If White Lotus’ girls’ trip gone bad, nightmare family vacation and unromantic getaway still have you dreaming of visiting Thailand (to be clear, not Taiwan), Koh Samui beckons. While you probably won’t encounter a complex web of interpersonal relationships or a murder mystery, the island’s exquisite resorts offer their own brand of captivating escapism in the form of turquoise waters, private plunge pools and the kind of impeccable service that’s fit for Parker Posey and Michelle Monaghan.
Whether you seek the real-life property from the hit show or another Koh Samui stunner, you can trust Forbes Travel Guide’s exclusive list — we have been rating hotels since 1958 using an objective and independent process. To find the best hotels in Koh Samui, our incognito inspectors posed as ordinary guests and stayed multiple nights at each property. The inspectors tested hundreds of exacting standards, with an emphasis on exceptional service, which accounts for 70% of a property’s rating. The remaining 30% comes from the quality and condition of the facilities. FTG does not require a business relationship from the properties it rates, and it does not earn a commission if you book one of the following hotels.
Four-Star Hotels in Koh Samui
The views from Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui are nothing short of postcard-worthy. Perched on a hill overlooking the crystal-clear waters of the gulf, the luxury address puts its best asset to work, providing jaw-dropping vistas from its welcoming lobby, alfresco dining venues and spacious accommodations. It’s no wonder the scenic spot was chosen as the backdrop for HBO’s third season of White Lotus.
Thanks to its home within a lush coconut grove, Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui affords its guests plenty of privacy without sacrificing on style. Smartly arranged by renowned hotel designer Bill Bensley, the property’s myriad thatched-roof villas blend beautifully into the hillside, creating a castaway-chic vibe that’s all but guaranteed to lull you into a relaxed state of mind.
But it’s not all about aesthetics at this set-jetter’s dream. Friendly staff, thoughtful touches (hello, poolside mini fridge) and carefully curated cuisine should skyrocket this Four Seasons outpost to the top of any bucket list for Asia travel. See more.
Like birds perched on the edge of an endless expanse of sky, Conrad Koh Samui’s 81 stilted white villas dot a verdant green hillside overlooking the Gulf of Thailand’s shimmering waters. The luxury hotel’s secluded location in the fairly undeveloped Taling Ngam area is all part of its charm, inviting very little foot traffic and even less reason to leave the gorgeous resort.
While there’s a lot to love about this retreat, the views are what really captivate. From the moment you set foot on the cobblestone roundabout that leads up to the hotel’s lobby, you’re greeted with an uninterrupted blue sky and calm aqua waters stretching out to an infinite horizon.
Conrad Koh Samui endeavors to make the most of its enviable locale with ocean-facing patios in every room, an open-air lobby and a stunning infinity pool with views that stretch farther than the eye can see. See more.
When it comes to beach escapes, location is key and The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui delivers where it counts. Perched on a hill just 10 minutes from Samui International Airport, the luxurious resort is within arm’s reach of the island’s top attractions yet a world away from the racket.
If your goal is simply to relax on the sand without a care in the world, you won’t need to leave the island hideaway. Sprawled across 58 acres of a former coconut plantation, The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui can rightfully be described as a spacious retreat. Thatched roof accommodations dot the luh hillside, while eight unique dining venues and an entire Spa Village cater to your every craving. Villas equipped with private pools mean you don’t have to venture beyond your room if you don’t want to, though two private beaches might just lure you away. See more.
Recommended Hotel in Koh Samui
Tucked into the hillside on the northern tip of the island, Six Senses Hideaway Samui lives up to its name as you discover thatched roof villas concealed among the jungle canopy. The resort’s sounds, smells and sights reveal a rustic-chic aesthetic. Becoming one with the natural elements is the name of the design game here.
Away from the bustle of Chaweng, this eco-luxe escape values privacy above all else, making it the perfect escape for honeymooners and high-profile guests who want to avoid the crowds. That’s not to say that you’re entirely cut off from worldly pleasures. A gorgeous, gulf-facing infinity pool, ocean-side fine dining and an exceptional spa are all at your fingertips, as are private pools and expansive villas. See more.
