Dreaming of a White Lotus holiday? Here’s WHO’s guide to Koh Samui

Waking up to the sound of the ocean? Where do we sign up?! Anantara Bophut is one of two very luxe Anantara hotels boasting ocean views on Koh Samui. However, we love this stay for its wellness focus. Complete with an award-winning spa offering multi-day programs and standalone treatments, an infinity pool and weekly yoga classes, you’ll feel anything but stressed here.

Reasons to stay:

• 106 elegant rooms, suites and beachfront suites
• Award-winning architecturally designed garden-spa
• Sea and land excursions
• Resort activities include water sports, yoga and Muay Thai Boxing
• Kids club and family-friendly activities
• Four restaurants, room service, a private dining offering and Thai cooking classes

Sitting atop the cliffs overlooking Laem Nan Beach – talk about taking your Koh Samui holiday to new heights! With rooms boasting ocean views, bubbling jacuzzis and plunge pools, plush king beds and white linen galore, we can guarantee you won’t want to leave your room (even for a luxe treatment at Silvadee spa). However, if you do, make sure it’s for the daily breakfast at Moon and a nightly cocktail overlooking the sunset at the Star rooftop bar – cheers!

Reasons to stay:

• Kayaking, snorkelling and paddleboarding available
• Two infinity pools
• Complimentary Mini Bar on selected items
• Spa and Fitness Centre
• 3 restaurants, a rooftop bar and two poolside bars
• Wedding packages available
• Green Hotel Award and Sustainability Plan

The Intercontinental is a must-book if you fancy a secluded stay within 22 acres of coconut plantations. With six pools to dip in and out of – our eyes are on the adult-only Float pool – there will be no shortage of lounging by the water. Baan Thai Spa by HARNN offers enough traditional Thai, Western and Ayurvedic treatments for more balance. And, if you’ve got some time free on your itinerary, why not head out on a sunset cruise? Indulgent indeed.

Reasons to stay:

• 79 rooms, suites and villas
• Three restaurants
• Thailand’s Leading Beach Resort 2015-2022
• Award-winning Baan Thai Spa with 5 treatment rooms
• Thai Cooking Classes and a range of marine excursions, including private picnics, sunset cruises and pink dolphin viewing.
• 6 pools, including an infinity pool and an adult only pool
• Planet Trekkers kids’ club

Perched on a hilltop with stunning ocean views and serving just 24 guests, this candle-lit restaurant is exclusive, to say the least. With a contemporary menu heroing steak, Jahn, inside the Conrad Hotel, serves up prime cuts of meat sourced from Australia and Japan (however, our eyes are on the mud crab). This Taling Ngam gem screams romantic dinner for two.

Located near the Bangrak Market and the Big Buddha Temple of Samui, this is your go-to for unfussy dining. We’re talking classic aromatic curries, prawn rolls that you can share, and burgers and fries. All are best served with a refreshing glass of orange wine or a creative cocktail, of course.