We stayed at Shiva Samui from 7-14 July last year, 2018 and this is a very belated review (because we have young children and never get around to doing these things but this place really deserves our positive comments!)
We stayed in Banburee villa which was fantastic. It is stunning, built in a traditional style with high ceilings and spacious rooms, some with terraces and a gorgeous pool and spacious sitting room. We (family of four with 2 children aged 2 and 6) were there with my Dad (69) - flying from two different parts of England, my sister and her husband and my other sister and her husband and son (age 2) - flying from Australia. We chose the resort because we were looking for somewhere we could meet half way, where we could all relax (i.e. no shopping/cooking), have space to stay together but also enough space to spend time apart (!) and be able to all eat together then put the children to bed and stay up later (pretty much impossible in hotels). Shiva Samui ticked all these boxes plus many more.
A big draw of the resort is that it provides an ill-inclusive option. Given there were four different parts to our group (1 single adult, 1 couple, 1 couple with 1 child and 1 couple with 2 children) this was hugely attractive because we knew there wouldn't be any complicated sums in working out who owed what and, unlike in hotels, we would be able to eat and drink freely without worrying about the children not liking the food we'd paid a fortune for/dropping their ice creams after one lick) or the adults feeling limited because of the cost of cocktails and other drinks.
We all enjoyed the food. The menu has a good variety of options (we ate at the restaurant for every meal so 3x per day for 7 days). As we focussed on the Thai ones we did eat some duplicate meals out of choice they were so good. The children had more traditional European food like spaghetti bolognaise which went down very well. Generally the children's food came out very quickly and there is a little play area at the end of the restaurant next to the beach where they could burn off some energy between courses.
The staff at Shiva Samui were wonderful. A special call out for the restaurant staff who were so patient and understanding of our big group (they are quite used to groups but still, they were impressive). Also for always checking what the children were and were not allowed to order and for making a joke of the fact one 2 year old kept asking for apple juice (which she was not allowed and was never given!) The house keeping staff who came to our villa each day were lovely: so smiley and friendly and as with everyone in Thailand they clearly love children.
We didn't use the kids club other than the two 2 year olds playing with some of the toys a couple of times - the lady came over to our table and offered to take them and was very welcoming but we were quite happy to spend time together as an extended family (a rare opportunity).
My sisters and I went to the spa and had massages/facials/pedicures. The treatments were lovely. The spa is a bit tired but we had our eyes closed so it didn't really matter! We also had Personal Trainer session on the beach which was amazing (so hard and great!) which was arranged for us and included and also a Thai Boxing session with my brother in law - also included in the price. One of my sisters and I swam laps in the larger pool which is on the edge of the resort (this is the original pool which is next to the spa and is generally empty - the newer pool was built to respond to guests' requests to have a pool nearer to the beach and is shown in the pictures).
We aren't really into "theme nights" but we watched the fire show which was incredible - well worth it if you've never seen one - and the children enjoyed the face painting and disco.
All in all the villa, food, drink, staff were exactly what we hoped for and we felt we got excellent value. In response to the people who have commented that this is not a 5* resort, I think it's helpful to remember this is a collection of beautiful, traditional villas that have access to a shared pool, restaurant, spa, gym etc. It is not a 5* hotel which is absolutely immaculate everywhere but that is part of the charm of it (and it is also why it is priced as it is).
We all had an absolutely fantastic holiday and wouldn't hesitate in recommending Shiva Samui. We could also imagine returning at some point.
We can only apologise that it has taken so long to provide a review.
