Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
Koh Samui, Thailand
Mae Nam
Vibe
Open-air buggies navigate steep jungle paths down to a private white-sand cove, where attendants serve chilled fruit beneath swaying coconut palms.
“Hillside palm oasis”
Bill Bensley designed thatched-roof villas built around preserved coconut palms, featuring private infinity plunge pools and rosewood accents.
Buggy shuttles along steep hillside paths, dedicated villa hosts, and pool attendants serving hourly chilled treats.
A secluded white-sand cove offering marine biologist snorkeling tours, yacht charters, tennis courts, and open-air Muay Thai training.
On a private hillside coconut grove above Laem Yai Bay, the coast road far behind.
“It’s set on a lush hillside cascading down to a private, white-sand beach; ... every single room enjoys a sea breeze, a sea view, and a straight-to-beach relaxation protocol.”
Rooms
Every thatched-roof villa features an infinity plunge pool, expansive hardwood sundeck, and an oversized bathtub framing panoramic views of the gulf.
“Smartly arranged by renowned hotel designer Bill Bensley, the property’s myriad thatched-roof villas blend beautifully into the hillside, creating a castaway-chic vibe”
Wellness
The Secret Garden Spa hides treatment salas among bamboo groves, complemented by a hillside Muay Thai boxing ring overlooking the sea.
“A lot of season three was indeed filmed at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, a gorgeous property set among the green hills…”
Backstory
Constructed across a former coconut plantation, the hillside layout preserved all 856 mature palms, weaving villas directly around existing trunks.
Eat & drink
Hilltop KOH Thai Kitchen serves regional southern curries, while beachfront Pla Pla grills fresh seafood steps from an intimate tasting vault of rare rums.
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Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort
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Quiet
The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.