Laid-back luxury, with family-friendly frills
There’s a new beachfront getaway vying for a spot on your travel wish list: Kimpton Kitalay Samui, which opened along Choeng Mon Beach on Koh Samui, Thailand, earlier this month.
The backstory San Franciscobased Kimpton is in the business of boutique hotels and laid-back luxury, and this is their second property in Thailand. The resort takes its name from two Thai words: “kita” (which translates to “song” or “singing”) and “lay” (meaning “sea”). Put the two together, and you find Kimpton Kitalay Samui’s main inspiration: the sea and the seafaring Chao Lay people who call Thailand home.
The space Check into one of the 138 spacious rooms, suites and villas (from $330), ranging in size from 624 to 6,760 square feet. Designed by local firm P49 Deesign, the beachy rooms feel like a contemporary take on rustic, and feature floor-to-ceiling windows, large soaker tubs, and private terraces with daybeds perfect for napping or reading. Select rooms even offer direct pool access, while villas have their own private pool.
The dining There are five on-site eateries catering to cravings. Stop by the relaxed FishHouse for lobster rolls, fish tacos or ceviche by the water, or grab bubble tea and straight-from-the-oven baked goods at Hom Baking Company. Part lobby bar and part library, Lanai serves up Thai single-origin coffee and locally made spirits, or you can enjoy a poolside cocktail at Shades Ocean Lounge and Bar. For Thai flavours, like a vanilla and coconut porridge or shrimp-paste fried rice with a shredded omelette and sticky pork belly, try the cafestyle Boho for breakfast.
The extra amenities When you’ve had enough R&R on the beach, head indoors for pampering at the spa, Pimãanda by Harrn. The treatment menu includes a more than three-hour-long, Thai fairytale-inspired service with a bubble milk bath, pearl body scrub and a trio of massages. If you’re travelling with little ones, you’ll be pleased to find Junio, the dedicated 5,382-squarefoot kids’ club, where they can have fun tie-dying, gardening or doing other activities. A 24-hour gym and an outdoor pool round out the amenities.
The nearby sights Join the daily guided walks along Choeng Mon Beach and visit the local vendors selling street snacks and souvenirs, or hop on one of the complimentary fat-tire bikes to roam around the island. Every night at sunset, Kimpton invites guests to a fireside toast, s’mores and a performance of Nang Talung, a traditional style of shadow puppet theatre. If you’re venturing off-resort, Wat Phra Yai — a famous temple with a 39-foot, goldpainted Buddha statue — is a short drive away.