I stumbled across Humble Villas in Koh Samui on a hotel booking site. I was attracted to the little private plunge pools and sunset views. I booked this adults only property for a week. Two days after I arrived, I knew it was a mistake. I should have booked longer!

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Detailed review of our stay at Humble Villas

Last year, on our third trip to Koh Samui, we had two weeks up our sleeves so we decided to split our time between two locations. For the first week, we would stay away from the usual hotspots and find something on the “other side”.

We were looking for affordable luxury that offered peace, tranquillity, and a chance to immerse ourselves in the local culture. Humble Villas, on the west side of the island, promised exactly that, and turned out to be an unforgettable experience.

Arrival and First Impressions

From the moment I stepped inside, it was clear that Humble Villas was going to provide the peace and luxury we were seeking on this visit. The minimalist yet stylish design, set against the bright blue ocean backdrop, created an immediate sense of peace.

Our check in was smooth and everyone oozed warmth, from the parking attendant who managed to squeeze our car into the compact carpark, to the welcoming smiles that greeted us at reception. The staff welcomed us with genuine friendliness, setting the tone for an unforgettable stay.

The small property of just 12 villas, meticulously maintained, showcases a level of cleanliness that would please even the fussiest guest.

The villas are in three tiers, with four on each level. Two are on either side of a central path that leads to the communal pool, dining area, and beach.

Exploring the Villa

As you walk up the stairs to your villa, you are greeted by a plunge pool and small seating area facing towards the sea. Entry is via large glass doors that open out allowing an incredible view from your room.

The villa is designed with a minimalist yet stylish approach, offering both comfort and elegance.

The room was spotless, and every detail, from the soft linens to the stylish decor, reflected a thoughtful touch. The space was thoughtfully laid out; the interior featured a bathroom, king size bed, relaxing sofa area, and small terrace with outdoor seating.

The beds were incredibly comfortable, and the air conditioning and ceiling fan kept the villa cool.

There is no television, which was a pro for us but some may not agree. Laying back on the sofa or by the pool with a book was perfect entertainment.

The spacious and spotless bathroom was equipped with all the essentials and more.

This room doubled as a dressing room with a large hanging space complete with shelves to store your shoes. The bathrobes provided were perfect for slipping on after a swim and stepping into the air conditioning.

Little touches showed the attention to detail that made our stay so special, like the sun hats, beach mats, plenty of drinking water and umbrellas provided.

Facilities at Humble Villas

There are no bells and whistles here. No gym or fancy bar. However, there is a communal infinity style pool next to the restaurant just above the beach, perfect for when you feel like a proper swim.

You were also free to use the dining area during the day if you needed a table to use your laptop, or to play a game of cards.

On-site Restaurant

Breakfast at Humble Villas was a thoroughly enjoyable way to start the day. By day two the staff had remembered our coffee order, and our espressos hit the table minutes after we arrived.

There was a small buffet with fruit, yoghurt and breads. Then you choose your main dishes from a menu that featured more substantial offerings to suit all palates.

We alternated between the Thai and western offerings. The only miss over our seven-day visit were the poached eggs, which arrived cold. I tried them a second time, and they were also served cold. The other egg dishes were perfect, so perhaps give this one a miss.

The restaurant also has a small dinner menu, perfect for when afternoon rains timed with our hunger, but not large enough to want to eat here every night. We ate there twice and enjoyed it. We found the drinks menu a little lacking in variety, but the food was lovely and fresh. 

Eating by the beach with the sound of waves in the background added to the charm.

If you download the Grab app, you can have pretty much anything you desire delivered in no time. 

Humble Villas hospitality

Our host, Khun Thammanat, was nothing short of amazing. He seemed to be working all day every day. In our travels, we’ve encountered many hosts, but few have left as lasting an impression as Khun Thammanat. He always with a cheerful demeanour, made us feel like cherished guests rather than mere visitors. He loves reading English books, so if you have one you have finished perhaps offer it to him.

The genuine and heartwarming hospitality of all the staff made us feel at home in this beautiful corner of Koh Samui. Their dedication to ensuring every guest feels special is the heart and soul of Humble Villas.

The Location: Exploring The Neighbourhood

Located on the west side of Koh Samui, about 20km from the airport and 2.6km from Nathon Pier if you are arriving by ferry. This is considered the quiet side of the island and honestly it is not going to suit everyone.

Ideally, if you are staying here and plan to explore the main sites of Koh Samui, you will have your own transport. However, the team at reception can arrange tours and taxis at reasonable prices.

The staff can also arrange airport (approx 800 baht at the time of writing), ensuring a hassle-free departure.If you are an experienced rider (and your insurance covers it!), staff can arrange renting a scooter, which makes exploring the island easier.

We rented a car at the airport for less than A$200 a week and would recommend that, especially for anyone used to driving on the left.

However, this location will suit anyone looking to switch off and relax. There is a more laid-back vibe here compared to the more heavily populated areas of the island. It’s the perfect choice for a romantic getaway, and would be perfect for anyone looking for an affordable honeymoon spot in Koh Samui.

Dining Delights: Nearby Restaurants And Eateries

We had worried that the villas might prove a bit remote at night, but we found ourselves surrounded by small, local eateries and cafes, enough to eat at a different one each night. 

These were our favourites: 

Ran Rao – Just a five-minute walk away this retro style cafe was our go for dinner 

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit. The food was delicious; the owners were friendly, and the drinks were well-priced. The lively atmosphere, along with the quirky furniture and decorations, made it even more enjoyable.

It’s a popular place for sunset, so get here early for a front-row seat.Being right on the beach, there is access to the sand if you want to arrive on foot via the beach instead of on the street.

For Rest Bar – This cute little waterfront bar won us over with the interesting cocktails. It was a lovely informal spot to relax.

We ordered a serve of salt and pepper squid and enjoyed a few drinks waiting for the sun to set.

Johm Thong Restaurant – The fairy lights and friendly smile of the owner drew us into Johm Thong and we were not disappointed.

We ordered a whole fried fish and som tum the perfect combination! This version was delicious and surprisingly affordable given the service and beach front location. 

KOB Seaside – In Nathon, KOB Seaside is a great spot to head if you fancy a western style breakfast or lunch. With a range of egg dishes, salad bowls and burgers and sandwiches you won’t find it easy to choose just one meal.

If you don’t like spicy food or are looking for the taste of home, you will love KOB. They have several locations on the island offering the same menu. They also make fantastic coffee.

Local Attractions: What To Do Near Humble Villas

One of the biggest benefits of staying at Humble Villas is that it is away from the crowds. However, this means you will need to rent a car, or a bike or book a tour to do any sightseeing.

Let’s start with a couple of things you can do without wheels. 

Sunsets and Serenity

One of the highlights of our stay was the stunning sunsets. Each evening, we watched the sky transform into a canvas of colours, a view that never got old.

The beach was perfect for long, peaceful walks, even though it was not ideal for swimming because of its shallow waters. The serene beauty of the place, coupled with the sound of waves, made every moment magical.

Explore the town of Nathon

Nathon is a short scooter ride or taxi trip away from Humble Villas. We think it’s worth an hour to explore the local shops, including the large Lotus’s Fresh supermarket, to pick up some essentials for your villa or just have a look at what the locals buy.

I highly recommend a stop at Pratthana Kafae. The friendly owners have created a welcoming retro space and make some of the best coffee we had on the island served with healthy homemade cookies. They were so good I bought half a dozen to take with us.

Continue along the main road until it meets Chonwhiti Road and turn right towards the ocean. At the waterfront you will find Sunset Bar- a lovely spot for lunch or a few drinks.

Night Markets 

Visiting the Nathon Night Market is a fantastic way to experience the local culture, taste delicious food, and find unique souvenirs. The market is open from 4.30pm to 9.30pm every day and is right by Na Thon Pier.

I recommend waiting till 5.30 or 6pm when all the stalls are fully set up, and the atmosphere is buzzing. We didn’t see many other western visitors or notice western prices.

Spa Treatments

While Humble Villas does not have an onsite spa, just a few doors along Blue Spa inside the neighbouring Tui Blue, The Passage has a lovely range of massages and body scrubs. Be sure to book in advance.

Or for something completely different, why not book a sound session at Shantika Sound.

Saying Goodbye

As our stay ended, we felt a pang of sadness at leaving this beautiful haven. It was time to move to the other side of the island, and back to real life!

Reflecting we realised that Humble Villas had offered us more than just a place to stay—it had given us a home away from home.

Final Thoughts

Our time at Humble Villas was everything we had hoped for, and more. This is a very different experience to say a week at Fishermans Village or Lamai. However, the combination of serene surroundings, exceptional service, and luxurious accommodations made it an ideal retreat for us.

For anyone looking to experience the quieter, more tranquil side of Koh Samui, Humble Villas is a must-stay. We left with wonderful memories and a strong desire to return, knowing that this hidden gem would always be our sanctuary in Koh Samui.

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