W Koh Samui

Popular with big-budget vacationers, W Koh Samui is a large luxury resort that stretches from its own patch of sandy beach up to the main reception area, with its bright lobby full of white marble and pale-wood fixtures complemented by black pillars and lamp fixtures. Colorful pop art murals on one of the walls and behind the front desk add interest to the space. The entire hotel follows a similarly contemporary aesthetic, with lots of colorful lights to inject energy into common areas at night. The infinity fountain feature in the main W Lounge bar is particularly stunning, with step-in lounge booths that can seat around 10 people. All of the common areas throughout this sleek hotel demonstrate impeccable attention to design. 

W Koh Samui is situated in the Mae Nam area on the central northern coast of Koh Samui. The area is known for its gorgeous beaches but it remains quiet and calm, and most of the hotels in the area are of the upscale variety. There are a few restaurants in the immediate area, but the majority of options are up on the main road, about a 10-minute walk away. The shops and restaurants of Fisherman's Village take about 10 minutes to reach by car, and the Big Buddha statue is a 15-minute drive. Samui Airport is about a 15-minute drive from the hotel. 

All 74 rooms are actually private villas and each has its own private pool measuring 2.5 by 11 meters (8 by 36 feet). Rooms start at 163 square meters (1,754 square feet) and just keep getting bigger from there, clear up to the 2,044-square-meter (21,993-square-foot) Seaview Escape. Decor is modern without being sterile, and rooms are full of light-wood furniture and wall paneling. Tall glass doors lead out to garden/deck areas with shaded tables and chairs, plush sunbeds, lounge chairs, and pools. Most categories have a red-and-gray color scheme with pale-gray accent walls and matching sofas with red and dark-gray throw cushions, and huge red area rugs topped with charcoal-hued beanbags. Some categories, such as the WOW villas, integrate hues of green or purple into the decor, two-toned olive and hunter rugs, low wicker seating, and bright-green chairs designed to look like huge clumps of grass.

Even the entry-level Jungle Oasis units feature a solid set of amenities, including two flat-screen TVs with DVD players and satellite cable, CD and DVD players, free Wi-Fi, safes, electric kettles, and shiny-red Nespresso coffeemakers. The minibars are particularly standout, with full-size liquor bottles and separate mini-fridges and wine fridges. Higher category villas have full kitchens with four-burner flat-top stoves, ovens, and microwaves. Bathrooms across categories are stunning, with huge glassed-in rainfall showers with mosaic detailing, deep soaking tubs, and solid granite counters with vessel sinks. Some units add outdoor bathtubs. Pets are welcome for a fee and cribs can be arranged at no extra cost. 

Unsurprisingly, the W offers a huge range of luxe amenities. Wellness features include the glorious Away Spa, which offers facials, body wraps, scrubs, and even beauty services, including makeup application. There's also an expansive 24-hour fitness center with all sorts of cardio and weight-training equipment and beautiful views out over the rain forest from floor-to ceiling windows. Regular cardio classes are offered and are free for all guests. There's also a main swimming pool, WET, with a few lounge chairs that's big enough for lap swimming, though guests who want to actually swim may prefer just heading straight to the calm waters off the hotel's sandy beach, where there are lounge chairs and sun beds for guests.

The hotel offers a free buffet breakfast with hot items, pastries, and a grab-and-go option for those wanting to head out early for the day, served at the Kitchen Table, the hotel's all-day restaurant that features international fare and Thai food alike. Guests can stay here for lunch or try out one of the other numerous on-site bars and restaurants, from Namu -- with Japanese food including lots of fresh fish items to the lunch-only Beach Grill, which serves oysters and barbecued meats and seafood by the shore. Bars include Woobar, W Lounge, and SIP Bar, all three of which serve cocktails and light dishes. Another option is 24-hour room service. 

While the W isn't really a business hotel, there is a meeting room that can fit up to 80 guests, though it's more frequently used for weddings. WI-Fi is free throughout the hotel and the concierge can organize laundry, babysitting, and currency exchange. Valet parking is available and free of charge.