W Koh Samui

The W Koh Samui brings a new dimension of modern design to the northern coast of the increasingly popular Samui island.

An exciting combination of the futuristic, the organic and the idyllic, all working to create a unique brand of tropical elegance creates a hotel filled with almost youthful enthusiasm.

Under the W Name

Such quasi-urban aesthetics is a hallmark of the W brand and the implementation of it in the Samui property was given to the award-winning designer Carla Almeida from the P49 studio. With the Samui project, Almeida raised the competitive bar for Thai resorts in terms of style, space, and modernity.

Clean lines and elegant shades of stone dominate the glass-walled villas, underscored by reflections from the private pools—warmed by earth tones of wooden objects.

The interiors are striking: boldly juxtaposed colors give them a feel of extravagant and creative modernity, but the softness of Egyptian cotton and goose-down-stuffed bedding adds a much-needed sooth.

The villas are huge, packed with electronics and equipped to the top specs. The villa-length-long private pool is tiled with a luxury mosaic and is connected with the spectacular exterior bathroom. Here the central stage takes an impressive circular bathtub.

Things to do

The hotel makes sure there is no shortage of places and ideas to make your stay a busy one.

There is a fitness center, spa and a library, and several bars and restaurants, including the Tonic Bar, with a healthy “spa” menu, or Namu, which offers Japanese cuisine. The eclectic Lounge is perfect for a sundowner.

Right next to The Lounge is the stunning WOOBAR. From here, the view of the Gulf of Thailand and the surrounding hills is magnificent. “W Happenings” are organized here—events reflecting the passion of the brand W Hotels to music, design, fashion, and film.

The Retreat was able to secure one more thing that is most sought after on Samui: almost a kilometer-wide, private beach.

in our opinion

The W Koh Samui has an exciting blend of energy and minimalism, technology and elegance.

Villa Ocean View Retreat has perhaps the best view of the beach and the sea, but the Ocean Front Haven villas (No. 172 and 173) are the best to enjoy the sunset over the bay.

*This review contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you.

What we love

• Bold design and architecture;
• Villas are highly luxurious, spacious, modern and all have a large swimming pool;
• The hotel bar is the only place on the island where you can watch both sunrise and sunset;
• Arranged around the hotel, there is a number of so-called Sweet Spots, where you can also help yourself to free ice cream or drinks.

What you should know

• The hotel is a little too big and there is quite a walk from some of the villas to the main restaurant, pool, spa or reception. In practice it is difficult to go anywhere without calling a buggy;
• Some villas are more private than others;
• The number of switches, buttons, and gadgets in the villas can actually be overwhelming;
• The hotel is not for the travelers looking for an authentic Thai experience;
• Koh Samui Airport is conveniently located less than 15 minutes from the W Retreat Koh Samui.