Four Seasons Koh Samui: Hotel Review

What do you think when someone mentions the word ‘paradise’ to you? I’m sure there are hundreds of images popping up in your mind, but a stay at the Four Seasons Koh Samui will replace them all.

The Four Seasons is a world renowned brand that I have been a fan of for years. Gone are the years of my 20s when I believed them to be out of my reach, and hello to my 30s where I am finally ticking these places off my bucket list.

I have stayed at the Four Seasons in Florence, the Four Seasons Ten Trinity in London, and their country property in Hampshire, but nothing would prepare me for the WOW I was about to experience.

You know what a green flag is right? A sign of good things to come. And if the arrival at the hotel was anything to go by, I knew this stay was going to be incredible.

A private driver dropped us off at check in, a platform high above the lush canopy that acts as home to the Four Seasons Koh Samui. My sister and i were served the most beautiful cocktails before we were taken down to our room. I was almost disappointed being dragged away from the view but I was itching to see the rest of the property!

Guests are transported around the resort by buggies, but it is walkable too, if you don’t mind a few hills! We enjoyed the well needed breeze as we weaved our way through private villas and coconut trees to reach our room.

When we arrived to our villa entrance we were led down a small walkway to our very own private haven. The One Bedroom Pool Villas are located on a quiet hillside, overlooking a wave of palm trees and out to the Gulf of Thailand beyond.

Offering over 1,100 square ft of space, guests certainly won’t be bumping into each other. A spacious bathroom with two vanity areas, large shower and a stunning freestanding bath that looks out to a private terrace. The bedroom itself boasts a king size bed, study area, television and large sliding doors that lead out to a decking area with sun beds, minibar and your own pool.

Our first stop after exploring our new villa was the Secret Garden Spa. Inspired by its tropical surroundings, the spa offers traditional Thai treatments and practices. Birdsong filled the air when we meandered through the shaded wooden walkways that guided us to our sala, built for solo or couples treatments.

The Four Seasons Koh Samui was designed to make you relax, to carefully withdraw you from the world’s hustle and bustle. Nature fills every corner and if you aren’t falling asleep to the sound of the ocean, then it’s the birds or the crickets that sing you a lullaby.

The resort never felt busy, despite being booked to high capacity. There are lots of activities to enjoy on the island itself as well as ocean adventures. During the day there are plenty of sun loungers waiting for you and the large infinity  pool that overlooks the beach was a great alternative to our villa pool when we wanted a change of scenery.

For me, nothing beats a cocktail and lunch by the beach. Guests have the option of dining at Cocorum, the pool bar, throughout the day. On the menu is a mixture of traditional and western bar and pool snacks. Seeing as I was on holiday I went for my favourite poolside option, the Club Sandwich. Other options on the menu included Pad Thai, Pizza, Meatball Rigatoni, and an array of fresh salads.

Speaking of Cocorum… did you know it is home to the only rum vault in Asia? Guests are taken on a trip around the world with rum from Bangkok, Venezuela, Barbados and much more. Intimate rum tasting sessions are the perfect opportunity to retreat from the midday sun and do something a little different on your holiday. Tasting sessions give patrons the opportunity to sample four deliciously rare rums in a beautifully designed rum vault that sits opposite the beach.

On the topic of dining, the Four Seasons Koh Samui offers an incredible variety of restaurants and dining options. I was lucky enough to experience the breathtaking ‘Once in a Blue Moon’ private dinner on the beach. We all have those moments in life where we sit back and think ‘I can’t believe I’m here’, and this was one of them.

I was led down a candle lit path to a beautiful cove. The sun was starting to dim towards the horizon as a traditional Thai musician played gentle music, a wonderful accompaniment to the waves that softly lapped the beach.

As each course was brought out to us, the sky slowly changed from blue, to gold, to pink, to night. I could have sat there for hours. The food was superb and the surroundings matched. The chef introduced himself and discussed the menu we were served. Everything in that moment felt perfect.

The Four Seasons is all about unique moments that add up to make the most unforgettable holiday. One afternoon we delighted at our beautiful picnic that had been set up on the beach. Chilled champagne was served with a refreshing Thai salads and dishes.

We didn’t see a soul walk past… that’s the great thing about the Four Season’s location, it is quiet and private, with a large beach but smaller coves that remain accessible for those wanting more privacy.

Whilst writing this review, I have been itching to mention the staff. Offering a beautiful hotel is one thing, but how you treat your guests will have a huge bearing on their overall experience. I can hand on heart say the staff were wonderful, extremely attentive whilst remaining discreet. They address their guests by name and will bend over backwards to make sure you are having a good time.

One stand out moment was when I left my iPad behind in a public area. Within the few minutes it took me to leave and walk down to the beach, a member of staff greeted me at the gate to the beach to inform me their colleague had picked up my iPad and put it in a safe place.

Another time at breakfast I ordered the French Toast. After a couple of minutes the waitress informed me the dish contained dairy. They knew I had a dairy allergy so took the initiative to re-do the recipe and provide me with the dairy free option without me having to ask and without them telling me ‘no, you can’t have that’.

It speaks volumes when the staff seem so happy, relaxed and welcomed. I got the strong sense that they were cared for by management and genuinely enjoyed their profession. Thai hospitality has always been stand out service but the Four Seasons really took it to another level.

Prices start at £700 per night, learn more or book here.