7 of Koh Samui’s Most Luxe Properties

The Thai island is a popular destination for sunseekers but you can beat the crowds at these luxe properties.

Nothing says tropical getaway like an open-air airport. Koh Samui is a destination conducive to rest and the decompression starts from the moment you hit arrivals. One hitch: you’re not the only one aware of the island’s charms. The solution? Make one of these deluxe properties your base and beat the crowds while experiencing Koh Samui at its relaxing best.

SEE ALSO: Luxury Hotels to Book in Bangkok

Samujana

Perched on a hilltop on the island’s north-eastern tip, Samujana boasts some of Samui’s most commanding vistas. The view is no less arresting closer to home. Sleek, modernist villas are big on both space and creature comforts (think private cinemas, infinity pools and well-equipped kitchens) and are ideal for large families and or a group of couples.

Seven of Koh Samui’s Most Luxe Properties

The Library

“Real happiness is not complicated at all,” goes the mantra on the website of The Library, a chic boutique hotel on Chaweng Beach. From the beachfront location to the hotel’s eye-catching red pool, this hip property offers a fresh, contemporary take on the idea of a beach holiday. The property’s name, meanwhile, comes from the complex’s well-stocked alabaster- white library. Book now

Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort

The tropical gardens designed by Californian architect Bill Bensley are your first tip-off that Anantara’s Koh Samui resort is something else. Located on white-sand Bophut beach, this place celebrates the pleasures of waterside living, whether you’re lingering at the edge of the infinity pool or feeling the sand between your toes. The food and architecture, meanwhile, pay respect to the region’s Thai-Chinese history. Book now

Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort

Like its sister property in Bophut, Anantara’s Lawana resort is well equipped for all your beach holiday needs (its east-coast address offers glorious sunrise views). The key point of difference, however, is its location to Chaweng Beach and its wealth of retail and dining options. It’s the perfect compromise for those seeking nightlife and tranquillity.

Kamalaya

Inspired by a cave once used by Buddhist monks for meditation, this remote hillside spa has a deep focus on wellness. The property’s range of programs – detox, restoring emotional balance, countering burnout – is designed to counter the stresses of modern life while its active schedule of visiting practitioners keeps the regulars returning.

Four Seasons Koh Samui

The hotel’s private beach not quite doing it for you today? All good. Every villa at Four Season’s luxe Samui property has its own pool as well as widescreen panoramas of Laem Yai Bay, the Gulf of Siam and neighbouring Koh Phangan island, perfect for those instances where privacy is key. It’s the sort of attention to hedonistic detail you’d expect from one of the big hitters in accommodation circles.

Six Senses Samui

As far as location goes, Six Senses Samui ticks a lot of boxes. The property is close to the Big Buddha statue and Bangrak Beach while its hilltop position makes for wonderful views of the gulf. Best of all, hotel guests are within walking distance of some of the island’s best food. Using ingredients grown in the hotel garden as well as imported from around the world, Chef Giancarlo Caffaro serves the likes of watermelon carpaccio and reimagined paella in an open-air dining room. Book now