Villa Tanamera is not for you if you want pristine decor, complete hotel service or plenty of privacy. It is for you if you want a Samui home from home and to feel part of a little holiday community. Tan, the resident manager, is possibly the hardest-working (and friendliest, most charming) man in Thailand. His genuinely caring attention to detail is superb as is his wicked sense of humour. Ask him just about anything and he will do his very best to help.

The villas are looking a little tired but are spotlessly clean. Furniture is basic but comfortable. Beds are very hard but I like that. Breakfast is basic continental but served with smiles and style. The coffee and croissants are very good and for a little extra you can have a large plate of delicious local fruit. Or go to the Bangrak local market - a 5 minute walk towards the Big Buddha - and choose from an amazing selection of local fruit and veg for ridiculously low prices. The kitchen is adequate but very basic - bring a sharp knife if you think you'll need one. I found grocery shopping at Big C better than Tesco but the minimart over the road has most things you'll need and the owner is delightful (often offering me treats like hot fried banana!).

The setting of the villas is magical, the gardens are beautiful and although the beach can be a little dirty due to the number of boats moored there and the working fishing port just down the way, the view is sensational and I loved being able to hear the waves at night. The pool is quite deep and long enough to do some proper swimming. Poolside furniture is getting very frayed though and should be replaced.

I stayed in both the Poolside and Sala villas. Poolside have gorgeous blue tiled bathrooms, one of which is open air. There are a couple of design faults though which, if remedied, could make them a lot more comfortable. The lighting in the living area and on the balcony makes it almost impossible to read there at night (I moved a lamp from one of the bedrooms) and there is no fan over the living space, it's over the kitchen, so it gets very hot sitting on the sofa. The Sala villas have a small view of the sea from the downstairs verandah and a much bigger view (especially at sunset) from the large roof terrace - a beautifully private spot, complete with shower-with-a-view. The lighting is much better (there is light over the verandah sitting area) and the fan is over the sofa. My only criticism of these villas is that they look directly into their opposite villa over a small path (and I missed the groovy bathrooms of the Poolside!).

Within a few minutes walk are plenty of good restaurants - Khun Ying for fresh fish (though beware the owner upselling), U2 for basic Thai and very good sticky rice/mango, the place with the blue chairs opposite the villas which is only open during the day but does exceptionally cheap and good rice and noodle dishes, the amusingly-named Hip@Chill on the beachfront at Punnpreda Resort for something a little more upmarket (try the tuna carpaccio with celery and parmesan or the prawns and asparagus), and the Shambala for fabulous curries, very friendly service and a crazy cat.

Special mention must go to Dumi, the amazing masseuse based on the beach just outside the gate. She has an astounding instinct for the body and her prices are very low.

I have just left Villa Tanamera after ten wonderful days (extended my stay) and am missing it and the fabulous family there already. So Tan, Tam, Goong, Dumi (sorry if my spelling's wrong!) - I send my love and I will be back soon (don't take too many other bookings, ok?).

Stayed at Villa Tanamera with my partner for 4 nights in April. Would reccommend it whole-heartedly! We were upgraded to a poolside villa on arrival which was FAB - this had 2 double bedrooms, a lounge, well-equipped kitchen an indoor bathroom and, my favourite, an open-air shower room. Villa Tanamera is a small, beautiful complex, spotlessly clean, lovely (small) pool and direct access onto the beach. Free wi-fi, breakfast served outside by the pool, and plenty of information / help with planning your stay and organising trips / transport etc.
The manager, Tan, was genuinely the most helpful and friendly member of hotel staff I have ever come across. He went out of his way to make sure we had all we needed, and more. For example, we were there during Thai new year and, not being sure we knew local restaurants / shops would be closed one afternoon, he was worried we might not have any food in and brought us some local food for lunch (and wouldn't take any money for it).
The only (small) downside is that if you want to go to some of the busier areas for shopping / restaurants, it is a little way away (cost us around £6-7 each way to Fishermans village - highly reccommended for dining out!). Having said that there are a few small bars / restaurants / shops within walking distance.
We had an amazing time here, and I will definately stay here again (and for much longer if possible!) when I am lucky enough to come to Koh Samui again.