After Rosewood opened their new luxury hotel in the paradise Thai island of Phuket, Ritz-Carlton has upped the ante with its very own dream-worthy retreat on the other famous Thai island, Koh Samui.
Nestled amid 58 acres that overlook the turquoise waters of The Gulf of Thailand, the Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui, which is built on the site of a former coconut plantation, offers 175 suites and pool villas.
Paying homage to its past through the extensive use of coconut and other natural materials, the 5-star property also features a spectacular 40,000-square-foot spa.
The expansive Spa Village Koh Samui showcases the best of local treatments with signature rituals like the Songkran Shower – inspired by Thailand’s annual Songkran festival – taking place in tranquil treatment rooms overlooking a meditative pond. It also houses a yoga pavilion, health bar, and a lap pool with stylish and intimate cabanas.
The hotel’s culinary offering is spread across seven dining experiences, including Pak Tai, which serves fine-dining interpretations of traditional southern Thai cuisine with views over the reef. There is also Shook!, a stylish dining space with innovative Asian and Western dishes complemented by a superb selection of fine wines; Sea Salt, for international classics and Thai favourites; and the poolside Tides.
Guests at The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui can also get up close with the colourful sea life with Swim Reef, a one-of-a-kind protected diving area that teems with over 50 species of fish. The largest of its kind in Southeast Asia, Swim Reef offers unique snorkelling and fish-feeding experiences with an advanced filtration system that ensure all pollutants, jellyfish and suspended solids in the seawater are removed, resulting in a temperate and safe environment all year round.
Other immersive offerings include the resort’s Muay Thai gym, which features an indoor kickboxing ring where guests can learn Thailand’s combat sport from local instructors, as well as two white-sand beaches, a beachside pool, a watersports centre, and two tennis courts.
