One of our favourite resorts, we think you’ll love the welcoming, relaxing vibe here at the Bandara Resort & Spa. Bo Phut Beach has a gentler pace than many of the other beaches on the island, which makes it an ideal location if you’re planning to really unwind. The hotel’s grounds are a point of pride and it’s hard to beat the shade of a cabana beside the main pool for relaxing in the day. It’s one of the largest freshwater pools on the island with a real wow-factor design. For a change of scenery, find a quiet spot by the beachfront pool and take in picture-postcard views over the Gulf of Thailand. Mealtimes at Bandara are equally chilled out. For beautiful sea views and international cuisine, the Chom Dao Restaurant is a great spot for relaxed meals. For a range of local dining options, the charming Fisherman’s Village is just a short walk away. Choose from the Deluxe Rooms around the main pool, or for peace of mind pick a Family Room where you’re just a sliding door away from the kids in their own fun space complete with a bunk bed. The spacious Villas have their own plunge pool and are more secluded. We recommend the luxurious Pool Villa Suites, which come with plenty of additional space, extra privacy and a private pool.
This resort is the ultimate haven for peace and relaxation. On a high slope that overlooks the glistening waters of Lamai Bay, sleek Thai villas are scattered around the curved hillside – an exclusive getaway where life is all about being pampered. The beach is the closest to private you’ll get in Thailand, in a bay nestled on the other side from Lamai Beach where town is close by. The hotel spa goes one step above Banyan Tree’s famously high standards. The Rainforest Experience is a surprising and different approach to spa hydrotherapy that completely immerses you into relaxation – and has even been known to convert guests who usually miss out the spa altogether. You’ll discover a choice of three restaurants in various locations around the resort. The signature restaurant, Saffron, is a must to experience the traditional flavours of Thailand with a modern twist. International cuisine is served at The Edge, where dreamy views cast over Lamai Bay from the outdoor deck. At Sands, you can try delicious, freshly prepared seafood out on the beach. Each of the villas have been thoughtfully designed to make your stay as decadently comfortable as possible. As well as your own private swimming pool, you’ll get the dedicated services of a friendly Villa Host. Deluxe Pool Villas are set amid the perfectly manicured gardens, while Ocean View Pool Villas allow you to wake up to a gentle sea breeze and stunning views of the ocean. Horizon Hillcrest Pool Villas are found high on the hilltop, with views out over the sea and verdant forests. A Family Pool Villa is ideal for families and groups, with two bedrooms and breathtaking views across the forest or the ocean.
Cascading down the hillside to a near private beach, this charming resort is just a short taxi ride from Chaweng, but far enough to feel a million miles away. With many of the rooms featuring their own private pool, the main pool never gets overly busy, so it’s easy to find a stunning spot to spend lazy days with a book or simply watch the world pass by with a cocktail in hand and make the most of its peaceful location. Try a snorkelling trip or stretch out with a yoga session before refuelling at one of the elegant restaurants or bars. At the kids’ club, there’s a full itinerary of activities for children aged 3-8 years old, including coconut painting and pizza making (at extra cost). For dining, The View has a great beachfront setting with fresh, locally caught seafood, while Kan Sak Thong serves up the finest Thai and fusion cuisine. Rooms are striking and stylish with contemporary Thai décor. If you’re travelling with children, we highly recommend the Family Pool Villas which have two bedrooms and a private pool. Grand Deluxe Rooms are set in two-storey buildings with an outdoor bath on the balcony and are the only ones in the resort without a private pool. Pool Villas are by the beautiful adults-only pool, and Pool Villa Suites have a larger pool.
The Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort is a small yet simple retreat with a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. Sat on a secluded beach, finding the perfect place for a refreshing dip is easily done. You can then sit back and enjoy the complimentary Beach Pampering Service with VIP treats such as fresh towels and cool drinks. If you’re planning on dedicating yourself to complete relaxation, the beginner yoga classes are held in pretty locations around the grounds and are a great way to stretch out any tension. You’ll find some fantastic dining options overseen by the resort’s accomplished chefs. Edgewater presents delicious Thai island food that’s made exactly how it should be, using authentic local flavours and served right on the waterfront. Special events here include a fish market, Thai discovery night and beach barbecues, so there’s always something interesting on the menu. At Blue Fire Thai Cooking School, you can learn how to whip up your own Thai lunches and dinners. Whether you choose a Plunge Pool Suite or Villa, you’ll have the luxury of your own private plunge pool to cool off in when the temperature rises. Plunge Pool Suites feel comfortably spacious, with an open-plan design and high ceilings. Upgrade to the Ocean View Pool Suites for beautiful ocean vistas or One Bedroom Pool Villas for plenty of additional space and beautiful décor.
Set over three small beaches that overlook the tranquil Gulf of Thailand, it’s clear that this beautiful hotel has been designed with privacy and indulgence in mind. Its boutique size makes it feel like an intimate haven that’s far away from the every day, complemented by the traditional Thai décor and authentic atmosphere. There are two spacious swimming pools and a massage sala on the beach − a tempting way to spend an hour or two for utter relaxation. Adventure awaits underwater where you can dive to explore the colourful corals nearby or borrow a kayak and take an exhilarating trip out to sea. If you’re more of a foodie, join a cooking class to learn the unique techniques of Thai cooking. The resort’s signature fine dining restaurant sits directly on the beachfront amid the rocks overlooking the sea where long-tail boats bob in the distance. At The Dining Room, you can have classic French food with a modern twist as you soak in the view, or head to The Bistro for a more casual experience where you can watch as contemporary Thai and Mediterranean dishes are prepared by accomplished chefs. With just 50 rooms and villas, Rocky’s has an almost tropical-island feel. The elegant Deluxe Garden View Rooms are perfect for couples, while the larger Deluxe Garden Pool View Rooms give you direct access to the garden pool from your terrace. For a more private experience, the Ocean View Junior Suites are tucked away at the top of the hill, with glistening ocean views, and Beachfront Junior Suites are just steps from the warm, lapping waters.
This upscale eco sanctuary has magnificent sea views from its quiet pocket on Koh Samui. Its buildings are embedded into the cliffside around huge beach boulders, where pool villas float over the water’s edge and dinner tables are perfectly angled for oceanside date nights. Silavadee’s activity programme is refreshingly different, taking on a wellness spin with sessions in pranayama (ocean breathing), origami and temple visits to make merit with monks. The resort’s location means you’re just a short drive from Chaweng and Lamai, but tucked away from the busy main beach on a mini peninsula. Bask in the peaceful quiet of the almost-secret beach a few steps from the resort or hop on a bicycle and explore the neighbourhood. It’s in the evening that the resort comes alive, although it rarely feels busy at Silavadee. Guests make a beeline for the rooftop Star Bar for live music, epic sunsets and cocktails under the stars. The restaurants are all dreamy, whether you’re eating exotic fruits for breakfast by the full-length windows at Moon or having dinner at sunset out on The Height’s striking terrace. Sun Lounge is filled with all things good and healthy like bowls of nutritious, whole foods and juices blended with superfoods and raw produce. The rooms are elegant with teak wood furnishings and finished with handmade local fabrics. The real showstoppers here are the villas – Ocean View or Panoramic Ocean View Pool Villas come with their own private pool and large al fresco dining area, and you’ll get a spectacular private infinity pool all to yourself in the spacious Oceanfront Pool Villa Suites.
Framing a beautiful cove on the north-eastern side of the island, it’s hard to imagine a more romantic and serene private hideaway than The Tongsai Bay. This family-owned hotel was sensitively built without cutting down a single large tree, and that passion for nature and the surrounding environment remains strong today, in harmony with the resort’s commitment to exceptional service. Eco-conscious guests will love the sustainable features throughout, from efforts to reduce the hotel’s carbon footprint by sourcing rice straight from local farmers to a wildlife-friendly approach that is encouraged in all staff. If you want to relax by the water, take your pick from the expansive freeform pool or the adults-only infinity half-moon pool – both serving up amazing sea views. From the comfort of your lounger, just raise your flag and the waiter will appear to take your drinks order. Or take up a sun bed on the beach and cool off in the calm waters of the bay. In the evening, dine under the stars at the beachside Po-Lad Beach Bistro & Bar or feast on delicious Thai cuisine at Chef Chom’s, one of the island’s finest restaurants. Each of the beautiful cottages and villas makes the most of the space, with plenty of room both indoors and outdoors and an open-air bath. To be close to the beach and pool, opt for one of the Beachfront Suites. Cottage Suites are higher up the hill and have partial sea views and pretty scenes out across the gardens, while the Seafront Cottage Suites feature spectacular sea views. The resort’s range of villas are even more spacious, with a larger balcony or outdoor living area, plus the option of your own private pool.
Designed in harmony with its natural setting, this secluded haven climbs from a boulder-strewn beach and up a forested hillside to a hilltop offering incredible 360 degree views over the jungle and ocean. As you explore winding paths through the tropical vegetation, vine-draped rocks, trickling streams and lily ponds, it’s easy to see why this peaceful spot was chosen as a meditation and spiritual retreat for Buddhist monks. It’s the perfect place to experience the healing power of nature, clear your mind and disconnect from the stresses of everyday life. Swim in one of the oceanview pools, meditate in the rock pools, climb the steep path up to the yoga pavilion and fitness centre or head to the candlelit Monks’ Cave for some quiet reflection. The resort offers an excellent range of holistic medicine, spa and healing therapies. Your holistic activity schedule could include yoga sessions, wellbeing talks, healthy cuisine cooking classes and mindfulness workshops. Enjoy the peace and solitude along with a sense of community and the opportunity to socialise – there’s a communal table at dinner so it’s a great place for solo travellers. Work up an appetite during the walk up to the hilltop Soma Restaurant – Sanskrit for 'food of the gods' for breakfast and dinner. Admire magnificent views of the coast and outlying islands as you tuck into fresh and delicious dishes which blend influences from the east and west. There are options for all dietary preferences including a special detox menu. Set amid lotus ponds with the sound of running water to lull you into relaxation, Amrita Cafe offers an informal setting for a restorative light lunch, with salads and grilled fish and meats on offer. The Alchemy Tea Lounge is a serene spot for enjoying fresh juices, herbal infusions, snacks and desserts. The rooms feature a soothing palette of neutral, earthy tones to complement the surroundings, and some feature a semi-open bathroom. The Hillside Garden Rooms and Hillside Seaview Rooms are close to the yoga pavilion and offer garden or sea views respectively. The spacious Seaview Suites are set at the top of the resort and feature a balcony and stunning views over the coast. See our selection of spa and wellness packages
Cape Fahn Hotel is the newest addition to boutique brand, Cape & Kantary Hotels. Sister to Thai favourites, Cape Kudu Hotel, Cape Nidhra Hotel and Cape Panwa Hotel, this all-villa resort steps up the exclusivity factor with its unique location. On a private island just 200 metres from relatively quiet Choeng Mon Beach on Koh Samui, you’ll be able to reach the island resort via a short transfer. Head over by boat or car after some post-flight relaxation at the Cape Fahn Hospitality Lounge – or in the window when the tide is out, you can even walk to the island from Koh Samui across the 200-metre strait. As a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, you can expect high, personalised standards of service and lashings of sophisticated style. There are Instagram-worthy experiences to inspire a fun, laid-back vibe like the Moonlight Cinema, where guests can watch films beneath the stars, and stand-up paddleboards to head out on and watch the sunset. The food is deliciously creative with two restaurants to choose from; The Crest, an elegant fine dining venue with spectacular views over the Gulf of Thailand, and Hue, the casual poolside eatery for authentic southern dishes and international favourites. Just 22 pool villas means you’ll get an intimate island experience. Clean and understated, everything from the double bed to the scatter-cushion seats are made for sinking into. Each villa has a private pool and the difference is the view – Tropical Pool Villas sit amid vivid green flora; Ocean View Pool Villas have dazzling sea views from higher spots on the island; Deluxe Pool Villas are scattered around select locations for extra privacy, and Beachfront Pool Villas place you seconds from the beach.
Santiburi is a literal paradise. Here, you can soak up the views of towering palm trees laden with coconuts and the idyllic Maenam Beach, while those who wish to can jump into the activities on offer. Take a look at the morning schedule and take a Thai cooking lesson, set sail together on a Hobie Cat, or simply relax by the enormous freeform swimming pool. There’s also a watersports centre with complimentary non-motorised activities so you can kayak, windsurf or sail to your heart’s content, and the Santiburi Samui Country Club − which hosts PGA Asian Tour tournaments − is just a shuttle ride away, with priority tee times for Santiburi guests. As you wander around the resort you’ll constantly discover something to delight in, from the shimmering ponds to the huge freeform pool – this is a place that combines relaxation with playfulness to create a laid-back haven. Spend days enjoying the never-ending supply of excitement on offer, or indulge in a massage at the spa and try the daily complimentary afternoon tea. Staff go above and beyond; they’ll even make sure you have ice cream and suncream when you’re on the beach. A Late Night Kids’ Club every Thursday puts on films and complimentary activities so parents have free time to indulge in a well-deserved night off. Suites are in the main building and have a separate mezzanine living area, with the benefit of being closer to the restaurants and the main pool. For luxurious seclusion, book a villa which looks out to the tropical gardens or the sea. Designed in traditional Thai style, you can choose from being seconds from the water in a Deluxe Beachfront Villa or have the privacy of your own pool in a Deluxe Pool Villa.
Cool interiors mingling with tropical greenery and pool villas that save the best sea views just for you – you wouldn’t think that Anantara Lawana was just at the top of Chaweng Beach, one of Koh Samui’s best and busiest beaches. This best-of-both-worlds resort is far enough to escape the buzz and close enough for you to join in. It’s just a ten-minute tuk-tuk ride to see what the fuss is about down at the beach’s buzziest stretch, with scattered thatched-roof salas and memorable dining experiences waiting back at your hotel. If the high-end Anantara brand and excellent location weren’t enough, the Tree Top Sky Dining & Bar single-handedly puts the hotel on the island’s fine dining map. Artistic European-Asian food is brought to you in your personal sala with a side of sea views. It’s the kind of romantic setting that’s booked in advance for anniversaries and honeymoons and becomes the highlight of most people’s stay. Private dining experiences don’t stop there either; Anantara’s Dining by Design concept is all about secret dining set-ups for two, like night picnics on the sand or a table in the middle of a candlelit garden. All food is of exceptional quality, like at the main restaurant, Ocean Kiss, where breakfast comes with a rainbow fruit spread, buttery pastries and chefs on hand for French toast or even sushi made for you on the spot. The spa is another draw that keeps guests more than happy to stay put. Walkways lead to individual treatment areas and the tropical therapy uses ingredients like skin-softening coconut and energising Thai herbs. On to the rooms and suites, where there’s a harmonious flow from each bedroom to their oversized en suites and outdoor spaces. The hotel’s rooms come up top on Koh Samui for their generous size and have lovely features like deep soaking tubs and indoor-outdoor rain showers. We love the outdoor swing in Deluxe Plunge Pool Rooms which hangs above the plunge pool, and the open-plan design in Anantara Pool Villas where your four-poster bed gets a view of the huge private pool area.
This renovated and great-value resort is set on a hillside leading down to a picture-perfect and secluded beach with soft white sands, a scattering of rocks and that crystal clear water of dreams. The freeform infinity pool – one of three at the resort – makes the most of these typical Thai coastal vistas, as does the waterfront Reef Café, the main restaurant. Waking up and wandering down to this idyllic spot for breakfast is the perfect way to begin your day. At lunch and dinner, you can enjoy a range of international and Thai-inspired dishes or choose the locally sourced catch of the day. Just next to the pool is the Coral Bar & BBQ where you can dine al fresco on themed dishes and grilled specialities. The villas, which are spread out across the hillside are simple but comfortable, each have a furnished terrace. The Garden Villas are the best value option but we highly recommend upgrading to a room with a view such as the Deluxe Ocean View Villas which overlook the glittering Gulf of Thailand. For something a little special, go for Deluxe Spa Villa which has a sunken whirlpool tub on the spacious terrace. The Centara’s out-of-the-way setting really gives the resort a far-flung feel and you can have the best of worlds here. There’s a shuttle service that runs between the hotel and the lively Lamai and Chaweng beaches and a long tail boat for fishing and snorkelling excursions but you come back to the hotel to spend the afternoon by one of the three pools or at SPA Cenvaree. At this tranquil haven there are treatment rooms, couples’ suites with a private Jacuzzi, and a steam bath and treatments range from Indian head massages and Ayurveda body massages to signature spa rituals and healing salt-based therapies.
Bandara Resort & Spa
Banyan Tree Samui
Melati Beach Resort & Spa
Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort
Rocky's Boutique Resort
Silavadee Pool Spa Resort
The Tongsai Bay
Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary with Wellbeing Escapes
Cape Fahn Hotel
Santiburi Koh Samui
Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort
Centara Villas Samui
