Sensational Samui
It’s one of the world’s favourite Thai islands and one which is reinventing itself with the opening of some of the region’s most luxurious resorts. FRV Travel checks its favourite villa properties on Koh Samui. Text by Nick Walton
The new Conrad Samui’s captivating views bring a lot of attention on the sleepy island.
Conrad Koh Samui
The newest resort to open on the island of ‘safe haven’, the Conrad offers a new twist on contemporary five star service and luxury. Located at Phang Ka at the island’s southwest tip, the resort, which is scheduled to open at the end of 2011, offers access to a secluded private beach, and 80 free-standing pool villas in one- and two-bedroom configurations.
Villas include modern Thai décor – think tropical hardwood floors and Thai silk furnishings, local artworks and unique artefacts – as well as spa-style bathrooms, infinity pools, private balconies and dramatic hillside views across the ‘five islands’ and Angthong National Park. Rooms also come fully wired with LCD televisions, high speed wireless, iPod docking stations and secure virtual private networks. Fine dining takes place at Jahn, with its dramatic cliff-side location, private wine cellar and innovative menu; at Zest, with its Mediterranean ‘food library’; and at Azure, a casual bar and grill. Be sure to catch those stunning Samui sunsets with a cocktail in hand at Glow, the resort’s sexy cocktail lounge, and pamper yourself before your return to the rat race with treatments created by Thailand’s leading authority on holistic healing at the Conrad’s cutting-edge spa.
Akatsuki is perfect for families travelling together.
Akatsuki Resort
Another newbie on Samui is the Japanese-Thai inspired Akatsuki, the latest luxury property to open on the island’s idylic west coast. Tucked away on Lipa Noi Beach, the Riccardo Tossani-designed Akatsuki takes only one booking per day, meaning you have a luxurious tropical home away from home for a group of up to 15.
Accommodation is in five individually-styled suites, while dining – with dishes created by a personal chef – takes place in one of three pavilions. Built entirely from recycled wood, and utilising natural ventilation design, the villa is as green as it is luxurious. Even with a big group, you’ll find plenty of little corners in which to hide away, including three swimming pools, an on-site spa and a near-deserted beach complete with private sala relaxation pavilions.
The view from a private sun sala at the new Banyan Tree.
Banyan Tree Samui
Another much anticipated opening this year was the Banyan Tree Samui, an all-pool villa property on the east coast of the island. Nestled around a private beach, rooms range in size from 130sqm to 316sqm for the Sanctuary Pool Villas, located high on the ridge overlooking the Gulf of Thailand.
Banyan Tree is best known for its wellness and the spa culture can be found in every facet of the property. Make a bee-line for one of the resort’s Spa Pool Villas, which come with their own in-villa treatment room and stellar views to boot. The resort’s indulgent spa features ten, spacious, indoor spa pavilions and an extensive menu of Asian-inspired body and beauty treatments. Be sure to make time for the Rainforest, Samui’s only hydrotherapy spa. Here, a hydrothermal circuit comprising of alternating hot and cold thermal treatments, including the rain walk, bucket drench and vitality pool, complements the main spas massages and facials.
Dining also plays an important role at Banyan Tree Samui. You can enjoy authentic Thai cuisine at Saffron, opt for a beach-side char-grill or, for something a bit more special, try the destination dining options, including dining on a solitary rocky outcrop or on a deserted beach.
The W Samui has brought international flair to the island paradise.
W Samui
Located in Samui’s north, the W Samui opened this year on the island bringing Starwood to the party with their chic, distinctly urban brand to the white sand beaches of Thailand. The resort’s 75 private pool villas offer a design savvy retreat, combined with world-class dining and one of the island’s best stretches of beach.
All villas boast custom-designed furniture, private patios and spa-style bathrooms. Created by Carl Almeida of P49 studios, the villas feature clean lines, earthy elements and a distinctly funky W persona throughout.
The W innovation extends to the resorts restaurants and bars. You can try contemporary Japanese with a cosmopolitan twist at Namu and enjoy leisurely breakfasts at the Kitchen Table, watch spectacular sunsets from the terrace at the W Lounge, dance the night away with international DJs at the WooBar, and then detox in the morning with Tonic’s selection of shakes and fresh juices.
The iconic Four Seasons remains a firm favourite with international A-listers.
Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
Still regarded as one of the most luxurious resorts in Thailand, the Four Seasons Samui boasts lavish hillside villas nestled amongst coconut palms and manicured gardens, and a discrete location in the island’s northwest. Situated in a natural crescent-shaped bay, the resort boasts its own private beach, and makes for perfect seclusion for the amour-inclined.
The Four Seasons Samui consists of 60 one-bedroom villas as well as 14 lavish residences, ranging from two to five bedrooms each. All accommodation is contemporary with a distinctive Thai influence in the design and décor. Make for one of the resort’s premier one-bedroom villas, which offer stunning views across Laem Yai Bay the Gulf of Thailand, as well as private 29sqm infinity plunge pools, spacious sun decks and opulent bathrooms, complete with terrazzo shell-shaped bathtubs and rain showers. The beauty of the Four Seasons is there is little reason to leave; Lan Tania offers modern all day dining, both indoors and al fresco, while Pla Pla, located on the cusp of the private beach and dressed in white Thai sandstone, serves up the freshest catch of the day, cooked to guests’ requests. During the day, lounge at the Beach Bar, with its extensive list of tropical themed cocktails, or join one of the intimate yoga sessions at The Spa, with its five individual treatment salas and host of holistic remedies.
Misakawaan offers the feeling of an exclusive home away from home.
Miskawaan Resort
One of Samui’s best kept secrets, Miskawaan is a series of nine lavish, individually-designed, beach-front villas located in the island’s north. Perfectly suited for families looking to travel together and stay in their own home away from home, the resort’s villas are spacious and contemporary, and range from three to six bedrooms.
While some villas offer different amenities – including pool tables, swimming pools and outdoor pavilions, all come with modern décor, state of the art kitchens and direct beach access. You’ll want for nothing here; private chefs cater to your every whim, and the vibrant restaurants and markets of Fisherman’s Wharf are only minutes away.
All bookings include continental breakfast and round-trip airport transfers, and with the private nature of these beautiful villa properties, Miskawaan is especially popular with wedding and honeymoon groups, you’ll have your own slice of Samui all to yourself.
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