Residence villas with pool
Cover A view of the luxurious Residence Villas at the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, where season three of ‘The White Lotus’ is currently filming

Season three of the celebrated HBO series ‘The White Lotus’ is currently filming at the suitably luxurious Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. If you’re craving an indulgent holiday just like the show’s iconic characters, here’s what a stay at this dreamy and idyllic Thailand resort looks like

One thing’s for sure when watching any season of The White Lotus on HBO—it’s going to make you want to pack your bags and book your stay at a secluded luxury resort. While season one of the series was set in Maui and season two took us to Sicily, season three is currently filming in dreamy Thailand, more specifically at the suitably luxurious Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, located at the north-western tip of Laem Yai Bay on Koh Samui, Thailand’s third largest island.

Designed by Bill Bensley of Bensley Design Studios, the Koh Samui resort is nestled in the island’s lush, peaceful landscape, surrounded by tropical gardens and coconut palms, with marvellous views of the Gulf of Thailand.

Read more: Hotel review: Live your ‘White Lotus’ fantasy at Anantara Koh Yao Yai

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Serenity Pool Villa
Above Serenity Pool Villa

Built, in the designer’s words, “without felling a single coconut tree”, a philosophy of minimal intervention runs through this very special oasis, the precious site handled with care. Avoiding deforestation during construction didn’t just allow the resort to retain the inherent beauty of its surroundings, but it also ensured the sustainability of the landscape in the long run, keeping the soil healthy and preventing landslides.

The resort’s spacious villas were built around the existing nature. As the designer shares: “Some trees pop up through the restaurant, villa decks and even the interiors—to the enchantment of guests.” The residences are complemented by upscale dining options, as well as yacht trips, diving excursions driven by conservation efforts, and indulgent spa treatments at the beach or in the midst of the jungle.

Accommodation in dreamy luxury villas

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Photo 1 of 4 A view of the bedroom inside the Serenity pool villa, designed in an island-inspired style
Photo 2 of 4 The Island Ocean pool villa
Photo 3 of 4 The Premier Ocean-View pool villa
Photo 4 of 4 The Panoramic Ocean-View pool villa

One of the most important factors when it comes to choosing your perfect holiday getaway is without a doubt the quality of accommodation, and the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui is certainly not lacking in this area. The resort has a wide range of villas available for all kinds of travellers, whether you’re an adventurous solo traveller, a couple on a romantic escape, or a family looking for bonding time away from everyday life.

The most common villa style is the Serenity pool villa, with 22 units available altogether. These villas are situated along the tropical hillside, with 645 square feet of indoor space and 463 square feet of hardwood deck, a comfortable size for a solo traveller or a minimalist couple. Extra room can be had in the Island Ocean pool villas, the Premier Ocean-View pool villas, or the Panoramic Ocean-View pool villas, each offering a 1,108-square-foot interior, a private infinity pool, and wonderful views of their respective surroundings.

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Photo 1 of 2 The Oceanfront pool villa
Photo 2 of 2 The Family pool villa

For slightly larger accommodation, the Oceanfront pool villa has 1,097 square feet of space and comes with easy access to the beach. Families with young children can consider one of the resort’s seven Family pool villas, which come with 1,273 square feet of indoor space and are designed to foster family time while ensuring privacy, with a separate sleeping area for the children.

If sleeping amidst the tropical gardens sounds like a dream come true, book your stay at one of only two Beach villas with a pool, designed with spacious 1,345-square-foot interiors, a private, free-form infinity pool, an outdoor shower, and direct access to the resort’s private beach.

No matter which villa you opt for, expect the resort’s signature island-inspired interior style, infused with local accents and handcrafted fittings, such as a custom bathtub, an ornamental canopy, and handmade decorative objects to warm up your temporary home.

Private retreats and residences

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Photo 1 of 3 The three-bedroom Family Residence
Photo 2 of 3 One of the resort’s residences dedicated to private retreats
Photo 3 of 3 One of the Residence Villas with pool

Dotted around the lush hillside is the resort’s collection of Private Retreats, also known as the Residence Villas. They are a great choice for families looking for extra space and privacy, as well as for larger groups on a luxury excursion. These residences range from generous one-bedroom villas at 7,102 square feet to unparalleled five-bedroom villas with expansive 16,172 square feet of indoor and outdoor space.

Elegant sliding glass doors separate each villa’s air-conditioned living and dining areas from the outdoor terrace, making gatherings with loved ones convenient and comfortable. The indoor dining room can accommodate up to ten guests, and is serviced by an adjacent, fully-equipped kitchen; make use of it to whip up your favourite dishes for your loved ones, or have a Four Seasons private chef prepare a meal to your wishes. A separate powder room is located near the entrance foyer for your guests’ convenience as well.

Read more: Home tour: An opulent holiday home in Phuket, Thailand with views of the Andaman Sea

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Idyllic location
Above The resort’s idyllic location

Outside, an expansive deck welcomes guests to luxuriate on chaise lounges and daybeds around the main pool, where they can make use of a private bar. When it’s time for a meal, change things up and invite your loved ones for a meal overlooking the ocean and the island of Pha Ngan at the separate dining pavilion, furnished with a Japanese-style sunken dining table.

These exclusive residences also come with a few special perks, including a dedicated butler service. Some of the villas even come with an entertainment room, a family room with a pool table, a small office, and a private gym.

Each of the villas exudes tropical charm, with interiors crafted from teak and rosewood, enhanced by a range of custom artwork and sumptuous accessories in Thai silk.

Upscale resort dining, private chefs and yacht lunches

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Photo 1 of 3 The Koh Thai Kitchen and Bar
Photo 2 of 3 Book a private tasting at the Rum Vault
Photo 3 of 3 Engage in lively gatherings rich with entertainment

If accommodation is the deciding factor when choosing your next destination, the dining options are a close second in order of importance. At the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, you’ll get to indulge in the best of Southern Thai cuisine and premium seafood and meat cuts, as well as special pop-up dinners at the beach and private dining experiences in the comfort of your villa and around the resort. An entire vault dedicated to rum tastings, and a range of handcrafted cocktails using local ingredients are the cherry on top for spirit aficionados.

The key dining destination at the Koh Samui resort is the Koh Thai Kitchen and Bar, where you’ll encounter a mouthwatering menu of authentic Southern Thai dishes, balancing long-time island favourites with less-familiar recipes and surprising flavours. If you’re headed here for a drink, sink into the plush sofa and take in the fresh breeze while you choose from the curated wine list, the ambience is unlike anywhere else on the island.

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Photo 1 of 7 A taste of in-villa dining at the resort
Photo 2 of 7 Luxurious poolside dining for guests
Photo 3 of 7 Book yourself a private sala dining experience
Photo 4 of 7 An evening spent at a private chef’s table
Photo 5 of 7 Private Infinity dining at CoCoRum
Photo 6 of 7 The ultimate romantic meal: The resort’s Once in a Blue Moon private dinner
Photo 7 of 7 A picnic for two is perfect for couples on a holiday

The freshest seafood and premium meat cuts can be found at Pla Pla, the resort’s beachside grill, where you can choose between dining on the open-air deck or directly on the pristine white-sand beach. Exclusive weekly dining events take place here as well—a perfect location with its tactile sandstone walls and floors, designed in an appealing contrast with the nautical blue and silver décor.

On the edge of a 50-metre infinity pool on the resort’s private beach, you’ll encounter CoCoRum, a one-of-a-kind spot to visit for decadent rum cocktails, artisanal spirits, and the freshest local ingredients. Rum enthusiasts should also drop by the Rum Vault, the first of its kind in Asia, with a collection of over 100 rums, and exclusive signature tastings for guests.

For other unique dining experiences around the resort, visit the Beach House for an oceanside pop-up dinner, book a private meal at the hillside sala, schedule a romantic beach picnic for two, or get a private chef to cook up your favourite dishes in your very own villa, any hour of the day.

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Diving excursions, Muay Thai, private movie nights and more

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Photo 1 of 7 The perfect surroundings for meditation and yoga
Photo 2 of 7 Experience a private Muay Thai class
Photo 3 of 7 Make the most of the oceanside setting with stand-up paddleboarding
Photo 4 of 7 Indulge in a yummy lunch on your private yacht excursion
Photo 5 of 7 Try a cocktail-making class
Photo 6 of 7 Peaceful painting at the beach
Photo 7 of 7 Keep fit with an idyllic outdoor run

Recreational activities and plenty of entertainment are key to an unforgettable holiday. From diving excursions and Muay Thai classes to conservation talks, private cinema nights, cocktail-making classes, and painting at the beach, there’s quite a bit to explore at the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui.

Some of the indispensable wellness amenities at the resort include two tennis courts, a free-standing yoga pavilion, and a Muay Thai ring with views of the Gulf of Thailand, all three offering private coaching on request. Or you could make the most of the oceanside setting and try your hand at water sports, such as stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, or beach volleyball. An air-conditioned fitness centre—known as the Health Club—is open 24 hours a day at the resort.

Beyond fitness, you’ll get to enjoy yacht excursions with a yummy on-board meal, educational coral talks by an in-house marine biologist, a private cinema setup, and visits to the Bensley Outsider Gallery, exhibiting art by renowned artist—and the resort’s designer—Bill Bensley. The proceeds from every artwork sold contribute to the Shinta Mani Foundation, which supports conservation efforts.

Further afield, head off on a hike through the jungle and nearby waterfalls, go on a peaceful outdoor run, or explore the landscape on a mountain bike. A mere 45-minute speedboat ride away, you can also pay a visit to the Ang Thong National Marine Park, a protected reserve with coral reefs and more than 40 uninhabited islands perfect for diving and snorkelling.

Indulgent spa treatments

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Photo 1 of 3 Beachside pampering with a rejuvenating massage
Photo 2 of 3 The Secret Garden Spa at the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
Photo 3 of 3 The resort’s Kala Coconut massage

What’s a luxury getaway without a soothing massage or a refreshing spa treatment? The resort’s worst-kept secret is perhaps the Secret Garden Spa, located amid tropical greenery, where a spa treatment truly feels like an escape from the outside world. In its tranquil setting, enjoy the traditional techniques and principles of Thai massage embedded in the spa’s restorative menu.

The medicinal plants used by the skilled therapists are grown and harvested right at the Koh Samui resort, materialising into a range of healing programmes and luxurious treatments for renewed well-being. If a pleasant ocean breeze and the sound of lapping waves relax you more than the enveloping greenery of the Thai jungle, book a massage in the private alfresco sala directly on the beach instead.

You can also indulge in an outdoor bath and make use of a separate beauty salon offering hair services, manicures, and more.

Credits

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Courtesy of Four Seasons

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