Koh Samui, ThailandChaweng Beach
SALA Samui Chaweng Beach Resort
Lunar-inspired whitewashed resort
Chaweng Beach Koh Samui, Thailand
Opened
2018
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe ResortOutside the door
The house
SALA Resorts and SpasLunar-inspired whitewashed resort
The resort translates lunar phases into stark, sculpted white architecture, shifting from open beachfront spaces to shaded garden courtyards.
“The Garden Wing’s design tropes are not literal, Onion leaning, instead, towards white washed walls, thick crescent walls, pastel hued bed linen, cool blue-grey stone tiles.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Bangkok studio Onion designed curving whitewashed facades shaped around lunar phases.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Wallpaper*.
Forgoing traditional Thai architecture for a modern, minimalist aesthetic, SALA Samui Chaweng Beach Resort cuts a striking silhouette with its low-rise white-washed buildings on one of Koh Samui’s most beautiful beaches.
In a lively part of town
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Chaweng Beach stretches right outside, and the town's lively strip of food stalls and bars is a five-minute walk away.
The rooms
Nearly all rooms open onto private plunge pools, finished in pale tones with oversized outdoor daybeds.
The pool and gym
Bring a swimsuit.
The circular Moon Pool sits along the sand, and the upstairs gym overlooks lush garden courtyards.
The spa
Six planet-named treatment rooms look into garden courtyards, and bodywork follows the cycles of the moon.
The Tent Beachfront Restaurant and Bar
A beachfront wooden deck sits beneath white canvas sails, serving fresh local seafood beside the water.
At the table
A thatched bamboo bar serves drinks directly on the sand, and courtyard banquettes host casual garden dining.
How it began
The beachfront wing opened in 2018 around full-moon motifs, followed a year later by garden spaces shaped by waning phases.
Koh Samui
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.