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It’s as idyllic as one would imagine it to be and it still feels like you have all the comforts of home in truly luxe style. You only have to step foot in Santiburi Koh Samui and you will be greeted right from start to end by their smiling, warm staff while experiencing all that Santiburi has to offer. Just 15 minutes from the quiet Koh Samui airport, you will enter the lush, green sprawling grounds and be whisked away to your private villa, and you will likely not want to leave.

Located on the north shore of Koh Samui, its 300 metres of private beach is pristine while being surrounded by immaculately kept tropical foliage. It’s peaceful, elegant and quiet, just the kind of getaway you need. Here are just six (very valid) reasons why you’ll not want to leave Santiburi Koh Samui if you’re there on holiday (believe us, we tried).

Its stunning new private villas.

In addition to beach, garden and pool villas, Santiburi now offers stays at the newly opened Grand Reserve Pool Villas. Whether you’re a couple or family staying together, you can do it in resort-style comfort. Each villa boasts its own private pool with minimal but contemporary interior and stylish furnishings, spacious bathrooms with a tub for soaking in, a rain shower (which is a must!) and separate sinks for comfort. There is even a pillow menu, so you can change it up to find your most comfortable one for the best night’s sleep. You might not want to leave the bed as it is so comfortable – we found ourselves taking naps in bed throughout the day in ultimate laziness.

Reservations at the Grand Reserve Pool Villas entitle you to a private vacation experience with Santiburi’s Reserve Host service, which gives guests special services including in-villa check-in and out, private spa treatments, concierge services and complimentary pre-selected mini-bar items. Order in a floating pool brunch, special Thai dishes served in the villa, family garden barbecues and select from a curated in-villa cocktail menu and wine list. Yes, more reason to not leave your villa for anything at all.

The variety of food available.

Good food is important on any vacay and the dining options at Santiburi are sure to satisfy. The Beach House bar and restaurant faces a beautiful stretch of beach and has a range of international cuisine including Thai favourites, salads and Western selections. Try the som tam and tom yum, and they even have healthy poke bowls if you want something light. We found ourselves having long, languid lunches there.

Breakfast is usually served in Vimarnmek the mornings with freshly baked bread and pastries, tropical fruits and local Thai dishes. Order your fresh juices at the juice station and if you enjoy hot food in the morning, you’re in for a treat as there are cooking stations for eggs, crepes and soup noodles.

Sala Thai restaurant is great for dinner as it serves traditional Thai cuisine in fine dining style, set in a dining room with floor to ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace. They offer set sharing menus so you can sample all the Thai flavours on offer in a meal. Plates are almost too pretty to eat.

At the Poolside Bar, you can enjoy a snack or a proper meal in between dips in the pool and some deck chair reading. Don’t forget to try the shrimp pad thai as it is to die for and served up in a generous portion.

The amazing massages.

What’s a Thai holiday without a massage? Santiburi Spa is a short walk from the villas and has its own separate building furnished in mahogany wood and Thai silk. There is also a beachside option in a wooden cabana if you prefer.

Undoubtedly one of the best massages we’ve had, the masseuses there may be petite but prove to have the strongest hands. The treatments range from contemporary to traditional Thai, which if you have been to a Thai massage before, you’ll know they can be painful. Tell them you want a light massage if you don’t like your pressure points pushed. For us, it hurt in a good way and it was so relaxing that we actually fell asleep. We may have gone back for more the next day…

Kids are looked after so the adults can relax.

Parents who want some downtime without their kids can sign them up for the Santiburi Junior Camp, which caters to kids of all ages. The Junior Camp accepts children aged four and up while there is a babysitting service which can be arranged for toddlers under four.

In addition to well-equipped play areas, a stage for fashion shows, music events and karaoke, a kids’ library, as well as a dedicated PlayStation room, there are opportunities for play outside too, with a treehouse, sandpit, slide, bamboo hut and sensory garden available. If that’s not enough to tire out the kids, there are workshops organised in arts and craft for them too.

All the extras.

Whether you want to pack your day with activities or do nothing much at all in Santiburi, there are options for everyone. Those who want to stay active on holiday can opt for the gym and activities such as watersports, tennis, beach fishing, Thai boxing and yoga and pilates classes.

Other more relaxing activities include Thai cooking classes, chartering a private boat out to sail the seas, having a private dinner on the beach (perfect for that proposal), and staying in the comfort of your villa and ordering excellent room service including cocktails. Whichever route you choose, you can customise the ideal retreat for yourself.

A scenic course for swinging that club.

Imagine playing on an 18-hole championship golf course before going off to enjoy lunch and some beach time. Santiburi’s golf course is located just 10 minutes away from the resort and offers palm trees, lush greenery and a view stretching out to Koh Phangan island. Beginners can opt for the beginner’s package while those who need a little refresher can sign up for private lessons with Santiburi’s Swing Doctor.

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