If you’re dreaming of white-sand beaches, swaying coconut palms, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and being pampered at world-class luxury resorts then you need to visit Koh Samui, Thailand!
This idyllic Thai island paradise has long been a hotspot for luxury travelers seeking the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, indulgence and beach bliss.
From private pool villas overlooking the Gulf of Thailand to award-winning spa resorts hidden within the jungle, there are is an almost overwhelming amount of 5 star resorts and luxury hotels in Koh Samui.
I’ve been lucky enough to spend a lot of time on this paradise island so in this blog I’ll share my tips on the best areas to stay and my pick of the best luxury resorts in Koh Samui to help you decide.
Where To Stay In Koh Samui – Best Beaches and Areas
Each area and beach in Koh Samui has its own unique charm, and suits different types of travellers, from lively entertainment hotspots to serene getaways and private beach resorts.
Koh Samui’s northeast coast is the island’s busiest and most touristy area where you’ll find the airport and iconic landmarks like the Big Buddha temple and Wat Plai Leam.
The southwest is barely developed and ideal for a peaceful escape and there are also many 5 star resorts on private beaches if you’re seeking for the ultimate seclusion.
Here’s an overview of the most popular areas in Koh Samui, who they’re suited for, and why:
- Chaweng – Koh Samui’s best beach is also it’s most developed with upscale beach clubs, a vibrant nightlife scene, and plenty of shops, restaurants and night markets. Chaweng beach is the most popular place to stay in Koh Samui for young people and anyone who wants to party.
- Bophut – A trendy part of north Samui with a laid back, family friendly atmosphere. Bophut beach is also where you’ll find the famous Fisherman’s Village and a walking street full of chic beachfront cafés and gourmet restaurants.
- Lamai – South of Chaweng, Lamai Beach offers the ideal balance between relaxation and activity with plenty of amenities, a more low key nightlife and beach resorts for all budgets.
- Choeng Mon – A beautiful, relaxed bay on the northeast tip of the island offering secluded resorts in private bays perfect for honeymooners and a quieter experience whilst still being close enough to all the attractions.
- Mae Nam – An idyllic long golden sandy beach in north Samui with a peaceful, local vibe, perfect for families or older couples seeking a relaxing beach holiday.
- South West Coast: This side of the island is the place to escape the crowds, perfect for anyone who enjoys nature, privacy, and relaxation. Lipa Noi is famous for its stunning sunsets while Taling Ngam is one of the most secluded and scenic areas of Ko Samui, boasting several luxurious resorts and stunning views of the nearby islands.
The Best Luxury Hotels In Koh Samui
Now you have an understanding of the island, here are the 10 best luxury hotels in Koh Samui:
- Best For Indulgence – The Ritz-Carlton, Choeng Mon Beach
- Best For Families – Four Seasons Resort, Laem Yai Bay
- Most Breathtaking Views – Six Senses Samui, Choeng Mon Beach
- Most Centrally Located – Centara Reserve Samui, Chaweng Beach
- Best Spa Resort – Vana Belle, Chaweng Noi Beach
- Best For Privacy – Banyan Tree Samui, Lamai
- Best For Beach Lovers – Hansar Samui Resort & Spa, Bophut Beach
- Most Modern Hotel – W Koh Samui, Mae Nam
- Best for Animal Lovers – Wild Cottages Elephant Sanctuary Resort, Bophut
- Best For Honeymooners – Conrad Koh Samui, Taling Ngam
Let’s look closer at each of these Koh Samui 5 star resorts. As room rates differ throughout the year, click the links to check the prices and availability for your dates and read the reviews and book your stay.
The Ritz-Carlton, Choeng Mon Beach
Highlights:
- Spacious resort full of lush greenery
- Private villas with infinity pools
- Incredible hill-top restaurant
The Ritz-Carlton is undoubtedly one of the best 5 star resorts in Koh Samui. Built on a former coconut plantation, it spans 58 acres and sits directly on Choeng Mon Beach offering stunning ocean views.
Here, you will find lavish cliff-top pool villas with perhaps the most incredible private infinity pools on the island!
These stylish villas are so spacious and cozy that you could happily spend your vacation chilling on the terrace and refreshing in your private pool. Plus, you will wake up and immediately see breathtaking views from your bed.
The resort also has a huge swimming pool on its own private beach, a spa, a fitness center, a hilltop bar, and a restaurant. With the resort’s privacy and exclusive feel, you’ll forget you’re just a 10-minute drive from Koh Samui’s busiest hub!
Four Seasons Resort, Laem Yai Bay
Highlights:
- Tons of beach sports and water activities
- Private cruising boat for island hopping
- Air-conditioned modern games room
If you prefer an active vacation yet want to avoid the crowds, the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui is for you.
Located in Laem Yai Bay, at the island’s northwestern tip, the Four Seasons hotel offers a quiet oasis with plenty of activities to enjoy perfect for families and active couples.
The Four Seasons has an incredible beachfront area with an infinity pool, various beach sports and water activities, and some of the comfiest cabanas you’ve ever seen. It’s even the filming location for the new White Lotus HBO series!
The resort also has its own cruising boat that takes you directly to the Ang Thong Marine National Park and other locations. Other facilities include a games room, gym, and spa.
The pool villas are phenomenal, and three or 4-bed villas are available, which is perfect for families.
Alternatively, if you’re a family on a smaller budget, consider the Melia Resort on Choeng Mon beach.
Six Senses Samui, Choeng Mon Beach
Highlights:
- Cliff-top infinity pool with breathtaking views
- Spacious two level private pool villas
- Private beach
Six Senses Samui is located on Samui’s northern tip, giving sweeping panoramas of the Gulf of Siam. The resort has a vast, cliff-top infinity pool, and the luxurious villas have equally impressive private pools.
What’s more, the villas are so incredibly spacious, there are two levels. The bedroom and bathroom are upstairs, while the lower level has a dining area, sun deck, and a private pool in select villas.
Six Senses Samui also boasts a lavish spa, a private beach, and a farm-to-table hilltop restaurant.
Centara Reserve Samui, Chaweng Beach
Highlights:
- Lively beach club
- Close to all the action
- Stylish, chic decor
If you’re seeking upscale accommodation in the heart of Chaweng Beach, you won’t find anything better than Centara Reserve Samui.
This 5 star resort sits on the quieter end of Chaweng Beach, so you’re slightly away from the crowds and noise but just a short walk from many beach clubs, bars, restaurants, and shops.
This classy beachfront resort blends colonial aesthetic with contemporary allure, creating a bright and airy feel throughout the grounds. A range of elegant and spacious suites are available, including ones with private pools.
Along with two outdoor swimming pools, there is a fantastic beach club where you can spend the days sipping cocktails and catching a tan.
Vana Belle, Chaweng Noi Beach
Highlights:
- Unbeatable ocean views
- Located on a quiet beach
- Lavish private pool villas
Vana Belle, a luxury collection resort, is an iconic accommodation choice for couples seeking a pampering experience.
It is located in Chaweng Noi, a small and quiet beach just south of the main Chaweng beach, offering a more peaceful ambiance. Moreover, the resort is built on a hilltop, giving the pool villas total privacy despite its proximity to Chaweng.
Each villa has a private pool where the bedroom or living room opens directly onto the terrace and pool. The jungle suites are ideal for couples on a romantic getaway, as the villa and pool are surrounded and hidden by lush greenery. Alternatively, the ocean villas give breathtaking sea views.
Vana Belle is home to the Vana Spa Village, which offers a range of rejuvenating treatments. The resort also offers a signature bubble breakfast and a dedicated butler for select suites.
Banyan Tree Samui, Lamai
Highlights:
- Secluded pool villas surrounded by nature
- World-class spa
- 5 dining options
Banyan Tree Samui is an expansive 5 star hotel situated on a private beach in Lamai Bay. What’s unique about this hotel is the spacious resort design, with secluded villas surrounded by lush tropical gardens, creating a private and exclusive atmosphere.
Like many other 5 star Koh Samui hotels, Banyan Tree Samui has private pools for every villa. Each suite is nestled in the natural surroundings, but you can opt for one with an open yet still private ocean view.
The resort offers a world-class spa, four restaurants, a fitness center, and a private beach. Banyan Tree is perfect if you want to get away from it all and enjoy a cozy getaway with your partner.
Hansar Samui Resort & Spa, Bophut Beach
Highlights:
- Close to Fisherman’s Village
- Beachfront accommodation
- Excellent breakfast buffet
While all the best luxury hotels in Koh Samui have direct beach access, you can’t get more direct than at Hansar Resort.
This beautiful beach resort is situated directly on Bophut beach, all the suites are just a few steps away from the white sands and turquoise waters while also being less than 500 meters from the popular Fisherman’s Village. This prime location makes it a top choice for those who want to be right on the beach and close to the action.
All suites have large, cozy balconies, and many have ocean views making this one of the best luxury hotels in Koh Samui for couples and families who want to make the most of the island’s stunning beaches. You can also opt for a garden view room if you prefer more peace and quiet.
W Koh Samui, Mae Nam
Highlights:
- Cliff-top infinity pool
- Espresso machines in every room
- Fire shows on the beach
W Koh Samui is one of the most contemporary luxury 5 star hotels in Koh Samui. This stylish luxury hotel has an epic cliff-top infinity pool and bar located on the serene Mae Nam beach. There’s also a state-of-the-art gym, complimentary wellness activities, a spa, and two in-house dining options.
The private pool villas are just as impressive, equipped with many modern amenities, including an Illy espresso machine, WiFi sound dock, and a 46-inch flat-screen TV, allowing you to create your own private cinemas.
The private pools are enormous, and there’s a spacious sun deck with super comfy loungers, so expect to want to stay in your villa all day!
Wild Cottages Elephant Sanctuary Resort, Bophut
Highlights:
- Located in an elephant sanctuary
- Feed and watch the elephants
- Private pool rooms with stunning views
This new 5 star resort is one of the most unique hotels in Thailand and is perfect for families, couples, and animal lovers.
Nestled within an elephant sanctuary near Bophut this boutique hotel offers the chance to witness and interact with elephants without leaving the hotel.
Whether you join in a feeding session, or just watch these gentle giants while swimming in the infinity pool or from the comfort of your terrace, being surrounded by elephants roaming freely is a truly incredible experience.
Every villa boasts a private pool with stunning views creating the feeling of being in an African safari lodge! You can even order a floating breakfast for an extra special start to your day.
Conrad Koh Samui, Taling Ngam
Highlights:
- Serene, romantic vibe
- Breathtaking views
- Private infinity pool villas!
Tucked away in Taling Ngam on Koh Samui’s southwest coast, Conrad Ko Samui is a slice of heaven for couples and honeymooners seeking a private getaway.
Built on a hill, you will enjoy the most incredible panoramic views wherever you are in the resort.
The resort offers romantic dining experiences on the beach or pier, while the resort spa has a range of divine couples treatments. Many other activities are available, such as water sports and wellness retreats.
The pool villas have incredible 10-meter-long private infinity pools, oversized spa baths, and some of the best sunset views on the island.
So which luxury hotel in Koh Samui will you choose?
With stunning palm fringed beaches, luxurious pool villas, and world-class hospitality, Koh Samui offers the ultimate lavish beach escape.
Each of these Koh Samui 5 star hotels brings its own unique charm and because there’s so much choice you’re sure to find the perfect one for your trip – whether it’s a dreamy honeymoon or an unforgettable family holiday. No matter which one you choose, I’m sure your stay will be nothing short of extraordinary.
I hope you’ve found this blog useful – If you’re planning a longer trip around Thailand check out my other blogs:
