In the top Resorts of Thailand – according to Condé Nast Traveler 2024
And we stayed there last April
In het kader van ‘Thanksgiving’ wil ik de komende dagen een paar prachtige resorts in het zonnetje zetten die mij/ons enorm hebben laten genieten.
SANTIBURI RESORT KOH SAMUI
In the Top Resorts of Thailand – according to Condé Nast Traveler and we stayed there last April! And CN only found out this year
Koh Samui. I thought it would be much too ‘touristic’ for us. Too much concrete. We love the remote and small Thai islands, small beaches, snorkeling and discover the regrowth of coral and spot huge sea turtles. For relaxing purposes, after our intense Japan trip, we got recommended to go for Santiburi Resort for five nights.
And what a wonderful Resort Santiburi!! We absolutely loved it. The real authentic and classic Thai atmosphere and being spoilt in every possible way.
Four reasons to choose Santiburi in Koh Samui Thailand
1. THE VILLA
Absolutely loved the villa (#307), so quiet and close to the beach, under the palm trees. And our plunge pool was so good to enjoy some pool time after a warm beach day.
You wake up with the sound of little birds in the morning, close to the beach, lovely. We all say Santiburi is like our home in Thailand. Here and there you can see the hotel was built long ago in the Thai classic style, and they did a great renovation but kept the Thai style.
Regarding the villa, it’s certainly one of the best villa’s we ever stayed in, the space and design is so wide and nice.
2. THE RESTAURANTS (INCL THAI CRAB OMELET)
F&B is top, couldn’t be better. The breakfast is one of the most luxurious I ever had, comparable to my fav ‘The Ritz Carlton-level’. There are fresh Thai fruit juices, hot and cold Thai dishes. I loved the choices of fresh bread and eggs. French bread tasted like in Paris. We had gelato at the pool (not ice cream, no the Italian gelato) and there is a ice cream parlor at the Banyan Tree on the beach side where all kids get an ice cream for free. I think the GM is a gem for inventing this, it brings so much happiness and joy.
I personally enjoyed my poolside lunch a lot, with Thai style crab omelet, thank you chef for this dish. The taco’s Thai style with prawns, fresh vegetables.
Dinner we mostly had on the beach, on the warm sand looking over de sea. We liked the options for light starters or Italian dishes or you could join a Thai buffet. There are enough options to have dinner at choose different meals and all are tasty. Also the pizza’s!
We loved the beach front, wide and free, the warm breeze and the palm trees. It is a top location. The staff at the beach is so friendly, bringing water and towels. They really care for you.
3. THE LEN SPA
We also met the kind Spa manager and mrs Apple. The logo of the Len Spa looked familiar to the Spa in Maldives of Saii Lagoon Resort where we LOVE staying. So I definitely had to have a scrub and massage treatment. Made me feel ten years younger! Apple explained they all belong to the S Hotel group. Funny, because then we realized we already know Saii Lagoon Maldives and Saii Phi Phi Village very well.
4. THE TEAM
Lovely meeting the GM from Italia Mister Giulio. Giulio and his team absolutely spoilt us with delicious canapés on arrival (of which not even one was left!) and a delicious dinner and with all his little presents and ice cream for our daughter. And Lotus got a Santiburi bear, her new friend. What a joy to meet such passionate, positive and ambitious people like them.
I met the nicest F&B Manager in Koh Samui Sheldon, thank you for the wonderful talks and stories you shared. You’re an absolute inspiring, kind and very experienced F&B passionate. How you made me laugh! By the way, Love your shirt!
Well, back in the office and we are still enjoying the good memories of Santiburi Resort. We are ultimately relaxed due to our five night stay here. I can recommend it to anyone, go Santiburi. Couldn’t have been better!!
Recommendations:
– Minimum stay of 4 nights to really enjoy unwinding here
– Go to the beach, the beds are super comfy and the sea breeze is so nice.
– We book the pool villa (#307) or any villa close to the beach for you
P.S. Next trip to my fav S Hotel SAii Lagoon is already booked by the way!
P.S. 2. And please follow SAii Phi Phi Village too, this is also our recommended hotel when in Phi Phi Islands.
P.S. 3. my fav Thai Box teacher in Thailand. Man, do you spice it up. Exhausting and full of power at the same time! Loved it! And glad it didn’t hurt hahaha you asked for it.
