FEEL THE BLISS

GO IN SEARCH OF PARADISE AT KOH SAMUI’S PREMIERE FIVE-STAR RESORT

- ZOE CRIPPS

WHY VISIT?

You only need a quick glance at photos of Anantara five-star Bophut Koh Samui Resort in the Gulf of Thailand to see why it’s the idyllic spot for a dose of luxury and low-key leisure amid lush, verdant nature. It sits on the edge of a palm-fringed beach and is just minutes away on foot from Bophut, once home to a thriving fishing industry but now geared towards holidaymakers.

The tropical playground of Samui is Thailand’s second largest island and renowned for its coconut groves and mountainous dense rainforest. It’s less touristy and much quieter than the neighbouring isle of Koh Phangan and for this reason attracts couples, especially newlyweds, wanting to get away from the crowds – and the notorious full moon parties of Phangan.

RESORT HIGHLIGHTS

The resort offers a mix of accommodation, from more affordable garden view rooms to sea view and family suites. We stayed in a deluxe garden view suite with an incredible stone bath and a four-poster bed. Thankfully, the room had mosquito netting and air-con to keep the heat – and bugs – at bay.