The Imperial Boat House Hotel

Set on the beautiful and unspoiled beach of Choeng Mon on the northeast coast of Koh Samui, The Imperial Boat House Hotel offers unique accommodation in 34 authentic teak rice barges that have been converted into luxury suites. The effect is, for want of a better word, spectacular. Hidden away among a wonderful profusion of tropical greenery, these characterful and light-filled suites offer considerable comfort and are elegantly furnished in a combination of Thai and contemporary styles. No less enticing are the hotel's more conventional rooms, again decorated in rich exotic woods. The gardens are spectacular, a mixture of exotic flowers and serene channels of water; the centrepiece is a huge boat-shaped swimming pool. And all this within sight of the white-sand beach and magical blue sea.

The hotel offers rooms in the converted barges as well as in more conventional neighbouring buildings. The more traditional rooms are very spacious and have white walls with wooden floors and furniture, as well as luxuries such as freestanding baths. In the grounds you will find two swimming pools, both with Jacuzzis and one of which has wonderful sea views. There is a choice of restaurants, from the Boat Café Restaurant, which offers an all-day menu of international and Thai dishes, to the Sala Thai, which offers an open-air buffet and organises theme nights. If you're thirsty, try the pool bar, with its selection of drinks and cocktails. The luxurious Imperial Spa offers a range of indulgent treatments and massages, while those trying to stick to the regime will appreciate the well-equipped gym.

The Imperial Boat House Hotel is located on Choeng Mon Beach, one of the most attractive beaches on the island of Koh Samui, and just minutes away from Chaweng Beach. Other island attractions include the Hin Lat and Na Muang waterfalls, the distinctive rock formations at the southern end of Lamai Bay, a massive ancient seated Buddha on Fan isle, and Na Thon, the island's major seafront settlement where you will find shops and restaurants. The airport is about 4 km away.