21 Best Hotels in Koh Samui, The Gulf Coast Beaches

This is easily one of the most spectacular hotels in the world. Its natural surroundings are breathtaking: turquoise waters, tall palm trees, and not a hint of development in the immediate area. Rooms, too, are impeccably designed, with state-of-the-art amenities. Most have private infinity pools; there's another pool with a bar down by the water if you want to be closer to the action. The only downside is that you'll never want to leave the hotel and explore the island.

The villas on this beachfront estate have the feel of a billionaire's holiday hideaway; accordingly, this is one of the most expensive lodgings on the island. The carefully chosen furnishings in the teak-floor rooms are casual yet elegant. The "less is more" philosophy extends to the huge bathrooms, which have shiny black tiles. Floor-to-ceiling French windows flood the living rooms with light. The main building, a classic Thai pavilion overlooking the oval swimming pool, has European and Thai restaurants. The private beach is ideal for watersports.

From the moment that you're introduced to your private butler, you'll realize that this is not just another high-end resort—you're about to embark on an amazing experience. Your butler will escort you via electric car to your private villa. The rooms have plush bedding, tubs with flawless ocean views, separate outdoor showers, and a variety of lighting options. Don't forget to lounge at the 30-meter infinity pool on the cliff. There's an exquisite and comprehensive breakfast buffet, and the restaurant has a romantic private terrace perfect for indulging in innovative and exotic cuisine. The resort even employs consultants to make sure it's environmentally friendly.

If you're on vacation to detox, this is the spot—and if you aren't, well, it probably isn't. This Mediterranean-style resort offers different programs of varying intensity, such as: a cleansing program that includes some vegetarian food for newbies; a mostly raw-foods program; and a fasting regime for the truly committed. There is a Himalayan salt therapy room and an onsite vitamin bar for an extra boost. Rooms are simple, cute, and relaxing.

Anantara captures the essence of Samui: coconut trees dot the grounds, monkey statues and sculptures decorate the interior, and, of course, there's a beautiful beach. All rooms have ocean views from their large patios and are designed in a modern Lanna style. Each also has a tank with several colorful Thai fighting fish. You'll feel like a rock star performing on stage when dining at the Full Moon—the dining room is a large open platform beside the swimming pool. Thin Tai restaurant specializes in Thai classics, while Guilty restaurant serves South American dishes with a Japanese twist. Booking a treatment at the stylish spa is a must.

Hidden away at the quiet northern end of Chaweng, this refuge stands apart while remaining close to the action. Accommodations are spread out amidst beautifully landscaped tropical gardens that unfold towards the ocean. The architecture of the resort draws on traditional Thai heritage with Chinese-inspired design touches. Pool villas are the standout category, with private salas providing the ultimate in tropical seclusion. Dining highlight is Tree Tops restaurant, which specializes in Mediterranean and French cuisine. 

If you book a beachfront room here you can enjoy views of both the sky and sea from your outdoor terrace, room, or bathtub. Garden spa rooms make up for their lack of views with large living rooms and spacious showers and bathrooms, both adjacent to an outdoor waterfall. Multilevel private pool villas are the epitome of luxury: the bedrooms, living rooms, and swimming pools are on different floors. The staff is attentive, and if you should happen to be here on a rainy day, someone will arrange an impromptu bridge game or other activity in the library or bar to help you pass the time.

Not every beach hotel that claims to be a "resort and spa" measures up, which is why the massages, scrubs, and herbal steam therapies here are such a pleasant surprise and make this a resort worth visiting. Rooms are tasteful and cheery, with bright colors and pretty views, and some have cozy balconies. The restaurant, Sala Thai, offers a reasonably priced set menu. Don't be surprised to see a lot of Germans here; the restaurant's sister location is in Hamburg.

This spacious resort has more amenities than any other resort on Chawaeng Beach. The main building is set back behind a large field separating it from the beach. Badminton, basketball (the hoop is hung from a coconut tree), and Ping-Pong cover one side of the field; a sunbathing area, which runs from the grass to the pool, occupies the other. Multiple happy hours run at different times at the indoor bar, the pool, and the beach. And there's an excellent Japanese restaurant, as well as two others serving Thai and Chinese dishes.

Most of the rooms at this outstanding resort are built into a 200-foot cliff, and the beachside villas are even more amazing. The swimming pool is a magnificent trompe l'oeil, looking as if it's part of the ocean far below. There's a second pool by the beach, too, where you'll find an activities center. The southeast corner of the island is also closest to the Angthong National Marine Park, making this the best base for exploring that island chain. You can dine on sumptuous Asian fare at Amber, with a perch looking over the ocean; seafood and prime cuts are grilled to perfection at the more casual Flames.

In our stressful world respite is often necessary, and this well-regarded wellness and spa resort on the paradise island of Koh Samui provides it. While Kamalaya’s programs have been specifically designed to aid mind, body, and soul, the contemporary design of the resort, as well as its immaculate location, are equally inspiring. Stylish suites and vast villas sit amongst the tropical undergrowth alongside steam rooms, rock pools, and yoga pavilions. There’s even a monk’s cave for meditation purposes.

Inspired by travelers reading books on the beach, this bungalow resort turned five-star palace is worth a visit for its amusingly hip decor alone. Check out the white figures reading books on the lawn, inviting you to lounge as well. Rooms have modern furniture like long, low tables, and are quite comfortable. The beachside pool has a red tile base, making it fit in perfectly with the red, black, and white theme so prevalent here. Whether you're staying here or not, The Page restaurant merits a trip.

At this tranquil, Thai-style resort with a parked samlor in the lobby, a meandering garden path with small bridges and stepping-stones crosses a flowing, fish-filled stream. Brick walls instead of standard concrete provide an atmosphere reminiscent of ancient Ayutthaya. The Royal Suite has two hot tubs—one indoor, one outdoor. Other guests must settle for lavishly decorated Junior Suites with teak floors and elaborate carved headboards. Even the swimming pool blends perfectly into its surroundings, with a waterfall and grassy, palm-tree islands within its waters.

At the far northern end of Lamai, the Renaissance sits on its own secluded beach—two small beaches to be exact. Most rooms are in multistory buildings connected by elevated walkways that pass through tropical gardens. All deluxe rooms have outdoor hot tubs on terraces with ocean views, opulent decor, and floor-to-ceiling glass doors leading from the bedrooms to the terraces. Separate villas have jumbo hot tubs, daybeds, fishponds, gardens, and even miniature waterfalls within their private, gated compounds. Shuttle service is available to Chaweng Beach.

The biggest property on Koh Samui in terms of area, the Ritz-Carlton revels in all that space. Stretching out over 65 acres, the resort encompasses highlights such as a private beach, a glorious swimming pool, one of the island's grandest beach clubs, numerous fine dining outlets and sublime accommodations. Pick of the latter are the resort's Ultimate Pool Villas, which enjoy showstopping views over the ocean. 

Thai hospitality brand Sala has forged a reputation for creating properties bursting with both substance and style, and this, the firm's second opening on Koh Samui, showcases its trademark flair. Rooms and villas are crisp, open affairs, which allow for plenty of natural light. Public areas are equally enticing. There's a moon-shaped pool, a spa inspired by the solar system, and an excellent open-air beachfront restaurant serving fresh-caught seafood and creative Thai and international dishes.  In the peak weeks from December 25 to January 10, there is a three-night minimum stay.

Bright, nearly all-white rooms open onto private courtyards on one side and curtain-enclosed bathrooms on the other. Only some rooms have small private pools in their courtyards, but all have large oval bathtubs, which are nearly as nice and certainly as romantic. The two-bedroom Pool Villa Suite has a larger pool and more space to fill with equally lavish accoutrements. The restaurant, beside the pool and overlooking the beach, has a wonderful evening atmosphere.

A landscaped terrace leads down to a private beach at this resort on the less crowded southern end of Chawaeng Noi. If you want to do more than catch rays, this is the place for you—the Sheraton offers every kind of beach activity imaginable. In addition, one of the two pools is filled with saltwater, a rare luxury on Koh Samui. The Long Talay beachside restaurant serves international and Thai dishes. The recently renovated rooms, some on two levels, have polished teak floors and are furnished in a distinctly contemporary fashion.

Spend your days flitting between a spacious beach villa, a magical pool area (which even has its own secluded waterfall), and the beach itself with its crystal blue waters. The name Vana Belle is a combination of the Thai word for forest and the French word for beautiful. But that only goes a little way towards describing the visual manna on offer at this lovely property. Other highlights of the resort include amazing, gracious service from all the staff. 

Oozing flashy flair, the W Retreat Koh Samui is most definitely a place to see and be seen. Public areas are adorned with graffiti art, DJs supply cool beach beats, while a main infinity pool and the resort's sugary beach offer ample scope for the beautiful people who favor the brand to strut their stuff. The property walks the walk while talking the talk. Its pool villas are by far the most stylish on the island, featuring vaulted ceilings and blonde woods, gorgeous outdoor decks, and ample private pools. For sustenance, try Namu Japanese restaurant, which is famous for its superfresh sashimi and signature lobster udon. 

Minimalist Bali style makes this hotel a refreshing change of pace, especially if you've been in Thailand for a while. Low-slung beds, brilliant red accents, and panoramic windows are signature elements of the rooms, and bungalows have sliding doors so you can enjoy the breezes. It's peaceful and relaxing here, especially near the water: the pool is striking at night and beautifully lighted, and rows of comfortable chairs line the beach.