Koh Samui has long been a favorite beach getaway, both for luxury and budget travelers. Those seeking the lively night markets and shopping head to busy Chaweng and Lamai beaches. But if you're in search of tranquility with beautiful views and 5-star villas and service to match, we'd recommend these luxury resorts along the northern and west coast beaches.
Four Seasons Koh Samui – For the best of the best, the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui is a must for its exceptional service, spacious stand alone villas, each with the quintessentially comfortable Four Seasons bed and its own private infinity pool, lovely white sand beach, and fantastic spa. Its northwest location is just 25-30 minutes from the airport, but the perfect oasis for a honeymoon, anniversary trip or special romantic or family getaway.
Six Senses Samui –
Six Senses resorts are known for their attention to detail and luxury, and Six Senses Samui is no exception. Set on 20 acres of lush vegetation on the northern tip of Samui island, the resort offers 66 villas, 52 of them with their own private infinity pool that blends into the azure blue of the ocean and horizon. Even the entry level Hideaway Villa occupies 1399 square feet, with 592 square feet of living space, with gorgeous ocean views from the bedroom on the upper level, plus an outdoor shower, plunge bathtub, large daybed, and free WiFi. There are plenty of activities on offer, from mountain biking and windsurfing to diving trips and sailing, but you could easily simply enjoy a swim in either your own private infinity pool or the main infinity pool, perhaps followed by yoga or a massage at the deservingly praised Six Senses Spa. Need reservations or help with your itinerary? Your private butler is on call and can arrange everything. And while most guests are couples, families with young children are also warmly welcomed. As one father explained, “Child-friendly just doesn't describe it well enough. Child-loving is more like it…”
Conrad Koh Samui – A recent addition to Koh Samui's luxury resorts, The Conrad Koh Samui brings its characteristic sleek, modern style, but manages to adapt it better to its setting, with local touches, than, say, the W Koh Samui. The entry level 1 Bedroom Oceanview Pool Villa is more than spacious, at 1033 square feet of living space. Enjoy floor to ceiling windows that open to the your own 32 foot private infinity pool and ocean views, Thai artwork and silk furnishings, a bathroom with rain shower and round soaking tub that also opens to the terrace, and an in-room espresso machine and iPad. As with the Six Senses, there's also butler service. Dining is very high end, and Jahn is one of the best fine dining spots on Samui. Foodies should also try the Truffle Dinner in the Cellar, an intimate spot with just 8 seats. If we had to complain, a more extensive breakfast buffet would be nice, as would a proper bar. But we applaud the free WiFi and (so far) free movies in HD in the room!
Napasai –
If the Conrad and Six Senses are a bit out of your price range, consider Napasai, by Orient Express. Set by Maenam Beach, its Seaview Hill Villas may not be as modern or luxurious as the Conrad, but they still offer stunning sea views from a private balcony, king bed, free WiFi, and spacious bathroom with separate rainfall shower and a freeform terrazzo bath. The main infinity pool offers plenty of loungers to enjoy the swaying palm trees and ocean view. The beach is not quite as good as the best beaches in Chaweng, but it's much more tranquil and peaceful. And for those interested in diving, Napasai has partnered with 100 Degrees, one of the best local dive shops, to offer certification. If you're dining at the resort, we recommend Lai Thai Restaurant, and families with kids will be glad to know that kids may order something from the Beach Restaurant, even if you're enjoying Thai dishes at Lai Thai. Don't miss a treatment at Napasai Spa, where the therapists are just as good as at the pricier resorts, and the pricing more reasonable.
Award Flights to Koh Samui Using Miles and Points
Cathay Pacific First or Business Class using American AAdvantage Miles to Bangkok + Bangkok Airways to Koh Samui
The Hong Kong-Bangkok flight is about 2 hours 40 minutes, so you could either buy a cheap economy ticket for about $200 each way, or even get the Hong Kong-Beijing leg included in your Cathay award if you're not stopping over in Hong Kong. Note that with American miles, you aren't allowed a stopover of over 24 hours. Or if you are stopping over, you could use 15,000 British Airways Avios + $46.97 for business class HKG-PEK, or just 7500 Avios for Economy each way.
For the final Bangkok-Koh Samui leg, Bangkok Airways is about $400 roundtrip in business class, and about $320 roundtrip in economy. The flight is just over 1 hour each way.
Lufthansa or Swiss Business or First Class via Bangkok using United Miles
As you probably know, for first class you'll need to have the flexibility to book or switch your flight a few days in advance of departure, since Lufthansa only releases first class awards to United and other Star Alliance partners about 14 days in advance. This will be a lot more tolerable once
Lufthansa finishes rolling out its new business class.
You can earn United miles from either 2 credit card applications plus credit card spend, or from 3 credit card applications. Apply for the Ink Bold or Ink Plus plus either the United MileagePlus Explorer or the Sapphire Preferred, then either earn the additional United miles through spend or by, in about 3 months, applying for the third card (the United MileagePlus Explorer if you already applied for the Sapphire Preferred, or the Sapphire Preferred if you already applied for the MileagePlus Explorer).
Singapore Airlines First Class or Business Class using KrisFlyer Miles + Silkair to Koh Samui
You can transfer AMEX Membership Rewards points 1:1 to Singapore KrisFlyer, enabling you to see all award space and book first class or business class at a discount online. Singapore to Koh Samui is less than 2 hours, and you can get a cheap economy ticket for about $450 roundtrip on Silkair or book an award flight.
Related Posts
Four Seasons Koh Samui Review
Conrad Koh Samui Review
