Kimpton Kitalay Samui
Koh Samui, Thailand
Choeng Mon
Vibe
Meandering garden paths connect stilted wooden pavilions to the beach, where guests gather for unscripted service and complimentary evening cocktails.
“Coastal village playground”
Lagoon canal pools, an Olympic beachfront basin, five dining venues, and a port-themed kids club.
Stilted wooden pavilions by P49 Deesign feature repurposed driftwood, woven basketry tilework, and wave-inspired furnishings.
Unscripted personal service, freestanding soaking tubs, custom Samui-tailored cotton robes, and oceanfront private plunge villas.
On Choeng Mon Beach along Koh Samui's tranquil northeastern shore, ten minutes from the airport.
“stands over Choeng Mon Beach, a location that’s both convenient and surprisingly tranquil, and in its style it’s a lively blend of contemporary design and traditional Thai motifs.”
Rooms
Interiors feature woven basketry tilework, deep bathtubs, custom-tailored cotton robes, and private balconies overlooking the grounds or lagoon canals.
“The ambiance is effortlessly chic, with warm wooden accents, lush greenery and breezy open spaces that connect you to the natural surroundings.”
Wellness
Kitavaree Spa offers traditional Thai therapies, complemented by an Olympic-sized beachfront infinity pool, winding lagoon canals, and a 24-hour gym.
Backstory
Named after the Thai words for song and sea, the resort translates coastal fishing village heritage into open-air stilted architecture.
Eat & drink
FishHouse grills fresh local seafood right on the beachfront, while SHIO serves premium sashimi and SHADES pours cocktails beside the pool.
The neighborhood
Set on tranquil Choeng Mon Beach, the property offers calm swimming waters just fifteen minutes from Bophut's lively Fisherman's Village.
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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.