Where Tropical Seclusion Meets Michelin Magic
Stayed: Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort

There’s no shortage of hotels in the Chaweng area, but if seclusion tops your wishlist, then Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort is your hidden haven. Tucked within lush jungle greenery, it feels like a world of its own.

Awarded one Michelin Key, the resort excels in both service and thoughtful design. From its open-air lobby to meandering tree-lined pathways and artfully styled rooms and restaurants, you feel cocooned in a tropical garden at every turn. Delicate Sino-Thai touches nod to the island’s heritage, offering glimpses of its past.

We stayed in an Anantara Pool Access Villa, inspired by traditional fishing villages. Arranged around a palm-fringed pool, the villas strike a perfect balance between privacy and a sense of community. Inside, warm wood and rattan accents contrast with sleek concrete finishes, creating a chic, understated vibe.

The plush king-sized bed, draped with soft mosquito netting, adds a romantic flourish, while the semi-open bathroom – featuring a deep granite tub and outdoor rain shower – invites you to savour the tropics. Each villa includes a poolside pavilion, putting a spontaneous dip just steps away. Beyond the villa, the beachside infinity pool offers leisurely laps with sweeping sea views.

Feeling adventurous? Sign up for the Eco-Island Kayak Exploration, paddling out to a nearby island under the guidance of resort recreation team. Or start the day with a morning Muay Thai boxing session, an energising way to work up a sweat while soaking in the sea breeze. Come sunset, unwind at the Singing Bird Lounge, an alfresco hideaway famed for its inventive cocktails and its cameo in White Lotus Season 3. We sampled the White Lotus trio – the Anantara White Lotus Mirage, Mook and Gaitok – before wandering over to the elegant Cay, an authentic Thai restaurant for a feast to remember.

For a magical finale, reserve a table at the Tree Tops Signature Dining. Its private salas, perched high in a 120-year-old jungle canopy, promise an unforgettable dinner uner the stars. If you’re here for a honeymoon or a romantic night, Tree Tops absolutely deserves a spot on your checklist.

Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort
92/1 Moo 2, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani
Tel: +66 (0) 77 960 333
www.anantara.com/en/lawana-koh-samui