When you think of Thailand, your mind probably jumps to full moon parties, twenty-bed dorm rooms, and street food as cheap as it is delicious. At twenty-one, my first trip to Thailand was a cookie-cutter backpacker's experience. But returning to the island this year, what I discovered on Koh Samui was a side of Thailand that few get to experience, a world of pure luxury.
Perched on the northeastern tip of the island, The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui sprawls across fifty-eight acres as the island's biggest hotel. The first thing you notice about the resort is its blend of traditional Thai architecture with modern, sleek designs, or it might be the many viewpoints across the hotel that offer panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand. From the moment I arrived, I knew this trip would be unlike any other.
My suite welcomed me with a personalised spread of local fruits and snacks, my name spelt out among the sweet treats, alongside a custom sun hat and other thoughtful branded goodies. The room itself was a highlight of the trip: an enormous sea-facing suite with an infinity pool that I basically lived in for the next few days, a living space that led into a glass-walled bathroom where a freestanding bathtub sat with private ocean views. The suite was airy and open, yet it still felt like my own little world.
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Dining at The Ritz-Carlton is an event in itself. On my first night, I visited Pak Tai, where traditional southern Thai cuisine was served in a private Thai Sala. The menu was a true celebration of Thai flavours - spicy, tangy, creamy, salty, sweet, and sour. I was beyond lucky to have local staff guide my choices, meaning not even my jet lag could prevent me from experiencing a breadth of Thai cuisine in one unforgettable meal.
On another evening, I ate at the Sea Breeze Grill, a fairylight-lit restaurant perched right on the edge of the beach. I was served some of the most delicious, freshly sourced fish, which was grilled to perfection in front of me as I watched the sun set. As night fell, a fire show broke out along the beachfront, the perfect dinner entertainment. The next night, I took a buggy up to The View, a Mediterranean-style restaurant that sat high above the resort with the best views of the sea and the setting sun. Each restaurant offered its own unique atmosphere, from relaxed beachfront vibes to elevated, elegant settings, making every meal feel like an occasion.
Beyond the rooms and restaurants, I took part in so many immersive experiences that anchored me to the culture of Thailand. I found myself in a Muay Thai class with two local athletes in the hotel's private ring. Hands wrapped and wearing the traditional shorts, I learned how to kick and punch with the best of them (kind of). It was such a fun and high-energy workout, and a great opportunity to chat and laugh with people from the island. I also snorkelled in the resort’s tropical pond, learning about the biodiversity of the island.
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Other activities, from garland-making and yoga to sound-bath healing, offered moments of calm where I could really unwind, forget everything that was going on at home and just connect to where I was. By far my favourite activity of the trip was a cooking class with the hotel's head chef, which began with a trip to a local wet market. Selecting ingredients and then returning to prepare and enjoy a traditional Thai lunch offered a hands-on insight into the flavours and techniques of Thai cooking, and as an avid cook, I brought home all these tips and tricks to my own kitchen.
And then there was the spa, an experience that completely redefined what a Thai massage could be. Inspired by regional traditions and using natural local ingredients, the treatments left me utterly relaxed and renewed. My session began with a traditional Thai Songkran Shower ritual, symbolising purification and renewal, before I was scrubbed, bathed, and massaged into a state of pure relaxation. My skin was left buttery soft, and my mind in a state of calm.
The Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui also serves as a perfect base for exploring the island. The nearby Fisherman’s Village, with its charming streets lined with shops, restaurants, and cafés, offers a slice of local life just a short drive away. The hotel also arranged visits for me to the local Big Buddha Temple and other local markets. I love staying somewhere where you’re totally encouraged to venture out for adventure or remain blissfully cocooned within the comforts of the resort, whatever your vibe is for your holiday.
Ultimately, The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui completely broadened my perception of a Thai holiday. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or a deeper connection to Thai culture, this resort has it all.
Rates begin at THB 27,000++ (GBP 620) for an Ultimate Pool Villa.
