Thailand’s second largest island (after Phuket), Koh Samui lies in the Gulf of Thailand on the country’s eastern seaboard. Formerly a pleasure centre for backpackers, these days Koh Samui is more about opulent relaxation in elegant and airy resorts than full moon parties. If you are looking for attentive staff, top line facilities and endless pampering in an environment of pure white beaches, tropical rainforests, coconut palm-fringed lagoons and aquamarine seas, then this is your island of romance. Mix in an infinity pool, a few cocktails and some tranquil sunsets and you have the destination of your dreams. Koh Samui’s luxury hotels cater for sophisticated travellers who want to escape the crowds and cocoon themselves in quiet, reflective surroundings where they can unwind from the stresses of modern life and return to a more relaxed and energised frame of mind. That’s not to say that Koh Samui lacks excitement. On the contrary, hand in hand with the seclusion and contemplation are some of Thailand’s best restaurants and most exciting nightlife. All you need to do is decide how much, or how little, excitement you need in order to achieve a perfect balance.
Rating: 8.7
Luxury if luxury. A stunning oceanfront resort that lies in the northeastern part of Koh Samui island, the Ritz-Carlton. A former coconut plantation that was converted to this haven, the resort never forgets to commemorate its history through patronizing coconut products and their essentials. Elegantly styled to suit the taste of the elite society, this Plae Laem Beach pride is 3km away from the Big Buddha statue and 5km away from Samui International Airport.
Empire-like villas and suites bestowed to you through the neutral colors of white and brown. Having a lush comfort by the King and Queen size beds, perceive supremacy of your own. Elegance comes in Thai-inspired furnishings, polished and laid prudently in every corner. All accommodations flaunt an ocean view. Villas impart private swimming pools, while suite rooms compensate spacious terraces.
Seven utmost dining experiences offer both Thai and International cuisines. Energize your day start for a flavorsome breakfast at the Shook. Sea Salt and Tides open mid-shift services from 10:00 am-6:00 pm. Street food lovers should see “Baan Talat” (market house in Thai), with an added attraction of a talented artist who can sketch a portrait right at your feet. Pak Tai and One Rai serve succulent dinners with added cocktails and finger foods from the latter. Consider a majestic view dining at the peak, where the stars romantically shine upon you.
A village of 8 treatment suites, 4 massage pavilions, a yoga pavilion, and a lap pool with cabanas renders spa. Undergo a ritual process adapted from the Songkran festival by the cheerful water throwing, known as the Songkran Shower. Restore sleeping sensations with the traditional healing practices. World-class wood furnishings present a corporate setting for business meetings. Function rooms are flexible for private events as well.
Rating: 8.7
Award-winning InterContinental Koh Samui Resort beachfront hotel features luxurious acres of low and high-rise villas. The harmony of blue and green seas gives a soothing relief as you take a plunge. Embraces a part of the Talim Ngam Bay on the Gulf of Thailand, this majestic hill is accessible from Wat Khiri Wongkaram temple and is approximately 20-minutes away by car from Namuang Safari Park.
Preferences of a room accommodation on a separated low-rise building or in a private villa would never miss the chance of a panoramic view of the Five Islands and the Gulf of Thailand. A touch of blue, green, and orange colors connote a relationship with the exterior ambiance. Suites and private villas come with a complete Thai furnished bedroom, living area, and a private sundeck.
An all-day dining experience from 6:30 am–11:00 pm can be experienced at the Amber, with a combination of Thai and other Asian dishes. A “fire” inspired beachfront restaurant by the Flames offers Thai and European cuisine. The elevated Air Bar refreshes you with wines and cocktails while you appreciate the stunning views of the ocean, the Five Islands, and the Gulf of Thailand while you introspect with the melodies of the saxophone and guitar.
Leave indelible footprints on its pristine sandy beach shores, or take a plunge in their crystal clear, well-maintained swimming pools. Stretch those muscles on a cliff where the Baan Thai Spa situates. Where the sight of the oceans never leaves you, delight in Thai high-quality products in relieving your inner self. The function room accommodates business or personal events with the accompaniment of a view of the Gulf of Thailand.
Rating: 8.7
Overlooking the Gulf of Thailand uphill lies a luxury hotel and resort, the Conrad Koh Samui. An amazing cluster of villas best seen in a drone shot blows your mind and pushes an intense desire of having a memorable experience of them. The closest attractions are the Samui Aquarium, Ko Samui Hospital, and the Grandfather and Grandmother stone.
There could never be a dull moment as all of the villas have guaranteed an exceptional view of the ocean right at your cozy bed. All villas likewise possess their private infinity pool that adds to the distinct features. Personal hygiene gives extreme comfort in a separate bathtub and shower and a separate toilet area.
All of the restaurants and bars will never get your sight out of the fabulous ocean. The Zest is an all-day dining restaurant that serves breakfast up to dinner. If you prefer a romantic candle-lit dinner, don’t miss the resort’s crown jewel, the Jahn. The Azure Bar and Grill is next to an infinity-edge pool for a more casual dining option. Get refreshed with wines and cocktails at the Ko Lounge and Seakret Bar. Don’t count the option out of a customized set-up romantic dinner by the beach. Personal assistance of a chef for in-villa dining is available upon request.
Superb services of face lifting, mud mask rejuvenating, power age-defying can be experienced at the Conrad Koh Samui Spa. Still, with the alluring presence of a plunge pool and an endless ocean view, cherish your moments with your glamorous treatments. A meeting room with an ocean view as far as your eyes can reach accommodates a maximum of 130 persons, with modern audio and video equipment supported by well-trained technical staff.
Staying in a luxury hotel is just one part of a tropical island getaway, and Koh Samui has a diverse range of activities on offer. So, whether you’re after an activity-packed adventure or a peaceful, low-key beach getaway, you’re bound to have a fantastic vacation here. Check out some of our favourite Koh Samui experiences. 1. Visit Fisherman’s Village (Bophut) Bophut beach is one of the most loved spots on the island. You’ll find a mix of Chinese and Thai architecture in this hip area that creates a distinctive look and feel to the small Fisherman’s Village. There are also many exotic local markets and trendy beach resorts that adorn the 3km long golden sands. Bophut comes alive around sunset, especially on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays when the night market is on. 2. Explore the hidden waterfalls Samui has several waterfalls hidden in the centre of the island. The most popular and picturesque are the two Na Muang waterfalls. The name translates to ‘Purple Waterfalls’ as the rocks here have a distinctive purple shade. These natural water spots have a natural feel as the rocks and tree roots form a natural staircase leading to the large pool and fall at Na Muang 1. Then, if you continue trekking for another 20 minutes, you’ll come to Na Muang 2, which is even more beautiful than the first. 3. Dive amongst the vibrant coral reefs If you’ve never scuba dived before, Koh Samui is an ideal place to try. The diving companies here will take you 60 kilometres out from the island to the best diving spot, teeming with colourful marine life. The experienced instructors will teach you all you need to know and keep you completely safe as they take you down into the aquatic wonderland. 4. Check out the island’s quirky rock formations In the northeast of the island, you’ll find Lamai Beach and its famous granite boulder rocks. The two most unique rocks are Hin Ta and Hin Yai, located at the southern end. When you see them, you’ll quickly realise why they are so famous. The rock formations are naturally shaped to look like male and female genitalia, and therefore have become a funny, fascinating sight for all. 5. Take a day trip to Ang Thong Marine National Park The oceanic area of Ang Thong Marine National Park consists of 42 protected islands full of untouched beauty and wildlife. You can take a day trip here to island-hop and explore the caves, viewpoints, monkeys, and hiking trails. Plus, there’s a hidden saltwater lake in the centre of one of them, which you’ll recognise if you’ve seen the movie ‘The Beach’. While you won’t find any resorts here, some beaches do permit camping ‘Castaway’ style. You’ll be left to fend for yourself overnight and picked up the following day! 6. Indulge in a luxurious Thai spa experience Many of the luxury hotels in Koh Samui feature top class Thai-style spas. Along with a traditional Thai massage, you can indulge in coconut oil massages, body scrubs, and other wellness treatments. These luxury spas make for a blissful spa day either on your own or with a loved one. A few of the most popular ones are Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary in the southeast, Anantara Spa in Bophut, and Banyan Tree Spa close to Lamai Beach. 7. Unwind at the trendy beach bars It’s no secret that Koh Samui has a fantastic night scene. However, there is so much more to the island’s nightlife than the tourist party town of Chaweng. You will also find many upmarket beach bars around the coast, such as the world famous beach party spot, Nikki Beach in Lipa Noi. Another chic bar is Woobar in Maenam that has trendy seating areas around an impressive infinity pool and panoramic views of the ocean.