The Timing Couldn't Have Been Better
The week of the launch of White Lotus Season 3 coincided with our arrival on the island of Koh Samui, where we were about to embark on a journey in search of our own White Lotus experience. The atmosphere was electric, and our anticipation was palpable as we set out to find a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of the bustling streets. Our driver expertly navigated through the crowded roads, pointing out landmarks along the way, until we finally arrived at the Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa.
Welcomed into a Sacred Space
As we stepped out of the car, we were immediately struck by the serene atmosphere that enveloped us. The resort's Thai hospitality was renowned for being world-class, and it was evident right from the start. We were warmly greeted with smiles, cool towels, welcome drinks, and tasty snacks. After settling in, we were ushered into a golf cart and began to wind through the resort, taking in the intoxicating fragrance of the gardens and the cascading water features that filled our senses.
A Home Away from Home
Our room was waiting for us, and as we stepped inside, we knew we had arrived at our haven. The magical words "we've upgraded you to a pool villa" had both of us smiling earlier, thanks to being Marriott Bonvoy members. As we entered the peach-orange tiled courtyard with similarly coloured walls, giving a near adobe feel to the tropical setting, we felt like we were stepping into a peaceful oasis.
A Peach-Orange Paradise
The lounge couch doubled as a sleeper couch, with a large TV for downtime, along with a mini-fridge and coffee station. Conveniently, the front door could be opened with both keycards and the Marriott App on our phones – the latter for fuss-free entry. The four-poster bed draped in elegant netting meant that during the day, it was a stylish adornment to the room, while at night, there was protection from any wandering insects. Adjacent to the bed and lounge, the windows opened onto a small pond – I would lie on the bed and watch a variety of birds visiting and splashing about as a form of respite from the heat.
A Bathroom Fit for Royalty
The bathroom was separated by bamboo sliding doors, housing the toilet cubicle first, followed by the vanities, leading to the shower. As I entered, I discovered the bright blue tiling forming a rather large bathtub – it was a dual shower and bath combo, which I later enjoyed with double bubbles (both in glass and bath). The amenities were provided by the fragrance-infused Argus by Margot Elena.
A Sanctuary by the Pond
Through a sheath of white curtains at the end of the bathroom, the pool appears – a well-sized and welcome cooldown from the clinging tropical humidity. The pool's clever design offers a lying section on one side and a deeper area on the other, complemented by loungers. This was the perfect spot to unwind after a long day of exploring.
The Resort's Main Pool
The resort's main pool is set in an amphitheatre and terraced straight onto the beach. At 50 meters, it is perfect for swimming laps or just cooling off in the swirl pool. Daybeds are available for lounging, and towels are provided. Sun worshippers are well looked after on the beach, with parasols and sun chairs for comfort, as well as full service from the bar until 7pm.
A Private Luxury Villa
One of the villas we had the pleasure of staying in offered a private pool and courtyard. The cost starts at around £209 for two adults in the guest rooms, rising to £359 for a villa with a private pool and courtyard. The Renaissance magic lies in its value packages, which include daily breakfast, a 2-course lunch, 2-course unlimited drinks for 2 hours, and round-trip airport transfers.
The Resort's Location
The Renaissance Resort and Spa is a 30-minute drive from the airport and is located a stone’s throw from the famous Chaweng Beach. A range of local sights are easily accessible, including the Big Buddha Temple, Lamai Beach, and Bophut Fisherman’s Village. The hotel's Navigator – Khet, who has put together a bespoke 3-hour tour of the area using his local expertise.
Other Nice Touches
As one of the more established resorts on Koh Samui, Renaissance boasts a carefully curated brand of the resort experience. Nestled among terraced landscapes of lush greenery and tropical richness, the resort emulates the serenity and sacred charm of traditional Balinese architecture, with carvings, statues, and a harmonious connection to nature throughout. Botanical galleries filled with exotic flora embrace you on every level.
A Unique Setting
Featured highlights, complete with axis towers, sculptures, and bas-relief installations, all add to inviting guests into a unique and thoroughly local setting. Particularly resplendent in the early morning when the lotus buds are still in bloom and birdsong fills the air, your walk to the restaurant for that first coffee – where by day three, the serving staff has your cup ready just as you like it – sets the stage for the rest of your day spent in heaven on earth.
The Renaissance Magic
The prime stretch of Renaissance beach includes a large granite rock with an equally large tree growing alongside it, providing shade at the top. The hotel has provided steps up the rock, and from the top, the views are spellbinding. I would climb up several times a day and sit there in my little rocky treetop spot, staring out at the beach. It may just be the island’s most beautiful location for sunset sundowners.
The Final Verdict
Besides the manicured gardens, luxurious accommodation, soul-affirming views, iconic beach days with full-service pool time, delectable food, and transcendental massage sessions – by far the best we experienced – it is the hospitality staff who are the unassuming stars of the show. From the first to the last "Sawasdee Ka," you are treated like royalty.
A Disclosures
Our stay was sponsored by Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa.
