Kimpton Kitalay Samui
Why stay at Kimpton Kitalay Samui?
You stay at Kimpton Kitalay Samui for its perfect marriage of boutique hotel charm and full-scale resort luxury. It brilliantly captures the creative, locally-infused spirit that Kimpton is famous for, all while sprawling across the beautiful, family-friendly Choeng Mon Beach. The entire resort is conceived as a ram-wong (village), with low-rise buildings and villas connected by meandering garden paths that all lead down to the sea. This design philosophy creates a wonderful sense of discovery; every turn reveals a new pool, a hidden courtyard, or a quirky art installation inspired by the sea.
Hospitality is polished but never stuffy, with unscripted service that feels genuinely personal. Add to that the famous daily Social Hour with complimentary drinks, a pet-friendly policy that welcomes furry friends with open arms and a tangible connection to local culture, and you have a property that feels less like a hotel and more like a community. It's a standout choice and one of the best hotels in Koh Samui for travellers who appreciate personality and style as much as sun and sand.
What are the rooms like at Kimpton Kitalay Samui?
The 138 rooms, suites, and villas are residential, refined and deeply relaxing, but for the ultimate private escape, the villas are the star attraction. I stayed in a one-bedroom oceanfront pool villa, and it was a masterclass in indoor-outdoor living. The generous living space flowed seamlessly out to a private patio and my own personal pool, creating a secluded sanctuary where the outside world melted away. The design is a soothing palette of ocean blues and sandy beiges, with beautiful Thai accents like handcrafted rattan details. The showstopper, however, was the bathroom. It featured an enormous, custom-made bathtub, big enough for two, set against shimmering tiles that mimicked the ocean floor. It was my own private spa, and it was heavenly.
Of course, the resort also offers a fantastic range of suites and rooms, all with large private balconies and that same thoughtful design. But what I appreciated most, regardless of room type, was the attention to detail: the plant-based Aesop amenities and the custom clothing created by Thai designer, PARISSARA, and sourced from local Thai artisan communities. It's this level of consideration that makes the resort feel like a true home away from home, and the villa experience is its most luxurious expression.
What are the best restaurants and bars at Kimpton Kitalay Samui?
With five distinct venues, the culinary heart of the resort is FishHouse, a MICHELIN-selected, elevated beach house restaurant. It's a stunning, breezy space serving classic seafood fired on a charcoal grill alongside incredible seafood bao buns. The vibe is laidback, especially in the evening when tiki torches are lit and the sound of the waves provides the soundtrack. For a truly special treat, SHIO offers an exceptional taste of the tides, with premium fish like buttery Chu-toro flown in directly from Japan.
For all-day grazing, Boho Thai Lifestyle Cafe is the spot. Set in a beautiful garden house, it serves up creative takes on Thai classics and reimagined Western comfort food from sunrise to sunset. HOM Baking Company, a brilliant integrated bakery and deli, was my go-to for a proper coffee and a freshly baked pastry.
By the afternoon, all roads lead to SHADES, the laid-back ocean lounge and pool bar, for sun-soaked cocktails. The day culminates with the Kimpton Social Hour at LANAI, the resort's chic library lounge. From 5pm-6 pm, guests gather for complimentary cocktails, often featuring spirits from local Thai distilleries. It's a wonderfully convivial tradition that perfectly encapsulates the hotel's social, welcoming spirit.
What is the service like at Kimpton Kitalay Samui?
The service is warm, intuitive, and full of personality. The staff have a knack for making you feel like a regular, even on your first day. They are attentive without being overbearing, and empowered to be themselves, which results in interactions that feel genuine and unscripted.
What is the spa and what other facilities are there at Kimpton Kitalay Samui?
The facilities here are top-notch. The Pimãanda by HARNN spa is a destination in its own right. Inspired by the stories of local sea-farers, this tranquil sanctuary offers treatments that blend ancient Thai techniques with modern wellness, all using HARNN's beautiful, natural products.
The resort has several swimming pools, including a huge, family-friendly main pool, a quieter Olympic-sized pool for laps, and direct access to the soft sands of Choeng Mon Beach. The 24-hour gym is well-equipped for a proper workout. For families, the two-story Juniper Kids' Club is one of the best I've seen, with a huge range of creative and educational activities.
What's the area like around Kimpton Kitalay Samui?
The resort is located on the north-eastern tip of the island, on the pristine and relatively quiet Choeng Mon Beach. It's known for its calm, swimmable waters and soft white sand, making it a favourite for families and couples seeking a more relaxed alternative to Chaweng Beach, which is only a 15-minute drive away. The immediate neighbourhood has a laid-back, village feel, with a handful of charming local restaurants and massage shops within easy walking distance. For a change of scene, the famous Fisherman's Village in Bophut, with its lively night market and great restaurants, is also just a 15-minute drive away, as is the iconic Big Buddha temple. The location offers the perfect balance: a peaceful beachfront setting with easy access to the island's main attractions.
Why should you book a stay at Kimpton Kitalay Samui?
You should book a stay at Kimpton Kitalay Samui if you're looking for a luxury beach resort with soul. It's perfect for design-savvy travellers, foodies, families and pet owners who want more than just a beautiful room. The hotel's unique village concept, outstanding food and genuinely warm service create an experience that feels both special and deeply relaxing. I'd recommend splurging on a room with pool access or even a private pool villa to fully embrace the resort lifestyle. Be sure to make time for the daily Social Hour – it's the best way to meet fellow guests and soak up the hotel's friendly, communal vibe. This is a place that doesn't just give you a holiday – it gives you a story to tell.
Address: 10/79 Moo 5, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
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