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The area known as South White Sand Beach doesn’t actually have a sand beach; instead you’ll find a pebble-strewn shoreline stretching up to a hill where the main road curves south towards Haad Khaimook. While nearby resorts are set on this hill and lack beach access, Grand View nudges up to the crest of the hill at a lovely seaside lawn where stairs lead down to the beach, except when the tide is up. This position means that you won’t need to walk up and down the not-so-scenic main drag when heading to central Haad Sai Khao.

Modern-styled rooms. Photo: David Luekens

Most of Grand View’s rooms come in two forms: white bungalows with red pointed roofs, and more modern square-shaped cabanas. Both are made of concrete and all have balconies—most with sea views—along with well-kept interiors sporting tile floors, soft beds, rattan-covered furniture and ocean-inspired art. TV, fridge, desk and spacious bathroom with partitioned hot-water shower come standard. Rooms are cushy and the value is competitive.

Alongside the breezy seaside lawn dotted with swings, loungers and trees, the resort’s seafront includes a small swimming pool and large concrete-floor dining area for enjoying the buffet breakfast. While we’re not fans of the ocean-side concrete, we do like a pier-like branch of the dining area that juts out over the sea. The view back north from here is grand indeed.

A pool with a view. Photo: David Luekens

This group runs a couple of similar resorts on Ko Samet and we’ve found the service attentive and consistent at all of them. Though we prefer northern and central Haad Sai Khao because, well, those areas have a real beachfront, you’ll often find cheaper rates on higher-quality rooms in this southern section.

In addition to Grand View, nearby Top Resort, Chang Cliff Resort, Chang Buri Resort and Banpu Resort are all decent midrange options with pools overlooking the rocky coast. Also in this vicinity and with pools, but on the inland side of the road, you’ll find similarly equipped rooms for less cash at Cookies Hotel, Paddy’s Palms, White Elephant, Alina Grande and Keeree Ele resorts. Just be aware that the main drag through southern Haad Sai Khao has a seedy bar scene in places.

Not much in the way of beach... Photo: David Luekens

Grand View’s rooms are tucked away from the main drag, which is a good thing since directly across the road stands the Makkro grocery store—a boon if you’re in need of bulk onions or toilet paper by the pallet.