Words by Mariam Ahmed
Arguably one of the most popular party destination spots in Thailand, Koh Samui has a more sophisticated side. Like other infamous party spots Ibiza and Mykonos; there now flocks a more discerning crowd; one which is looking for quiet luxury and calm, and nowhere caters for these elements more than Four Seasons Koh Samui.
Hotel
The feeling of being somewhere unique and calm is instant the minute you touchdown into Chaweng airport; a tiny but perfectly formed open-air baggage lounge situated under a thatched dome roof. From plane seat to taxi seat took just 20 minutes before you’re whisked up until the hills of Ang Tong.
The resort is somewhat of a private, hilly village with the reception set at the top offering views across the property right over to the next island; taking your breath away as you arrive at the wide-open courtyard filled with smiling monkey statues and welcome bells. It’s a stunning start to the stay.
There is plenty to do onsite too, making it difficult to find reasons to leave the resort. Two restaurants, one beach bar, a spa, two tennis courts, a Muay Thai boxing ring, yoga platform, paddleboards and kayaks as well as plenty of bookable activities. We tried a breath class, organic coconut scrub making and snorkelling.
There is also a treehouse styled kids’ club, open from 9am until 6pm, plus a menu of bookable activities; cookery classes, Muay Thai sessions and even a range of spa treatments designed to be enjoyed by the whole family. If you have teenagers, a stylish clubhouse on the beach is equipped with all the games (digital and analogue) that they might want.
Room
All 60 pool villas offer guests their own private infinity pools and uninterrupted views over the gardens and ocean. Huge ceilings with rattan matting are adorned with teak fans and wide spanning mosquito nets that hang over sumptuous, crisp white linen adorned king-sized beds.
The bathroom and changing areas are the same size as the bedroom and feature his and hers wardrobes, a rain shower and generous sized bathtub – all with floor to ceiling windows looking out over the same vast view. Small details like the homemade organic mosquito repellent and locally made beach bags matched to your room slippers make you feel like your room has been thoughtfully curated.
Food and drink
One of only 11 restaurants in Koh Samui featured in the Michelin guide, Koh Thai Kitchen serves excellent Thai cuisine. The Larb Tuna (raw tuna marinated in Thai herbs) and Massaman Nua (slow cooked cardamon scented wagyu beef cheek) were the two stand-out dishes for us, the former a fresh and fragrant starter, the latter a rich, melt-in-the-mouth flavour burst.
Pla Pla on the beach serves a range of Western favourites alongside Thai classics; fritto misto, Caesar salads, homemade pizzas and pastas as well as fresh fish and steaks, it became a favourite spot for lunch with our little one.
New to the resort is CoCoRum, a huge open lounge bar sitting alongside the resort’s 50ft infinity pool and home to Asia’s only rum vault. It’s the perfect place for sundowners and something snacky with an impressively authentic tapas menu.
Make sure to book in for the weekly beach barbecue, ‘Fisherman’s Night’ where local artisans set up shop next to food stalls serving custom salads, fresh sushi, barbecued meats and fish while entertainers sing, and fire breathers wow the children.
Spa and wellness
The Secret Garden spa sits within a curated landscape full of local herbs subsequently used across in the treatments such as Miracle Moringa, a massage and body scrub using dried moringa leaves or the Rice is Life facial with jasmine rice–infused products. An outpost of the spa sits on the beach in the form of a private pavilion where you can enjoy massages against the sounds of the waves. There is a varied alternative treatment menu here too; sound work, reiki, breathwork and yoga are all offered but need to be booked in advance and are mostly private sessions.
To do
If you must leave the resort, we’d recommend it only to visit Ang Thong National Park, an archipelago of 42 islands with lots to see and do across the range. The islands can only be visited through pre-booked and approved tour operators, speak to the hotel concierge to guide you to the best ones.
Factbox
Address: 219 Moo 5 Surat Thani Angthong, 84140, Thailand
Phone: + 1-800-819-5053
Website: fourseasons.com/kohsamui
Photography courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui.
