FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

We want you to arrive feeling prepared, relaxed, and excited for your experience with us! We've gathered answers to our most frequently asked questions to help you plan your stay with confidence and ease.

If you don't see your question listed here, please send us a message.

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General FAQs Retreats FAQs

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Rooms

The Lodge

General FAQs

Is it better to book directly with you?

Yes! Guests who book their stay directly with us will have greater flexibility with changes and cancellations. Furthermore, direct-booking guests also receive additional benefits, including a personalized welcome basket with local snacks and treats upon arrival.

What is your lodge cancellation policy?

We understand that plans change; that's why we want to offer our guests as much flexibility as possible. Hopefully, you won't need to cancel your lodge booking, but if you do, there's no fee or penalty.

We just ask that you give us as much advance notice as possible so that we can try to resell your room to another guest.

To cancel or modify an existing reservation, please email us.

The dates I want to book are not available. Can you help?

Our direct booking website will show the most up-to-date availability. If you are unable to book for your preferred dates, please try adjusting your dates if you have some flexibility with your schedule.

If your dates are fixed and our calendar shows no availability, we may still be able to help. Please send us a message with your specific request and we will see if we can adjust our calendar to accommodate you.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash (Thai Baht), bank transfers, international money transfers via Wise or Revolut, and credit cards (Visa and Mastercard).

Please note: Credit-card payments will incur a 5% processing fee.

Tip: Cash is the payment of choice for most establishments in Koh Samui. ATMs and currency exchanges are plentiful and easy to find around the island.

I am not a Christian. Can I still book a stay at the Orchid Lodge Samui?

Yes, absolutely! We welcome guests from all nations, backgrounds, and faith traditions who wish to spend time at the lodge for a relaxing tropical getaway.

Do you offer monthly or long-term rentals?

Orchid Lodge Samui is best suited for short-term travelers seeking a full-service accommodation. We do not typically offer long-term rentals. However, we do occasionally consider requests for stays of up to one month on a case-by-case basis depending on the guest, situation, and time of year.

Please note: Our lodges do not have a kitchen and there are no cooking facilities available for guests to use on-site. However, we can provide a microwave and there is a refrigerator available in each room. If you would like to discuss your specific situation and request, please contact us.

How do I get to Koh Samui & Orchid Lodge Samui?

The easiest way to reach the island of Koh Samui is via Samui International Airport (USM). There are daily domestic flights via Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and Krabi, and daily international flights via Singapore and Hong Kong.

It is also possible to travel here via ferry or speedboat from the Thai mainland (Donsak) or from the neighboring islands (Koh Phangan or Koh Tao).

Once you arrive in Koh Samui, we can assist you with arranging a driver to meet you at your point of arrival.

If you plan to arrive at the property on your own, please follow the directions to Orchid Lodge Samui on Google Maps. Our property is located on a small hill that is accessible by all vehicles and motorbikes.

Are you able to assist me with a car or motorbike rental?

Yes! Just let us know your preference for a car or a motorbike and we’ll take care of all the arrangements for you. The rental agency will deliver and pick up the vehicle directly at the lodge, so it is very simple and hassle-free. Guests of Orchid Lodge Samui do not need to leave a passport as a deposit.

Is free on-site parking available?

Yes, we have designated parking available for cars and motorbikes. Guests of Orchid Lodge Samui may park for free anywhere on the road alongside the bamboo.

Is there anything within walking distance?

We are located in a quiet residential neighborhood on a small hill just outside of the busy Lamai beach town. There is a local authentic Thai restaurant within an easy two-minute walk of the lodge, and an Italian restaurant 800m away. At the very bottom of our hill on the main road, there is a Tops Daily convenience store.

In general, we always recommend our guests to use some form of transportation during their time in Koh Samui. Having your own vehicle will make it much easier and more convenient for you to explore the island. We can gladly assist you with your transport needs (car, motorbike, taxi, hired driver).

Please note: If you are looking to be within easy walking distance of the beach or close to the hub of tourist activities, our location does not offer that, unfortunately.

What attractions are nearby?

We are less than a 10-minute drive from the popular Lamai beach town, where there are plentiful beach bars, restaurants, cafes, shopping options, and a vibrant night market.

Here is a list of local nearby attractions:

Hua Thanon Bay ViewPoint: 1 km
Hin Ta Hin Tai Rock: 2.9 km
Overlap Stone: 3.1 km
Lamai Viewpoint: 3.3 km
Lamai Beach & Walking Street: 4.7 km
Lamai Night Market: 5.4 km
Lamai Fresh Food Market: 5.5 km
Tamarind Springs Forest Spa: 6.9 km
Na Muang Waterfall: 7.4 km
Thong Krut Pier (water taxi to Pig Island): 11 km

Is there a convenience store or supermarket closeby?

Yes, there are several shops nearby where you can buy snacks, beverages, food, personal items, sunscreen, mosquito spray, and just about anything else you may need:

Tops Daily convenience store: 1.3 km
7-Eleven: 1.6 km
Makro Supermarket: 3 km
Lotus Supermarket: 5.4 km

Do you have an on-site restaurant or cafe?

No, we do not have a restaurant or cafe; however, we do provide a full and substantial healthy homemade breakfast every morning for guests of the lodge.

There is a local authentic Thai restaurant within an easy two-minute walk from the lodge, and an Italian restaurant 800m away. The owners of both restaurants will also personally deliver any orders if you wish to stay in.

Additionally, you can order food from many nearby restaurants using the food-delivery app Grab.

We can provide plates, bowls, cutlery, and anything else you may need for your meal.

Are there laundry facilities?

If you would like to wash your clothes during your stay, we can assist you with sending out your laundry to a local laundry shop. This service takes one full day and the cost is calculated by the total weight (kg) of your laundry. The average cost to wash, dry, and fold a load of laundry is about 200 Thai Baht.

Can I store my luggage?

Yes, of course! If you arrive prior to check-in and your lodge is not ready, we are happy to store your luggage safely until your room is available. If you need to store your luggage after checking out, you can also leave your bags with us and return later in the day to collect them.

Are the rooms cleaned daily?

Yes! We provide daily housekeeping services for our guests. Our staff will tidy up your room, make your bed, remove any trash, and replenish your complimentary water bottles.

Please note: Since we operate like a normal residence, we only change bed linens and towels as needed or upon guest request. Thank you for helping us to conserve water and electricity by reducing unnecessary laundry.

Is internet access provided?

Yes! We offer complimentary Wi-Fi access across the entire property.

We will provide you with the password upon your arrival.

Are extra beds available?

No, unfortunately we are unable to add extra beds to any of the lodges.

Are pets allowed?

While we have soft hearts for furry friends, unfortunately, we do not allow our guests to bring their own. However, if you’re missing your animal cuddles, we have three very sweet and adorable cats on the property: Mama, Daisy, and Pepper. They love attention and will gladly spend time with you, especially if you bring treats.

Is smoking allowed?

We are a non-smoking property. However, if you do wish to smoke, we ask that you smoke in the designated area outside of the entrance gate, next to our covered parking area.

I want to join your team! Do you have any positions available?

Head of Operations & Retreat Assistant (Thai female candidates only)
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We are always eager to hear from interested and qualified candidates, especially Thai nationals. If you would like to be considered for a future position at Orchid Lodge Samui, please send us a message to introduce yourself. If there is good alignment between your skills, our needs, and our shared values, we may be able to create a position for you. Let's talk!
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Our Programs

Retreats FAQs

There are so many retreats in Koh Samui. What makes yours different?

The Retreats at Orchid Lodge are the first and only Christian-based retreat programs on the island of Koh Samui, Thailand.

While most retreats and retreat centers across southeast Asia promote Eastern religions, New Age spirituality, and other mystical practices that contradict with Biblical Christianity, our gospel-centered, discipleship-focused programs offer a refreshing alternative for Christian women who want a faith-based experience without compromise.

Our retreats invite you into a refreshing and restorative tropical getaway where Jesus of the Bible is the focus.

I’ve had negative experiences with religion in the past. Why should I join?

We know the topic of religion can be quite heavy for some people, and that it may bring up memories of hurtful past experiences in the church or with people of the faith. However, the intent of our retreats is not to force religion, but rather to enable space for you to dwell with God, to focus on your spiritual health, and to study Scripture intentionally for the purpose of being renewed and transformed by the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Our retreats can provide a gentle, welcoming, and accessible bridge for anyone who may desire to engage with the Christian faith, but may be wary of a formal religious setting. We're not interested in any forms of strange religious or spiritual indoctrination, so if you’re not sure where you are in your pursuit of the Lord, you are encouraged to ask any questions, raise any doubts, and experience God for yourself without any expectations or judgment.

Do I need to be a Christian to attend a retreat?

Our retreats are open to any woman who feels led to come -- whether you’ve walked with God for years, you’re simply curious to explore the Christian faith, or you're somewhere in between.

Each retreat is rooted in Biblical teaching, prayer, and fellowship with other women of faith. If this appeals to you, and you desire to spend time in a Jesus-centered environment, we warmly welcome you regardless of where you are in your spiritual journey.

If you're still unsure about whether to join, let's have a chat. Send us a message.

Do I need to be super spiritual or religious to attend?

Whether you are a life-long Christian, or you’ve drifted away from the faith, or you’re just casually exploring Christianity, we would be delighted to come alongside you on this journey.

We welcome women who are at any stage of her spiritual maturity who wishes to join our retreats.

Why should I travel all the way to Thailand for a retreat?

We know Thailand might feel like a long way to travel for some people -- but that distance is part of the gift. When you come here, you’re not just changing your scenery; you’re giving yourself dedicated time and space to prioritize God.

The stillness of the tropics, the cool of the island breeze, the warmth of our Christian fellowship, and the unhurried presence of the Holy Spirit all combine together to create a beautiful setting for restoration and transformation that you won't be able to find in the midst of your regular everyday life.

Beyond the spiritual benefits, you'll also have a chance to explore and enjoy the highlights of the island of Koh Samui without having to worry about anything. Once you are here, we will take care of everything so that you can fully relax and focus on what you need out of this experience. You’ll return home with new memories and experiences, while also feeling refreshed, uplifted, and reconnected to what matters most.

How do I know if this retreat will be a good fit for me?

We encourage you to pray about this opportunity and to seek the Holy Spirit’s prompting and guidance as you decide about joining a retreat. Additionally, we encourage you to schedule a call with us so that we can understand your needs and what type of experience you may be looking for, so that we can help you to determine whether our retreats will be a good fit for you.

We realize that our programs are quite unique and will not suit everyone. So, if you’re not sure, let’s have a conversation.

Please send a message via our contact form.

Can you create a customized retreat for my church or small group?

Yes, we are able to fully customize a private retreat, depending on the scope of the request. Please send us a message via our contact form with the specific details about your request and we will get back to you.

Is the Orchid Lodge Samui available for rent for a private retreat?

We are happy to consider requests and proposals from groups or individuals interested to host their own programs at our property. We will consider each request on a case-by-case basis to determine if it is a suitable fit and if there is a good alignment between our shared values and objectives.

Please send us a message via our contact form with the details of your retreat, the focus of your program, your intended participants, and your potential dates, and we will get back to you.

What forms of payment do you accept?

Although we prefer payment in Thai Baht currency, we are able to accept US Dollars on a case-by-case basis. We accept payment by THB or USD cash, Wise or Revolut money transfer, Zelle transfer (USD payments only), credit card (Visa or Mastercard), PayPal, or Thai bank transfer (QR code).

Please let us know your preferred payment method and we will provide you with the relevant details.

What is the length of your retreats?

Our fixed-date group retreats are of varying lengths ranging from four to eight nights, and they operate only on selected dates throughout the year. Please refer to our Retreats page to view all of our offerings.

Our private custom retreats are offered with a minimum stay of 4 nights, and the total duration is flexible.

If you wish to have a shorter or longer stay, please contact us.

Is there any financial assistance available for retreat participants?

Yes! We do not want finances to be a barrier for any woman wishing to participate in one of our programs. We have scholarship opportunities for partial funding, and each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you wish to be considered for financial assistance, please complete this scholarship application.

We intend to be wise stewards of our funds so that we can help as many deserving women as possible.

Can I donate to the scholarship fund to support women to attend?

Yes! If you would like to support the work and mission of the retreats at Orchid Lodge, we would be hugely grateful for your one-time or recurring donation of any amount towards the women’s scholarship fund.

Your generosity will enable us to offer our programs and services to deserving women who may need financial assistance to participate.

We can accept donations in USD or THB via bank transfer, Wise, Revolut, Zelle, and PayPal. If you would like to designate your donation for a particular woman, please let us know.

To donate, please email Kristin.

What is the typical age of the retreat participants?

We welcome women of all ages who feel they would benefit from participating in our programs. We have hosted women across all decades of life from late teens to mature adulthood.

What language will be spoken?

The program and sessions will all be conducted in English. Participants should have a functional level of English proficiency to get the most out of this experience.

Are solo travelers safe / welcome?

Yes, of course! The majority of our retreat guests travel solo, so you will be in good company.

Our women's-only retreats are designed to be completely safe for females traveling alone, and we will take care of everything during your stay so that you feel fully comfortable, entirely at ease, and completely in safe hands.

Each woman will have her own bedroom and bathroom, and we do not charge extra for single occupancy. We want all participants to have the privacy of her own individual room, while still being part of a cozy, intimate small group atmosphere.

How many people can you accommodate on the retreat?

The maximum capacity for our women’s retreat programs is 7 participants per session. This allows us to keep the group dynamic quite personal and intimate.

What is your cancellation policy?

We hope you won't need to cancel your retreat registration, but if you do, we want to give you as much flexibility as possible. Your registration is fully refundable (minus a ฿900 administrative fee) if cancelled 30+ days prior to the start of the program.

Alternatively, we can carry over your payment as a credit towards a future retreat or stay at Orchid Lodge Samui.

All cancellation requests will be handled on a case-by-case basis. We will work with you to find the best solution for your situation.

Is a deposit required?

To reserve your spot in a retreat program, we require either full payment or a 25% deposit.

If you pay in full, your booking will be finalized. You will not owe anything further.
If you pay a 25% deposit, the remaining balance will be due seven (7) days prior to the retreat start date, unless you have made alternative arrangements for payment.

Can I extend my stay at Orchid Lodge Samui before or after the retreat?

Yes! Retreat participants are invited to extend their stay up to 2 nights before and 2 nights after the retreat at a discounted nightly rate.

For guests who are traveling far distances to get to Thailand, we recommend arriving 2 days before the retreat start date so that you can rest and recuperate from your flight and ease into the time difference.

You will have the option to extend your stay before and after the program on the registration page. If you wish to extend your stay after you have already registered, please send us an email.

Do you accommodate food allergies or dietary restrictions?

Yes! We are sensitive to dietary restrictions, and we will do our best to accommodate all reasonable food requests. When you fill out your registration, you will be asked to inform us about any allergies or restrictions so that we can plan your meals accordingly.

What is the retreat schedule like?

Each retreat we host will be tailored to the specific program and the composition of the attendees, so no two schedules or experiences will ever be the same.

Our schedules are fluid and flexible to allow for adjustments and time changes based on the flow of the conversations, activities, and weather for the day.

However, you can expect each day to consist of prayer & worship, movement (walks or stretching), nourishing meals, Bible study and guided discussions, personal reflection, and an outing (night market, elephant sanctuary, sunset dinner, Thai cooking class, beach time, etc).

We will also have plenty of opportunities for rest, relaxation, and massages.

What should I pack?

We provide towels, bed linens, and shower toiletries (soap, shampoo and conditioner, body wash, lotion).

Retreat attire is island casual, and the weather here is hot year-round, so bring light, loose-fitting, sun-protective clothing. It is easy to purchase anything you may need once you get here, so if you forget something or need a refill of anything, we can help.

Is it better to book directly with you?

What is your lodge cancellation policy?

The dates I want to book are not available. Can you help?

What forms of payment do you accept?

I am not a Christian. Can I still book a stay at the Orchid Lodge Samui?

Do you offer monthly or long-term rentals?

How do I get to Koh Samui & Orchid Lodge Samui?

Are you able to assist me with a car or motorbike rental?

Is free on-site parking available?

Is there anything within walking distance?

What attractions are nearby?

Is there a convenience store or supermarket closeby?

Do you have an on-site restaurant or cafe?

Are there laundry facilities?

Can I store my luggage?

Are the rooms cleaned daily?

Is internet access provided?

Are extra beds available?

Are pets allowed?

Is smoking allowed?

I want to join your team! Do you have any positions available?

There are so many retreats in Koh Samui. What makes yours different?

I’ve had negative experiences with religion in the past. Why should I join?

Do I need to be a Christian to attend a retreat?

Do I need to be super spiritual or religious to attend?

Why should I travel all the way to Thailand for a retreat?

How do I know if this retreat will be a good fit for me?

Can you create a customized retreat for my church or small group?

Is the Orchid Lodge Samui available for rent for a private retreat?

What forms of payment do you accept?

What is the length of your retreats?

Is there any financial assistance available for retreat participants?

Can I donate to the scholarship fund to support women to attend?

What is the typical age of the retreat participants?

What language will be spoken?

Are solo travelers safe / welcome?

How many people can you accommodate on the retreat?

What is your cancellation policy?

Is a deposit required?

Can I extend my stay at Orchid Lodge Samui before or after the retreat?

Do you accommodate food allergies or dietary restrictions?

What is the retreat schedule like?

What should I pack?

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