Luxury Hotels - best resort in koh samui

Am planning a trip to Koh Samui, and trying to figure out whether to go 4 seasons or the slightly cheaper W hotel. Any advice?
Thanks

I am staying at the IC, though I think prices at the IC are lower than that of the W...? Definitely lower then that of the 4S. Have a 2 bedroom villa booked for ~12,000THB

I very much enjoyed the fs. Some find it too steep

I am not sure I will decide to go to Samui this year, but if I do I will most likely stay at the Four Seasons. I am a big fan of the other Thai Four Seasons properties, so want to give FS Samui a try. The only other property I will consider is Karma Samui.

In general I loathe the W brand, and from the pictures I have seen W Samui does not appeal to me. Banyan Tree Samui is another property I don't care to try.

try the new IC there its cool

How about the Conrad Koh Samui?

In my opinion the FS Samui is ten times nicer than W.

We stayed at FS Samui last year and it was fantastic. The place generally gets some rather negative remarks in this forum but I actually think it deserves a better reputation.

Before going we also considered the W since the web site makes it look very attractive. We went to the W once for dinner to check it out and we were given a full tour of the resort including one of the villas.

We were so happy that we hadn't chosen to stay at W. Yes, the villas are very modern and appealing but there is absolutely no charm about the place. Everything is so walled in. The villas are located on a flat piece of land and there are high walls everywhere to offer the guests some privacy.

The is no respect of the local culture. You can stay here without knowing that you are in Thailand. The resort could be anywhere in the world.

I would definitely recommend staying at FS, which also is much better than Banyan Tree.

In my opinion the FS Samui is ten times nicer than W.

We stayed at FS Samui last year and it was fantastic. The place generally gets some rather negative remarks in this forum but I actually think it deserves a better reputation.

Before going we also considered the W since the web site makes it look very attractive. We went to the W once for dinner to check it out and we were given a full tour of the resort including one of the villas.

We were so happy that we hadn't chosen to stay at W. Yes, the villas are very modern and appealing but there is absolutely no charm about the place. Everything is so walled in. The villas are located on a flat piece of land and there are high walls everywhere to offer the guests some privacy.

The is no respect of the local culture. You can stay here without knowing that you are in Thailand. The resort could be anywhere in the world.

I would definitely recommend staying at FS, which also is much better than Banyan Tree.

Yh, service is much better at the FS

The Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa gets my vote.

One other highly worthy of consideration is the Four Seasons Resort KS

I like the Four Seasons.
The only two comments I have that could be construed as a bit negative about the FS are:
1) The pools are not heated- if in the shade can be cold at times (not that often)
2) The resort is super steep- the grade means that a lot of people end up waiting for buggies instead of walking

Six Senses is a nice option as well.

Haven't stayed there yet, but the new IC Baan Ngam Resort seems amazing, with good rates.

W Retreat is simply not worth the money.

Haven't stayed there yet, but the new IC Baan Ngam Resort seems amazing, with good rates.

W Retreat is simply not worth the money.

I stayed at the IC years ago when it was an LM. It was a very good deal if you rented a villa at the time. The restaurant was also excellent at that time- no idea now. The location is very isolated- leaving the resort takes some time as the drive will be at least 30 minutes to anywhere- be sure to rent a car if you stay here.

thanks all for the very helpful information, I think it will now be either the FS or IC.

Great summer FS package that gives comp nights at Samui or Chiang Mai if you stay at tented camp

My SO and I LOVED the Conrad...

If you book a 2 Bedroom Villa or a Beachfront Villa, you can add Club benefits for the villa (2 people in Beachfront, 6 max in 2 Bedroom) for 2500 THB++ that includes airport transfer, massage, cocktail hour, managers reception, and a whole host of other items.

samui.intercontinental.com lists the club benefits and has villa floorplans. The 3 bedroom isn't finished yet.

Koh Samui is one of the most popular destination to visit in the world. It has lots of attractions for tourists. I would like to suggest you some hotel and resorts in Koh Samui like

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui,
Q Signature Samui,
SALA Samui Resort and Spa,
The Briza Beach Resort,
Kandaburi Resort & Spa,
Amari Palm Reef Koh Samui,
Rasananda Resort,
Als Resort,
Santhiya Resort & Spa,
:cool:

Consider the Six Senses property in Samui. Similar price range as FS. I liked it better on the whole.

Am planning a trip to Koh Samui, and trying to figure out whether to go 4 seasons or the slightly cheaper W hotel. Any advice?
Thanks

How about the Conrad Koh Samui?

In late December / early January I stayed at the W Koh Samui for 4 nights and the Conrad Koh Samui for something like 10 nights.

I enjoyed the W but I wouldn't go back. It is kind of fun in that brand-standard "W is for wank" way, which I find hilarious. But the actual design and layout of the property leaves much to be desired, and makes it hard to justify the $600USD++ a night rates they're trying to get. The resort itself is not secluded at all and looks out over rather unattractive fishing villages. There is a cheap and nasty resort right next door with little or no security between it and the W. The pools in the Ocean View Villas are not private at all - in fact you can see into them from pretty much anywhere on that side of the resort. From the Ocean Villas you look out over the rest of the resort, of which there are big areas still being developed (rather ugly). The room service is not that great or reliable. But the service is generally extremely good and the breakfast is insanely good.

The Conrad on the other hand is spectacular and IMHO flawless. The whole resort - and particularly the villas - are designed so well that you could easily and very happily live in one. The resort feels totally secluded and is in reality quite remote. The balcony and infinity pool of every villa is almost completely private and looks out over the ocean five beautiful islands (you can't even see anything other than ocean below without peering over the edge of your pool). The service and food are exceptional - although probably not quite to FS standards. The only downside with the Conrad is that there's really no beach to speak of. But the infinity pools in the villas are so stunning and so completely private that you can camp out there very happily for days (or weeks) on end. Our first stay at the Conrad was one night, then we went back for four nights, then we loved it so much we went back for another five nights. If I had $2million USD lying around I would buy a residence there.

The FS is great. Get one of the lower level villas (right on the beach or just a bit higher) and you only need a buggy to breakfast and front desk.

Nice to not read any recommendation for the Banyan Tree, out of which we escaped after one night to go to the FS :D

Recently stayed at the FS for a few nights and was favorably impressed. I like the FS city hotels but have not been a huge fan of the Asian FS resorts I've stayed at (Jimbaran, Ubud, Golden Triangle).

Briefly

Great - The views and the villas. Villas are really nicely done and very comfortable. Frequent greetings from a very personable GM.

Very Good - Food. Know your name.

Good - Beach, service

Nice - Close to the airport, tennis courts

Nits - Not a big fan of having to call a buggy to go anywhere. Little slow getting the rooms/ room service cleaned up. Ocean floor feels like they tore out the rocks and coral and dumped construction sand/mud in to make a "sandy" bottom. Samui is pretty over-developed.

Overall - A lot nicer than I expected. Not an Aman, but definitely better than the other FS resorts I've been to in Asia and worth a repeat visit. I'd like to try the Conrad also.

I had a great time at Napasai last year.

are any of the luxury resorts near the main town area? I'm not too familar with Koh Samui. I really like the Intercontinental, but it looks to be 1 hour from the "action.". The Conrad looks very tempting as well.

any new recommendations? I'm going over the holidays this year and need to book soon.

are any of the luxury resorts near the main town area? I'm not too familar with Koh Samui. I really like the Intercontinental, but it looks to be 1 hour from the "action.". The Conrad looks very tempting as well.

any new recommendations? I'm going over the holidays this year and need to book soon.

Depends what you mean by the main town area.

Chwaeng has the most "action" and has a very nice actual beach- the street lining it however is not often considered the best- it is certainly the busiest. I think Six Senses is probably the closest to this area- about a 7 minute drive.

The IC is about 45 minutes to 1 hour from most things.

The Four Seasons is around 20-30 minutes depending on the traffic which in peak season can be quite bad.

Chaweng is the most horrible tourist centre I have seen in Asia. Would not even dream about going there. We rented a car when we visited koh samui but did not even stop in chaweng. A sad example of how tourism can ruin a place in my view.

Like I said, it seems like many of the luxury hotels are in secluded areas. I do not necessarily mean any heavy tourist areas, but I want to experience local authentic restaurants and culture.

... but I want to experience local authentic restaurants and culture.

In this case, Kos Samui may not be the perfect destination for you. In my opinion, it may be worthwhile to look at some other places in Thailand as alternatives.

I liked Koh Samui, but I would only go back if all I am looking for is beach /resort.

Agree! Even Phuket had more authentic charme than koh samui! Go somewhere else or go first to Bangkok for food, temples and markets and then to koh samui for beach.

Like I said, it seems like many of the luxury hotels are in secluded areas. I do not necessarily mean any heavy tourist areas, but I want to experience local authentic restaurants and culture.

Koh Samet is much better for this- although no luxury hotels.

Like I said, it seems like many of the luxury hotels are in secluded areas. I do not necessarily mean any heavy tourist areas, but I want to experience local authentic restaurants and culture.

You will not find better or more authentic food than at the high-end resorts. Krua Phranang at Rayavadee is probably my favorite venue for Thai food in the world.

Both Phuket and Krabi would be perfect for sightseeing and outings to cultural sites, as well as for speedboat excursions to islands.

Definitely spend at least a few days in Bangkok for sightseeing and the delicious food.

I'm doing 16 days in Thailand. 1 Beach destination for 7-8 nights of R&R, 3-4 nights in Bangkok and 4 nights at an elephant camp in Northern Thailand.

Would you recommend Phuket over Koh Samui?

I'm doing 16 days in Thailand. 1 Beach destination for 7-8 nights of R&R, 3-4 nights in Bangkok and 4 nights at an elephant camp in Northern Thailand.

Would you recommend Phuket over Koh Samui?

Depends on time of year really. July/August in Phuket are typically quite rainy. Samui is usually a bit better at that time of year.

I'm doing 16 days in Thailand. 1 Beach destination for 7-8 nights of R&R, 3-4 nights in Bangkok and 4 nights at an elephant camp in Northern Thailand.

Would you recommend Phuket over Koh Samui?

All things equal I definitely would recommend Phuket over Koh Samui, however the choice can depend on weather at certain times of year. During peak season availability at resorts is also a factor.

I'm going last week of December, so I think weather should be good.

I'm doing 16 days in Thailand. 1 Beach destination for 7-8 nights of R&R, 3-4 nights in Bangkok and 4 nights at an elephant camp in Northern Thailand.

Would you recommend Phuket over Koh Samui?

Phuket definitely. Koh Samui is a relatively ugly island and the resorts are nowhere near as good as Trisara and Amanpuri on Phuket.

What else is good in Phuket besides Amanpuri or Trisara that has availability from 12/24-1/1/14?

Thanks guys, very good help so far !

Definitely stay away from the W. I stayed a while ago and from the reviews on TA seems like they still have a few issues.

Here is my review that I posted earlier.

I recently stayed at the W Koh Samui for 3 nights in a Tropical Oasis - and my experience is detailed below. In summary, it was a nice resort - was it worth the price, definitely not, will we be back - probably not.

The hotel stills feels very much like a work in progress with many minor details adding up. For example as we arrived very early, our retreat wasn't ready and so we opted to take a shower in the gym. The ladies shower rooms had towels and all amenities, whilst the men's had nothing - no towels, no soap etc etc. Also, housekeeping wasn't able to service our retreat until about 4-5pm each day even though we were out most of that time. No welcome amenities were provided - not even a letter!

The retreat was nicely appointed but as others have mentioned there is very minimal privacy as anyone in the main building or hillside retreats can look into your pool/bathroom - i did catch a couple enjoying a nice bath together :)

I read a comment from a reviewer wishing that the private pools were heated, and i remember that person got a lot of "heat" for that comment e.g. why would you need a heated pool in a beach resort etc. However, I can definitely agree with the person that posted that comment - with the way the retreats are laid out, the pools in the Tropical Oasis catch very minimal sun during the day and so if it rains the night before, you pretty much can't use your own pool. It happened to rain every night whilst we stayed, and so our pool was always too cold to use. Im not sure if this is the same for the other retreats.

Not once during our stay did any member of management ask us how everything was going. In terms of staff, there were a quite few highlights, but also a few lowlights but overall they were very pleasant and accommodating.

There is very minimal beach/pool side service and the beach itself is quite coarse (not the W's fault of course!). The Wave water sports facility was not yet operating.

In terms of F&B, Room Service setup was good. However, the menu is quite limited and they do encourage you to order outside of the menu (whatever/whenever) however, a request of a simple spaghetti in alfredo sauce with veggies turned into a creamy chicken curry with rice (i am not kidding!) - so perhaps more training is in order! Quality of the food though is excellent. The mo-hee-toe madness night was very good value, if i remember correctly THB750 for unlimited mohijtos for 2 hours or so...

The breakfast spread was good, however, it would have helped if on the first day there, the host could have shown us around. For example were we allowed to help ourselves to the cheese in the fridge?? Pistachio ice cream with waffles - a winner!

I felt the F&B was good value for what you got. On the other hand, mini-bar prices were outrageous.

The hotel provides a handy 3 x daily shuttle to Chaweng. It stops outside a Tops supermarket which is handy for picking up mineral water, beer etc. Also the W Store doesn't sell Panadols so make sure you pick up some from town if needed.

Now to demonstrate the little things that annoy about this hotel, I called the w/w hotline and asked where i could get some cold medicine/panadol and they said at the W store. So i literally hiked up there, and of course they didn't sell any. I then asked again at reception and was told they didn't have any anywhere. Ok fair enough. However, at a real luxury hotel, any request for panadol has been met by a guest relations manager type person asking if i am ok, do i need some hot soup, would you like an extra blanket etc. etc. - nothing of the sort here.

Internet connection was very disappointing. We were never able to connect from our Retreat, only once at The Kitchen Table. Surprisingly we were able to connect effortlessly on the beach on 2 days. I am pretty tech savvy so i know how to adjust settings, but we've had better wi-fi in the african bush. This is something the hotel should easily be able to get right.

The DVD library as mentioned in the Away Lounge (which is really just the lobby) is very very mediocre as is the "library" of books which is really just a collection of design books - Modern Toilet Designs anyone?

I think that we would have got more value for money staying at the Four Seasons resort. I'm not a regular starwood guest, so i don't expect much in terms of recognition if I were staying in a 500-room sheraton, however, this is a 70-room villa property, it would have been nice if someone, anyone acknowledged us and asked how the stay was going - doesn't really count if done whilst getting into the van to head back to the airport.

I think i've covered most parts of our stay. As you can tell im somewhat disappointed, I wouldn't say that it was a complete disaster, but i expected so much more - even though i don't think my expectations were too high.

Reading the above, I guess I'm still a bit bitter at having paid almost US800 a night for this experience!!

Only see 1 mention of the Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa on this board. Is it not as popular as the other resorts on the island?

Phuket definitely. Koh Samui is a relatively ugly island and the resorts are nowhere near as good as Trisara and Amanpuri on Phuket.

+1. No contest.