Thailand’s second-largest island, Koh Samui, sits in the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Thailand and truly is a tropical paradise! Its irresistible blend of natural beauty, palm-fringed beaches, vibrant culture, and laid-back island charm attracts the most diverse groups of holidaymakers. Whether seeking serene moments of relaxation or action and adventure, Koh Samui offers a kaleidoscope of experiences and an array of first-class resorts and hotels that promise to captivate your senses and leave an indelible mark on your travel memories. Read on to find out more about our favourite luxury hotels in Koh Samui.
Banyan Tree Samui
The Banyan Tree Samui resort nestles on the edge of the Lamai jungle. From its secluded position overlooking the Gulf of Thailand this plush five-star, 88-room complex whispers tranquillity. With its private beach, three restaurants, three lounges, indoor and outdoor pools, top quality spa, wellness and fitness centres with personal service, guests don’t need to leave the complex. However, for those wishing to explore more of this idyllic island, water and road shuttle transport is readily available.
Belmond Napasai
Just 10 miles from the airport, the Belmond Napasai five-star hotel complex is snuggled amongst the palms that border its picturesque private beach. With 24 suites, 45 villas and a raft of different things to do, it is an ideal venue for a family holiday. Activities include an attractive infinity pool, children’s pool, spa and wellness treatments, tennis courts, and a variety of water sports, boat trips, golf, and elephant excursions. With qualified dive instructors on hand, the whole family can sign up for diving or snorkelling lessons – or just lay back, unwind, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the Belmond Napasai.
Four Seasons Resort
Situated just a 30-minute drive from the international airport, and the same distance from Big Buddha, Four Seasons lies on the northwest tip of Koh Samui, at Laem Yai Bay. One of the most popular destinations on the island for those seeking an ‘away from it all’ romantic occasion or peaceful break. Four Season’s staff have built a well-deserved international reputation for offering guests the very best in personal service. Add to that the splendour of their 60 detached villas, picture postcard surroundings, gourmet cuisine, and extensive range of activities and you have the perfect recipe for complete holiday indulgence.
Ammatara Pura Pool Villa
If history and culture are on your holiday agenda then a stay at the Ammatara Pura Pool Villa complex on the edge of Lamai Beach should fit the bill. The whole complex is traditionally styled, with much use made of dark Thai wood, intricately carved trees, statues and religious deities. The beautiful villas also embrace traditional building techniques with timber beams, cool tiles, and heavy, period-style furniture. The restaurant offers Asian and International cuisine and vegetarian and vegan options. With a sauna, spa and fitness centre guests can be as active or as laid-back as they like.
Vana Belle, a Luxury Collection Resort
Only a fifteen-minute drive from the airport lies the stunning beach area of Choweng Noi and the 80 suites and villas of the luxurious Vana Belle Resort. Lying back off the beach, amid swaying palm trees and tropical vegetation, the Vana Belle offers a tranquil location from which you can explore the surrounding area. Alternatively if exploring doesn’t appeal then guests can choose to soak up the relaxing atmosphere with a good book, interspersed with visits to the spa, wellness and fitness centres. Restaurant facilities are limited, with Panali, the shoreside eatery serving Italian cuisine, and the hillside Kiree restaurant, offering guests traditional Thai food.
Silavadee Pool Spa Resort
The hillside location of this luxury resort allows the most stunning views over the Gulf of Thailand. Just 15 minutes from the airport, Silavadee means ‘beautiful rock’ in Thai, and refers to the pristine, private beach just a few minutes’ stroll from the resort. The 44 villas and 36 rooms are decorated with modern Thai furniture and fabrics. Whether relaxing around the pool, eating in the hillside restaurant, or enjoying a cocktail on the rooftop terrace, the stunning views across the bay will provide memories to last a lifetime.
Muang Samui SPA Resort
Muang Samui is on the east coast of the island, and just ten minutes by car from Koh Samui’s airport, or 15 miles from Nathon City if arriving by ferry. A boutique complex, the resort has 53 suites, all with terraces and views out to sea or across the tropical gardens. Comfortable rooms are decorated in typical Thai style and have all the usual facilities. The two restaurants serve Italian, international, or traditional Thai cuisine. Guests can choose to spend their time unwinding around the pool or on the beach, before jumping into a hire car to explore further afield.
Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort
For guests who enjoy trying a little of everything when on holiday, the Anantara Bophut Resort is ideally placed to do just that. Popular with both couples and families, in-house facilities are excellent. Rooms, although not as large as some other resorts, are tastefully decorated, and seamlessly blend traditional with contemporary. Of its three excellent restaurants, the Full Moon Samui is the piece-de-resistance with its many seafood, international and Thai speciality dishes. Amongst its many facilities, the exceptional spa and wellness centre is an experience not to be missed. Add to that being next door to the Fisherman’s Wharf at Bo Phut and only a short taxi ride from Chaweng’s bustling nightlife makes the Anantara Bophut Resort a fantastic base.
Ritz Carlton Koh Samui
Set on a 58-acre plot on the north-east of the island, the resort was once a coconut plantation and continues to use the fruit’s fibres in its architecture. It’s home to Thailand’s only sea pool (open seasonally), as well as two beaches, a beachfront infinity swimming pool and a swim reef where you can spot more than 50 species of fish. You’ll find a Muay Thai ring, tennis, basketball, volleyball, mini golf, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, jogging, cooking classes, a Ritz Kids programme and multiple restaurants onsite. Plus there’s an entire Spa Village, with eight treatment suites, a yoga pavilion and a lap pool with cabanas. 175 bedrooms, suites and pool villas are decorated in neutral colours.
Six Senses Koh Samui
Modelled on a Thai fishing village, this resort has a rustic feel, surrounded by natural flora and fauna. Most of the villas, retreats and reserves have pools and amazing views across the Gulf of Thailand. GEMs (Guest Experience Makers) are on hand to curate your experiences and ensure your trip is tailored to your needs. Guests can swim in the horizon-edged main swimming pool with its own snack bar, or hang out at Drift at the Beach. There are four further dining options, as well as an in-villa service. The spa incorporates six treatment villas, two dry saunas, two steam rooms and a fitness centre. And there’s a library with a hammock for quiet time with a good book. Thai cooking classes are held daily, as is the programme of kid’s activities.
W Koh Samui
Located between Maenam and Bo Phut within easy reach of the airport and near to Chaweng Beach, the W brand brings its funky fun vibe to this paradise island. The Kitchen Table serves Western and Thai food from morning to night; the WOOBAR® plays W Music Curator’s tracks, with nibbles, lunch and dinner; Namu is considered the best Japanese restaurant on the island; while SIP is a sunset beach bar with cocktails, creative lunch and dinner dishes and oversized games. Pop to FIT for a workout, WET for a swim and the AWAY Spa for blissful treatments.
Conrad Koh Samui
Set on a private 100-metre white sand beach, the Conrad is built into a cliffside proffering panoramic vistas. Book a villa on stilts, with your own 10-meter infinity pool and spa bathroom. Dine on fine farm-to-table cuisine crafted with ingredients from the onsite organic farm. Take yoga classes on the beach, sunset boat tours, go kayaking and snorkelling and let the kids burn off some energy at the Little Explorer’s Academy. Or book an excursion from the hotel to nearby attractions, like the Samui Elephant Sanctuary, the Samui Zip Line and the Santiburi Golf Course.
Kimpton Kitalay Samui
Perched beside Choeng Mon Beach, Kimpton Kitalay Samui offers refined island living. Its highlights include a palm-flanked Olympic-sized swimming pool, loaner fat-tyre bikes to explore further afield, pet amenities and the 500-square metre split-level Junio Kids Club for a programme of non-digital activities. Kimpton Kitalay has 138 rooms, suites and villas, 21 of which have private pools; five restaurants and bars; a pristine stretch of beach; and the organic Pimãanda spa, offering a 14-step sensorial ritual created especially for the resort by HARNN.
InterContinental Koh Samui Resort, an IHG Hotel
This hotel’s Air Bar was featured in The New York Times bestseller 1,000 Places to See Before You Die”. The InterContinental Koh Samui has a private beach with a pier (a magical spot for a yoga class) and six swimming pools, one with 360-degree views of the sea and surrounding coconut plantations. Its Baan Thai Spa by HARNN is designed in the style of a traditional Thai house, with five treatment rooms (each of the rituals concludes with a tea ceremony). Stay in one of the main building’s bedrooms, with 67- square metres of space, a balcony, a daybed and a dining area, or in a suite or multi-bedded villa. There’s a bi-weekly sunset dinner on the beach and a fire show, as well as numerous restaurants.
