Reviewed : Asia takes you on an enchanting journey to explore the island of Koh Samui and its most captivating honeymoon destinations, focusing on Thailand’s distinguished luxury resorts and spas brand, Anantara, specifically the Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort.
getting there
Traditionally a haven for fishermen and coconut plantations, Koh Samui gradually rose to prominence after 2005. This marked the onset of the island’s surge in luxury resort developments. Unlike other tourist hotspots in Southern Thailand, such as Phuket, Koh Samui manages to maintain a sense of tranquility even during peak seasons. It retains its secluded beaches and secluded areas, providing an ambiance where one can still feel the serenity of solitude.
Our journey led us from Bangkok to Samui via a seamless 60-minute direct flight with the local airline, Bangkok Airways. Samui Airport, being relatively small, ensures a quick exit within 20 minutes of landing, with no customs procedures for internal flights.
Reaching the Anantara Koh Samui resort is a straightforward process, as the hotel is a mere 10 kilometers or a brief 20-minute drive from the airport. Whether you opt for a private or public taxi or choose to have the hotel arrange your transfer, reaching the resort is hassle-free.
The setting
Situated on a serene stretch of sandy shoreline within Bophut Bay, the Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort offers guests a unique blend of luxurious comforts and the renowned hospitality of Thailand. From the outset, the Thai heritage is palpable, as the resort’s entrance is a dramatic over-water structure. As you approach the hotel’s entrance, in accordance with local traditions, the doorman strikes a massive gong to announce and celebrate your arrival.
The lobby serves as the central hub of the main building, leading to the rest of the resort that unfolds around lush tropical gardens and serene water ponds. The rooms and suites are situated on either side, running along the gardens, eventually leading to the resort’s pool and beach, offering unobstructed and picturesque sea views. Check-in procedures are streamlined and efficiently handled by the staff, either within the lobby or in the beautiful Anantara library, a signature feature found across the brand’s properties worldwide.
"The hotel staff provided personalized service and unwavering attention around the clock, accompanied by delightful surprises that elevated our experience every single day. ”
THE ROOMS
Upon arrival, we swiftly found ourselves settled in our stunning room, thoughtfully prepared by our hosts and adorned with personalized honeymoon touches. The Anantara Bophut offers an elegant selection of 107 resort rooms, each embracing contemporary Thai style while incorporating modern comforts. Guests can choose from three distinct room types and an impressive five categories of suites, including two beachfront pool suites featuring interiors drenched in natural light.
Our Junior Garden View Suite, boasting 44 square meters of living space, seamlessly merged generous dimensions, exceptional design, and premium amenities throughout the bedroom and bathroom. Positioned on the ground floor, our suite opened onto a terrace granting direct access to the resort’s meticulously landscaped native gardens. Stepping onto the terrace, we reveled in admiring the tropical greenery while savoring a cup of coffee or a refreshing beverage any time of day.
The bathroom carried elegant Thai accents blended with contemporary style, featuring ‘his and her’ basins and closets—ideal for a tranquil morning routine. The room was equipped with modern conveniences, including a Nespresso machine, tea-making facilities, electronic safe, satellite flat-screen LCD TV, DVD player, and iPod docking station.
A noteworthy addition was the Samsung smartphone provided in the room, pre-installed with a concierge application. This tool facilitated direct communication with the hotel staff, enabling us to order taxis, explore resort activities, or peruse island attractions, among other useful functions.
Leisure & Well-being
Preferences vary from those who prefer relaxation to those seeking an adrenaline rush. Anantara Bophut caters to both inclinations with a plethora of activities. We admit our favorite pastime was lounging by the spectacular beachfront 30-meter infinity-edge pool or on the hotel’s shoreline beach, just steps away from the pool.
Adventurous spirits have the opportunity to engage in numerous activities provided by the resort, including sunset cruises, yoga sessions, an array of water sports, Muay Thai classes, and bike tours. The resort also boasts a tennis court, a cardio and free-weight gym, and offers cultural experiences such as Thai cooking classes with the hotel’s chefs. These classes often include visits to local markets and the chance to harvest fresh herbs from the resort’s garden, as well as fruit carving classes.
In the evening, we highly recommend taking a leisurely stroll through the adjacent “Fisherman’s Village.” The area is alive with street vendors and local shops, offering a vibrant atmosphere that perfectly complements the Anantara experience.
Anantara Spa:
The Anantara brand is synonymous with exceptional spa experiences, and the Anantara Koh Samui spa is no exception. Set amidst lush tropical greenery and tranquil water gardens, the spa provides an environment that harmonizes with the brand’s signature spa treatments and Ayurvedic healing rituals. A feast for the senses and a visual delight.
Encompassing over 3,000 square meters of serene, well-manicured natural surroundings, the spa comprises six glass-walled luxury treatment rooms with bamboo exterior walls. We opted for the Anantara signature massage, a fusion of oils combined with purpose-designed techniques to enhance circulation, promote profound relaxation, and restore the flow of energy along meridian lines. The treatment commences with a shower, followed by a floral foot ritual, the massage itself, and concludes with a refreshing touch.
The spa’s offerings extend to packages such as the 200-minute “Journey of Siam” and the 165-minute “Dawn Renewal,” both of which contribute to the signature treatments curated by the spa.
CULINARY EXPERIENCES
The Anantara Bophut features an impressive array of eight dining options throughout your stay. Here is our selection:
High Tide
Serving a diverse array of authentic Thai and international classics, including a sumptuous breakfast buffet complete with an open kitchen concept to kick-start your day. High Tide provides stylish indoor dining, veranda seating amidst the garden, and even beachside options for themed nights. We indulged in daily breakfasts at High Tide and savored a wide range of international, Asian, and Thai dishes, complemented by a refreshing juice bar.
Full Moon
Experience a contemporary blend of Koh Samui-style chargrilled fusion cuisine on an elegant al fresco deck overlooking the resort’s shoreline pool by the sea. At Full Moon, delight in a signature a la carte international menu showcasing the finest local and imported ingredients, from freshly caught seafood to tender, mouthwatering meats—all grilled to perfection.
Dining by Design
This experience stood out as the highlight of our stay at Anantara Bophut. Picture torches casting a soft glow in the moonlight beside a table set for two on the beach, your private butler and chef ready to serve. A picturesque arrangement for a memorable honeymoon dinner under the stars.
The “Dining by Design” concept, a signature Anantara experience, allows you to choose from numerous romantic settings across the resort—whether in the gardens, by the sala, within the spa, or on the beach—for a private dinner tailored to your preferences. The choice of cuisine is yours as well, with a variety of Thai, international, or Asian Twist menus to select from. A romantic dinner in a unique setting for two, an experience that will remain a cherished memory of our stay at Anantara Bophut Koh Samui.
FINAL VERDICT
Visiting an Anantara resort guarantees a luxurious stay infused with an authentic Thai atmosphere.
However, our expectations were surpassed during our time at Anantara Bophut. The hotel staff provided personalized service and unwavering attention around the clock, accompanied by delightful surprises that elevated our experience every single day.
We are immensely grateful for making this journey an unforgettable one. Whether you’re embarking on a romantic escape, honeymoon, or family getaway, Anantara Bophut caters to diverse preferences, offering facilities, options, and packages to satisfy everyone.
CONTACT INFO
Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort Bophut Koh Samui, Thailand
Tel: +66 77 428 300
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://samui.anantara.com/
