Santiburi Koh Samui

Hotel standards are elevated on Koh Samui, home to several of Thailand’s most luxurious resorts. Santiburi Koh Samui is set apart from many of its rivals by one of the island’s largest swimming pools, its only full-size golf course, a secluded half-moon-shaped beach on the island’s north shore, and a degree of dedication to landscaping that puts some botanic gardens to shame.

The super-sized circular pool sits right in the middle of the tropical foliage, surrounded by cheerful red umbrellas, white lounge chairs, and scenic palm trees, notably separate from the beach. Steps away are the reception building and paths that lead to villas and suites. In both architecture and interior design, Santiburi forgoes the modern but bland aesthetics of chain resorts in favor of traditional Thai elegance: fine woods, jewel-toned silk, exotic floral arrangements, decorative art objects, and softly glowing lamps. All rooms are duplex-style with two levels of sleeping and living space, French doors opening to private balconies or terraces, and spacious bathrooms with rainfall showers and upscale Thai bath products. Some villas have gardens and plunge pools; a few are set right on the beach, with hammocks strung between trees just above the sea.

Down on the sand, beach butlers serve cold drinks and ice cream to sunbathers at thoughtfully spaced-out sunbeds, and kayaks and standup paddleboards are free for the taking. The beachside bar and restaurant is just one of Santiburi’s five dining venues, and the resort also has a peaceful spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and tennis courts. Best of all, perhaps, is the nature trail that winds through the gardens and out to the beach, providing a picturesque overview of the resort’s assets.