The popular HBO Max miniseries The White Lotus has triggered an avalanche of interest in the luxury resorts where the plots were filmed. In Season 3, the characters were guests at the exclusive Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, situated in a tropical island paradise in the Gulf of Siam. The good news is that anyone who was salivating at the serene elegance and beauty of the resort’s accommodations and surroundings can also be a pampered guest.
Here’s the scoop.
The Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui was established in 2007 in the heart of a coconut plantation, whose trees are meticulously cared for and form the backdrop for gorgeous views guests enjoy from their villas’ terraces. The resort’s guest units consist of 60 villas (comprising seven categories) and 15 residences (six categories, up to five bedrooms in size), spread out over 42 acres of lush tropical vegetation.
Opulent accommodations
From the moment you arrive at the property – and announce your presence by hitting the welcome gong – you know you are somewhere special. An electric golf cart – the ubiquitous mode of transportation throughout the premises – whisks you to your quarters, and you have to be especially jaded not to exclaim, “Wow!”
Guest units at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui are no less than private villas, with a huge indoor living area flanked by a private pool that is more than a mere plunge pool; it is long enough to swim a short lap, while still secluded enough to permit skinny dipping. The cherry on the cake: being in the water while taking in a stupendous view over treetops to the endless blue sea.
On the deck poolside sit not only two chaise longues but also two plush circular daybeds for lounging, with comfy his-and-her bathrobes and slippers provided as well. The outdoor table for food and drink is large enough to accommodate an entire meal.
The interior is dominated by an impressive canopied bed, from where you can also enjoy the ocean view. Naturally, villas are furnished with every amenity that one expects in a five-star establishment: user-friendly climate control (A/C plus ceiling fan), large flat screen television with multi-channel and multi-lingual programming, laptop-sized electronic safe for valuables, and commodious desk with ample work space, universal voltage outlets and charging ports for cellphones and electronic devices. Free high-speed WiFi extends to all villas, as well as public areas.
The refreshment corner is loaded, with a full minibar, espresso machine, and electric kettle. Not only is unlimited drinking water complimentary, but so are tasty snacks, such as cookies and dried fruit. There is even a refrigerated, lockable wine cooler.
The bathrooms are similarly upscale, boasting dual sinks, an illuminated makeup mirror, a hair dryer, and premium toiletries that go beyond the usual to include insect repellent and dental and shaving kits. A large free-standing bathtub (with its own perfumed soap and salts) complements the spacious shower stall, equipped with dual shower heads (raindrop and handheld), a bench, and greenery lending an outdoor feeling. The adjacent toilet cabinet offers a welcome degree of privacy.
The housekeeping staff keeps villas and residences in tip-top shape by visiting twice daily, for routine cleaning and again for evening turndown service. They also make sure you have plenty of clean, soft, thirsty towels of all sizes at all times, both in the bathroom and on the deck furniture.
Gastronomic delights
The resort is somewhat removed from the villages that dot the island of Koh Samui, but you will never lack for good food or variety while remaining on the premises. The drinking and dining options include two restaurants and two bars, all serving delicious cocktails and meals made from the freshest local ingredients.
The main restaurant is Koh Thai Kitchen, specializing in the national cuisine, universally recognized as one of the best in the world. Here you will dine in elegant surroundings, with enchanting views of the property made magical in the evenings by twinkling lights. Not surprisingly, the service is impeccable – a hallmark of Four Seasons resorts the world over.
Koh is also the venue for the lavish breakfast buffet, the only meal of the day that is not à la carte. The rich international buffet features Western, Chinese, and Indian dishes, along with a wide selection of natural juices and smoothies, fresh tropical fruits, different yogurts, and homemade jams and spreads for the crusty breads, which also go well with the smoked salmon and charcuterie. Other baked treats include pastries, muffins, and croissants, rotated daily. Made-to-order specialty dishes are included with the buffet, while coffee service is individualized and swift. In addition, for those with food sensitivities, there is an entire gluten-free corner and a broad selection of dairy and non-dairy milks.
The more casual dining option is Pla Pla, located by the resort’s meticulously manicured beach. The specialty here is fish (pla is the Thai word for fish) and seafood, the bounty of the sea whose waves lap onto the nearby shore. For a change of pace, there are also grilled meats and Italian dishes. (Tip: Don’t save your appetite for fish and seafood only for dining at Pla Pla – the Thai chefs at Koh also do wonders with the daily catches.)
An evening ritual that is addictive at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui is sipping a cocktail at sunset at the Cocorum Bar, nestled between Pla Pla and the beach. From dusk onwards, firelit torches line the infinity pool, making the perfect backdrop for your pre-prandial libation.
Finally, at least once during your stay you should take advantage of in-villa dining (a.k.a., room service), to enjoy fine cuisine in the privacy of your temporary haven. We watched in amazement as a team of skilled waiters quickly set our table with an array of dishes worthy of the resort’s fine restaurants, then swiftly departed, leaving us to indulge in peace by our private pool.
Secret Garden Spa and other unforgettable experiences
No stay at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui would be complete without at least one pampering session at the Secret Garden Spa, a retreat unto itself in the bosom of pristine jungle. You can choose from an extensive menu of signature treatments, and then let the expert massage therapists work their magic on your bodies, leaving you – and your partner, if you are in the couples suite – insanely relaxed and blissed out.
The romance need not end there, if that is the focus of your getaway. The team at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui will gladly plan any idyllic adventure for two, from a private cruise to a deserted island for a picnic in solitude, to a candlelit dinner on a beach or portico closer to home.
There are plenty of other activities as well, for adults, children, and families, ranging from the adventurous – e.g., SCUBA diving, among other water sports – to the serene, such as an outing on a yacht. There is a kids’ club to keep the young ones occupied, and tennis courts for all ages.
All sorts of excursions inland can satisfy any desire for exploration or cultural immersion, while a special tasting experience under the tutelage of a master connoisseur is also available at the resort’s unique rum vault (sneak a peek inside when you are at the Cocorum Bar).
Bottom line: there are myriad luxury resorts on the islands of alluring SE Asia. But there is only one where you can feel like a movie star yourself, and then go back home and relive the experience by binge-watching The White Lotus.
- Buy Travel Insurance
- Get an eSim to be able to use your smartphone abroad.
- Guided Tours in Thailand
- Get a universal plug adapter
- Get a Car Rental
Rates at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui start at approximately $1,4445 per night.
Check rates for Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
Text and photos by Buzzy Gordon, who was a guest of the hotel for purposes of review. Additional photos courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. As always, the opinions expressed are his own.
The author also recommends another outstanding Four Seasons resort in Thailand, reviewed here. Seasons 1 and 2 of The White Lotus were also filmed at Four Seasons properties in Hawaii and Sicily, respectively.
