Koh Samui is home to some of the best hotels and resorts, recognized not only in Thailand but also in other parts of the world. Here are just a few of the Look East team’s favorites:

Conrad Koh Samui

Exclusivity and privacy — these are just two of the main hallmarks of Conrad Koh Samui, a luxury pool villa resort located on the southwestern tip of the island, overlooking the azure reefs of Aow Thai beach. The resort was designed to ensure that each villa offers glorious panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand, and especially the astonishing sunsets. Guests will love the resort’s secluded location, sprawled across 25 acres of a scenic hillside where 81 private pool villas – in one-, two- and three-bedroom units – delight with their range of sumptuous amenities and modern conveniences. There are three innovative restaurants, two bars, and a private wine cellar and destination-dining venue for food and drink fancies, and an award-winning spa that combines international treatments and Thai spa techniques with world-class facilities. Great staff service too. Address: 49/8-9 Moo 4, Hillcrest Rd., Taling-Ngam // Contact: 077 915 888; www.conradkohsamui.com

Four Seasons Samui

The best of island holiday living awaits guests at Four Seasons Resort, Koh Samui. Stay in a hillside luxury villa, shaded by coconut groves overlooking the mystical Gulf of Siam, and enjoy the world-renowned Four Seasons brand of service that is enhanced further by the exotic island touch. As can be expected, the well-appointed 60 villas meet even the most sophisticated taste for five-star comfort and convenience. The goal is to treat each guest as a VIP, who deserves nothing less than flawless service. Facilities are simply topnotch, from the two restaurants, which rank among Samui’s top foodie experiences, to the indulgent spa where you can sample tropical island pampering to the fore; and from state-of-the art fitness facilities and the infinity-edge pool to the beach sports’ and babysitting services. Address: 219 Moo 5, Angthong // Contact: 077 243 000; www.fourseasons.com/kohsamui/

Renaissance Koh Samui

A delightful hideaway overlooking the Gulf of Siam with cascading lush tropical gardens, secluded villas, a sensuous spa, and superb sunset beach, Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa is perfect for embracing nature and enjoying a totally romantic escape. Beautiful villas and deluxe rooms, all of which are decorated with chic, cool, and natural fittings, reflect the elements of a unique holiday home in the holiday paradise that is Samui. Forty-three deluxe accommodations, two one-bedroom suites, and 33 pool villas to choose from; four restaurants and bars to satisfy your gastronomic fancy; and two swimming pools, plus the Quan Spa, a fitness center, among other facilities and activities to enhance your Samui holiday experience. Address: 208/1 Moo 4, T. Maret, Laem Nan Beach // 077 429 300; www. renaissancekohsamui.com

Anantara Lawana Koh Samui

Nestled on the quiet, pristine northern end of Chaweng Beach, Anantara Lawana Samui Resort & Spa lies just steps away from the ocean and offers accommodation unequalled among luxury resorts in Koh Samui. From the luxuriously appointed rooms and spacious pool villas to the communal facilities and restaurants, each guest is treated to the finest in services and amenities. Watch the sunrise over Samui’s palm forested coastline. Recline in rooms and suites inspired by the island’s original Chinese merchant settlers. Experience a perfect romantic dinner for two in a setting of your choice, accompanied by the freshest international cuisine.Take a dip at the infinity edge pool, dine in the treehouse restaurant overlooking the bay, or keep in touch with friends back home thanks to Wi-Fi throughout the resort. Address: 92/1 Moo 2, Tambon Bophut // Contact: 077 960 333

Akyra chura Samui

Now this one is less “splashy,” and for that very reason unique. If simplicity is beauty, then akyra chura Samui, located at the end of northern Chaweng Beach, is the best testament to that axiom. Far from crowds of central Chaweng, this little hotel offers big surprises. The main charm lies in its pleasant, relatively sparse resort design and layout that fuses Japanese and Thai elements: elegant simplicity and practicality blend seamlessly with the sweet, “sabai-sabai” Thai quality. Guests will love the garden-like environment where several pavilions host the rooms — 62 in all – designed with minimalist, unpretentious Japanese inspiration. No children under 12 allowed, though! Address: 99/9 Moo 2 Chaweng Beach, T.Bophut // Contact: 077 915 100

Banyan Tree Samui

Surrounded by waters that invite, entice and serenade, Banyan Tree Samui is nestled in a series of cascading terraces on a private hill cove in the southeastern coast of Koh Samui. The resort offers retreat from the dizzying pace of modernity into a secluded haven where the hours melt into each other gently and peace is within your touch at all times. Address: 99/9 Moo 4 Maret, Koh Samui // Contact: 077 915 333, ext. 7116

Nikki Beach Resort Koh Samui

The claim “The Sexiest Place on Earth” might sound a tad over the top. But no better description succinctly applies to Nikki Beach Resort Samui, which takes luxury boutique hotel accommodation and travel to an entirely new level. The resort is definitely one of the hottest and trendsetting addresses on Samui, a true-blue epitome of entrepreneur Jack Penrod vision in 1998, when he introduced the world to the ultimate beach club concept that combines the elements of entertainment, dining, music, fashion, film and art into one. Address: 96/3 Moo 2, Lipa Noi// Contact: 077 914 500

Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui

This deluxe resort offers first-class Thai hospitality with exceptional facilities that combine the spirit and culture of the island with tranquil ambience and sheer beauty. Recently refurbished, the resort offering the highest level of comfort in its 203 rooms, meeting facilities with extensive beachfront and landscaped gardens, and provides an ideal venue for outdoor dining and hospitality events. Top-class restaurants and bars include Zico’s Brazilian Grill & Bar, serving grilled meat and fish in a vibrant bar atmosphere with live Brazilian music and entertainment, Palm Grove restaurant, for authentic Thai cuisine as well as Western and Asian cuisines in a relaxed setting, and Coast Beach Bar & Grill. Snacks and refreshments are served at Piccolo, The Deli, Islander, and at the swim-up pool bar, Dip & Sip. Address: 38/2 Moo 3, Bophut, Chaweng Beach // Contact: 077 230 500; email: csbr@chr.co.th // www.centarahotelsresorts.com

Sheraton Samui Resort

Whether you’re in Koh Samui for business or for leisure, this debut property of the iconic brand Sheraton offers a relaxing and inspiring refuge. Conveniently located near excellent nightlife, fashionable shopping districts, and popular attractions on the island, Sheraton Samui Resort boasts 141 well-appointed guestrooms and suites with a stylish blend of modern decor and light pastel colors. The resort, designed with an “oceanic wave” concept, feature the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper™ Bed, among other signature conveniences and amenities. Outstanding facilities include a 24-hour Sheraton Fitness® gym, tennis courts, two salt-water swimming pools, the Glow Spa, and four bars and restaurants that will spoil guests for choice. For corporate events, meetings, weddings, and functions, the newest most prestigious address in the island promises nothing less than the best. Address: 86 Moo 3, Chaweng, Koh Samui // 077 422 020; email sheraton.kohsamui@sheraton.com