Santiburi Koh Samui Review: The Ultimate Luxury Escape

This review of the Santiburi Koh Samui resort is here to give you a glimpse into what it’s like to stay at this luxurious retreat.

From the sophisticated accommodation options and stunning grounds to gorgeous facilities and superb dining, this article covers all aspects of a holiday there.

My husband and I spent three nights at Santiburi, and we absolutely didn’t want to leave. We fell in love with the resort, which transports you to a world of Thai-inspired elegance, far removed from the stresses of daily life.

But don’t just take our word for it—the Michelin Guide has included the resort on its list of recommended hotels in Koh Samui. Read on to discover what makes this destination so special.

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Overview of Santiburi Koh Samui

The 23 acres of the resort’s lush tropical grounds stretch along Mae Nam Beach, a secluded stretch of sand on Koh Samui’s north coast.

Upon arrival, we stepped into a stunning lobby, clad in tropical wood and adorned with water features and traditional Thai ceramics. For a moment, I felt as though I had travelled back in time to an era of glamour and sophistication.

A water feature that welcomes guests at the hotel lobby — A water feature in the lobby

A cosy nook with comfy chairs at the resort lobby — Seating in the hotel lobby

While the interiors draw inspiration from traditional Thai design, the resort feels neither stuffy nor old-fashioned. The service was warm and welcoming, with the team always ready to assist with any queries we had. The facilities were everything you’d expect from a modern resort—and more.

The resort’s beautiful grounds deserve a special mention, as meticulous care is taken in maintaining them. With an abundance of tropical foliage, swaying palm trees, and local wildlife, I felt as though I was in paradise. The melodic birdsong from various species became the serene soundtrack of our stay.

Resort ground featuring a pond with palm trees and Thai-style villas in the background

Santiburi is an excellent choice for a romantic getaway, and I found the resort’s layout, with plenty of space between the villas, enhanced the luxurious sense of seclusion. That said, the resort also caters well to families, offering facilities and activities designed to entertain younger guests and provide their parents with a well-deserved break.

Resort Facilities

Luxurious touches and stylish design extend beyond the stunning lobby to every corner of the resort, with meticulous attention to detail evident wherever you go.

Santiburi Koh Samui is home to five restaurants, each offering a unique dining experience—I’ll cover these in more detail shortly—alongside excellent fitness facilities and a luxurious spa, which I will discuss in more detail below.

The highlight for me was the massive 50-metre swimming pool, the largest on Koh Samui. Surrounded by lush vegetation and tranquil water features, it was a joy to take a swim there.

Swimming pool surrounded by tropical greenery and red umbrellas and sun loungers

As my husband and I visited in early December, when the weather can be unpredictable, the sun loungers by the pool were not in high demand on cloudy days due to the likelihood of rain. At one point, we had the entire pool to ourselves, which was magical.

The pristine beach features plenty of sun loungers thoughtfully arranged to ensure privacy and comfort. I also loved the sun lounger mattresses which were incredibly comfortable.

Beach butlers are on hand to assist with setting up towels—a lovely touch—and food service is available directly on the beach, so you can enjoy snacks and refreshments without leaving your comfy spot.

The fitness facilities include a fully equipped gym, complete with a Muay Thai ring. A tennis court, bicycles for hire, and a jogging track are also at your disposal.

I also loved the resort shop, which offers locally designed products, including footwear, clothing, and jewellery, as well as essential oils, scented candles, and other beautiful home accessories. It’s certainly not your typical resort shop!

Rooms at Santiburi Koh Samui

A variety of accommodation options is available at Santiburi, ranging from duplex suites to villas of various sizes and orientations, including garden and beachfront settings. Some villas boast private pools and Jacuzzis, with a selection forming part of the Reserve series, offering additional space between buildings for extra privacy.

The exterior of the deluxe garden villa — Deluxe garden villa

My husband and I stayed in a deluxe garden villa, and we fell in love with it the moment we stepped through the door. The spacious villa featured separate sitting and sleeping areas, as well as a generous bathroom with a gorgeous bathtub, his and hers sinks, and a walk-in wardrobe.

Sleeping area of the deluxe garden villa

The villa had a traditional Thai design, incorporating tropical wood and elegant decorative touches that created a warm and inviting atmosphere. I particularly loved the low lighting scheme, which created a cosy feel in the evenings. Don’t worry, reading lights are available too if you need them.

I made the most of the spacious bathtub during our stay, and the addition of luxurious bath salts was a thoughtful touch. The premium bath products were a joy to use—my favourite was the tropical-scented lotion, perfect for moisturising the skin after a day in the sun.

The bathroom area of the deluxe garden villa

Bathtub (left) and premium bath products (right)

Upon our arrival, we were welcomed with a sumptuous cold cuts and fruit platter. Another charming welcome gift was a teddy bear named Mee, the resort’s adorable mascot. Our hearts melted when we saw it.

Cold cut platter (left) and Mee the teddy bear mascot (right)

The villa also featured an outdoor terrace with comfortable seating, ideal for sipping coffee or premium tea while taking in the serene surroundings. It was also great for spotting local wildlife.

Ksenia sitting on the outdoor terrace at the resort villa

The turndown service added an extra layer of luxury to our stay. Once we became used to having our bed perfectly prepared each evening, coming back home was a bit of a shock to the system.

Food and Drink

As you would expect from a hotel featured in the Michelin Guide, dining offerings at Santiburi Koh Samui are exceptional. In this section, I will discuss the restaurants and bars in more detail. There are also some additional dining experiences you can enjoy during your stay that are worth mentioning.

Vimarnmek

Vimarnmek is Santiburi’s breakfast restaurant, complete with a bright and airy dining area clad in elegant woodwork and intricate tiles. To elevate your breakfast experience, guests can also opt for outdoor seating by the serene pond.

Breakfast is served buffet-style, offering an incredible variety of options, from cheeses and cold cuts to yoghurts to tropical fruits, as well as Western and Asian hot dishes.

I particularly enjoyed the fresh juice station, where you can create your own juice blends to stock up on vitamins. Pineapple and orange juice became my go-to combination during our stay.

Speaking of live cooking stations, they were one of my favourite features of the breakfast spread at Vimarnmek. It was great to start the day with freshly made noodle soups, eggs and even waffles and crepes.

Live cooking stations at breakfast at Vimarnmek

The main challenge was to decide what to try as there were so many delicious options. On one of the mornings, I went for a noodle soup that had the most succulent beef and aromatic broth.

I also loved the bakery section with lots of creative pastries. The chocolate croissants were my personal favourite. Thank goodness for the huge pool to help burn off all those indulgent treats.

Strawberry croissant (left) and noodle soup (right)

The Lounge

The Lounge bar is a stylish spot featuring old world charm and traditional Thai design, perfect for escaping the afternoon heat with a cup of tea or a fresh juice. It’s also the place to go for pre-dinner cocktails or a post-meal digestif.

We enjoyed the cosy seats decorated with Thai silk cushions and the beautiful bar made of local wood. It was also great to have a selection of beautiful coffee table books about Thailand to while away an afternoon.

Between 3:00PM and 4:00PM daily, guests can enjoy complimentary afternoon tea featuring hot drinks and traditional Thai snacks. We thoroughly enjoyed this extra treat during our stay.

If you are up for something more substantial, the Lounge also offer a selection of Thai pas – a delectable selection of small plates showcasing local gastronomic delights as well as an indulgent high tea experience complete with Thai-inspired sweet and savoury treats.

The Pool House

As the name suggests, the Pool House offers relaxed afternoon dining located right by the poolside. If you can’t tear yourself away from the sun lounger, your refreshments and food can be brought directly to you as well.

The menu includes an extensive selection of salads, sandwiches, poke bowls and other delicious treats perfect for a light lunch. Artisan ice creams, fresh juices and smoothies add the perfect finishing touch to the experience.

During our stay, my husband and I had a couple of lunches there and we absolutely loved the shrimp and ground beef tacos. Served with salsa, avocado and sour cream, they were bursting with flavour and beautiful textures.

Ksenia enjoying a strawberry mocktail at the Pool Bar — Ksenia enjoying a strawberry mocktail at the Pool House

One thing’s certain—the Pool House is a step above your typical poolside café.

The Beach House & Bar

The Beach House & Bar offers an elevated seaside dining experience for lunch and dinner, featuring a menu that highlights the finest ingredients from land and sea, blending local and international flavours. You can pair your meal with a thoughtfully crafted cocktail or mocktail, with an impressively extensive selection to choose from.

Guests can go for Thai classics such as Pad Thai and Tom Yum, but the undeniable star of the menu is the seafood. Whether you treat yourself to a generous seafood platter or indulge in lobster, you are sure to be delighted.

During our stay, my husband and I had dinner at the Beach House, starting with a delicious grilled shrimp and scallop salad, followed by the most succulent tiger prawns. My husband also tried a steak from the menu’s imported meat section, which was equally impressive.

Ksenia enjoying a cocktail at the beach table (left) and grilled tiger prawns (right)

While the food was outstanding, what truly made the experience magical was dining right on the beach, with our feet in the sand, gazing at the view of Koh Phangan in the distance and listening to the soothing sound of the waves. It was an incredibly romantic setting.

To keep things exciting, the Beach House also offers weekly themed menus showcasing cuisines from around the world, including Latin American and Thai dishes.

Sala Thai

Featuring a gorgeous open-air terrace, Sala Thai is the place to go for a night of elevated Thai cuisine. While the dining area is inspired by traditional Thai style, the menu offers modern twists on local classics featuring the finest ingredients from across the kingdom.

From small plates inspired by royal Thai favourites to fresh and zesty salads, aromatic curries, and succulent seafood prepared with local herbs and spices, the menu offers something for everybody. I also loved the variety of rice options, including some I had never encountered before.

Our dinner at Sala Thai was arguably my favourite dining experience during our stay at Santiburi, though it’s hard to pick just one highlight. We dined on the terrace, enjoying serene views of the resort’s beautifully landscaped grounds.

Spring rolls (left) and Ksenia with her starter: a dumpling with minced pork — Spring rolls (left) and Ksenia with her steamed rice dumpling

For starters, I chose delicate steamed rice dumplings with minced pork, while my husband opted for delightfully crispy spring rolls. For our mains, we enjoyed a coconut milk soup with shrimp paste and crab infused with herbs from the resort’s own garden, as well as the most incredible massaman curry featuring a braised lamb shank so tender it fell off the bone.

Crab meat soup (left) and massaman curry with lamb shank (right) — Crab meat soup (left) and massaman curry (right)

We paired our meal with a lovely wine from the extensive list, but unfortunately, we were too full to try the desserts – the portions are incredibly generous. That’s a perfect excuse to return one day, don’t you think?

Special Dining Experiences

Santiburi’s restaurants are exceptional for sure, but the gastronomic delights don’t end there. There are also several special dining options that the resort team can organise for you.

For an exclusive meal by the beach, the team can arrange a romantic sunrise breakfast or dinner, allowing you to enjoy the most breathtaking views and sumptuous food in complete privacy.

For those who prefer the comfort of their luxurious villa, in addition to the regular in-room dining service, there’s the option of a special BBQ dinner. A resident chef will prepare a delicious feast of meats and seafood for you to enjoy in your villa’s serene setting.

If you’re staying in a villa with a pool, why not indulge in a floating breakfast? Complete with two glasses of bubbly, this experience combines ultimate luxury with Instagram-worthy moments.

For guests keen to master their favourite Thai dishes, the resort offers Thai cooking classes led by the chefs from Sala Thai. It’s a fun way for the whole family to learn the secrets behind popular local dishes.

Ksenia enjoying her ice cream (left) and the ice cream cart (right)

One of the highlights of our stay was the complimentary ice cream service offered daily between 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM by the beach. It’s a lovely touch, and we looked forward to trying a new flavour each day.

Activities

In addition to the facilities I’ve already mentioned, guests can enjoy a range of other fun activities to stay active and make the most of their stay.

The beachside activity centre provides complimentary non-motorised water sports equipment, including kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and snorkelling gear. For those seeking something more structured, private sailing lessons and children’s sailing camps are also available.

If you’re keen to try your hand at Thai boxing, the resort offers special three-day boxing camps for both adults and children. It’s a fantastic way to stay active and pick up the basics of a new sport while on holiday.

One feature I particularly enjoyed was the nature trail that winds through the resort, offering a chance to learn more about local plants and wildlife. A trail map is available on the resort’s website, and along the route, QR codes provide insights into the ecosystem you’re exploring.

For guests wishing to experience Koh Samui beyond the resort, there is a dedicated tour desk at the lobby. Whether you’re after a guided tour of the island’s landmarks or a private yacht trip to nearby islands, there’s an option to suit every preference.

Golfers will appreciate the convenience of the nearby Santiburi Samui Country Club, the island’s only 18-hole golf course. Transfers from the resort are readily available, and the journey takes just 10 minutes.

Although we didn’t personally use it, the resort also has a kids’ club for children aged four and above. With a packed schedule of activities ranging from arts and crafts to breakdancing, younger guests are sure to be entertained.

Santiburi Spa

For those in need of deep relaxation, I highly recommend booking a treatment at the Santiburi Spa. Housed within its own dedicated building and surrounded by lush tropical foliage, the spa offers a serene and private escape.

The interiors, adorned in warm tones, feature traditional Thai furnishings and luxurious fabrics that instantly make you feel cosy and relaxed.

Essential oils at the Santiburi Spa (left) and Ksenia enjoying her post-treatment tea (right) — Ksenia’s post-treatment glow

The treatment menu combines traditional massages from Thailand and beyond, including those done in the ayurvedic traditions, alongside modern facials and body treatments. To celebrate Samui’s traditional coconut trade, there is number of special treatments that feature coconut oil and scrubs.

My husband and I indulged in a couple’s Thai aroma massage, which incorporated coconut oil and soothing strokes that expertly released the muscle tension. The experience left us feeling completely blissed out.

For an even more indulgent experience, the spa offers packages combining multiple treatments, perfect for taking pampering to the next level.

Location

As I mentioned previously, Santiburi is situated by the tranquil Mae Nam Beach—a long, crescent-shaped stretch of soft sand lined with swaying palm trees and offering stunning views of Koh Phangan. Personally, it’s one of my favourite beaches on Koh Samui, thanks to its soft sand, turquoise waters, and quiet atmosphere.

If you love beach clubs and lots of activities by the beach, you may find Mae Nam a little too quiet. However, for me, it was perfect. I particularly enjoyed morning walks along the beach before breakfast, soaking in the stillness as the island awoke to a new day.

Within easy reach of the resort lies a small village with a selection of restaurants, bars, and massage outlets. While relatively low-key, it’s a fantastic option if you fancy exploring the local dining scene outside of the resort.

There are also many eateries and shops located on the main road just at the entrance to the resort with all sorts of options.

If you are craving a bit more action, you can arrange a transfer to Fisherman’s Village located at the neighbouring Bo Phut Beach, just a 10-minute drive away. There you’ll find many bars, restaurants, shops, and spas. On Monday and Friday, a popular night market is held here, providing the perfect opportunity to try traditional Thai street food.

A beach bar in Fisherman's Village in Bo Phut — A beach bar in Fisherman’s Village in Bo Phut

We visited Fisherman’s Village one evening, and the resort’s attentive team arranged a private transfer for us almost immediately. It was a lovely night out, but returning to the privacy and seclusion of our villa at the end of the evening was the perfect way to finish the day.

Final Thoughts

I hope this review of the Santiburi Koh Samui resort inspires you to experience this remarkable destination for yourself. If you’re seeking luxury, outstanding service, and a serene, paradise-like setting, I’m confident that Santiburi will prove to be the perfect choice.

For the best rates and exclusive offers, I recommend booking directly through the Santiburi resort website.

Searching for other exceptional resorts across Thailand? In Phuket, I recommend a stay at SAii Laguna Phuket, while its sister properties, SAii Phi Phi Island Village and SAii Koh Samui Villas, are outstanding choices for other popular Thai destinations.

Our visit to Santiburi Koh Samui Villas was sponsored, but I only recommend places that I genuinely enjoy. This review is an honest account of our experience in December 2024.

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Santiburi Koh Samui Review: The Ultimate Luxury Escape

Overview of Santiburi Koh Samui

Resort Facilities

Rooms at Santiburi Koh Samui