Beyond Expectations – A Stay at the W Koh Samui. The W Koh Samui has quickly become my absolute favorite hotel on the island, offering an unrivaled blend of superb service and serene beachside bliss.
This luxurious haven on Thailand’s enchanting coast melds stylish design with unparalleled service. My stay exceeded expectations, marked by personalized attention, breathtaking sea views, and an ambiance that was both relaxing and invigorating.
Overview and First Impressions
The W Koh Samui, a flagship of luxury under the Marriott Group’s banner, whisks its guests into a world where luxury meets the untouched beauty of Koh Samui. Set in a unique hillside location, the resort offers breathtaking views from the lobby, which sits high above the beach and villas, extending out to the sea.
Despite initial concerns regarding the lively image of the W-Hotel brand, the W Koh Samui pleasantly surprised me with an ambiance that caters equally to party enthusiasts and those in search of tranquility.
Reception and Service
Upon my arrival from Bangkok around 8:00 PM, I was greeted in the reception area by Ammie, my personal hostess. Her care throughout our stay was unparalleled and added a particularly warm and welcoming touch to the check-in process. Ammie’s role was more than just that of an employee – by the end of our stay, she had become a friend, proactively and attentively meeting our needs and setting the high standard for the exceptional service we would experience throughout the resort.
Room and Comfort
I was pleasantly surprised to find that our originally booked “Jungle Oasis” room had been upgraded to an “Ocean View Escape” room. This upgrade allowed me to enjoy the breathtaking sea views from the elevated location within a tranquil part of the resort.
The room itself boasted a private pool, which could be accessed directly from both the bathroom and the bedroom.The spacious bathroom and the king-sized signature W pillow-top bed, wrapped in 350-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets, ensured restful nights of sleep if there weren’t the loud air condition that made the use of earplugs obligatory.
High-speed internet access throughout the premises ensured that we remained connected without any hassle. Complimentary beach bags, complete with flip-flops, were a thoughtful touch. Personal care products, including Skin Regimen Cleansing and Body Cream, Momo Shower Gel, Hair Shampoo, and Conditioner were provided.
Adding to the resort’s charm were the W SweetSpots, strategically placed between the villas offering complimentary ice cream and soft drinks, For convenience, transportation around the resort was provided by golf buggies, enabling navigate the expansive property with ease and discover its many hidden gems.
Spa and Fitness
The fitness center at W Koh Samui is well-equipped with free weights and treadmills, allowing guests to maintain their fitness routine even while on vacation. The spa complements the wellness experience with a range of treatments for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Beach Area
The resort’s beach area, often deserted due to each villa’s private pool, offers the feeling of being on a secluded island. There are opinions suggesting the beach isn’t as nice compared to other hotels. While it may not rival Vanabelle, another property from Marriott on the island, it features golden-yellow sand, with the water deepening quickly and the first 1-2 meters clear with good visibility.
Despite the openness of the hotel grounds and potential security risks from outsiders, the staff’s proactive approach of kindly asking unknown guests for their room number ensures a safe and exclusive atmosphere.
There’s hardly anything better in life than relaxing on the resort’s pristine, white private beach. And if you tire of the sand but still wish to swim, the resort’s Wet pool is available, offering breathtaking views of the Gulf of Thailand.
Whatever Whenever Service
W Koh Samui takes customer service to a special level with its “Whatever Whenever” service, accessible via WhatsApp. Every request, no matter how big or small, was handled promptly and courteously, with the staff always eager to fulfill any desire. This unique service highlights the resort’s commitment to providing an unparalleled stay for its guests, enhancing the sense of carefree relaxation.
Dining
The W Koh Samui offers a wide range of dining options to suit all tastes, featuring both local and international cuisines across several restaurants:
Namu: A Japanese restaurant where Chef Takayaso Ono serves up authentic dishes.
The Kitchen Table: This restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, complete with open kitchens and great views.
Beach Grill: Offers typical beachside comfort food.
There are also several bars within the hotel, including WOOBAR, The W Lounge, and SIP.
A standout feature is The Kitchen Table, where breakfast is served buffet-style. Alongside traditional breakfast options, you can find exotic additions like fresh coconuts and sparkling wine.
The stunning views from The Kitchen Table and the Woo Bar over the resort and beach make dining here a memorable experience.
Conclusion and Recommendation
W Koh Samui far exceeded my expectations. From the moment of my arrival until my departure, the exceptional hospitality, ambiance, and pristine facilities of the resort felt like paradise. The combination of a stunning location, top-notch service, and exclusive amenities makes W Koh Samui an ideal vacation destination. For those seeking peace, booking a Hillside Villa is recommended to fully enjoy the idyllic tranquility and privacy. I am looking forward to my next visit and can recommend W Koh Samui without reservation.
If I were to mention two minor details that left a bad taste: I was trying to rebook a room to come back from another hotel a few days later and noticed that several travel agents were offering the same room for a significant lower amount of money. Unfortunately after several attempts with Guest Services, our hostess and W Insider it was Not possible to price-match and book directly with the hotel.
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