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When Four Seasons opened its first property in Thailand, it was one of a kind. Set amidst the rice fields of Chiang Mai, there was nothing quite like it anywhere in the world. Since then the company has added a bustling city hotel in Bangkok to its portfolio and opened a Tented Camp in Thailand’s exotic jungles where Thailand meets Laos and Burma – The Golden Triangle. Now Four Seasons is heading to the beach with a hillside retreat in Koh Samui at Laem Yai peninsula. With properties in the city, countryside, jungle and now, the beach, Four Seasons offers a Thai getaway rich in experiences, Thai custom and topography.
The approach to Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui is nothing short of dramatic. The driveway leads up a very steep hill to a set of heavy wooden doors, flanked on either side by six metre high walls. With the sound of a ceremonial Thai gong, the doors open to reveal the turquoise waters surrounding the peninsula, the fine white sand of the Resort’s private beach below and the neighbouring islands in the distance – all from 350 feet above sea level. Also perched above the sea are the lobby and the main restaurant with equally breathtaking views to the north and to the west, a relaxing place to watch the sun set.
Each of the 58 villas feels more like a private home than a guest room. In addition to being spacious, the villas are very secluded as each is accessed via its own set of wooden gates. The focal point of the outdoor space is the oversized infinity swimming pool, large enough to swim in or to simply cool off. The surrounding hardwood deck constitutes the villa’s living and dining rooms. Here a curtained daybed covered with a bamboo thatched dome is the perfect place for a fan-cooled afternoon siesta; Chaise longues beckon those intent on achieving an island tan; a marble dining table allows for a peaceful, poolside meal. Many villas connect via the pool deck to facilitate families and friends travelling together. All villas have wireless Internet access for those who wish to stay in touch with the world at large electronically.
Adjacent to the pool deck is the entrance to the air-conditioned bedroom and bathroom, with views of Laem Yai Bay and the Gulf of Siam, the surrounding islands or beautifully landscaped gardens. High thatched roof ceilings; local artwork hung above furniture of rich, tropical rosewood and accents in Andaman blue (a vivid turquoise) and sea foam green create a warm and distinctly Thai atmosphere. The bathrooms are divided into a dressing area with double vanities leading into the bathing area with a custom made terrazzo shell-shaped bathtub and separate glass shower. Sliding glass doors open to the sundeck for an open-air bathing experience with a view.
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