Review - The Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui

The Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui

January 9th, 2022

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Review - Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa

Review - The Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui

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Enroute:

Our original plan was to return to the US after 4 nights in Koh Samui, which we spent at the spectacular Renaissance Koh Samui. The beauty of the island compelled us to stay longer, so we extended our trip by three nights. I briefly glanced at my Marriott app and decided on the Ritz. The rate for our stay was around $400/night for a garden view villa, which I was confident we’d get upgraded to an ocean view villa based on how empty the resort was. All rates at the Ritz included breakfast, which was a nice touch since Marriott elite statuses don’t give you free breakfast at Ritz properties.

If the Renaissance was charming and traditional, the Ritz was nothing but fabulous. The resort was built on such elevation that the view of the Gulf of Thailand in your private pool was surreal. Y’all know we’ve been to quite a few Ritz properties here on this blog, and I don’t recall giving high remarks to any of them. Sure, there were some Ritz out there that make up for its mediocre design with hospitable service, but the Ritz Koh Samui, might be my favorite Ritz in the world. I think I’d call it inspirational, even for my unrealistically high standards (sorry, family trait).

One interesting thing to note is that the Renaissance and the Ritz used the same limo company, so the Renaissance was happy to give us a free ride to the Ritz, which was on the opposite end of the island.

Check-in:

The Ritz was in a gated compound, so before we were allowed in the security guard at the gate asked for my name and checked it against his info sheet. While waiting, I commented on how the paint was falling off on the hotel’s sign at the entrance. Two days later we walked to dinner outside the hotel and saw a staff member out there repainting the sign.

Once we were confirmed as guests, we continued on to the lobby, which was quite a climb even in a car. The lobby was one of those that you’d only come for check-in or check-out, but boy was it gorgeous.

Our front desk agent Paew was as kind and friendly as everybody else we had met in Thailand. She quickly checked us in and confirmed our upgrade to an ocean view villa. We were offered water and salt water taffy.

The Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui Check-in Amenity

We were told to come back to the front desk for a sunset during our stay, and I’m so glad we did. This had to be THE most unbelievably dramatic sunset I’ve ever witnessed in my life:

It’s like the hotel had this exact idea when they built this pond that served no other purpose whatsoever:

An impeccable blend of impressionism and Chinese watercolor, it’s one of those moments in life when you’re so taken aback by the whimpering majesty that your entire being went into a state of weightless suspension.

Back on Planet Earth, though, Paew offered to drive us to our room in a golf cart, the only way to get around the resort. I was skeptical at first. To be honest, I was almost convinced we’d have to wait forever each time for somebody to pick us up. But empirically the buggy service was punctual and trustworthy.

Unpack:

Paew dropped us off and wished us a pleasant stay. There wasn’t a traditional foyer in the room as there was a covered area outside with a bench and a shoe box. Immediately inside to the right was the bedroom, which featured sliding doors should you wish to separate the bedroom from the rest of the villa.

The Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui Exclusive Pool Villa Bedroom

Hotels in Koh Samui do love a good towel game.

In between the bedroom and living room was an office desk. Talk about an office with a view:

The Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui Exclusive Pool Villa Living Room

Next was the bathroom. Every room in the villa was facing the ocean, and the design allowed the most natural light to come into every corner. One trivial criticism about the tub, which was aesthetically pleasing but not big enough for two people.

The Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui Exclusive Pool Villa Bathroom

The closet was tucked between the shower and toilet. I particularly loved the bathrobe. The Ritz blue color was beautiful, and the fabric was thin and breathable, perfect for the humid weather.

No doubt the best part of the villa was the outdoor space, which featured a plunge pool, a shaded dining area, beach chairs and an outdoor shower. I want to praise whomever designed the outdoor space, which was well angled and shrubbed, so swimsuits optional. The outdoor shower also had amazing water pressure and responsive hot water knob, so I never showered inside. Taking an outdoor shower while staring into the ocean was one luxury I didn’t know I needed in life.

The Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui Exclusive Pool Villa Outdoor Sundeck

Words will never be adequate to convey the beauty of this villa. It’s not often when you check into a hotel and everything is just perfect. The design of the villa allowed for ocean view from every single room, as the villa runs parallel to the coastline. Overlooking the Gulf of Thailand from your own infinity pool was an impactful experience. I can’t remember how many times I’ve just stared into the distance where the sky and the ocean became one.

The housekeeping here was next level. At turndown they would place fresh robes on the bed.

The Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui Turndown Service

During daily housekeeping they would arrange your toiletries as well as hang up your wet clothes.

The Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui Housekeeping Service

Unwind:

I think frankly we stayed in our pool from sunrise to sundown everyday. I mean, look at this view:

The Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui Exclusive Pool Villa Infinity Pool

I didn’t even mind having to check my emails when I was sitting out on the deck.

The Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui Exclusive Pool Villa Outdoor Dining Area

For those without the privilege of a private pool, you’re still in a great situation. The hotel has a massive infinity pool right by the beach, which was never crowded. The beach itself was stunning and swimmable. There were complimentary sunscreen at the pool as well.

In order for the most villas to feature the incredible ocean view, the villas are all built on stilts on the cliff, which makes for some extremely steep slopes.

After eating Thai food for two weeks, we completely gave up on our gym routine. But there was a gym built inside a glass treehouse which looked really amazing.

Refuel:

On our first night, we had dinner at Pak Tai, the hotel’s Thai restaurant. I couldn’t get any good pictures in the dark but the restaurant itself was magnificent. Each table is in its own pagodas, and these pagodas surround a pool that’s a swimmable aquarium. Like, the hotel put fish and stuff inside the pool for people to snorkel in. I stole a picture from the website to give you an idea:

The Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui Pak Tai Restaurant, courtesy of Marriott.com

The food and service were equally outstanding. To start we were offered an amuse-bouche, which I wasn’t sure what it was…

The Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui Pak Tai Restaurant Dinner

I forgot the exact names of the dishes we ordered, but everything was SO GOOD. They were all spicy, but you’re in Thailand so live a little. We had a duck larb kind of dish, steamed sea bass and a pork stir-fry.

After seeing me sweating as if I was in a sauna, the friendly waitress brought us cold towels and a plate of watermelon to help balance the heat.

For those of you following along on this trip, you know we’ve had amazing breakfasts at all of our hotels so far. But the breakfast at the Ritz was undoubtedly the crown jewel of them all. I’m not exaggerating when I say this might be the best hotel breakfast in the world.

The restaurant serving breakfast is called Shook!, which I thought was funny and appropriate. The restaurant was enormous and beautiful. When you get dropped off by the buggy, you have to walk up the stairs.

The Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui Shook! Restaurant

Then you need to make a right and walk down a long corridor.

Once past the bar, the restaurant was to the left. For the sunken level outside, I was told by GM Maria that back in the heydays, the hotel would set up little trolley carts with food to create a “night market” experience for guests. What a phenomenal concept!

Although it was technically a buffet, everything was served by staff because of Covid. Every morning we would see the GM Maria wiping tables and checking on guests. We chatted about the challenges facing the industry and the country. She was very polished and detailed. One morning she asked me how my mango cheesecake was, because I ordered a mango cheesecake through room service the night before.

Oh and the mango cheesecake, best I’ve ever had.

The Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui Room Service Dessert

Back to breakfast, I’ll let the pictures mostly speak for themselves. The selection was endless, including curry, noodles, eggs, fruits and fresh pastries made in-house daily. The pastries were to die for.

The Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui Shook! Restaurant Breakfast

I literally can’t think of what could be better. I mean sure unlimited Krug and lobster tails would probably beat this but let’s not be too obnoxious lol. The hot options also rotated everyday so you could eat here for a couple weeks and not get tired of the offerings.

Depart:

I’ve iterated this in my previous reviews that Thai people are some of the most genuine and hard-working people out there, and the staff at the Ritz were no exception. While the occupancy during our stay was admittedly low - only 57 of the 175 rooms were taken. I got this precise room count from the conversation with the GM Maria.

I cannot think of a single piece of criticism for the Ritz, which is a rare statement in and of itself. Maria leads an incredible team of people who demonstrate an astounding level of professionalism and care. The property is truly inspirational, and the soft product was simply perfect. The only recommendation would be to book an ocean pool villa, rather than the standard guest rooms. While I’m sure they’re nice, Koh Samui is one of those places whose natural beauty deserves a bit of a premium. Trust me, it’s worth it. Not the same way when I try to convince my partner to buy me a pair of Brunello Cucinelli boat shoes, but truly, honestly, in the name of Britney Spears I swear, it’s worth it.

What an incredible conclusion to our 2-week trip in Thailand. Upon departure, Paew followed our car down the ramp from the reception and waved at us til we vanished from her sight. I’ll likely forget the fruit platter and the towel elephant, but I shall not forget how she bid us farewell, like sending a friend off on a journey with no date for return.

Review - The Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui

The Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui

January 9th, 2022

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