Anantara Bophut Resort & Spa

When a hotel cares enough to shell out for the services of an architect of Bill Bensley’s stature, chances are the hotel will be obsessive in other areas as well. The Anantara on the Thai island of Koh Samui is one such hotel.

While it's no undiscovered Eden, Koh Samui has its share of stunning beaches. And Bo Phut, which Anantara calls home, is certainly not a bad one — between the setting and the hotel’s copious luxuries, guests have few incentives to leave the grounds.

Wandering through those Bensley gardens brings you to the Anantara’s big attraction: its spa. In keeping with the rest of the resort, the spa is stunningly presented and complements the style of the island. Back at the hotel, you have the choice of two levels of deluxe rooms or suites. They’re by no means huge, but all include double-size terrazzo tubs, satellite TV, DVDs and private terraces. Those that chose the top-of-the-range Royal Anantara Suite will have a day bed and a custom pillow menu and, for some of the rooms, a private plunge pool.

Elsewhere in the resort, hunger can be cured at the Southern Thai or the Peruvian restaurant, and thirst at the Library or cocktail bar. Divers will find themselves literally in their element, in the crystal blue waters off Bo Phut beach. And as for those who wish only to gently sizzle on the beach — there may be more to Koh Samui than that, but there’s no law that says you ever have to find out.

How to Get There

Anatara Bophut Resort & Spa, Koh Samui is approximately a 10 minute drive from Samui Airport (USM).