The laid-back, island-feel of Thailand’s Samui has made it a beloved destination quite distinct from other places in the country such as Phuket, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai. The unspoiled beaches of Koh Samui, as well as its numerous islands, scuba diving spots, and viewpoints, attract elite travelers from everywhere. If you are in a bid to uncover the treasures of this island and are looking for the best luxury resorts and hotels it has to offer, then look no further as here’s a roundup of the top twelve:
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Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
The four seasons resort takes the final spot up for grabs today, gorgeously continuing a trend of alluring havens tucked away above a cliff and overlooking treasures of the land below. It’s poised on the northwestern edge of the island which is oozing with serenity and peace perfect for kicking up your feet in.
A peek into one of the lavish suites of Four Seasons Resort in Koh Samui.
Restaurants within the resort are top class as are the airy elegant villas which are realized from a slice of Thai heritage served with toppings of present-age ingenuity. Besides all that and sophisticated facilities, the hospitality on display is arguably one of the resort’s greatest selling point.
Discover more about Four Seasons Koh Samui.
Website: fourseasons.com/kohsamui/
Location: 219 Moo 5, Angthong
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W Resort Koh Samui
The first from the W family of hotels in Thailand, W Koh Samui is by no means any less than its predecessors. The resort is packed with a bounty of leisurely offerings spread out in an expansive 9 miles (14 km) of coastline part of which consists of a stretch of beach and a choice of 6 restaurants and bars.
“Lily pod” lounging areas present colorful viewing spots for guests of W Resort. Image: mariott.com
74 private pool villas are available for the guests, all affording a view of the waters of the Thailand Gulf and the neighboring island of Ko Pha Ngan. Designed in a pop-contemporary style, W Resort is playfully furnished alongside ultra-modern amenities and facilities. The resort is located along the North coast of the island, between Maenam and Bo Phut just a short drive from the airport.
Website: marriott.com/hotels/travel/usmwh-w-koh-samui
Location: 4/1 Moo 1 Tambol Maenam
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Conrad Resort
Like fans in a football stadium, Conrad avails a lineup of 79 elevated villas peering from within green foliage that consumes the immediate area in its entirety. The area in question is the dazzling Southwest coast of the island which affords a dawn-to-dusk scenery that’ll have you staring for hours on end.
The view of the hillside villa suites from Conrad Resort’s pool area. Image:destinationweddingguide.co
In general, the hotel is made up of concrete platforms with cube-shaped villas each cutting their own share of privacy above the exclusive beach below. Thai touches ring out across the rolling landscape providing ancient furnishings from which to savor fairytale sunsets and sunrises.
Discover more about Conrad Resort Koh Samui.
Website: conradhotels3.hilton.com/en/hotels/thailand/conrad-koh-samui-USMKSCI/index.html
Location: 49/8-9 Moo 4, Hillcrest Road
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Sala Samui Chaweng Beach Resort
Divine tranquility and boundless beauty merge into the unearthly paradise that is this sun-splashed sanctuary where endearing coconut trees and a crystal pool of water stand guard in front of a glamorous three-story building.
The magical blend of elegant white and rustic wood of Sala Samui’s facade and pool area. Image: salahospitality.com
There is certainly no shortage of instagrammable scenery in this whitewashed wonder owing to its magical location at the edge of Thailand’s sparkling Gulf. Hotel paddleboards decorate the front yard of the establishment which avails 52 rooms in total of which five are suites boasting exquisite views of the neighboring gulf waters.
Website: salahospitality.com/chaweng
Location: 99/10 Moo 2, Chaweng Beach
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Banyan Tree Koh Samui
Banyan Tree provides residence to a flock of 78 villas which cluster around the dramatic slopes of Lamai Bay Beach on Phuket’s little yet mesmerizing sister island of Koh Samui. Consequently, stunning views are in no short supply from the premises which features three top-notch restaurants serving up a Thai cuisine that is just as magnificent as the surrounding itself.
Guests at Banyan Tree Koh Samui may also enjoy speedboat rides to nearby attractions. Image: banyantree.com
Nice stretches of sand, bright water, and swaying palms complete the idyllic land/seascape but that majestic show of unkempt nature takes a backseat to the awesomeness of the villas which steal the spotlight and deservedly so. Gathering around vivacious vegetation like a forgotten town of old, the villas are astonishingly nostalgic and beautiful beyond words.
Discover more about Banyan Tree Koh Samui.
Website: banyantree.com/en/thailand/samui
Location: 99/9 Moo 4, Maret
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Six Senses Koh Samui
The six senses hotel stays true to its name as its compelling setting atop a headland ensures bewitching panoramas from the 66-villa resort that appeals to all bodily senses. A sensational clear infinity pool that seems to nonchalantly merge with the similarly colored horizon wonderfully compliments to great effect Choeng Mon’s bright ashy beach below.
A pair of lemon-yellow sunbeds looks out into the bay, beyond the suite’s private infinity pool.
This resort is the perfect choice if a strong sustainability policy, irresistible style, and coveted seclusion are amongst your top desires for the perfect gateway. Throw in the jungle-covered periphery and you have an unmatched backdrop perfect for lolling with a book.
Discover more about Six Senses Koh Samui.
Website: sixsenses.com/resorts/samui/destination
Location: 9/10 Moo 5, Bophut
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The Tongsai Bay Hotel
With an inviting sandy bay that is a privilege of the hotel alone, a nice collection of first-rate restaurants, a diverse fitness center, conference services upwards of four rooms and more than 80 accommodation options, this prestigious hotel is the full package.
Spread right beside Tongsai Bay’s lavish suite, the private pool gleams in a lively blue. Image: tongsaibay.com
Its impressive reputation also includes a scintillating back-to-nature environment and outdoor bathtubs which look out into the striking ocean below. There is also a nice array of non-motorized water sports at no extra charge not forgetting a nice pampering- including milk baths- that awaits occupants.
Website: tongsaibay.co.th
Location: 84 Moo 5, Bophut
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Vana Belle
Another of Chaweng Noi’s marvelous resort collection, Vana Belle is excellently positioned within powdery white contours. It is a member of the opulent Marriot chain and is fitted with 80 generously sized villas and suites, two highly-esteemed restaurants, a serene spa and an oceanfront pool of the highest quality.
Imagine watching sunsets at one of Vana Belle’s pool beds. Image: vana-belle.hotelsofkohsamui.com
Vana Belle takes on an unpretentious and simple layout comprising of pink bougainvillea, reflective water features, and teak beams which pair well with cascading low-rise buildings that oscillate about the peaceful hillside.
Discover more about Vana Belle Koh Samui.
Website: vana-belle.hotelsofkohsamui.com/en
Location: 9/99 Moo 3, Surat
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Santiburi Koh Samui
A spoiled display of Thai traditionalism and expensive constructions characterize the Santiburi which is definitely among the best resorts in Koh Samui. It is set in 23 acres of palm-fringed and seemingly endless sandy contours equipped with high-grade facilities and a beguiling pool that holds the title of the island’s largest.
The tangerine roofs and poolside sun loungers of Koh Samui’s Santiburi Resort. Image: santiburi.com
Two-level styled rooms are the prevailing theme with an upstairs living area presenting unobstructed scenery sprawling both the garden and pool and the opposite floor presenting a bedroom furnished with everything convenient and luxurious.
Website: santiburisamui.com
Location: 12/12 Moo 1, Maenam
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Belmond Napasai
Belmond immediately stands out from anywhere else in the world courtesy of its tranquil occupation on a corner of the sumptuous island rife with immaculate gardens and an enchanting horizon that instantly takes all your worries away.
A server walks along the poolside of Belmond Napasai where guests are pampered with Thai hospitality. Image: belmond.com
Its wealth of facilities and spacious villas appeal to families or large groups of travelers with the domineering style falling in line with Thai masonry of yesteryears. Open-air salas decorated by creamy stone floors, obsidian teak, and jugged rooftops lie at the core of the resort which is itself a maze of tropical delights encompassing fragrant jasmine, coconut trees, hibiscus, and cashew.
Discover more about Belmond Napasai.
Website: belmond.com/hotels/asia/thailand/koh-samui/belmond-napasai
Location: 65/10 Baan Tai, Maenam
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The Ritz Carlton Koh Samui
Undoubtedly one of the most expansive resorts on the island, The Ritz Carlton boasts a total of 175 luxury suites, 9 different dining hubs, 2 separate beach locations, a spa and wellness complex, a fitness facility with a kickboxing ring, swimming pools, a tennis court, and more.
The midday sun shines on the teak wooden poolside deck and the turquoise pool waters of The Ritz Carlton Resort. Image: ritzcarlton.com
Guests can either to choose to book a suite or private pool villas, all tastefully furnished and offering sweeping views of the bay. The resort also offers top-class venues for conferences and business events.
Website: ritzcarlton.com/en
Location: 9/123 Moo 5, Tambon Bophut
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Sandalwood Luxury Villas
Sandalwood is cast on a towering vantage point on the picturesque gulf, providing breathtaking aerial shots that have long been the preserve of clouds and birds. An assembly of nine infinity pools offers the perfect background for the prevalent turquoise setting that runs on below to add to a list of perks which also includes a five-star restaurant and a full-service spa.
Relaxing outdoor baths at Sandalwood’s family suites come with a truly mesmerizing view. Image: sandalwoodvillas.com
The 14 artistically crafted rooms within the grounds are all equipped with modern day grandeur of every kind- huge TVs, fridges, microwaves, you name it – and plenty of white linen comforts. The resort’s proximity to a number of high profile beaches like Silver and Chaweng Noi certainly cements its credibility as one of the best resorts in Koh Samui and the country at large.
Website: sandalwoodvillas.com
Location: 211/7 Moo 4, Maret
Related: Luxury High Tea: Koh Samui’s Best Afternoon Tea Spots
