Poppies People

Poppies Samui has been under the leadership of Michael Holehouse since July 1999. An Englishman and veteran hotelier with over 30 years of experience with prestigious hotel groups including Sheraton, Westin, Sun International, Shangri-La and The Dusit Group. In his “spare time" he a Vice President of the Thai Hotels Association (THA) in Koh Samui comprising all the leading hotels on the island.

Michael, who is blissfully ensconced in the "smallest" assignment of his career says "after so many years with leading corporate hotel giants, it is such a pleasure to get back to hospitality basics, be hands-on in all departments and, most importantly of all, meet most of our guests personally.
Over 40% of these guests are either repeater guests or "word of mouth" introductions. We run Poppies free of restrictive rules, which allows us to concentrate on the importance of the personal touch and small details. These are the things that make a stay at Poppies memorable. Of course having a family of 90 hardworking, long serving professional staff (yes - 3.75 per cottage) and the best chef on the island does help a little too!"

He is ably assisted by his wife Susan who is the Guest Relations Manager. In her spare time Susan is the President of the SOS (Sisters On Samui) and association of ladies who are resident in Koh Samui who work together to raise money for local hospitals to aid local children.

Gregg Montanez, is both Executive Chef and Food & Beverage Manager – a big man for 2 big jobs!

Originally from Los Angeles, California he brings over 30 years experience, including 15 years in various parts of Asia, in prestigious hotels to “Poppies table”.

He joined Poppies in February 2005 and his lovely wife Khun Noi is our Poppies Spa consultant.

View our menu at the restaurant page.







The Thai kitchen is directed by long serving Khun Wantanee, a wonderfully "natural and instinctive" cook. For a great introduction to a variety of Thai dishes try one of her famous "Kantokes" which are selections of well balanced dishes served together on a rattan tray for 2 people (or more) to share. Assistant Manager, Peter James comes from England has been with Poppies Samui for over 9 years.

Peter is a wine expert and much in demand as a wine writer in local magazines as well as Poppies resident computer and internet “guru”.
In charge of reception, reservations and guest relations is Khun Tan. This very important lady is also our resident expert on all the things to see and do whilst in Koh Samui and she and her team can arrange excursions, elephant trekking, boat charter, airline reservations, diving, snorkeling, tailors, banks and car hire, to name but a few.







Khun Prasert is our Chief Engineer and he has been with Poppies since construction began in 1993.

It’s good to have an engineer who literally built the hotel!
Khun Aksorn is our Accounting Manager and has been with Poppies since 1999.

A fully qualified accountant she keeps us all on our toes and makes sure your bills are correct!
In charge of Housekeeping and Gardens is Khun Nee who has also been with Poppies from the opening day in 1995. This hardworking lady is the power house behind the scenes and still finds time to prepare all our flower arrangements and room decorations.


Our Personnel Manager is Khun Eaat who again has been with us almost from the beginning.

Thanks to her we have the lowest staff turnover rate on the island with over 50% of our staff being with us for 6 years or more,  and the “Farangs” (foreigners) always get their work permits on time
Bali, Indonesia
Poppies Samui
P.O. Box 1, Chaweng, Koh Samui 84320, Suratthani, Thailand
Tel. (66 77) 422 419 Fax. (66 77) 422 420



2006 - 2008 Copyright Poppies
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