Gorgeous pearl-white sandy beaches, lush tropical rainforests and magnificent waterfalls greeted me as I stepped onto the land of one of the most tropical coconuts-Koh Samui. My VIP treatment started off right from the airport when Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui ensured I was whisked off to the resort in style in their luxury VIP van.
Soaking our faces in the most fragrant crisp white towels and all the city stress was drowned out. The travel to the resort was one of the most cushioned and comfortable one that I have ever experienced. Unaware of what lies ahead of us, we drove up the steep hill and were soon greeted by smiling faces.
As the huge wooden double doors in front of us open, we are mesmerized by the most panoramic views that we have ever seen as we stand at the hillside terrace where we check-in. The breath-taking vistas of the ocean, coconut and palm groves and tropical forests make us just stop and stare for a while at nature’s bounty. We’re given a flower garland and a welcome drink of dragon fruit and lychee juice which is topped with ginger ale that we devour as we take in those swoon-worthy views.
The resort
I am told that the property overlooks the mystical Gulf of Siam and was the first one on the island with access to a private beach. The property houses 60 One Bedroom Pool Villas and 10 luxury Residences that comprise of two, three, four and five bedrooms. Each of them designed along traditional Thai lines and have their own infinity pool. The property is well a dream of coconut and palm trees, tropical forests with torch-lit walkaways and hidden pool villas.
Room experience
The golf buggy shuttles us around what feels like a sprawling compound and whisks us off to our plush One-Bedroom Pool Villa. Set in the hillside, a lavishly furnished Thai-style villa with his and her dressing rooms, a sea view bath, and a huge terrace; complete with double daybed, outside dining area, outdoor bar and wine fridge and private plunge pool overlooking the jungle and sea below and we know that it’s the closest to heaven as it can get. The villa amenities and facilities included king-size beds, flat screen TV, monsoon showers and Four Seasons own brand products.
Merely lazing at the villa was an experience in itself. We didn’t really have to step outside given the thoughtful touches and star amenities like our own personal infinity pool. With vistas of the property’s private pearl-white sandy beach from our ravishing infinity pool, we were left swooning. Waking up to the uninterrupted views of the ocean had to be the highlight of our room experience.
Gourmet paradise
The resort with its cornucopia of options on the menu, dollop of flavours, chef’s prolific creativity and swirl of refinement is a gourmet paradise that will definitely satiate and impress the foodie in you. Breakfast spread wasn’t too lavish but the quality was nothing less than impressive. It comprised of reams of pastries, yogurts, fruits, teas, coffees and eggs – you name it and they have it all impeccably presented in front of you.
For lunch, we gorged on Thai delicacies at the KOH: Thai Kitchen, the restaurant that commands grand views over the resort and bay. Among our favourites at the restaurant is the Tom Kha Gai which was a scrumptious coconut soup with mushrooms, chicken and galangal and the Khao Phad Poo-the most delish crab meat fried rice which we couldn’t get enough of. The highlight of the food, however, was the Grilled Sea Bass Fillet with potato puree and lemon butter sauce that was a treat for the taste-buds. Among the sweet treats, the Mango, Coconut and Sticky Rice mini Popsicle and Char-grilled rice pudding in coconut leaf is what heaven tastes like.
For our meal experience at the Pla Pla restaurant, star-studded skies and cool ocean breezes kept us company as we tried the best of Mediterranean palate. However, if we were to pick the best of all, it would be the Comté cheese gnocchi, beetroot, honey crumbs that won us over. So did the wild mushroom risotto with truffle, cep powder and burnt butter. Ending it with the Tropical Fruit Pavlova Lime which comprised of pineapple, mango compote, white chocolate chantilly, coconut meringue and pina colada sorbet, we experienced gastronomic nirvana in its best form!
The spa
As if my room hadn’t spoilt me enough, it was time for more regal pampering at the Secret Garden spa. Hidden in the jungle, candlelit bamboo walkways lead me to a gorgeous tree-house spa sits halfway up a hill, with a snowy white sand beach and clear turquoise ocean beyond. My super-luxe spa suite with indoor and outdoor treatment beds, double tubs and a private relaxation area define luxury at the very best. Other spa facilities include mani and pedi suites, a hair salon, sauna, steam rooms, rain showers and a spa shop. The product-line used at the spa, I was informed was the luxurious Ila range.
The therapy I experienced was the Kala Coconut Massage- a signature therapy that utilizes the goodness of virgin coconut oil. My brilliant therapist Nattaya Polcha started off with a natural foot scrub using a blend of oils, Himalayan salt and Eucalyptus leaves from the forest. It was followed by 90 minutes of massage that incorporates locally inspired, deep-tissue techniques using kala – smoothly finished, half coconut shells – and virgin coconut oil made exclusively on the island for the resort. With attention to every detail and excellent massage techniques, the treatment brought me healing and ultimate rejuvenation in the picturesque tropical landscape.
Recommendations
Don’t miss the morning yoga session at Yoga Sala and the Tai Chi in front of The Beach House at the Bill Bensley-designed Muay Thai training ring. A spa treatment at the Secret Garden spa and a Thai meal at the KOH Thai Kitchen are highly recommended.
Overall stay
In between, the opulent pampering at the spa, living up queen-size at our swanky villa and attending a fun Cocktail Class at the Rum Vault, 3 days of Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui had come to an end before we knew it. The warm and friendly service and hospitality was something we discovered as unparalleled and a highpoint of our stay. Sipping on the delectable mango cinnamon + soda while checking out, we were left with some coconut candies to take back with us apart from the slice of paradise we experienced at the luxury paradise.
Where: Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
219 Moo 5, Angthong, 84140, Thailand
Phone: +66 77 243 000
[Website: Fourseasons.com/kohsamui]
Rates: One bedroom pool villa starting from THB 25,500 x 18.7% (room only) per room/night
Note: The writer was invited by the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui but all the opinions expressed herewith are her own.
