If the goal of the Kimpton Kitalay Samui architects was to wow visitors the moment they set foot on this beachfront property in the northeast corner of Koh Samui, Thailand, they succeeded.
From my second-floor perch, I gazed out to an oblong, ground-level water feature dotted with lily pads and flanked by striking zebra-striped umbrellas. From there, an Olympic-size, infinity-edge swimming pool under soaring palm trees led to the robin’s-egg blue ocean, where bright-white catamarans and sailboats were docked in the calm sea.
This tranquil and secluded property opened its doors in January 2022, and is the first resort in Southeast Asia for the Kimpton brand. (Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok is a decidedly urban hotel.) The hotel’s design is a nod to the area's fishing-village heritage, with a two-story main building featuring traditional steep-sloped roofs; dark-wood, open-air verandas; and decorative accents by local artisans.
Spacious Accommodations With Homey Amenities
During our two-night stay, my husband and I spread out in a 1,840-square-foot One Bedroom Garden Pool Villa. Delightfully private with a walled courtyard and a rectangular, bigger-than-plunge pool, our villa had several lovely touches that made us feel at home, such as bookshelves filled with reading materials, complimentary flip flops, an umbrella, a straw beach bag, a yoga mat and a sit-down vanity. I giggled at the nightlight in the toilet seat (convenient for middle-of-the-night visits) and reveled in the deep soaking tub, indoor marble shower and outdoor rain shower in its own garden area. (Yes, I made use of all three.)
A One Bedroom Garden Pool Villa at Kimpton Kitalay Samui
Credit: 2023 IHG Hotels & ResortsWhile this room configuration offered us more than enough space and privacy, clients can upgrade to an even larger oceanfront villa, where a patio and private pool face the sea. Groups and families might appreciate the expansive two-bedroom Villa Kitalay, also oceanfront. Otherwise, there are 117 bright rooms and suites with terraces featuring daybeds for comfortable, alfresco lounging. Some ground-level room patios lead directly to a pool for convenient cooling-off access.
An Elaborate Breakfast Is Included in Every Room Rate
By far, what impressed me the most at Kimpton Kitalay Samui — aside from the gracious, friendly staff — was the plentiful included breakfast. As if an a la carte menu featuring fruity smoothies and filling dishes such as crab benedict and brioche French toast wasn’t enough, we thoroughly enjoyed one of the most varied hotel buffets I’ve ever seen.
With its made-to-order noodle cart, omelet station, salad bar and multiple counters of hot dishes, cereal, bread, fruit and desserts — not to mention a refrigerator filled with cold cuts, cheese, yogurt and muesli — we made this late-morning meal our brunch. We didn’t need to eat again until the resort’s daily complimentary social hour, a Kimpton signature perk, when Thai snacks, wine, cocktails, mocktails and fruity water were served.
The property features an expansive complimentary breakfast.
Credit: 2023 Kara WilliamsIndeed, your clients won’t go hungry at Kimpton Kitalay Samui. Both BoHo Thai Lifestyle Cafe, with casual indoor and outdoor dining, as well as oceanfront FishHouse Restaurant & Bar are open for lunch and dinner, while guests can order snacks and small plates from Shades Ocean Lounge & Bar, served poolside or on the beach. HOM Baking Company is a combo deli, cafe and bakery for mid-day snacks and coffee drinks.
My husband and I enjoyed cocktails and light bites one night at the swanky, yet cozy Lanai Bar & Lounge, s with its centerpiece dark-wood bar, wicker furniture, dim lighting and black-and-white geometric designs on the walls.
The Junio Kids’ Club is for children ages 4 to 12.
Credit: 2023 IHG Hotels & ResortsThough not traveling with kids or pets, I couldn’t help but note just how welcoming Kimpton Kitalay Samui is to families and four-legged friends. Junio is the resort’s staffed kids’ club for children ages 4 to 12. The 5,300 square-foot space with a nautical theme hosts a variety of planned activities each day, such as kids’ yoga, balloon art and rock painting, and it features a two-story twisty slide, reading nooks, play tents and pint-sized stations for puzzles and board games. (The kids’ club is free to guests, though some activities may incur a small fee.)
The resort’s small outdoor playground has seesaws and swings, and there’s even a water-spray area with two mini waterslides set away from the main pool.
A Retreat for Pets
On the other hand, on full display steps away from the showpiece swimming pool is Paws Park, a fenced grassy area for dogs to play and meet other furry pals. Waste bags, water bowls and towels for cleaning wet and sandy animals are all on hand, and there’s even a cozy doghouse where they can seek shelter: “Emma’s Castle,” named after the resort general manager’s Labrador retriever.
Dogs, cats and other pets can stay in guestrooms without any additional fee. I spotted water bowls at the resort’s social hour and small leashed dogs throughout the property during our stay.
The Full-Service, On-Site Spa
Other impressive hotel amenities include the full-service spa, Pimaanda by HARNN; a gym filled with cardio and strength-training equipment (which was totally empty the morning I worked out); daily complimentary activities that include yoga, meditation and floating flower art; and free use of fat-tire bikes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Fun foosball, ping-pong and billiards tables are set in shallow areas of the family-friendly main pool, so guests can stay cool — taking dips as needed — while playing games in the tropical humidity.
The Kimpton Kitalay Samui makes it easy to keep active on vacation — or do nothing at all. My husband and I were largely in the latter camp, as our short time on the property was spent mostly answering the question, “Do we lounge at our villa pool, by the main pool or in a beanbag on the beach?”
That said, I did make good use of the lengthy, centerpiece pool to swim laps a couple of times, and we strolled along crescent-shaped Choeng Mon Beach one evening to catch fire dancers twirling flames in front of a beach club.
Where in Koh Samui Is Kimpton Kitalay Samui Located?
Notably, this Kimpton resort is located on the far north end of the beach, so it’s set apart and more secluded than other beachfront hotels. It’s also tucked down a quiet road from the town’s main drag, adding to its privacy. Still, if your clients want to head into the village to check out restaurants or shops, it’s less than a 10-minute walk.
Additionally, the beauty of vacationing on Choeng Mon Beach is that Koh Samui’s airport is less than 5 miles away — on arrival, clients will be minutes from paradise.
