Conrad Koh Samui

[boomy]

Recently had the pleasure of staying a few nights at this stunning resort.
The place is all villas (80 in total) located about 45 min drive from the airport. The location is very isolated high on a cliff, far from the busy Chewing and Lamai beaches. It's perfect for honeymooners or just anyone who is looking for relaxing holiday.

The luxury treatment started with airport pick up on a shiny Merc E250.



The car looked out of place in this island where most vehicles on the roads were either scooters or SUVs.

On arrival we were greeted with cold towels and chilled guava juice while we filled out the necessary check-in forms.
Got a welcome letter recognising my diamond status and also an upgrade to Retreat Pool Villa. Due to the structure of the resort we asked for our villa not to be too isolated otherwise every movement in n out would have to be done via buggy service. We got one closer to the centre which allowed us to walk to most most restaurants/pool/beach.

Our Retreat Pool Villa

 

[boomy]

The villa infinity pool





The upgrade seemed to be the only significant diamond benefit here. It was a bit disappointing to hear the daily 'happy hour' is 1+1 (at pool bar) or 50% (at terrace lounge) on selected drinks, open to all guests.
Just to compare, in both Conrad Sanya and Rangali diamonds were offered two daily happy hours: afternoon tea and evening coughtails, with complementary drinks and nibbles. Anyway, the complementary upgrade was good enough, something not always given in these type of resorts.

The Conrad offers plenty activities, some payed and others are free. On the second day we joined two more couples on the Conrad's speedboat which took us snorkelling.



They bring plenty of leftover bread to attract the fish who ate from our hands. After snorkelling they took us to one of the many small islands in the area where we were left alone for an hour on the beach before taking us back to the resort.
This was the one and only activity we did the entire stay. The resort was so amazing that we just didn't want to go anywhere

Some more photos:
The lobby



House buggy ready in 5 min to take guests anywhere inside the resort.

 

[boomy]

Main resort pool



Cabanas



View of the resort from the sea



Breakfast was served every day until 11am and it seemed everyone had it included in their package because the restaurant was packed every day. In fact it was the only time of day we saw most guests. Even though the resort was 90% full (according to the GM who came to meet and greet guests every morning) most of the time it felt almost empty. Beach, main pool and restaurants were never too busy. Considering most guests were young couples, probably on their honeymoon, it's not surprising they all preferred to stay in their villas

There are total four restaurants who offer dinner. Two casual offer Thai food and seafood, one fancy offer Thai fusion fine dining and also one cellar door dining (by appointment only). The only one we didn't try was the cellar door. We did similar thing in Maldives and while it's an enjoyable experience, it's also very expensive.
The food in the two more casual restaurants was mediocre but luckily so was the price! First time we didn't feel ripped off by the food price in a high end resort. The fine dining restaurant (named Janh) was outstanding. We ate there twice, on our first and last nights and could not fault it. Not cheap but you get the quality you paid for and I respect that. They also have an extensive wine list.
The resort offers free shuttle to other parts of the island few times a day so it is possible to get cheap food from outside and bring it back and seems like this is exactly what most guests did.

I think this place is good value redemption for HH members for a number of reasons:
1. Prices start from ~$1,000 per night or 76K points for 5 nights stay.
2. It's an all villas resort so getting one with infinity pool is guaranteed, regardless of status or and upgrades.
3. Cheap flight options to/from USM, can be also done as points redemption combined with Int flights on TG.
4. Reasonable priced food options inside and cheap outside the resort.

There aren't many resorts in this caliber that we can enjoy relatively on the budget so will definitely come back again

 

[kpc]

After our discussion over dinner in Bne 2 weeks ago, I have booked to go next July

 

[jojen]

After our discussion over dinner in Bne 2 weeks ago, I have booked to go next July

You will not be disappointed . We had a three night stay there in March for my birthday. It was one of the best hotels we have stayed in . The service was amazing and I was very spoilt by the staff on the day. I cannot wait to go back. Having a pool right outside your door is something special. The buggy service is excellent and we only had to wait ea few minutes from when we rang to be taken anywhere. Do not miss having a meal in Jahn. Amazing food and presentation.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Thanks for the report. Another to add to the list.

(PS....I didn't know about afternoon tea at Rangali!)

 

[Alanslegal]

Nice review boomy .... thought you would have stayed at the W instead

I haven't been to Koh Samui in close to 10 years now :shock: must fit it in somehow soon.

 

[Cool Cat Phil]

Looks pretty swanky if you ask me.
Great trip Review Boomy !

 

[boomy]

Nice review boomy .... thought you would have stayed at the W instead

I haven't been to Koh Samui in close to 10 years now :shock: must fit it in somehow soon.

We actually toyed with the idea of spending a couple of night at W as well (not instead ) but with SPG there is always that dilemma - splurging on high end properties or transferring to AA.

If W would offer P+P for out dates then probably would go for it but all on points is too much and paying all cash was not even an option we considered.