Connies Villas is owned by a great couple (Lee and Jeab) who always put your needs first. It was a privildge staying with them there.
We arrived in Samui and Lee arranged for our pick up from the airport. It is about a 20 minute journey in a very cool air conditioned car which was a relief! On the way to the villas you get to drive through Chaweng town and Lamai town, both worth visiting.
The villas are just outside of Lamai town. We were so impressed with the scenery and how close we were to the forrest and elephants. The Villas were very clean, spacious and modern. There are clean towels available to you every other day and there is no shortage of luggage space.
We were so shocked with the heat to be honest, but you'll be relieved to know that Connies Villas have fantastic aircon!
My husband and I planned a nice relaxing holiday that we could do things at our own pace. Lee has lots of leaflets and books for you to flick through if your not sure what to do and will also help you with any travel arrangements you would need to make in Thai!
The best day we had was the Anthong National Marine Park Tour. An airconditioned coach picks you up at 7am (i know...) and drives round the island to pick up the tourists. Once you arrive at the beach on the north of the island, a speed boat will take you out for the day to go snorkling, sight seeing, lunch at gypsie island and then a kyaking session around the islands and caves. Bear in mind though that the sun is extremely hot and can be fogotten about when your against the wind in the speed boat!
The mozzies were awful with me, none at all in the villas or even by the pool but there were alot in the evenings by the beach. So its worth taking some good mozzie spray or cream.
If you want a great Elephant Ride, walk out of Connies villas and turn right down the hill. There is a beautiful safari park and they wont rip you off. Then you can walk to Waterfall number 2 and paddle in its pools.
If you want to see the waterfalls, be aware that you DO NOT need to pay. If you have a bike (its essential if you dont want to spend a fortune on taxi's) you can just carry on driving straight past the tourist stool.
Nameug Waterfall number 1 really isnt worth seeing, there is a tourist stool at the entrance and they will tell you that you need to get an elephant to the waterfall and try to charge you, you dont. The elephant will just take you for a half hour walk in a big circle, then you get off and walk to the waterfall from where you arrived! Plus there is lots of kids that are dive bombing into the pool so its not easy to feel at ease with relaxing in the pool.
The thai boxing nights in Lamai are also good, worth experiencing at least. There is alot of people there and very loud music so not really suitable for children but for couples, friends or singles, it is the place to be if you want a good night and to meet lots of people.
Ask Jeab or Gail about the 'Seafood Resturant' that is on the way into Lamai town, it is a beautiful place to eat.
I cant wait to go back again, 10 days definately wasnt enough and i would recommend thailand in general to anyone, but if you want a villas to yourself and a safe and chilled environment, Connies Villas is brilliant.
I hope you enjoy your holiday as much as we did.
