Thailand’s Ko Samui is about as close to paradise as it gets. Unlike Phuket, Ko Tao or Ko Phangan, Ko Samui didn’t start developing as a major travel destination until the 1990s, and it’s noticeably less touristy than other islands. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Ko Samui encapsulates the idea of tropical paradise: think powdery white sand beaches, warm turquoise waters and gently swaying palms. As a destination, the island is pretty much perfect.
Sprawled across Taling Ngam Bay on the western coast of Ko Samui is one of the island’s most illustrious hotels, the InterContinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort (to use its full name). Perched upon the sloping cliffs above jungle-cloaked beaches, the setting is nothing short of spectacular. Its position gives guests front view seats to the island’s famous cherry-red sunsets, and from the moment you arrive and gaze out onto the ocean, it’ll hit you with its unique wow factor.
Style and Ambiance
Given the environment, it’s no surprise that InterContinental Samui has been designed to maximize views at every opportunity. The style is open, clean and modern, yet the ambiance is very relaxed. The theme of relaxation pervades almost every aspect of the resort: guests drift from the Serene lounge or Air bar to an infinity pool overlooking swathes of coconut plantations below.
The enormous open air lobby, with its high white ceilings, hanging wire lamps and traditional wood furnishings, is another photogenic place to relax; it’s almost a rite of passage for arriving guests to take selfies in the basket-style chairs facing the ocean. When guests arrive at sundown, you can virtually hear the collective intake of breath. The most beautiful chillout spot is Air bar, a terrace deck below the lobby where it’s easy to spend hours just gazing out at that view in a near Zen-like state.
The Rooms
There are 79 rooms, suites and villas at InterContinental Samui, and while the sizes vary, all are bright, spacious and elegant. We stayed in a Beachfront Pool Villa, which was situated mere meters off the beach and came with its own private plunge pool, in case you’re too idle for the 15-second trek to the ocean (guilty). There’s also your own sea-facing sundeck with loungers, dining tables and chairs, so you’re perfectly set up to enjoy your own private sunset if you don’t fancy heading to the main bar.
In the bedrooms, white walls, neutral accents and plantation-style furnishings offset the dark wood flooring and bedframe. The bathroom is big and stylish, with a whirlpool bathtub and separate rain shower, along with all of the indulgent toiletries you might need. Other amenities include minibars, coffeemakers, wine refrigerators, flat-screen T.V.s, iPod docking stations, large safes, kettles, and beach bags.
Food & Drink
The breakfast buffet is served at Amber restaurant, and you can also eat here in the evenings: the menu is a selection of classic and contemporary Thai food, gourmet European dishes and fresh seafood; there’s also a beachside restaurant Flames for Thai, Italian, and seafood grill. If you’re looking a truly intimate dining experience, you can opt to dine on the water and under the stars, on the resort’s 150-meter private pier.
Serene Bar in the lobby is the perfect place to take your afternoon tea (complimentary for Club InterContinental guests), which is a selection of delicate sandwiches and cakes served in the traditional birdcage style. For a ‘proper’ drink, there’s a swim-up pool bar at the infinity pool, but the best place to enjoy a glass or two of wine is Air bar, where you can admire 180-degree views of the coast as you sip. Club InterContinental guests also receive evening cocktail and canapés from 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Service, Facilities & Activities
From the moment we were picked up from the airport in a car with chilled water, newspapers, cold flannels, an iPad with wifi and local sweets (this is how you do airport pickups!), the service was never less than exceptional. The resort is big and steep, but with buggies to take you from A to B at any given time, you’re never too far away from anything.
There are seven pools scattered through the resort, and guests also have access to the private beach, where there’s a water sports center, gym, Muay Thai boxing and yoga space, and free bikes to use. The resort spa was voted Best Luxury Beauty Spa in the World Spa Awards 2016, so checking it out is a must. Highly recommended is the Tropical Samui Passage, a 180-minute coconut-based pampering session which will eradicate any tensions you might have unwittingly brought along from home.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take advantage of the private dock and speedboat and explore some nearby attractions. The resort can take you to the islands of Ko Tao and Ko Phangan as well as Angthong National Marine Park, where you can trek through jungle, swim in waterfalls and spot local wildlife. For something more leisurely, you can take a cooking class with the head chef, where you’ll visit the local market to stock up on ingredients before making your own delicious three-course lunch.
Verdict
As far as luxury beach resorts go, InterContinental Samui ticks every box. The only ‘negative’ I can think of is just a consequence of being in such a tranquil environment: the area is very quiet, and the two lively beach towns, Lamai and Chaweng, are about half an hour away (the resort has a shuttle service if you want to visit). But realistically, you don’t come to InterContinental Samui to party—you come to unwind. From the moment you arrive at this magnificent setting and lose yourself in the opulent surroundings, relaxation is inevitable. Bliss is likely.
