The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui

The most striking feature of the Ritz-Carlton Samui is its gorgeous grounds, stretching over a massive 58 acres of former coconut plantation and an idyllic white-sand beach backdrop. Panoramic ocean views are especially spectacular from The Peak, an intimate open-air dining space (private bookings only) perched cliffside overlooking the seascape. The lobby also features a great view from where guests can enjoy free cocktails and canapes at sunset. 

The hotel is most popular with families, couples, and the occasional business traveler. Be aware that the vast property has numerous steps and that a stay here involves some strenuous walking, even with the on-call buggy service. Also, much of the hotel doesn't have wheelchair access. 

Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui is located on the northeast tip of island on a private white-sand beach. The immediate area doesn’t offer tourist attractions within walking distance; Fisherman’s Village and Chaweng are both about a 15-minute drive away. Chaweng is the island's main tourism and nightlife hub, with many nightclubs, cabaret shows, local bars, dining, and shopping options. Fisherman’s Village is a much more laid-back area to shop and dine and it's also home to a popular weekly night market. The hotel provides free daily shuttles to both areas. Big Buddha Temple and Samui International Airport are about 15 minutes away. 

Suites and villas are generous on space and feature an open-plan design with large bedrooms that hold king-size beds and chaise lounges, plush living rooms with couches and work stations, stunning bathrooms, and roomy terraces. Interiors have a neutral-tone color palette, hardwood accents, and a simple understated elegance. Standard room amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, minibars, capsule espresso machines, and safes. Bathrooms are gorgeously styled, with cream colored stone accents throughout, a long vanity counter with twin sinks, freestanding soaking tubs, and walk-in rainfall showers. Hairdryers, bathrobes and slippers, and the hotel’s signature Asprey bathroom amenities are provided. Ultimate Pool Villas offer exceptional panoramic ocean views, while other room types have garden or partial sea views (which can be obstructed by other buildings and trees). Options include the Ocean Suites, Two-Bedroom Suites, Pool Villas, Ultimate Pool Villas, and the huge three-bedroom Villa Kasara. Villas feature private plunge pools and have large terraces with lounge chairs, outdoor showers, and open-air dining gazebos. 

The expansive property has so much on offer that most guests won’t be able to cover all of the ground in one trip. The main highlights are the private white-sand beach, a huge freeform swimming pool, and seven restaurants and bars. For some serious indulgence, the lavish Spa Village complex features a full range of beauty and massage treatments, a health bar, and a lap pool. Guests looking to explore the outer islands for snorkeling and day trips can book the hotel's 10-person capacity speedboat.

Dining options include Shook (Asian and Western Fare), The Ranch steakhouse, seafood barbecues at Sea Salt, Pak Tai (southern Thai cuisine), plus the Tides poolside bar and cevicheria.  lAttentive waiters are on-hand both on the beach and by the pool, and there is ample seating laid out. There's also a bi-weekly pop-up night market showcasing traditional Thai cuisine. The breakfast buffet spread offers American and Western favorites, though it costs extra. Room service is available 24/7.

Guests looking to stay active during their vacation have access to a full-service fitness center, a Muay Thai kickboxing gym, a tennis court, and beach volleyball. Kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and snorkels are free to use. There is a small kids' club, plus an artificial Swim Reef where kids can snorkel with tropical marine life (for a fee). The hotel has multiple meetings rooms, a concierge service, free daily shuttles, and free Wi-Fi.