Thailand, astoundingly beautiful archipelagos coupled with glorious all-year-round warm temperatures have, pretty much, forever been on the map as one of the most desirable holiday destinations in Asia. This stunning constellation of paradise islands poses only one problem: how to decide which one to visit. Lucky for you, I have a favorite island!
Thailand’s third-largest island (roughly the size of Martha’s Vineyard), Koh Samui has spectacular scenery—sparkling turquoise sea, lush green jungle and expansive beaches—and no shortage of five-star resorts.
Enter, Six Senses Samui, set on a steep headland in the northeast of Koh Samui, offers huge, well-designed villas in a jungle-like garden that cascades down to a rocky shore. Emphasis on wellness, privacy, environment and fine dining makes this luxurious yet somewhat rustic resort a unique destination. With its partly wooden villas barely poking through tropical foliage, Six Senses integrates well into its surrounding forested landscape. Sprawling wooden decks lend a sense of space to both the public areas and huge villas. The resort’s color scheme is carefully calibrated, with green and yellow tones dominating the furnishings in the restaurant, on loungers and some of the staff uniforms, adding a sleek and slightly austere touch to the otherwise nature-oriented ambience.
The property radiates this raw energy; I think it’s from the charming, genuinely attentive staff, or the lush nature it belongs to, possibly both. This wasn’t my first time in Koh Samui, not my first Six Senses resort either. There is something enigmatic about this place that allowed me to see this island with new eyes.
The philosophy they truly value: “local sensitivity, global sensibility” isn’t just a bumper sticker they parade around for clout, this very message runs in the life and blood of every member of this team. From sourcing local ingredients to empowering the local community through countless activities via their corporate social responsibility, hands down, I have not seen something as moving as Six Senses Samui.
It was like stepping into a family. I may not have had one of my usual sunset moments, well, the weather was rather playful during my stay here, but what I experienced was far greater than a thousand picture perfect sunsets. I was at ease. There was no pretense. There was no need for me to dress up and fix my hair for dinner or drinks at the bar. Guests here can just be. They all get the finest food from the finest local produce anyway. What this haven of a destination stands for is a retreat for the mind, body, and spirit.
A no nonsense approach to the rejuvenation of your very being. Six Senses Samui brought me closer to my husband. There is magic in this place and I can attest to it.
A must-experience. Hands down, a league of its own.
Only the best,
Lucas Raven
