Koh Samui, ThailandChaweng Beach
Vana Belle, a Luxury Collection Resort, Koh Samui
Forested pool-villa resort
Chaweng Beach Koh Samui, Thailand
Opened
2013
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe ResortOutside the door
The house
MarriottForested pool-villa resort
Villas step down through the hillside canopy, keeping daily life centered on private pools and the quiet cove below.
What it’s good at
Notable
Villas terraced around living trees and granite boulders, themed after the mythical Himavanta.
Notable
Personal butlers on call via WhatsApp, and an arrival jasmine-scented hand-washing ritual.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
79 pool suites and villas folded into a forested hillside above a private beach, each with its own pool and terrace facing either the Gulf of Thailand or the rainforest behind.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Chaweng Noi is the quietest pocket of Chaweng, where shallow, coral-free waters lap a calm curve of white sand.
The rooms
Each suite opens onto a private plunge pool terrace, finished in warm timber with views of the sea or jungle.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Curtained cabanas border the beachfront infinity pool, where fiber-optic lights twinkle beneath the freshwater after dusk.
The spa
Four private suites each hold a steam room and soaking tub, with treatments centered on traditional Thai bodywork.
The gym
Floor-to-ceiling windows look onto tropical gardens, and the floor is cushioned to soften impact during daily Muay Thai classes.
Restaurant
Panali
The open-air thatched pavilion sits directly on the sand, serving local curries and noodle dishes beside the shoreline.
At the table
A thatched bar pours Thai rum cocktails beside the pool, and private candlelit dinners can be arranged on the rocks.
How it began
The name combines the Thai word for forest with the French for beautiful, honoring the native trees preserved during construction.
Koh Samui
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The app
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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.