Disclaimer: Top 10 Lists are created keeping in mind only my opinion. Rest assured that IH Aviation and Travel is not biased whatsoever.
Koh Samui, Thailand’s second largest island, lies in the Gulf of Thailand off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus. The island is known for its palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves and dense, mountainous rainforest, plus luxury resorts and posh spas. Geographically in the Chumphon Archipelago, it is part of Surat Thani Province, though as of 2012, Koh Samui was granted municipal status and thus is now locally self-governing. The island received more than 2.5 million foreign visitors in 2017, up from 2.34 million in 2016. The expansion of tourism in Koh Samui has resulted in growth of building resorts, bungalows, and luxury private villas on the island. Let’s take a look at the Top 10 Hotels and Resorts in Koh Samui.
10. Melia, Koh Samui
Just steps from beautiful Choeng Mon Beach, Melia Koh Samui and just 5 kilometres from the airport, airport, the resort sits on the shores of the Gulf of Thailand. The resort consists of 159 guest rooms and 41 suites featuring outdoor balconies. The accommodations offer garden, pool or sea views. The KoKo Kitchen serves a buffet breakfast. The Breeza Beach Restaurant and Bar serves the lunch and dinner. Boat’s Bar offers refreshments and healthy, raw and organic food, as well as sustainable products. Melia Koh Samui features 2 outdoor swimming pools. When not enjoying the beach or pools, guests can unwind with a massage or body treatment at the YHI Spa. Those feeling more active can go canoeing or windsurfing. Scuba-diving lessons are offered. Guests tired out by a day in the sun can visit the games room for relaxed entertainment. A fitness centre and Kids’ Club are also available at the resort.
Website: Melia, Koh Samui
9. Renaissance Koh Samui Resort and Spa
Surrounded by tropical greenery, Renaissance Koh Samui Resort and Spa is located on Laem Nan Beach. The resort is situated at an approx distance of 9.7 kilometres away from Samui International Airport. The resort consists of 78 guest rooms, suites and villas featuring polished hardwood floors and modern Thai decor. Banana Leaf Restaurant serves an international buffet breakfast. Other dining options include Mediterranean cuisine at Tapas, snacks at the Pool Bar and healthy dishes at TawaNN. The main infinity pool overlooks the beach, while the 50 m (50 m) lap pool is lined with lounge chairs. Guests can also enjoy relaxing massage at Quan Spa, or exercise at the gym. The resort also offers a free shuttle to Chaweng and Lamai areas.
Website: Renaissance Koh Samui Resort and Spa
8. Intercontinental Koh Samui Resort, an IHG Hotel
Located right on the beach, Intercontinental Koh Samui is located in the peaceful west coast of Taling Ngam. InterContinental Koh Samui Resort is a leisurely 45-minute drive from Samui International Airport. Set within 22 acres of coconut plantations, the luxurious InterContinental Koh Samui Resort descends from the cliffs to the white sandy shores of western Koh Samui. The resort consists of 79 guest rooms, suites and villas featuring beautiful Thai architecture and spacious outdoor balcony or patios. Amber and Flames restaurants serve international and Thai dishes. Drinks can be enjoyed in the stylish Air Bar. The resort’s lobby café & bar, Serene Lounge, offers afternoon teas and coffees imported from all over the world. Guests can request for speedboat transfers to Angthong Marine National Park and Koh Phangan. The resort also has a scenic 138 m private pier that stretches out into the ocean. Boasting 6 main swimming pools, it has a cliff-top Thai spa and a fitness centre.
Website: Intercontinental Koh Samui Resort, an IHG Hotel
7. Napasai, A Belmond Hotel, Koh Samui
Napasai, A Belmond Hotel, is set within 43 acres of lush tropical gardens. The all-villa resort is located along Mae Nam Beach and is about 25 minutes’ drive from Samui Airport. Napasai, A Belmond Hotel consists of 69 villas and residences featuring traditional touches and bamboo interiors that open onto sun-drenched balconies with sea views. Boasting 180° views of the ocean, as well as outdoor seating, Lai Thai Restaurant serves authentic Thai cuisine all day. Fresh seafood barbecue and international dishes are offered at the casual Beach Restaurant. Drinks can be enjoyed at the 2 bars. Guests can take PADI-certified diving and snorkeling lessons, or even take part in elephant trekking tours. An 18-hole championship golf course is just a 5-minute drive away from the resort. An infinity swimming pool, a Spa, Yoga sessions, two tennis courts, Thai Boxing, Photo Workshops, Cookery Classes and a fitness centre are present at the hotel.
Website: Napasai, A Belmond Hotel, Koh Samui
6. W, Koh Samui
W Koh Samui features its own sandy beachfront on Mae Nam Beach and is a 20-minute drive from Samui International Airport. Harmonizing with the natural environs, the resort features plush public spaces straddling the crystal blue Gulf of Thailand and 74 villas with intimate private pools, top technology, and intuitive Thai touches. The W has two vibrant restaurants for guests to dine at. The Kitchen Table serves Thai and international dishes in a casual setting, while NAMU by the beach offers modern and chic Japanese cuisine. Open from day to night, WOOBAR offers iconic views of the northern coast of the Gulf of Thailand and features W’s catchy music, signature cocktails, innovative lighting and creative snacks. The open-air SIP sunset bar serves the world’s best craft beer and has spectacular views of the beach. During their stay at W Koh Samui, guests can enjoy free ice cream, bottled water and soft drinks at the Sweet Spots located all over the property. Complimentary shuttles to central Chaweng are also provided daily. AWAY Spa features essential oil massage treatments and herbal baths, while the FIT gym has all the workout equipment. For more fun and active complimentary classes, Yoga, Muay Thai and water aerobic classes with coaches are also available. For some sun, there is the main infinity swimming pool or the water sports center by the beach.
Website: W, Koh Samui
5. Vana Balle, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Koh Samui
Vana Belle, a Luxury Collection Resort, Koh Samui is located on Chaweng Noi Beach and is a 15-minute drive from Samui International Airport. The resort is surrounded by tropical forests, mythical gardens, crystal clear blue ocean water and pristine white sand beach. Vana Belle’s 79 spacious Pool Suites and Pool Villas with expansive outdoor spaces have been created in a contemporary style with indigenous Thai accents. All of them feature a private pool and a spacious terrace, either with stunning views out over the beach or of the lush rainforest backdrop. Guests can sample international and Thai dishes for breakfast and dinner at Kiree. Italian cuisine is served at the beachside restaurant, Panali, for lunch and dinner. Guests can enjoy the ocean view and drinks at Pool Bar. Khongkwan Space is an open-air Lobby Lounge offering a wide selection of specialty whiskies, local and imported beers, refreshing tropical cocktails, premium wines, and more. At Vana Spa, guests can fully indulge in deep relaxation with massage treatments. The property also features an outdoor swimming pool, sauna and 24-hour fitness center. The resort is also equipped with a library, a business center and a souvenir shop.
Website: Vana Balle, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Koh Samui
4. The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui
Located on 58 acres area in Choeng Mon Beach overlooking the ocean, The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui. within the embrace of a private sun-kissed bay, Built on the site of a former coconut plantation, the resort pays homage to its past through the use of coconut and natural materials. The resort consists of 175 guest suites and villas featuring contemporary interiors with soothing colour palettes that transform into airy havens complemented by views of the garden or the Gulf of Thailand. Shook! serves innovative Asian and Western breakfast creations, from healthy to traditional Thai to freshly baked pastries, Baan Talat offers Thai Street Food in a unique al fresco market-style atmosphere, Sea Salt serves lunch featuring international comfort classics along with Thai favourites, Pak Tai’s menu features a southern interpretation of Thai cuisine prepared with ingredients from the local market, Tides is a poolside bar offering refreshing cocktails and citrus-cured specialties from the cevicheria and One Rai is a circular bar and lounge serving Asian-inspired appetisers and mixologist-crafted cocktails. A fitness centre, a children’s playground, Ritz Kids program, The Ritz-Carlton Speedboat offering excursions and tours, Spa Village Koh Samui with 8 treatment suites, 3 outdoor massage pavilions, yoga pavilion, lap pool with cabanas and relaxation sala, Muay Thai ring with instructors, tennis, basketball, volleyball, mini golf, an outdoor swimming pool, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, snorkeling and jogging are available at the hotel.
Website: The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui
3. Six Senses, Samui
On the northern tip of Samui Island, the luxurious Six Senses Samui enjoys panoramic views of the Gulf of Siam. The resort is a 10-minute drive from Koh Samui International Airport. Six Senses Samui is inspired by a Thai fishing village. The 66 villas, most with private pools, are surrounded by natural vegetation and offer panoramic views out to the Gulf of Thailand. Dining on the Rocks is located is located on the tip of the headland and presents 270-degree views of the Gulf of Thailand and focuses on creating imaginative, yet sensible cuisine stemming from organic and sustainable ingredients, sourced locally and from abroad whereas Dining on the Hill is the place where breakfast is served in the morning and Thai cuisine as well as some Western comfort food selection in the evening. Drift at the Beach is home to the resort’s newly unveiled beach bar and pool side lounge – serving up unpretentious wholesome flavors from our wood-fired oven and grill. Drinks on the Hill is the resort’s main bar serving fresh tropical juices, mocktails, cocktails, local and imported beers plus one of the most extensive wine lists on the island and Drinks on the Rocks offers cocktails including signature ‘Citrus Twist’. The elegant Six Senses Spa provides relaxing massage therapies and yoga classes. Other facilities include mountain biking, various tours organised by the resort, water sports, cooking classes, wine tasting, special kids program, a infinity swimming pool, a gym and a private cinema.
Website: Six Senses, Koh Samui
2. Banyan Tree, Samui
Set on an exclusive beachfront along Lamai Bay and overlooking the azure water of the Gulf of Thailand, Banyan Tree Samui is nestled amid lush jungle. Banyan Tree Samui is a 30-minute drive from Koh Samui International Airport. The resort consists of 88 villas, with all of them featuring private pools, providing views of the jungle or the ocean. Saffron serves signature authentic Thai cuisine, Sands serves fresh seafood and prime cuts of meat in an intimate beachfront setting with a choice of char-grill, a wood-fired meal or rotisserie, The Edge offers an extensive choice of international foods for breakfast alongside a delicious à la carte menu for both lunch and dinner, Lobby Lounge serves desserts and light meals, Beach Bar offers light snacks and tropical cocktails and Pool Bar also offers light snacks and tropical cocktails. The Rainforest Spa combines the best of European spa and hydrothermal therapy with the essence of Asian wellness. A Fitness centre, Yoga centre, Kids’ Club, an outdoor swimming pool, a Kids’ pool and a library are some of the facilities present at the hotel.
Website: Banyan Tree, Samui
1. Four Seasons Resort, Koh Samui
Four Seasons Resort, Koh Samui is situated on the island’s northwest tip, a quiet oasis on Laem Yai Bay and surrounded by tropical grounds. The all-villa resort is about a 30-minute drive from both Big Buddha and Koh Samui International Airport. The resort consists of 70 villas, including one-to-five bedroom residences. Guests can enjoy views of the grounds or Gulf of Siam on the outdoor day bed. The bathroom’s glass doors open onto the private deck for an open-air bathing experience. Koh Thai Kitchen, perched on a palm-fringed hilltop, serves Thai cuisine. Guests at Koh Bar can have a pre-dinner selection from the wine list, or can try a unique pairing of Thai wines and canapes. Pla Pla, laid-back by day and stylish by night, is an Oceanside grill serving fresh seafood and prime cuts of meat while Cocorum is a chic poolside lounge offering decadent cocktails and artisinal spirits. Rum Vault is Asia’s first and only library of rums from across the world. Chilled towels are offered at Koh Samui Four Seasons’ beachside infinity pool. Guests can recharge with a game of tennis, a variety of beach sports or a workout at the fitness center. The hotel’s SIAMSEAS cruising boat offers access to Marine National Park and a variety of other locations. Muay Thai Ring, a library, a private cinema, a games room, water sports like windsurfing, golf and a Four Seasons spa are available at the hotel.
Website: Four Seasons Resort, Koh Samui
Featured image by Banyan Tree, Samui
If you think that I have missed any of the hotels present in Koh Samui that you think should be included in the list, let me know in the comments section below.