Santiburi Koh Samui Review: Luxurious Villas Meet Authentic Thai Hospitality

Exploring Santiburi Koh Samui as your next resort stay? When it comes to luxurious beach holidays complete with the best hospitality in the region, you can be hard-pressed to find somewhere better than Thailand. Which brings us to Koh Samui. Koh Samui is the ideal escape, with pristine beaches, local experiences, and a laid-back island vibe that suits every type of traveller. From luxury resorts to hidden natural gems, it is the ultimate tropical destination for relaxation and adventure– families included!

Amongst the best hotels and resorts in Koh Samui lies Santiburi Koh Samui set on the quiet north shore of the island. As one of the first 5-star hotels to open in Koh Samui, Santiburi is the right mix of Thai traditional and modern, with over 23 acres of tropical foliage, endless garden walks and one of Samui’s cleanest beaches.

​Suites and Villas at Santiburi Koh Samui

The hotel is designed to truly suit any kind of traveller. You will find 12 Suites and 84 villas sprawled around the estate, almost reminiscent of an ancient Sukhothai village. The Grand Deluxe Pool Villas come equipped with a modern design and all the amenities you need for a family holiday or to enjoy solo. 

They also house family duplex units, allowing for two levels of living space, modern amenities, classical Thai décor and a private balcony with views of the pool and gardens. These come with 1 and 2-bedroom options, allowing for ample space and a relaxing area, no matter how large your group. 

Take your holiday a notch higher with Santiburi’s private luxury villas(beach-front included), that are set amidst tropical gardens and include an enchanting outdoor terrace - perfect for those alfresco sundowners! Dressed in Thai decor, complete with a lavish bath and dressing area, open wardrobe concept and a bed you won’t feel like leaving. 

The newest addition to the resort, The Reserve is a private residence of secluded, modern villas, each with a minimum of 10 metres between them. Bright indoor spaces, laced by floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook your very own private pool - the ultimate in luxurious island living! These striking villas are done up beautifully in contemporary luxurious accents with ample space for an extra bed, generous open wardrobes and an extra large bathroom - bathtub and amenities included. Even better, opt for a floating breakfast in your own private pool and enjoy a wide range of delectables served on a floating tray with glasses of champagne or prosecco. 

​Beach, Pool and Repeat, at Santiburi Koh Samui

Located on a pristine 300-metre stretch of the Mae Nam beach, Santiburi comes with all the tranquillity of a beach getaway. Expect clear waters, with ample safe swimming opportunities and water sports offered by the resort’s own club. 

If you prefer to just take in the stunning scenery, grab a beach bed or even better, a hammock and order your drinks from the accompanying bar. Meant as a holiday destination for the whole family, Santiburi offers spectacular holiday opportunities for all ages. Whether it's playing tennis, enjoying a round of Thai boxing, cycling on the hotel grounds or swimming in their large free-form swimming pool, you will never be wanting of stuff to do at this luxurious property. There’s even an 18-hole golf course just 10 minutes away! 

The centrepiece of the resort and one of the largest in Koh Samui, their 50-metre swimming pool is worthy of multiple dips through your stay. Lined with ample shade it allows for plenty of relaxation should you want to leave the resort’s sandy coastline. 

Kids Club at Santiburi, Includes Parent’s Night Off!

​Is the Santiburi kid-friendly? If you are travelling with little kids in tow, make note of Panya & Yim’s Junior Camp, the resort’s kids’ club offering up a world of fun for tiny guests. Tucked away in a corner, this expansive set-up includes a beautiful outdoor play area with a treehouse, swings, and trampoline, all under splendid and much-needed shade. 

Walk inside, and you will find a well-equipped play area with enough room for movie nights, karaoke, hula hooping and art and craft lessons. There’s a daily schedule of activities including movie nights that will keep your little ones engaged as will the numerous friends they make while on holiday.

Speaking of movie nights, every Thursday is Parent’s Night Off, a dedicated date night with the expert babysitters taking care of your little ones, while you dine at one of the stunning restaurants in the resort. Make the most of this night by booking the The 100 Miles Dining experience at Sala Thai mentioned below. 

​Lèn Spa. Pure Pampering at Santiburi Koh Samui

First off, if you decide to visit the hotel’s Lèn Spa(which you should) we highly recommend booking it in advance. An extremely popular destination for residents, Lén Spa is the perfect blend of tradition and innovation. Inspired by the ancient kingdom of Ayutthaya, its peaceful setting allows for just the tropical escape you are after. Expect all the grandeur of a Thai palace, with elaborately carved wooden panels and polished mahogany flooring. The spa facilities come with a Turkish massage table, indoor baths, outdoor deep soaking tubs, traditional Thai massage rooms and a special photographic studio where guests can even have a souvenir photo wearing the traditional Thai outfit. 

Choose from a wide range of therapies that are blended with southern Thai massage traditions. All treatments draw from natural therapies and make use of local ingredients such as rice, jasmine, coconut and betel leaves. Travelling with your kids? You can also indulge in a Mom and Me massage, where you both enjoy side-by-side massages followed by signature pedicures. 

​Food, Beverage and Service with a Smile

Santiburi’s food and beverage offerings span from private in-villa or romantic beach dining to its restaurants with a view. From light bites to authentic dishes from Thailand, you will find a wide variety of both celebratory and comfort food during your stay.

The breakfast menu is worth waking up for! Lavish spreads invite you to taste both local and international cuisines, with live stations for Asian dishes, eggs, pancakes, crepes, waffles and more. Start with a healthy drink of freshly squeezed vegetables, roots or fruit from the juice bar. Don’t forget to try the traditional Thai Coffee while you are at it!

You will also be spoilt with freshly baked bread and pastries, cereals, cold cuts and cheeses. We particularly enjoyed the sumptuous tropical food buffet including Mango, Pineapple and a wide choice of other seasonal delicacies. 

Our favourite restaurant at the resort, The Beach House & Bar caters with a delightful menu of ‘surf & turf’, fresh seafood and steak dishes that complement its beach-side setting. Flavourful cocktails complement these signature dishes as do the tablespreads overlooking the sandy beach at this spectacular tropical island setting. You can also choose to sit on tables with your feet dipped in sand, for that complete tropical vibe. Keep an eye out for the themed evenings that allow a wonderful variety of cuisine throughout your stay. 

​If you would rather stick around the pool, the Pool House serves light meals, tapas, healthy salads, skewers from the grill, sandwiches and burgers. Indulge in homemade gelato, smoothies, refreshing mocktails and cocktails and of course fresh coconuts! 

Newly launched at the resort is their 100 Miles Dining programme at Sala Thai. This refined culinary experience offers guests an authentic Thai set menu, where traditional recipes are elevated with innovative twists and crafted exclusively from ingredients sourced within a 100-mile radius of the resort. The new dining experience highlights the region’s vibrant local produce, from ocean-fresh seafood to hand-harvested produce, providing an authentic taste of Surat Thani’s rich culinary heritage.

The four-course set menu is priced at  2,900++ THB per person, with an optional wine pairing for THB 1,250++ and runs from 20th December 2024 onwards. Reservations are highly recommended.

Decadent food delights aside, the service at Santiburi will keep you coming back for more. Smiles all around, nothing is too much trouble for the staff at this quintessentially Thai-at-heart resort. 

Things to Do in Koh Samui

While there is plenty to keep you busy at Santiburi Koh Samui, a lot of the island’s popular hot spots are a mere short drive away. Fisherman’s village hosts a weekend market and is home to many restaurants and beach bars that are worth a visit. Make time for the popular Coco Tam’s, a beach bar and restaurant where you can enjoy a fire show alongside delicious cocktails on the beach. 

Visit Wat Plai Temple and Big Buddha to enjoy stunning architecture and immerse in local traditions. The Lamai View Point is great for a short walk alongside breathtaking landscapes. Don’t miss the local original homemade coconut ice cream after, at the trucks parked at the viewpoint. Escape further to Ang Thong National Park where mangrove forests meet aquamarine blues and allow for a full day of snorkelling and diving. 

For a memorable day trip, consider visiting nearby Pig Island, where you can enjoy the unique wildlife, stunning white sand beaches, and fantastic snorkelling opportunities. The concierge at Santiburi Koh Samui is an excellent resource for planning your island adventures, so don’t hesitate to seek their advice for recommendations and reliable tour operators.

Santiburi Koh Samui appeals to everyone. From golf retreats and a spa-cation to family getaways or solo retreats, this top resort in Koh Samui is designed to help you make every moment memorable. With its authentic Thai hospitality, exceptional spa treatments, and decadent F&B options, this resort is the ideal destination for your next getaway in Thailand.

Santiburi Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84330 Thailand. +66 (0) 77 425 031.