Why We Recommend Sunny Banks
Finding a hilltop villa in Koh Samui with genuine panoramic ocean views for under $140 per bedroom is rare — and Sunny Banks delivers exactly that. Priced from $250 to $550 per night for four bedrooms, this works out to just $63–$138 per room, which is exceptional value for a property with infinity pool views stretching across south-east Samui. Unlike many hillside villas that sacrifice accessibility for altitude, Sunny Banks is entirely single level with no stairs at all, making it equally suitable for families with young children and groups with older guests.
The layout places all four ensuite bedrooms around a central living area that opens directly onto a spacious pool terrace. Every bedroom could genuinely be called a master — three of them wake up to ocean views, and the fourth overlooks the tropical garden. The infinity pool is the undeniable centrepiece, positioned to catch the natural sea breezes that keep this hilltop property refreshingly cool even in the heat of the day. Sun loungers line the terrace, and the open-plan living and dining area flows seamlessly outdoors, creating a space that feels far larger than its 300 square metres.
Sunny Banks sits south of Lamai, one of Koh Samui’s more relaxed beach towns. The villa is just 2km from the beach and 20 minutes from Samui airport, yet the hilltop position means you’re above the bustle with uninterrupted views. It’s a quieter, more authentic alternative to the Chaweng strip, with excellent local restaurants and Lamai’s famous Sunday night market within easy reach. Airport transfers are included in the rate, so you’re settled from the moment you land.
Our Favourite Features
- Infinity Pool With Panoramic Views — The elevated pool looks out across the Samui coastline and Gulf of Thailand, and the hilltop breezes mean you can swim comfortably all day without the heavy heat you get at sea level.
- Completely Single Level — No stairs anywhere in the property, which is genuinely uncommon for hillside villas. This makes Sunny Banks one of the few elevated-view options that works for guests of all ages and mobility levels.
- Four Master-Grade Bedrooms — Each bedroom is ensuite with quality fittings, and three of the four have direct ocean views. The mix of one king and three queen beds makes it ideal for two to four couples sharing.
- Airport Transfers Included — Return airport transfers are built into the rate, along with twice-weekly cleaning, WiFi, a baby cot, and a multilingual concierge who speaks English, French, and Chinese.
- Private Chef On Request — A local chef can be arranged at 1,500 THB per setting plus food cost. Given the hilltop location, having dinner prepared at the villa while watching the sunset over the ocean is worth doing at least once.
Good To Know
- Hilltop Location — The views are spectacular, but you will need a car or scooter to reach the beach, restaurants, and shops. The villa is 2km from Lamai beach, so this is not a walk-to-the-sand property.
- Twice Weekly Cleaning — Housekeeping visits twice per week rather than daily. For longer stays this is perfectly fine, but if you prefer daily service, additional cleaning can be arranged at extra cost.
- Security Deposit Required — A refundable deposit of $300 (10,000 THB) is collected on arrival and returned at checkout, standard practice for self-catering villas in Samui.
- Service Charge Applies — A 10% service charge is added to the nightly rate. There is no additional government tax, so the total is simply the listed rate plus 10%.
- Great Value For Groups — At $63 per bedroom in low season, Sunny Banks is significantly cheaper than comparable ocean-view villas on the island. A 30% discount for stays of 28 nights or more makes extended stays particularly attractive.