We found this place on the internet (latestays) as we absolutely hated the resort we'd booked in and I have to say the Emerald Residence Villa was just wonderful. It's out of the way - you need a car or taxi to get to Restaurants but it's beautiful and peaceful, fully functioning kitchen, excellent bathrooms and a huge pool, at the end of the garden is the beach. The onsite staff is wonderful, you have your own manager bring you continental breakfast (lots to eat including amazingly prepared fresh fruit) in the morning and he calls in again during the day to check that everything is OK. We're not used to that sort of service and loved it. We got a great rate through latestays - the same as we paid the the god-awful resort we were first in. I highly recommend this place if you are looking for a quiet, away from the crowds holiday with all the comforts of home

We rented a villa with a private beach called Emerald Residence. It was a great choice. The island is not very big and can be quite crowded in the most popular areas and beaches so having this place allowed us to have privacy and enjoy a beautiful and calm beach all to our selves. We were steps away from the magnificent Four Seasons resort... what a place!
The island has wonderful spas (no massage at the beach for 50 bahts here!); the best by far was Anantara which also has a couple of good restaurants. Another great spot for a great meal is the Sila Evason. The restaurant is on the rocks with a beautiful view of the water.
For New Year's we went to the Library on Chewang beach. They have a great spot on the popular beach away from the crowds but still in the middle of the action. the New Year party was fun. We loved the lanterns and hours of fire works the most.
The villa is managed by Koh Habitat. They gave us great service, picked us up at the airport at 11 pm, rented a truck for us, drove us around the first days, and basically gave us all we needed. We certainly recommend them and the villas.
Have fun!
Next time to Krabi!

We had a fabulous vacation on Koh Samui. The Emerald Villas are on the north coast of the island, a nice quiet area. Separate living area (pool/kitchen/sitting area) and sleeping area (two bedrooms, bunk beds for kids). The villa was right on the beach, the pool was great.

The villa staff was excellent, breakfast every morning, the staff took care of all requests quickly. They can arrange everything from Elephant/jungle trek to boating/spa trips.

So you get a villa with pool, right on the beach, in a quiet area. Our best vacation in some time