My Dear Blog Readers,
"On the rocks!
Well, here you may find yourself there literally.
Namely, this review is about Rocky’s Boutique Resort on beautiful Koh Samui Island in Thailand. Based on its name you might think it's a rocky place, but it's actually quite soft, warm and peaceful sanctuary.
I ended up choosing Rocky’s for the first time purely due to its stunning location in a secluded cove, which is about 1,5 km from Lamai Beach. This place very private, no outsiders and feels very safe and cozy and yet the actual area is quite large, with plenty of lush, green gardens and well maintained the wonderful landscape. The resort is located in a walking distance from Lamai’s shopping (at least I walked there). There is also hotel’s complimentary shuttle service three times daily to Lamai Beach and once a day to Chaweng Beach. Very convenient!
I visited this place for the first time already in April 2016. I remember arriving there as if it was yesterday. I was amazed how green and lush it was, even the air felt more humid due to the amount of flora. What a beautiful oasis that radiates peace and harmony.
The moment I arrived I was greeted with a big smile and someone took care of my luggage for me (which, as usual, I had plenty!). I was guided to the reception area, which, by the way, is quite unusual as it’s not inside a house in its traditional sense, it’s more like a little office building being part of the garden, very tranquil.
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| UP LEFT: reception, DOWN LEFT: rocks, UP RIGHT: sitting area in a garden, DOWN RIGHT: kayaks on the beach |
MY ROOMS
1st visit
On my first visit, I had booked the Junior Suite Beachfront room, which is actually morel like a bungalow. Chose this one simply because I really wanted to watch the sunset every morning on the beach, so wanted to be close to it, and also I wanted to hear the waves crashing on the shore while falling asleep.
Room’s design is elegant, quite typical Thai style, although, in comparison to many hotels, much more colorful, which I like. Room had king size beds along with bedside tables, A/C and a ceiling fan, in a wardrobe there’s a safe, which was luckily big enough to fit my laptop (unlike in another luxury hotel in Europe, which had a safe that actually scratched my laptop when I tried to close the safe!) – although, this lovely hotel feels so safe that I didn’t even really feel like I needed that safe.
The bathroom is surprisingly spacious considering the size of the bungalow. It’s very nice, warm colors and décor very similar to the room, red being the power color, and warm, earthy material, like wood, has been used. The bathroom actually has a mini-garden in the corner, which brings the nature inside – great idea instead of just putting a single plant on a table.
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| 1st photo: Beachfront bungalow's bathroom, 2nd & 3rd: my second room's bathrooms |
I loved the proximity to the beach, it’s just literally maybe 5-10 meters away from your doorstep. The room has an elegant daybed, which faces directly to the stunning oceanfront! There’s also a desk, TV, DVD & CD players and of course tea and coffee making facilities and a minibar. Floors are wooden, which I love, it gives the room such a warm feeling.
There is a little patio/veranda (some may say it’s a balcony) in front wherein you can sit and relax, watch the ocean, and just enjoy the view.
I also appreciated the possibility of rinsing the sand off your feet when coming back from the beach.
In front of the bungalows there is a massage area, sala, which, at first, I felt had a little bit odd location but then I realized that it actually is an amazing location for those getting the massage. Well, of course it seemed odd for those staying at the bungalows as we were able to see guests getting their treatments and thought they might feel uncomfortable, but no, the other way around. When you're getting your treatment, you don't even care about the bungalows, you just enjoy nature and ocean being right there, next to you, it makes the experience even more special! And the more I watched and thought about it, the more it made me want to have a foot massage, which is my favorite as many of you may know by now. I may have to start asking to get one when writing reviews so that I can compare my experiences – what a great idea, well done me!😊
2nd visit
On my second visit to this wonderful hotel I booked Deluxe Jr. Suite Ocean View. Some of these rooms are set higher up the hill, whereas some of them are closer the pool are and restaurant.
When I arrived to my room, I soon discovered a very nice surprise; they had paid attention to the fact that I was a returning guest. This is something I keep repeating to my Hotels' Quality Consulting clients; make sure that you pay extra attention to returning guests as it is much more cost-effective to keep them happy and returning that trying to attempt new guests that know nothing about the place - well done, Rocky's, kudos!
I couldn't say which of these room types is better, depends on what you're looking for.
For the sake of ocean being only steps away, I think many would choose the bungalows, on the other hand, I feel that these ocean view suites are more private, which on this second trip was my priority as I had some work to be done and wanted to just get good sleep and relax.
Naturally, this room type has all the same amenities as the others; king size bed, day bed, TV, DVD, CD-player, minibar etc.
What is good to mention for families or smaller groups; there are also Deluxe Jr. Suite Ocean View rooms available with adjoining doors.
My room had a nice balcony that had an ocean view over the garden.
Too bad I didn't have my video camera ready when on my first morning I saw a little bird taking a bath in a plate on the balcony table, as the plate had water in it as there was a little flower there. That was such a cute look, what a way to start a new day in the middle of the nature. And truly, you could tell you are part of the nature here and I loved it!
Rocky’s room types:
Deluxe Garden Pool View
Deluxe Jr. Suite Ocean View
Jr. Suite Beachfront
Deluxe Beachfront Suite
Family Beachfront
Two Bedrooms Garden Villa
Deluxe Pool Villa
Deluxe Garden View
Here’s a link to see the details of the above room types
WHAT ABOUT THE FOOD?
Breakfast & my special diet
Like I’ve told you before, I have my special diets with some allergies. Before my first visit I had already contacted the hotel about my allergies and Ariane who is in charge of making sure guests needs are met, made sure that I was able to order my gluten free pizzas any time I wanted to have one. Ok, someone might think now, why pizza, you’re in Thailand! Well, since I’ve visited Thailand A LOT – because I really love that country, I sometimes want a change to my diet and then a good old pizza is a perfect option, besides, it’s not self-explanatory to get a gluten free pizza but not a problem here, which was greatly appreciated.
Breakfast was versatile and there were plenty of options to those that have normal eating habits, for me, breakfasts are mostly the same everywhere because I don’t want to risk it with my stomach and I also always want to have my breakfast rich in protein, which means fried egg whites, natural yogurt, to which I add my own protein powder, and if the hotel has gluten free bread, then I’ll have some of that along with various cheese and ham, and some fruits on top. But what’s special about Rocky’s breakfast is the view! You don’t get views like this in many places. In fact, best breakfast views I’ve ever had, of top 5 I’d say 3 have been in Thailand.
Rocky’s staff is very kind and seems to be genuinely interested in you and how you're doing.
(And they Always smile and greet you when your paths cross!)
One of many mornings I was doing my morning exercise (Krav Maga and some stretching on the beach) upon sunrise, as usual, and then, when couple of hours later I went for breakfast, one of the waitresses asked me what it was that I was doing on the beach. She told me that she saw me on the beach when she arrived to work early in the morning.
I told her what it was, and she really seemed interested. Normally staff members only ask those daily “How are you?” questions and that’s it. It's nice that they want to have a chat with you. I know that there 5 star luxury hotels where this kind of behavior would be forbidden as in certain countries it would be inappropriate to ask guests any personal questions. I love the fact that this place is not so stiff. It was, by the way, also very nice to notice that on my second visit, my gluten free diet had been taken into consideration already.
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| One of Rocky's STUNNING sunrises and one of those delicious gluten free bruchettas |
RESTAURANTS
The Dining Room, which is their open-air, signature restaurant, and has a stunning location directly on the oceanfront. It has lovely Thai décor and especially in the evenings it looks really romantic with the candle lights. Restaurants offers classic French cuisine with a modern twist.
The Bistro is casual, yet elegant dining restaurant that features an outdoor show kitchen that has Italian stove and grill. Its menu is contemporary Mediterranean and Thai. The Bistro is elegant and has this modern Thai feeling there. You can sit either inside or poolside.
There are various theme nights in Rocky’s restaurants, for example Surf & Turf, Thai Night, Beach BBQ, which has been quite popular on both times that I’ve been there etc.
Due to my allergies and food restrictions, I have to be quite careful and picky with my food, but let me tell you, I've only had lovely meals here (well, to be honest, not literally in the restaurants that often, as when traveling solo, I use in-room dining quite a bit, but the actual meals I’ve had have been delicious!)
Cocktail night
Complimentary cocktail night where also some canapes are being served is arranged weekly on Wednesday evenings, from 6.30-7.30. If you are lucky, you may get to meet hotel’s general manager, lovely Martin. I had a pleasure of meeting him already on my first visit and since then we’ve kept in touch and of course met again on my second visit.
He really is a very special, kind person, a general manager that always puts guests’ needs and requests first and does his best to entertain guests and make them feel welcome. I can’t thank him enough for his hospitality!
RELAX OR BE ACTIVE - THE CHOICE IS YOURS!
Rocky’s cruises
Rocky’s arranges you various activities, you just choose which one is the most suitable one for you!
Especially if you are on Koh Samui island for the first time, the Private Island Tour is an excellent way to see the main tourist attractions, including the magnificent Buddha.
For daytime activity there is for example “Josephine Cruise”, on this 5-6 hrs cruise you get to explore Koh Samui and neighboring island, along with fishing, snorkeling, relaxing and having a nice picnic.
Romantic activities
For more romantic type evening activity there is “Josephine Sunset Cruise”, 5 island cruise while watching sunset and enjoying some canapes and drinks.
Rocky’s is very romantic during the evening. The staff can arrange you a romantic, private dinner by the beach with your loved one, or perhaps Royal Thai Sala Dinner would be more suitable for you?
Or you can just walk along the shore line, watch the stars and listen to the ocean, perfect way to end a wonderful day here.
Examples of other activities
Of course the hotel can arrange you all kinds of activities with local service providers, just to mention a few; trip to waterfalls, paintball, trekking, bungee jumping, sailing, mini-golf etc.
Relax & just chill
On the other hand, if you go there to just relax, like I did, that is a great place to just chill and enjoy the waters. The beach is really shallow and safe to swim. I love floating in the ocean and did that on my first visit probably for hours. It is an incredible feeling to just float and watch the sky, there is no better meditation than that.
There are also two pools in this lush area, one by the upper bar, and one by the beach, so more than enough to choose from.
There's also kayaks on the beach that you can use.
On top of the hill, near the garden pool bar, there is also a pool table and a library with computers if you haven’t brought your own.
And if you are traveling with children, it’s good to know that hotel has supervised child’s play room complimentary for guest use and if necessary, also babysitting service is available.
You may find more about Rocky's facilities here:
Activities & Facilities at Rocky's - click this to find out more!
OTHER SERVICES
Weddings
During my first visit there was a wedding right in front of my bungalow, I got the front row seat as I watched parts of it from my window (I sure hope the couple didn’t mind!) – lovely ceremony! Rocky’s is a perfect spot for weddings due to its secluded, wonderful location. They’ve arranged many weddings over the years and have even their own wedding planner and based on how popular the resort is as a wedding venue, I bet they truly execute them well!
...and of course, since they have the skills to arrange unforgettable, amazing and romantic weddings, it's also a wonderful place to enjoy your honeymoon!
Want to know more?
Rocky's Weddings - Click here to find out more!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
That is how many stars and points guests have given to this place on for example Tripadvisor, last time I checked it was 4,7 out of 5, which is truly an excellent result, so it's not just me that finds this place charming, warm, staff always smiling, easy to stay, lovely to return.
I must say I really enjoyed my every minute in this resort, on both times and certainly wish there will also be a third time!
I can warmly recommend this peaceful resort to anyone that wants to relax, enjoys watching the ocean and loves good food, appreciates beautiful surroundings along with wonderful, kind and caring service – that’s pretty much everyone, right?
This place rocks – literally, it has some beautiful rock formations at the end of their beach and I spent hours taking some wonderful photos of those rocks, ocean and sunrises there – if you ever visit the place, make sure you do the same – I promise, you won’t regret it!
Interested in some great discounts?
Get 10 % Promotion Code - Click this to find out more!
Want to read more of this special place?
Rocky's Boutique Resort's website - click here!
💥💥💥💥💥
Thank you Rocky's!
Again, another wonderful hotel experience, I feel so lucky and blessed that I get to do what I do. Traveling is food for my soul and wanderlust must be fed!
...and I couldn't do this without all of you, dear followers. My blogs have been read almost 3000 times, which is a lot considering that I haven't published that often - but when I do publish, I want to do my work as well as possible so that everyone is happy about the result; most of all you, my readers.
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_________________________________________________________Oh, and by the way, I've been on #TouchseGoesEurope tour now for 4 weeks, 2 more left, so use that #TouchseGoesEurope hashtag to follow my journey. This has been, as you can, I'm sure, imagine, a very eventful trip, 9 countries by planes, trains and buses...! Action time!
I will blog about it later, but not just yet, because, after this blog, I start working on my next hotel review, which is a story of an absolutely stunning and unique artistic hotel in beautiful Valpolicella, Italy!
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