Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui,Thailand Hotel

Tambon Bo Put, Amphoe Ko Samui, Surat Thani, Thailand

Among coconut groves and mountainous rainforest overlooking a bay, this sun-soaked seaside spot in THAILAND beckons all those who seek calm, comfort and restorative self-care away from the crowds.

If you’re seeking seclusion, a coastal setting and natural beauty, Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui is a perfect sun-soaked island hideaway. Its location in the north-east of Thailand’s Koh Samui is as heavenly as you might imagine, and golden sands, coconut groves and thick, mountainous rainforest – not to mention warm, clear waters – are just the starting point. Snaking around an ocean cove amid a private 11ha plot and a 200m stretch of beach, the views are unparalleled. And with just 16 hillside suites and villas, you really do feel like you have the place all to yourself. Further sanctuary awaits inside the villas with sea-facing baths, open-air balconies, private pools and even a personal wellbeing centre. Ranging in size from the Seaview Hillside Suite all the way up to a three-bedroom Sea View Pool Villa, no matter your preference, each is a wooden affair, stripped back in order to keep the environment in the limelight.

There’s a longstanding history of excellence here, beginning as a tale of romance. Founder Akorn Hoontrakul stumbled across the spot and declared it ‘love at first sight’ and, seven days later, the land was purchased; after carefully planning a space that respected the natural landscape, it opened as the island’s first five-star hotel in 1987.

A member of the Small Luxury Hotels group, it’s intimate in size but doesn’t skimp on experiences. With everything on-site taken care of, you’re basically set for whatever holiday you fancy, with relaxation at the fore. It starts at the two pools – choose the half-moon one for panoramic views over the bay – and continues at the 8Elements Spa. For active days, take a hike with the in-house naturalist, serve an ace on the tennis court and stretch it out at the yoga studio.

At the beach, take to windsurfing, kayaking, snorkelling and sailing . Back at base, there’s a gym and craft shop, plus four notable restaurants. Discover fresh seafood straight from the bay, authentic Thai bites, health-forward plates and possibly the best breakfast spread you’ll find on the island. With so much on offer, it’s a private slice of paradise – you may need more than one visit to pack it all in.

Doubles from £136.

Words by Megan Dickson

This article was taken from the May 2024 issue of Food and Travel. To subscribe today, click here.