The Ritz Carlton Koh Samui

Nestled on a forested hillside and backing on to the white sands of Chaweng Noi Beach, is the tropical hideaway of Vana Belle.

Each of the bright and airy 80 suites and villas come with a private plunge pool, many decorated with artwork inspired by the mythical Thai Himmapan forest. The hotel’s outdoor pool overlooks the beach, offering superb views across the Gulf of Siam.

For when you need to relax and unwind, the hotel spa offers a range of treatments and there is a fitness centre complete with personal trainer and class schedule.

Indulge in some local or international cuisine at the hotel’s two restaurants, eating al fresco on balmy summer evenings. The hotel lobby is perched above the beach and is the perfect place to enjoy a drink as you watch the sun sink behind the horizon.

Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort is peaceful seaside retreat, with a serene garden setting for individual privacy whether you are here for a romantic getaway, honeymoon or family break.

Each of the 52 Pool Suites and Pool Villas offers an inviting plunge pool and warm sundeck for personal relaxation.

Pamper yourself at Navasana Spa, pick fresh herbs for a culinary lesson, and take a short ride to Chaweng to sample spicy curry at Laem Din Market. Explore Koh Saumui on day trips to Ang Thong National Park and fine snorkelling can be enjoyed just 200m (220 yards) out to sea from the shore.

There are two restaurants and a bar on the beachfront with swim-up service from the adjoining pool.

On the southeastern tip of Koh Samui, snaking down a steep forested hill to the sea, the Conrad Koh Samui Resort & Spa has everything you could want from a luxury resort.

80 contemporary villas stand on stilts on the hill side. All feature huge 10m (30 foot) private infinity pools and floor to ceiling windows facing west out to sea and an always spectacular sunset. All also offer large soaking tubs, fast wi-fi and an in room entertainments system, with upgraded villas enjoy a second floor and dining area.

The resort has four wonderful restaurants and an incredibly well stocked private wine cellar holding more than 3000 vintages. Further indulgence can be had at the spa with a range of personalized holistic treatments in private sea view rooms. There’s also a 180m (590 foot) floating pier to sunbathe on.

There are plenty of excursions to choose from such as expeditions to nearby islands, diving tours and trips to the nearby fisherman’s village in Bophut to get a sense of the island’s cultural heritage. There’s also a children’s club.

Located within the exclusive enclave of Taling Ngam Bay on the unspoilt west coast of the tropical resort island of Koh Samui, also one the best spot on the island for sunsets, the resort is set in a quiet, secluded location and offers inspiring views over the gulf of Thailand and the Five Islands beyond.

79 Thai-inspired guest rooms, suites and villas, each feature a private balcony to make the most of those views. For a honeymoon or romantic getaway, the Beachfront Pool Villas come with a private swimming pool, wine bar and sundeck and while the Two-Bedroom Villa offers a spacious cliffside retreat for friends or families; for the ultimate Koh Samui luxury experience, the two-story, three-bedroom Napa Reserve Villa covers six hundred square meters, complete with dedicated butler service, fifteen-meter private pool and personal chef.

There are a range of actives and excursions to suit all energy levels, from adventure to pure relaxation. Head out to explore the buzzing nightlife and charming fishing villages of Koh Samui or go island hopping for snorkelling, diving, dolphin-watching and much more, or kick back around one of seven swimming pools or in the spa.