Perfect Scents

If you’re planning a vacation in Samui with your significant other and one of you is dreaming of a hotel that’s quiet and off the beaten track while the other wants somewhere loud and bustling, The Scent Hotel on Bang Rak Beach is the perfect compromise. 

A small luxury boutique hotel that’s been open a few years and was formerly known as Karmakamet, it’s now managed by Relais & Chateaux and offers its guests a relaxing, stylish stay with a touch of luxury and plenty of nostalgic flair. Located on Bang Rak Beach in the north of the island, the hotel is just a short drive from Samui International Airport and a few minutes from the famous tourist hangout Fisherman’s Village in Bo Phut. 

From the outside it looks a little like a shop, but once you step into the hotel, you are transported back in time. The two-storey U-shape building that circles the deep glistening pool offers 13 luxurious suites in three styles – Chinese, Western and Local – spanning 37 to 76 square metres. 

Rooms in Western style reflect the opulent comfort of Indo-Chinese colonial culture, with touches of English influence, while the Chinese décor is inspired by row houses and features elegant Chinese lacquered furniture and decorative pieces. The Local style represents the life of Thai-Chinese culture commonly found in Samui and Southern Thailand. Each room is comfortably completed with bathroom and bathtub, flat screen TV and DVD player, writing desk, private balcony and day lounger. Free Wi-Fi is available in all the rooms as well as all public areas. 

As the name suggests, the hotel smells heavenly thanks to signature scents exclusively made for the hotel by Karmakamet, the famed aromatic product brand. There are three scents to choose from for your in-room incense, body lotion, bath and shampoo gel and essential oil lamp. Head to the lobby and sniff the samples to make your decision.

If you’re not staying in one of the beachfront suites, you only get view of the pool and of your neighbours on the other side of the building. On the other hand, you are seconds away from the secluded beach. If you’d like more privacy, book a room on the second floor, as if you’re on the ground floor, other guests and the staff will inevitably walk past your room during the day.

The only other facility, besides the pool, is Le Jaroen, the hotel’s restaurant, which serves a minimal yet substantial breakfast and delightful Western and Thai food for lunch and dinner. The hotel’s spa, Homm, is tucked away in one corner of the building and can only accommodate a few guests at a time. There is not much to do here except relaxing and lounging around the beach. However, you can take the hotel’s free shuttle to nearby Fisherman’s Village for nightlife fun and local restaurants galore.

 

      At a glance

High points: Conveniently located yet peaceful. The rooms are comfortable and the food is great. They also offer free return transfer to airport, shuttle to Fisherman’s Village, daily afternoon tea, Wi-Fi and kayak usage. 

Low points: There’s not much ocean view from most of the rooms and the hotel is not suitable for families with small children. There is only one food and beverage outlet and the spa is very small. 

Find it: The hotel is on Bang Rak Beach on Koh Samui, 15 minutes drive from the Samui International Airport

Pay for it: Contact the hotel for the best prices

Browse it: www.TheScentHotel.com

Phone it: (077) 962 198