rooms impeccably clean, though there was one isolated report of a room not being cleaned for two days. Guests appreciate the personalized service, with staff often remembering preferences. The massage therapists are highlighted for their professionalism and skill. The staff's dedication extends to accommodating diverse needs, as evidenced by their efforts to learn basic sign language for deaf guests and ensuring specific dietary requirements are met. Many guests have also been delighted by birthday surprises, including cakes and songs.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of the presence of mosquitoes, which are common in the tropical environment, though the resort employs various measures to manage them. Some guests have reported issues with flying ants in dining areas, despite staff efforts to control them. A unique aspect of the resort is its policy regarding toilet paper disposal, which must be placed in a bin next to the toilet rather than flushed. A deposit is required upon check-in, which some guests found to be on the higher side. While the resort provides bottled water, some guests have suggested the introduction of refillable water stations to reduce plastic waste. The beach in front of the resort can be affected by tides, sometimes disappearing at high tide, and access may involve rocky steps. While the resort's beautiful wooden structures contribute to its charm, some guests have noted that the property shows signs of age and could benefit from refurbishment. A few guests experienced issues with soundproofing in rooms and inconsistent hot water supply. Additionally, some found the sunbeds to be heavy and offering limited shade, and cocktails at the bar were occasionally described as light on alcohol.