Thailand’s second-largest island with over 592 square kilometres of natural tropical mystique, Koh Samui—or simply Samui to the locals, is a traveller’s favourite. Home to the Ang Thong National Marine Park, diving enthusiasts are bound to enjoy the wonderful seascape and beach adventures such as snorkelling, diving, paddleboarding or kayaking, and island hopping to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, Samui’s “sister” islands. We’ve curated a list of the best
Six Senses Samui
On the northern tip of the island, Six Senses Samui has villas blending into the surrounding natural landscape, giving guests a luxe haven amidst the forest. Laze on a lounger by the infinity pool and take in sweeping views of the gulf, be rejuvenated in Six Senses Samui Spa, or enjoy an intimate al fresco dinner at Dining on the Rocks. We heard tables 99 and 100 are especially delightful.
Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
Fancy a yacht trip across the islands? Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui can take care of that for you. Villas are furnished with traditional yet stylish furniture and have panoramic views of the ocean. Choose from 1- to 3- bedroom villas with private pools or direct access to the beach. We love how grand the 3-bedroom Family Residence Villa is, and the beautiful infinity pool views from the intimate Panoramic Ocean-View Pool Villa.
Anantara Lawana Koh Samui
Ideal for a trip with friends or a family holiday, Anantara Lawana Koh Samui on Chaweng Beach is close to restaurants and nightlife of Samui. It has a beachside infinity pool, Anantara Spa, and a kids’ club where the children can have fun while you take a break. What we love is how many dining options there are on-site: Crab Shack, SEEN Beach Club Samui, Ocean Kiss, and the romantic Dining by Design.
W Koh Samui
Located between Bo Phut and Maenam, W Koh Samui is a vibrant resort perfect for friends enjoying the buzz of Thailand. Enjoy drinks on the floating seats in the pool, or perhaps have a private party vibe in one of the villas—Seascape Escape is a particularly attractive 4-bedroom villa that can sleep up to 9 guests. With all-day dining from The Kitchen Table, Japanese food from Namu, and drinks from Woobar and Sip Bar, you have everything you need for a fun vacay!
Vana Belle Samui
Tucked away in a secluded cove in Chaweng Noi Beach, Vanna Belle Samui is where the verdant forest meets the cool blue sea. There are 79 contemporary Pool Suites and Pool Villas spaced out to give guests total privacy. All villas and suites have their own terraces where you can enjoy in-room dining from the international menu of Khongkwan Space with stunning views of the ocean.
Banyan Tree Samui
Perched on the hills of a private bay in Lamai, Banyan Tree Samui is an all-pool villa resort with direct access to the exclusive beach… that is the nesting ground of green sea turtles from February to May. How magical! Banyan Tree Samui has several dining options, and we suggest you try Saffron’s authentic Thai cuisine and the beach barbeque experience from Sands.
Conrad Koh Samui
Stylish and contemporary accented by Thai design elements, Conrad Koh Samui and its world-class accommodation and amenities easily make it one of the best
Belmond Napasai
Belmond Napasai has 68 beautifully furnished villas, Lai Thai restaurant, and Koh Samui Spa set on 43 acres of lush tropical gardens. Equipped with all the modern luxuries such as spacious bathrooms, private pools, luxury bath products, and air-conditioning, Napasai villas stay true to their Thai roots with traditional touches like bamboo interiors and local textiles and weavings.
Intercontinental Koh Samui
Luxury in world-class style? Say no more. Intercontinental Koh Samui’s 79 rooms (with refrigerators and mini-bars) and villas have private patios or balconies with ocean views—some with direct access to the beach. Experience luxurious spa treatments, sunset view drinks at Air Bar, and Asian culinary adventures at Amber. Don’t forget to check out Flames for beachside dining; think seafood grilled to perfection.
Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui
On the southern coastline of Samui, Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui is set on a private bay with an exclusive beach that offers majestic sunset views. With 11 restaurants to choose from, you’ll be in for a culinary treat! Relax in one of 8 treatment suites at the spa and enjoy traditional therapeutic treatments using coconuts, flower petals, and aquatherapy in the spa pool. Neat!
Anantara Bohput Koh Samui
Anantara Bohput Koh Samui’s spa journeys for couples are the perfect treat for honeymooners or those on romantic holidays. The spa facilities are spread over 3,000 sqm of natural landscape complete with lotus ponds and 6 garden treatment suites. The rooms and villas with garden or ocean views are cosy and stylishly furnished with modern Asian flare—perfectly intimate.
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Our list of the best
SALA Samui Chaweng
Clean lines and a neutral colour palette accentuated with local textures and pops of blue and teal… SALA Samui Chaweng is a luxury beachfront hotel where you can relax in style. We love the interiors and how effortless it all feels. Make sure to take advantage of the water sports activities and calm the adrenaline rush after at the spa. Fun times await!
Melia Koh Samui
Chic nautical tropical luxe. Melia Koh Samui is an idyllic beachfront getaway that fuses maritime themes with modern comforts. Situated on Cheong Mon Beach, it has suites and “Boat Rooms” that can sleep 2 to 4 guests. Choose from 2 restaurants and 2 bars for your culinary surprises and refreshments. We particularly like the poolside mixology happening at Pool Bar.
Bo Phut Resort and Spa
Bo Phut combines contemporary design with traditional Thai elements in each of the 61 air-conditioned rooms that have private patios or balconies. You can experience supreme pampering and flower petal baths in Bo Phut Spa and indulge in all-day dining at L’Ocean or an authentic Thai dinner at Sala Thai. Villas can sleep up to 3 guests and the resort has a children’s pool, making it a great choice for smaller families.
SALA Samui Choengmon
Sleek minimalist rooms that still exude Thai flair… SALA Samui Choengmon’s rooms speak uncomplicated comfort in style. Enjoy the white sand beach with drinks from the Beach Bar or perhaps have a sumptuous private beach barbeque. Looking for something gram-worthy (apart from the whole resort, of course!)? Try the floating breakfast or poolside afternoon tea!
Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui
Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui has 2 outdoor pools, over 600 feet of private beach to explore, 3 restaurants, an exercise room, a tennis court, and a spa with Thai treatments specifically designed for sunburnt skin (yes to that!). Wow! If you’re travelling for business, take advantage of the Ga La Meeting Room. Oh, and don’t forget to visit the Gift Shop for local handicrafts you can take home with you.
Santiburi Koh Samui
Rich with detail from its ornately carved wooden accents to artworks adorning the rooms, Santiburi Koh Samui treats its guests to a charming Thai beachside experience. Located on the quiet northern shores of the island and set on 23 acres of lush foliage, the villas (most with plunge pools) are perfect for smaller families or romantic holidays. We love the luxurious Thai silk and local ingredients used for wellness treatments at Len Spa, and golf aficionados are sure to enjoy the 18-hole course at Santiburi Samui Country Club, 10 minutes away from the hotel.
Has our list of best
Image credit: Six Senses Samui
