http://www.luxurytravelpublisher.com/destinations/thailand/kohsamui/conrad-koh-samui
CONRAD KOH SAMUI is a 5 star luxury hillside retreat, situated on the South Western tip of tropical Koh Samui. As part of the Hilton Group, you can be assured of consistent good service, and a high standard property.
If I had to sum up the resort in a 1 word conclusion, it would be “Wow”. That “Wow” would be the wow factor…the view. It’s sensationally incredible. It’s a mesmerising appeal to one’s optical senses which is a bestowment of nature’s finest gift, delivered to all guests at Conrad Koh Samui.
Throughout the Conrad Koh Samui, including the lobby, villa’s, restaurants, bar, gym, swimming pool and library you can be seduced by the stunning visual delights of the Gulf of Thailand.
The Rooms:
At Conrad Koh Samui – there are no rooms. They are all villa’s. Private villa’s with private swimming pool’s all with a fascinating view of the ocean.
With a large separate bathroom, including a large rain shower, separate enclosed WC, and his & her’s vanity and sinks, you’ll also spot the large round bathtub with views facing out to your private pool and the ocean.
The large sliding doors allow access directly to your pool from the bathroom.
The bedroom its self is very well appointed, with an iconic slat wood – inverted celing and independent touch control lighting – you can set the tone and the mood at the touch of a button.
Open the curtains, and the room is filled with light. A light and airy bedroom and bathroom thanks to it’s large sliding doors.
The bedroom also features a large flat screen swivel TV, Apple TV, a Bose sound system, an iPad, and a set of wireless headphones as well as a work station and separate sofa!
Open the large sliding doors, and you’ll see the panoramic views of the gulf, as well as a large day bed, table and chairs, and 2 sun loungers with umbrella for sun protection., and most importantly, you private 10m swimming pool! Another thing to note, is that all rooms are situated with extraordinary views of sunset – make sure not to miss this!
The Restaurants:
Conrad Koh Samui has 3 restaurants: Jahn, Azure, and Zest.
Zest is open day and night, and is also the place to be for breakfast. Breakfast has a menu for a-la-carte items, and a large selection of international buffet.
Azure is the poolside bar and grill, and is well known for it’s pizza’s. Perfect for sending a day at the pool, and enjoying Conrad Koh Samui’s exquisite cocktails and pizza whilst soaking up the sun!
Jahn, is a more formal dining concept, situated with an incredible view over the gulf. I would suggest an early dinner here so you can enjoy the stunning view whilst dining on international and local cuisine.
During our visit, we embarked on the tasting menu and matching wine tasting menu, in order to get full exposure to Conrad Koh Samui’s gastro abilities and experience a variety of tasks from their recommended dishes.
A highlight from the menu, would certainly be the Wagyu Beef Massaman Curry.
The Wagyu fillet steak is cooked to perfection and delicately placed along with cooked-to-perfection potatoes and mushrooms, and an aromatic and delicious massamam curry sauce.
The tasting menu is highly recommended, and all 4 courses were impressive and satisfying. Another culinary quirk that I very much enjoyed was the Tom Yum Goong. A famous and tradition Thai soup, this was made in a rather unorthodox, yet modern approach. The soup was made in an intricately delicate jelly, and fused with hot water in what appears to be a modern glass tea pot. For those that enjoy a bit of spice, you can turn up the spice by adding the chilli jelly cubes that are placed on a side dish. As they dissolve in your soup, you can experience the development of flavours.
This was an extraordinary approach to Tom Yum that I haven’t yet seen, however it delivered delicious results. A modern twist of western/Thai style that promised a clean and refreshing style soup.
Aside from the food, the team at Jahn, Conrad Koh Samui provide an exemplary service. I would suggest making booking in advance to avoid disappointment.
Activites:
Conrad Koh Samui is a retreat. During your stay here, you will find that it’s not necessary to visit the main town in Chaweng. Nor is it necessary to have to venture out at night in search for restaurants or bars.
Conrad Koh Samui has it well covered, and aside formats restaurants, also has a couple of bars that have great views of the ocean too.
Should you require it however, there is a shuttle bus transfers to and from Chaweng.
During the day,
Aside from the large infinity pool, and of course your own private villas, there are kayaks and snorkelling gear that can be hired for free, for all guests of the hotel. Also, there are 2 stations and 2 hammocks in the ocean which are a great place to spend time at!
Another thing I loved about Conrad Koh Samui is the complimentary day trip excursions they provide on board their luxury motorboat. You can visit local islands, and if you so desire, opt to purchase a lunch to take with you; a choice from 3 dining options such as Thai Picnic Basket, International Picnic Basket or Deluxe Picnic Basket.
The perfect private lunch above a local island – romantic and personal.
There is also a spa centre with a large choice of treatments; but I din’t make use of these facilities during my stay.
Conrad Koh Samui Swimming Pool:
The Service:
Service levels at Conrad Koh Samui was well in standard with other Conrad hotels that I have stayed at.
There are plenty of staff around, and I never needed to ask twice for anything.
Getting around the island is simple; a quick call to the concierge, and they will prepare a buggy to pick you up within minutes.
Nice touches: – I loved the rose petal bath that was prepared upon our return to dinner. The room smelt fantastic, and the bath was very relaxing after a long day in the sun. This went down well with the bottle of chilled champagne served complimentary during the town down service.
The pillow menu is great; with 12 choices of pillow you’re guaranteed a good nights’ sleep!
BY JACK BROWN - MY THAI CULTURAL AMBASSADOR :)
