Kimpton Kitalay Samui

Kimpton’s tour of the hot spots of global tourism continues apace; this California-born brand looks just as at home in Thailand as it does on the other side of the Pacific Rim. Kimpton Kitalay Samui, on the northeast corner of Koh Samui, stands over Choeng Mon Beach, a location that’s both convenient and surprisingly tranquil, and in its style it’s a lively blend of contemporary design and traditional Thai motifs.

It’s a substantial resort, encompassing some 138 rooms, suites, and villas, and while there’s some variety across the range, even the smallest rooms span nearly 60 square meters. The family rooms, located near the hotel’s well-equipped kids’ club, are nearly twice as large, as are the suites, and the villas add private plunge pools to their surplus of indoor and outdoor lounge space.

There’s an elaborate spa, Pimãanda by HARNN, as well as an Olympic-sized pool; all this mere yards from the beach. And the Kitalay features a generous handful of restaurants and bars, including an upscale Thai restaurant, a seafood grill, and a lively lounge and bar set right by the side of the hotel’s oceanfront swimming pool.