When you think of islands in Thailand, particularly Koh Phangan and Koh Samui, you probably imagine the glow sticks of the Full Moon parties or the backpacker routes that once characterised this area. But there is another side to the Gulf of Thailand where the music is replaced by the sound of the waves lapping at the shore and the buckets are replaced by luxury and champagne. Whether you are looking to reboot your nervous system at a world-class spa or simply want a villa where the edge of your infinity pool seems to melt into the horizon, these islands have it all.
For those who want to experience both, traveling between the two has become part of the luxury experience itself. Rather than being packed into local transport, many tourists choose to use the Lomprayah high-speed catamarans, which provide a smooth 30-minute transition that is more like a scenic cruise than a commute. This ease of travel is the essence of luxury island travel in Thailand, where you can wake up to a sunrise meditation in Phangan and be at a Michelin-guide restaurant in Samui by lunchtime.
However, the burning question we aim to solve today is where to stay in Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. Here’s a roundup of the best retreats that will soothe your soul while mimicking the White Lotus experience.
Koh Phangan’s Hidden Gems
Image Courtesy of Anantara Rasananda
Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas
This resort is the epitome of island chic. Hidden away on a stunning white-sand beach in Thong Nai Pan Noi, Anantara Rasananda is a secret village in the truest sense of the word. Each and every one of the resort’s rooms is a suite or a villa with its own plunge pool.
What makes it special? The arrival experience. Most visitors arrive by private speedboat from Samui, docking right on the beach. There is no reception area in the classical sense of the word. You simply disembark from the boat and into heaven.
The spa at this resort is also a major draw, with a steam cave that looks like it was ripped straight from the jungle.
Image Courtesy of Kupu Kupu Phangan
Kupu Kupu Phangan Beach Villas & Spa
Do you want a combination of French sophistication and Thai hospitality? Kupu Kupu is the best.
This boutique hotel is known for its collaboration with L’Occitane, offering a spa experience that incorporates luxurious Mediterranean products in a tropical environment. The highlight of this resort is the Sunset Pool Villas, which offer direct views of the sunset over the Gulf of Thailand. It is much smaller and more intimate compared to the Samui resorts, making it ideal for those who prefer a more secluded experience.
Image Courtesy of Santhiya Koh Phangan
Santhiya Koh Phangan Resort & Spa
If you are looking for a glimpse into Old Thailand, then Santhiya is a work of art in teak wood. The resort is a vast hillside property where all the buildings are carved by hand. It is majestic, regal even, but at the same time, it is very much a part of nature.
The cliff-side pool villas provide a level of privacy that is difficult to find anywhere else, making it a popular choice forcouples on their honeymoon.
Although it is not very far from the village, it is like a private kingdom in itself, complete with a private beach and its own wooden pier.
The Koh Samui Heavyweights
Image Courtesy of Inspirato
Six Senses Samui
If you’ve ever dreamed of what it would be like to live in a seriously pricey, seriously chic treehouse, this is it.
Situated on the northern tip of the island, Six Senses Samui is renowned for its barefoot luxury concept. The villas are made from sustainable wood and bamboo, but don’t be fooled by the rustic look. Service is top-notch here. Every guest has their own GEM (Guest Experience Maker), a personal butler who will take care of everything from dinner reservations at the award-winning Dining on the Rocks to organizing private sunset cruises. The views at this restaurant are probably the best on the island, with a 270-degree panorama of the Gulf.
Image Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
Hidden away in the northwest corner of the island, the Four Seasons is often hailed as the epitome of island life. Each of its 60 villas comes complete with a personal infinity pool and Gulf of Thailand views. It is so iconic that it was recently selected as one of the main locations for the third season of HBO’s White Lotus series.
But beyond the glitz of Tinseltown, it also boasts a private beach, a world-class Muay Thai boxing ring, and the Rum Vault, which is Asia’s only dedicated library of international rums.
Image Courtesy of Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa
Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa
For some, luxury has little to do with the thread count of the bedding and everything to do with the quality of the silence. Kamalaya is a world-famous pioneer in the wellness retreat scene. The resort is centered around a cave that was a meditation chamber for Buddhist monks. The vibe is electric.
You’re not coming here to rest your head; you’re coming here for the detoxes, stress management, and emotional healing. The luxury here is the availability of in-house healers and naturopaths. It’s the type of resort where you can spend your day in a sound bath and your afternoon in a four-hand massage that’s more of a spiritual experience than anything else.
So, there you have it. These are some of the best luxury retreats you cannot miss when visiting Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. Which one would you pick first?