Le Meridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa

Le Meridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa is an intimate luxury resort with gorgeous Asian style throughout. The streamlined design incorporates lots of wood, and the lush grounds with green lawns and palm trees contribute to the feeling of privacy. The resort was clearly designed with romance in mind, and the vibe is quiet and sophisticated throughout. The chic ocean-view infinity pool, quiet (but narrow) beach, decadent rooms (some with private plunge pools), and overwater pier where candlelit four-course dinners are served all help make Le Meridien popular with couples and honeymooners. 

The lobby is part of a square building that surrounds a square reflecting pool in an open courtyard, which is where a lantern ceremony takes place each evening (guests make a wish and release a lantern into the sky). The lobby has vaulted wood ceilings and sit-down reception desks (no standing in line), and another section of the building houses Latitude 9, with cushioned sofas, leather chairs, overhead fans, and red lamps set up underneath the awnings where guests can cool off and relax. 

There’s plenty to do when you’ve had too much sun. Some guests prefer to pass the hot afternoon inside the quiet library, complete with a stack of books, dark wood floors, and long reading tables with matching wood chairs. There are several poolside dining and drink options, including Plunge Bar (not a swim-up bar, despite the name) and Latest Recipe, which has (dry) booths set into water by the pool. 

Le Meridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa advertises itself as being on Lamai Beach on the east coast of Koh Samui, but it's technically just to the north of this beach. Lamai Beach is the second most popular beach on Koh Samui, and it's possible to walk to the main stretch of sand within 20 minutes or so. The resort also offers free, one-way shuttles to Lamai Beach, and to Chaweng Beach, which is even more popular. 

Koh Samui is the third-largest island in Thailand. Unlike better-known Phuket, it's in the Gulf of Thailand, which is more protected and has a different rainy season than destinations on the west coast of the island (making it especially popular in August, when Phuket can experience monsoons). From Samui Airport, it’s a 15- to 20-minute drive to the resort. The Lamai Temple and the Big Buddha Temple are both nearby attractions.

All of the rooms here are either suites (starting at 45 square meters, or 484 square feet) or villas. All have beautiful Thai and Chinese decor, with lots of teak and private outdoor spaces. Some have private plunge pools, second-story verandas with great ocean views, or direct pool access (to a pool exclusive for Pool Access Suite guests). Each of the freestanding Ocean Front Pool Villas has an open-air sala, sitting room, two-person sun lounge chairs, and a private infinity pool facing the ocean. Amenities for all rooms include air-conditioning, sumptuous bedding (300-thread-count cotton sheets), terraces, minibars, iPod docks, and bathrooms with separate tubs and rainforest showers.Some guests have complained of mosquitos, especially in rooms with private plunge pools (which are unheated), but repellant is provided.

High ceilings help make rooms feel even larger. Those looking for more privacy should consider one of the freestanding villas, which are surrounded by foliage. The Pavilion Pool Villa has a fully enclosed private courtyard and a private saltwater lap pool. Outdoor showers are simple but spacious, and white robes and slippers are provided. Art varies depending on the particular villa, with some showcasing colorful gold paintings on the white walls while others feature one or more framed pictures.  

The upscale spa is lovely but pricey. Rooted in holistic methodology, spa treatments are customizable and range from Thai Medicine Therapy to Chakra rituals and coffee scrubs. Those in search of a simple Thai massage can find one in one of the public spa huts on Lamai Beach for much cheaper.

One of the most impressive aspects of the resort is the pier that floats over the Gulf of Thailand. Not only can guests snorkel off of it (snorkel gear and kayaks are available at the water sports desk), they can enjoy cocktails, appetizers, and even a candle-lit four-course dinner on it -- an incredibly romantic experience, especially at sunset. For guests who prefer catered meals, there is a private chef available and 24-hour room service. Tapas are available in a lounge near the lobby, and the main two-story restaurant, Latest Recipe, serves both Thai and Western food; special booths set into a pool of water are available.

Guests can often be found lounging by the square infinity pool, which faces the ocean and is surrounded by palm trees, cushioned lounge chairs, and umbrellas. Floor tiling gives the pool a more upscale feel. Towels are provided. From the pool, there are stairs leading directly down to the beach. At high tide, this stretch can get quite narrow, but it's quiet and calm. Parents hoping to have a romantic night away from the kids can utilize the hotel's babysitting service. 

Those looking to exercise can take advantage of the modern gym as well as the free group fitness classes, such as yoga and Thai boxing (private classes are for a fee). There are also interactive experiences available like fish feeding and bracelet making available (for a fee).