Glass visits the Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui, a foodie dream come true

THE breeze is gently passing murmuring through the trees. You can hear the rustling of the palm leaves as you sink deeper into your lounge chair. The bitter, salty scent of the sea dances along your nostrils as the heat of the sun passes along your limbs. This is paradise. This is Koh Samui, Thailand. 

The Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui is a short drive from the small, open-air airport. Upon arrival, you’re welcomed into the arms of the hotel with cold towels and fresh leis – and it’s only a small sampling of the hospitality the hotel resort provides. Glass stayed in one of the Ocean View Pool Villas. The main room is tropical in style with a sitting area that opens to the bedroom and looks out onto the private pool and further out onto the ocean – and the luxurious bathroom is everything you’d expect from The Ritz-Carlton. 

Ritz Carlton Koh Samui, Pool

I was here for five days, and every day conjured a new sensory experience. The hotel’s Thai restaurant, Pak Tai, is the authentic taste of Thailand that is a dream come true for foodies. And don’t skip dessert. The Thai locals love their sweets and you’ll find coconut, in all its forms, is a star of many dishes.On top of local cuisine, there are two other restaurants. Shook! Offers offers variations of western and Thai dishes for breakfast – all worth sampling – as well as high-end western dining at dinner. Alternatively, you can keep it casual by heading down to Sea Salt on the beach.

Ritz Carlton Koh Samui, exterior

Ritz Carlton Koh Samui, Sea Salt Shack

Here for an adventure? They have the world’s largest man-made snorkelling pool. Beyond that, there’s kayaking, paddle-boarding  or you can enquire about setting up an island-hopping boat trip. Maybe you’re here to relax and unwind – then the hotel spa is for you. Enjoy a full-body scrub, a lengthy massage or any other number of treatments. There’s even a cup of tea waiting for you afterwards and you can spend your spa day relaxing by the spa-patrons-only pool. 

Ritz Carlton Koh Samui, Suite
Ritz Carlton Koh Samui, Spa

And every Saturday night, the hotel transforms its beach promenade into a street food festival. All those Thai dishes you already love are here, and they’re done the authentic way. Thai omelettes, pad thai, khao moo daeng – whatever you’re craving. Thailand is a blissful escape. Locals beam with the broadest of smiles. The food is a spice-filled treat for the senses. The weather is striking with intense heat and sun – but that’s why you’re here, right? It’s an oasis, a welcome retreat. The only downside? You have to come back to reality eventually.

by Anna Coughlan

For more information please visit the Ritz-Carlton site