Experience Samui
Discover the places, flavours and moments that make the island unforgettable.
Words: Mimi Grachangnetara
TAMARIND SPRINGS FOREST SPA
Tamarind Springs Forest Spa is one of those places where the landscape does much of the work. Granite boulders, tropical forest, herbal steam caves and natural rock pools form a secluded setting for massage and treatments. Rather than imposing itself on the surroundings, the spa works with them, encouraging guests to move slowly through the forest, take a dip and spend a few hours away from phones, traffic and schedules. It is perhaps one of the clearest expressions of Samui’s quieter side.
OZO CHAWENG SAMUI
A Taste of Samui
At THIRST, OZO Chaweng Samui is marking ONYX Hospitality Group’s 60th anniversary with a set menu devoted to the flavours of the island. Southern Thai dishes and local ingredients provide an introduction to a more regional side of Samui’s food culture, served in an informal setting close to the beach. At THB660++, it is an easy way to spend an hour or two exploring local flavours before heading back out into Chaweng.
NORA BURI RESORT & SPA
For honeymooners, Nora Buri Resort & Spa offers plenty of opportunities for quiet time together, where private spaces open towards the sea and the tropical landscape does much of the decorating.
MANTRA SAMUI
Shirodhara Treatment
High above the coast, Jai Spa at Mantra Samui offers a different way to experience the island. The Shirodhara treatment draws on Ayurvedic tradition, with a continuous stream of warm herbal oil poured gently across the forehead. The ritual is simple and deliberately repetitive, encouraging the mind to slow down. Away from Chaweng’s bustle, it is a quiet interlude — and a reminder that Samui’s appeal extends well beyond its beaches.
AZUR SAMUI
Azur Samui is built around the idea of having your own space in which to enjoy the island. Its setting and private character make it suited to travellers who prefer a more independent stay, with the freedom to divide their time between the property and exploring Samui. Rather than competing with the island, Azur gives guests a base from which to settle into its slower rhythm.
TALAY RESTAURANT
BAAN CHAWENG BEACH RESORT & SPA
Set on Chaweng Beach, Talay makes a convincing case for lingering over lunch or dinner by the sea. The menu moves comfortably between Thai classics and international favourites, while the Fresh Seafood Station lets diners choose their catch for the grill. Come for a late lunch and an iced coffee, return for dinner and a seafood platter, or reserve a candlelit table on the sand for something more intimate. With live entertainment on selected evenings, Talay has the easy, sociable character of a proper beachside restaurant — one where the setting is as important as what arrives on the plate.
PAVILION SAMUI VILLAS & RESORT
Pavilion Samui Villas & Resort takes a quieter approach to island living, combining tropical gardens with the pleasures of the beachfront. Days here are deliberately unhurried: a swim, a long lunch, some time in the shade and perhaps an evening stroll along the sand. It is the sort of setting that makes a strong argument for doing less, particularly when the island’s natural beauty is right outside the door.
ERANDA SPA VILLA
Tucked into Samui’s tropical landscape, Eranda Spa feels deliberately removed from the island’s busier stretches. Its spa villas sit among dense greenery, creating a sense of privacy as guests move between treatments and quiet spaces. The experience is rooted in nature rather than spectacle: a few hours here, surrounded by foliage and birdsong, can feel like a useful reset from the beach clubs and traffic below.
CENTARA RESERVE SAMUI
Centara Reserve Samui occupies a prime stretch of Chaweng Beach, but its approach to island living is more considered than simply sun, sand and swimming. Contemporary architecture, well-designed pools and distinctive restaurants provide the framework, while Reserve Hosts add a personal touch to the stay. The appeal lies in the balance: a resort with all the conveniences expected of a luxury property, but one that still keeps the sea and the rhythm of the island firmly in view.
TWO TONE SEA
The beachfront at Chaweng Garden Beach Resort has an unusual character: the coral reef creates two distinct stretches of water. On one side, shallow, clear conditions can reveal a surprising amount of marine life; on the other, deeper water and waves provide a livelier swim. It is a small detail, but one that illustrates how much of Samui’s character is found in the water itself — and why it pays to look beyond the obvious beach scene.
MAITHY POOL LOUNGE & RESTAURANT
Perched above the coastline, Maithy Pool Lounge & Restaurant is as much about the view as what is served. The day might begin with a quiet afternoon beside the pool before moving into sunset cocktails and dinner beneath the evening sky. With the bay stretching out below, the setting lends itself to long, unhurried meals and the sort of conversations that tend to continue well after the plates have been cleared.
BEACH REPUBLIC
Beach Republic takes a relaxed approach to the island resort, with the emphasis on spending time rather than filling it. The beach, pool and surrounding tropical landscape provide the backdrop for long afternoons and casual meals.
MARALEINA SPORTS RESORT
Maraleina Sports Resort brings together sport, hospitality and island living on Koh Samui. With high- performance training and recovery facilities alongside comfortable accommodation, good dining and a lively community sports programme, it offers a refreshing way to spend time on the island. Come to train, stay for a while, meet people, enjoy the facilities — or simply slow down and unwind. Here, an active holiday feels as natural as island life itself.
WILD COTTAGES ELEPHANT SANCTUARY RESORT
Up in the hills, Wild Cottages offers a more unusual perspective on Samui. The infinity pool looks towards an elephant sanctuary run in partnership with Samui Elephant Haven, while Wild Child Organic Kitchen makes use of seasonal produce from its own garden.
HOLIDAY INN RESORT SAMUI
Holiday Inn Resort Samui Bophut Beach is particularly well placed for families, with Fisherman’s Village just a short walk away and plenty to keep younger travellers occupied on property. The Splash Pad, swimming pools, outdoor playground and Jungle’s Book Kids Club — with more than 50 activities — mean parents can take a breather while children have their own programme. The themed family suites add a playful touch, while the resort’s location makes it easy to venture out and explore Bophut.
