208 marieclaire.com.au
PHOTOGRAPHED BY CHRISTIAN HORAN PHOTOGRAPHY/FOUR SEASONS; NIKKI TO/KOKOMO ISLAND; COURTESY OF LE MÉRIDIEN, KOH SAMUI; COURTESY OFW KOH SAMUI. TEXT BY LARISSA YU, MELISSA GAUDRON AND ANNA MCCOOETHE SCENE... Koh Samui
is Thailand’s original party
girl. Those palm trees and
pristine beaches proved
irresistible to generations
of backpackers, but now
she’s grown up to become
quite the sophisticate. With
some 700 hotels dotting its
hilly curves and coastlines- including one of the
highest concentration of
premium hotels and spas on
the planet – Koh Samui now
welcomes a new-gen jetset
who flock to her luxe resorts.
Luckily, as Thailand’s
second largest island, there’s
enough of her warm blue
waters to go around.
EAT AND DRINK...
Though small, Koh Samui
has distinct ’hoods – from
the pumping restaurants
and wild nightlife of
Chaweng Beach to the more
relaxed surrounds of Lamai
Beach and the French-
inspired hub of Bophut,
home to the historic
Fisherman’s Village and
their popular street markets.
You’re spoilt for choice in the
eating-out stakes, though
dinner under the stars on
Le Méridien’s floating jetty
was a highlight (four
courses, approx $60-$80).
TREAT YOURSELF...
With some of the world’s
best spa experiences
crammed into one location,you’re certain to find
your own slice of bliss.
The rejuvenating thermal
bath treatment on offer at
W Retreat AWAY Spa is
the place to start.
DON’T MISS... A Koh
Samui sunset from the
island’s chicest cocktail bar,
the WooBar. Soak up the
180-degree panoramic
ocean views from your
lounge floating in the
infinity pool and perfectStep out of
your Le Méridien
suite straight into
a private pool.W Resort Koh
Samui’s stunning
views from the
uber-cool Woobar.your pout – this is
selfie-made nirvana.
YOLO... Koh Samui^
is your gateway to Thailand’s
Full Moon beach parties.
Though famed for their
cocktail bucket-fuelled
all-nighters, they now
attract travellers of all
types, including families.
NEED TO KNOW...
The easiest way to get to
Koh Samui is a one-hour
flight from Bangkok.KOH SAMUI, THAILAND
Paradise with a pulse
STAY THERE
Located up north near
Bophut, W Retreat Koh
Samui is a high-design
hipster haven of private
pool villas and beachside
cool. From approx
$810 per night, visit
wretreatkohsamui.com.
Le Méridian on Lamai
Beach, with 14 villas and
63 suites, is a hidden
treasure. From approx
$280 per night, visit
lemeridienkohsamui.com.LIFESTYLE