Situated in the South west of the island this is the perfect roost for those who love their sunsets, sunshine and don’t suffer from vertigo! Its the cool contemporary kid on the block with villas cascading down a private hillside – we check it out and discover there is a lot to love.
The Arrival
A large roundabout at reception tells you this is a big resort! The reception has star power, situated at the top of the resort looking out onto nothing but blue sky and waters. Check in is a little ‘cray’ as we sit on sofa’s whilst 30 Chinese tourists check out.
The Villa – 2 Bedroom Residence No. 406
view from the pool
These architects know how to deliver the ‘great reveal’.
This is a 2 story, upstairs/downstairs affair. We enter at buggy level at the top of the house and are greeted by small garden with bucket chairs overlooking the sea. The vibe is different; its modern/contemporary with lots of tech. A sumptuous marble floor lounge, oversize sofas, soft drapes, kitchenette and wooden weaved chandelier. Stairs lead down to ground level to the main event! Both double bedrooms are on either side of the hallway which is great for conversations and outfit decisions. Each has its own glass door access onto an infinity pool stretching the length of the villa.
If you live for skinning dipping, this one is for you. The villa has its own trilogy of infinity pool, ocean and sky with 5 limestone islands, the only page break.
top floor 
look at that bed! 
sunken bath
The main bedroom is Hugh Hefner playboy bunny paradise! Its beautifully, madly extravagant from the fabulous round king-size bed which may have you wondering what side to sleep (when it doesn’t have sides) or where you buy round bedlinen from? These are the things that will keep you up at night but trust us nothing else will. The solitude and peace is intoxicating. Oh and did we mention the round sunken bathtub! It’s a palace which over the days really feels more like home than villa. Its luxurious, comfortable, glamorous along with being utterly fun and adorable.
The gym provides a good work out but its small and during the day can get pretty busy. However there is plenty to keep you busy from a daily activity list that includes Muay Thai kick boxing classes, yoga, pilates, kayaking, snorkeling or paddle boarding opportunities.
Alternatively there is pampering! The spa is situated at the far end of the resort. The walkway takes you past rows of hanging orchids, palms and ferns along the mountainside. Each treatment room faces out onto the sea with a private wooden deck. Our massage kicks off with a salt scrub and rose petal foot bath then a blissful hour passes till we are back in the main room sipping on lemongrass and ginger tea. If none of this is enough to stay inspired, a card left each day in the room invites you to check the box of 1/3/5 hour experiences which range from staking your claim on a private ‘floating’ island where a pontoon is moored for your pleasure, commuting on a longtail boat for lunch or taking a Thai cooking class which could just transform you into the next Thai Masterchef.
Dining
So many options. We loved Zest at breakfast with its killer omelettes and dumpling stations, often returning for those amazing sunsets which occur on this side of the island. It’s hard to beet Ko Lounge with an ice cold Singha. Zest is perfect for dinner sitting outside under the stars and overlooking the sea.
Alternatively Azure at sea level next to the main pool and beach comes with the added bonus of people watching from selfie posing couples to someone trying to mount an inflatable unicorn which clearly doesn’t want a bar of it. It’s perfect for a cracking chicken burger or a prawn pizza from the wood fired oven.
Jahn 
pad thai 
hay smoked chicken
If you feel like going ‘posh’ then Jahn is their signature restaurant and it’s a stunner. No thongs here. Elegantly situated on the hillside, sunsets are cocktail worthy events inside an air conditioned glass pavilion. Make sure you book early to bag the best bum to lowering sun position. We opt for a la carte rather than degustation starting with perfectly scorched seared tuna. For mains, a trolley is rolled beside our table and tumble of hay ignites from the touch of a blow torch, smoking the chicken under a glass dome in front of our eyes and noses. Its succulent and aromatic, paired with vegetable friends. A stunning egg net pad thai arrives with generous chunks of lobster and king prawns. Its followed by a surprise. A complimentary platter of 5 petit fours arrive with a royal icing message ‘STAY INSPIRED’ We are! We Will!
Wow Factor: It’s our first experience of Conrad Hotels & Resorts and its one that grew on us over time. It has a distinctive style. They generously have a range of mini buses which go regularly through the day and evening to different locations such as Lamai and Cheweng. Its nails the combination of contemporary luxury, with a relaxed vibe which feels homely. We also loved the touches like the fun towel art on our beds from kissing swans to Dumbo the elephant.
Watch Factor: Whilst Jahn was outstanding for service, some other elements show a few wrinkles, often in dining, however thoughtful touches like singers in the evening who also turn into a ‘Happy birthday’ trio with staff, means you forgive the little hiccups. The resort gets sun all day so you may find the intense heat a bit too much as your pool area doesn’t have much shade and we missed comfy padded sun lounge covers for that luxe touch.
Conrad by Hilton Hotels, Koh Samui
49 8-9 Moo 4, Hillcrest Road, Taling-Ngam,Koh Samui, 84140, Thailand
Guests who are members of the Hilton Honors program can now use their points to gain access to exclusive experiences – think private concerts with favorite celebrities to immersive local experiences, such as a day as a Ninja in Osaka or a big-game fishing experience in Maldives.
