Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort

A long, narrow pathway sheltered by a bamboo canopy leads to the entrance of the Outrigger Koh Samui, establishing a natural and romantic atmosphere that continues throughout the resort. The open-air lobby combines a dark-wood pitched roof and low-lying wood furnishings accented with neutral pillows and a gray stone floor. It's a simple and minimalist look, brightened up only with a fringe of tropical plants and a peach-striped canvas behind the front desk. A mix of small buildings with thatched- or clay-tile roofs encircle a central lagoon-style infinite pool that appears to drop off into the bay just beyond. There is plenty of space for quiet outdoor lounging around the pool and leading down to the water, though with private plunge pools for every suite and villa, no place on the grounds becomes overly crowded. Guests are mostly couples, including many honeymooners, and the vibe around the tiki-style swim-up and poolside bars is friendly and welcoming. 

The Outrigger Koh Samui is situated on the northeast peninsula of Koh Samui island, with grounds extending down to a peaceful strip of rocky sand on Hanuman Bay. The immediate area feels removed and quiet, with little in walking distance except for a few restaurants and a 7-Eleven. Chaweng, the lively party and tourist area with a popular beach, is about 10 to 15 minutes away by car, and the hotel provides free shuttle service there. It's about a 20-minute walk to Choeng Mon and its weekly fisherman's night market, and the hotel also provides shuttle service there for a reasonable fee. Over on the opposite side of the peninsula is the Big Buddha Statue, a 10-minute drive away, with Big Buddha Beach and restaurants and shops nearby. It's a 20-minute drive to Bophut Beach, a popular place for diving, though with less development and tourism than Chaweng. The Wat Khunaram Koh Samui temple, known for its mummified monk, is about 45 minutes away by car. Koh Samui Airport is less than a 10-minute drive from the resort, and the closest ferry terminal, Bangrak Pier, is a 10-minute drive away. 

The property offers both suites and villas with views of the pool and gardens or the ocean. All options are spacious, starting off at more than 800 square feet, and decor is consistently earthy and neutral throughout. White walls and beige polished-stone floors are a quiet backdrop for carved wooden furniture that includes four-poster beds. Light-blue and gray throw pillows, yellow floral-print canvases, and antique-effect metal lamps are stylish accents. Some suites extend to wraparound terraces while all have furnished sundecks with private plunge pools. Villas each have 1,076 square feet of space that extends to a spacious patio and private 26-foot pool. Villas also add stand-alone stone bathtubs and minibars stocked with Champagne.Standard amenities include coffee/tea facilities, flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are elegant with dark wood and neutral stone, separate water closets, and big walk-in showers. Bathrobes, slippers, and toiletries are provided. 

The lagoon-style infinity pool is a highlight of the resort, surrounded by lawn space and stone sundecks, and extending to a seafront terrace. The swim-up bar has a thatched roof and there's also a poolside tiki-style bar. Just beyond the pool is the rocky strip of sand with a row of loungers and umbrellas. A couple of kayaks, paddleboards, and water shoes are available for guests. The resort has three different restaurants, including The Edgewater, a fine-dining spot with a terrace as well as tables next to the sand. It serves international cuisine for all meals, including buffet-style and a la carte breakfast for a fee. There's also Ochos Steakhouse, a sleek eatery with white decor and a long bar, plus a terrace overlooking a small pond. Out on the beach, Blue Fire Bar & Grill serves Thai cuisine for dinner, and The Wet Bar serves happy hour drinks. An open-air library room with seating, stocked bookshelves, and a pool table is available for those who want to get out of the sun. And there's a spa with indoor treatment rooms for massages, plus a hot tub and yoga terrace, and beachfront treatment tent.