CHECK-IN
No palm bushes had been harmed within the making of this evaluation. In reality, these behind the creation of this fabulous 71-villa resort insist that not a single tree in any respect was felled in its development with much more planted after its opening. The spectacularly lush Four Seas Koh Samui, the place the discreet thatched villas do not even attempt to compete with the plentiful foliage, is a straightforward one hour and 15-minute flight from Bangkok. Located within the huge Gulf of Thailand, near Thailand’s slender Isthmus of Kra east coast, Koh Samui is sort of 230 sq. kilometres in dimension and is the dominion’s second largest island after Phuket.
THE LOOK
Four Seasons Koh Samui was designed a decade and a half in the past by American Bill Bensley, arguably Asia’s most visionary resort and resort “starchitect”. The flamboyant Bangkok-based Bensley nonetheless ranks it as one in all his most particular initiatives (and, imagine me, his inns and resorts are by no means something apart from really particular). Even earlier than the total rise of sustainability, “minimal intervention” was the essence of the resort’s bold design and development, with retention of the lofty palm groves additionally a safety measure in opposition to landslides and drainage issues. However, the resort’s unusually precipitous web site means visitors should be transported just about in all places by a fleet of all the time out there electrical buggies (though there’s nothing to cease you eschewing them to offer your glutes one hell of a exercise on foot).
THE VILLA
Bensley says the footprint of the villas, all which include non-public swimming pools and each possible mod-con for a resort of this calibre, was saved comparatively modest to protect the pure atmosphere. With respect to the architect, that is risible since our indulgent lodging is hardly cramped at 103 sq. metres in dimension. But, within the unlikely occasion you do discover your villa, replete with views of the Gulf of Thailand, surrounding islands and the tropical forest setting, just a little cramped, there’s all the time the primary infinity pool set again from the resort’s personal talc-white sandy seaside. Pool attendants are available to offer ice water, chilled towels and water spritzes at poolside with an adjoining bar for the tougher stuff.
FOOD AND DRINK
This being Thailand, meals performs an integral a part of any keep at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. The important restaurant is the engaging open-sided Koh Thai Kitchen specialising within the nation’s southern delicacies. Set on one of many resort’s loftiest, palm-fringed peninsulas, there’s indoor and out of doors seating and you may wish to safe a desk on the breezy terrace with its arresting resort and ocean views, at the least for a sundowner or three. By dusk, be dazzled by the spectacle of fishing vessels ringing the island, with their vibrant inexperienced lights attracting the native squid inhabitants. Elsewhere, on the backside of the hill, there’s additionally the oceanside, Mediterranean-themed Pla Pla, reverse the primary pool, and a main spot for an informal lunch.
OUT AND ABOUT
Even although we stayed two nights, arriving within the early night from Bangkok on the primary, there was regrettably no time to expertise the remainder of the island. But, as you should have deciphered, there’s lots to maintain you content material and indulged throughout the beneficiant confines of the resort, even right down to its personal, fully-equipped Muay Thai boxing ring for seaside classes and work-outs in addition to marine biologist-led water excursions.
THE VERDICT
This glamorous, splurge-worthy Four Seasons stays one in all Thailand’s most well-conceived, sensitively-designed and spectacularly-positioned island resorts.
ESSENTIALS
In the off-season, pool villas begin from THB22,800 ($930). Visit the resort’s web site for numerous provides together with 20 per cent off for superior bookings and a 3rd evening free of charge offers. Four Seasons operates three different resorts in Thailand, in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Four Seasons Resort Koh Samuim 219 Moo 5, Angthong, Koh Samui, Thailand. Phone: +66 77 243 000. See fourseasons.com
HIGHLIGHT
The Four Seasons’ elevated, densely-vegetated setting, and the ocean views it affords, is genuinely breathtaking.
LOWLIGHT
This decidedly steep and hilly resort is not precisely made for strolling, although it does not cease the diehard joggers.
SCORE
★★★★★
Anthony Dennis stayed a visitor of Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui.
Source: traveller.com.au