Koh Samui, Thailand’s second largest island, basks in its picturesque location in the Gulf of Thailand, off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus. With its palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves and dense, mountainous rainforest, it is known as the Grande Dame of Thailand’s tourism industry. What’s more, the breath-taking island paradise has become synonymous with luxury travel. Thanks to its swish and relaxing resorts and spas, Koh Samui is considered the ultimate health and wellness destination. Additionally, foodie travellers with a penchant for fine dining also get the chance to treat themselves at top eateries.
Here are the best places if you’re planning a trip to one of the Kingdom’s top vacation havens:
Top Plush Resorts
Some of Thailand’s best resorts can be found in Koh Samui, which radiates with tranquil energy. Think gorgeous infinity pools surrounded by giant sun beds, where guests are waited on by immaculately dressed staff. A lot of the resorts are villa-only, ensuring the ultimate in privacy as well as breath-taking panoramic views of the alluring crystal-clear waters of the ocean.
Banyan Tree Resort
The Banyan Tree Samui Resort is a peaceful haven that reflects traditional Thai architecture. The resort offers guests a lavish experience and is famous for its world-renowned spa, which has a wide array of holistic treatment packages. Guests are also pampered with remarkable service, fine cuisine and a wonderful collection of destination-inspired activities.
Four Seasons Resort
Synonymous with the exceptional service and authentic understanding of Thai-inspired luxury hospitality, the private hillside villas of the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui make an ideal retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation. The resort’s renowned concierges ensure every guest’s personal needs are met. Whether enjoying a day out at sea, exploring the nearby attractions, or simply relaxing in the splendour of the resort, guests are promised an experience that will remain with them forever.
Upscale Wellness Retreats
Pure comfort awaits at Koh Samui’s magnificent retreats, where travellers can completely disconnect from the outside world and focus on rejuvenating.
Kamalaya
Situated next to a cave that was once a meditation temple for Buddhist monks, Kamalaya Koh Samui Resort is the perfect setting for self-reflection. With a natural gap that flows down onto a private beach, offset by natural rock walls and beautiful trees, the retreat offers wellness programmes that tackle specific issues, from insomnia to emotional imbalance and burnout, always using meditation as a core practice.
Absolute Sanctuary, Koh Samui
Lounging on Marrakesh carpets and lavish silk pillows is how guests will expect to spend time on a detox at the Moroccan-inspired retreat. Absolute Sanctuary uses alternative therapies – such as Chi Nei Tsang and holistic Shiatsu – to help flush the system. It is famous as the home of the mother of all detoxes, the Detoxer’s Delight, a treatment which includes 20 days packed with Reiki sessions, unlimited yoga and cleansing body wraps to lift the spirit into another dimension.
Amazing Fine Dining
Another domain in which Koh Samui excels in is its upscale dining offerings. The island is a culinary destination in its own right with several world-class restaurants, led by innovative chefs. Visitors will find everything from contemporary Thai cuisine to fusion, as well as international flavours. Enhancing the experience even further is the variety of romantic dining locales. Koh Samui is the perfect place for a feast of fresh seafood with powder soft sand between your toes, or atop a cliff with a personal butler.
H Bistro
Inspired by the flavours of the French Mediterranean, H Bistro at Hansar Koh Samui offers a refined gourmet experience in a relaxed seaside setting. The restaurant welcomes diners with a menu governed by fresh local and imported seafood, Mediterranean spices and an extensive list of house beverages.
Jahn
An unmissable culinary journey awaits at Jahn, where diners can indulge in the variety of Thai cuisine. Fine imported ingredients are expertly blended with the freshest local produce to bring a menu that would leave diners with an experience to remember.
