Samujana Villas

There are certainly less extravagant ways to enjoy Koh Samui. But this island, once — long ago — a well-kept secret, is now anything but undiscovered. It’s still paradise, though, or can be, if you play your cards right; and if you want to enjoy the unparalleled natural beauty of this heavenly island without having to elbow your way through a crowd on the beach, you’ll have to find a way to seclude yourself just a little bit. The private villas at Samujana should do nicely.

This hideaway, set high on a hilltop overlooking a coral cove, features a range of spacious villas, all lavishly outfitted with infinity pools, fully equipped kitchens, private cinemas, and sweeping views over the water. This is more than a place for relaxing — it’s a place for entertaining as well. Indeed, there are no regular hotel rooms here. The most modest option is a villa with three bedrooms, and some have as many as eight. And yet, even if you were traveling with a small crowd, there’s still plenty of space to spread out and enjoy a bit of solitude. The aesthetic is sleek and modern, with seamless integration between indoors and outdoors; there’s extensive lounge space ideal for reading a book, taking a nap, or lingering over a breakfast of tropical fruits and pastries.

When you’re staying in a place as blissful as Samujana, you might not want to leave. A fleet of Thai chefs is at the ready to whip up a lunch or dinner of steamed snapper and green curry in your villa’s kitchen. If you’re feeling more energetic, venture onto Koh Samui’s dining scene, visit the towering Big Buddha, hike to the island’s famed waterfalls, or just put your towel down on the beach. Swing by the nearby rum distillery on the way back and pick up a bottle: the staff at Samujana will be happy to mix you a mojito on your terrace at sunset.