Koh Samui is the quintessential tropical family resort island.
The original blog post was written by Thai-Licious host, Kate Hasenfus, and published on the Four Seasons’ blog post. You can read the original here.
The minute we landed in Koh Samui, an island on the Gulf of Thailand, just one-hour plane ride from Bangkok, we could already sense the tropical resort feel at the bungalow-like airport. While we were waiting for our luggage, my husband (who had never been before) said, “Judging from the airport, I love this island already!”
Kids’ Club
I was wrong when I thought five-star properties couldn’t be kid-friendly. Well, that was before I had a child of my own—when I imagined crystal chandeliers and formal dress code restaurants. In fact, some global brands such as Four Seasons have gone above and beyond to become family-friendly resorts.
Take lush, palm-dotted Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. Its complimentary Kids For All Seasons club is designed specifically for the young guests to play and learn while vacationing. It’s all about the children: from the kid-friendly menus (kids under five eat free at most resorts when dining with parents) and activities such as painting, ping pong on the beach and sea kayaking for the entire family.
Above all, it’s the family-friendly staff that makes a big difference. Before we arrived, staff asked for info about our son Jaden. When we checked in, his name appeared on everything: the bath tub, welcome cookies, a monkey T-shirt and the cutest thing—Mr. Kala, the little blue monkey mascot of Samui Island Jaden got as a gift.
Dining
Koh Samui has become one of the most exciting culinary destinations in Thailand—from local street food, markets and noodle shops to world-class fine dining orchestrated by famous chefs.
Try Four Seasons’ Chicken Satay on the beach: marinated in coconut milk and kaffir lime leaf—the best we’ve ever had! (Don’t tell my mom I said that).
Kids will love the resort breakfast, especially Jaden’s favorite, the coconut-coated French toast, plus the most delicious waffles.
Locals go to Mitra Samui for great seafood prepared Thai style at reasonable price. Don’t miss theTom Yum Goong and Grilled Tiger Prawns. If you love oysters, this is what Koh Samui and Surathani is famous for!
Drinking
Fresh young coconut juice is on every restaurant menu. It’s so refreshing! (Koh Samui is known for its abundance of coconut trees, and coconut is one of the island’s main ingredients and key export products.)
Also, try an up-and-coming Thai wine: Monsoon Valley’s Colombard, a white similar to Sauvignon Blanc, pairs well with seafood and particularly spicy Thai dishes.
Things to do
*Relax at the beach or swim at the beach-front infinity pool while sipping coconut juice or the spiciest Bloody Mary in Thailand.
*Sea kayaking: all equipment is complimentary at the resort. Go in the morning after breakfast when the weather is perfect.
*Paint the scene. Our two-year-old enjoyed a resort painting session on the beach. Friendly staff can work with your kids while you go kayaking. Bliss!
Read more about Koh Samui in Four Seasons Magazine.
Read their “Concierge Recommendations” for Koh Samui in Four Seasons Magazine.
On a final note, visit Koh, at the Four Seasons Koh Samui. It’s a new fine dining restaurant. Learn more about it here.
