Overview: Turning a former coconut plantation into 175 luxurious suites and pool villas, the ultra-luxe Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui has been the island's hottest hotel since it opened its doors in 2017.

The rooms: Rooms come decked out in a tasteful blend of neutral tones and natural stone. Standard rooms cost from B10,959 and offer stunning views of Samui’s coastline, or for B29,000/night, you could book an Ocean View Pool Villa, which comes with an outdoor infinity pool perched overlooking the sea.

The facilities: On top of two private beaches (where you can kayak and paddle board using the hotel's free equipment), the resort’s beachfront pool, a state of the art fitness center and spa pavilions (don't miss indulgent treatments like Blessed Flowers—two blissful hours of skin treatments and massage with a flower theme), the resort is home to a mini-golf course, tennis courts, a kids' zone and even an aquarium-standard artificial snorkeling reef.

Food & drink: With close to 10 world-class drinking and dining outlets, you're spoiled for choice. Daytimes are best spent munching on fresh ceviche at Tides beach bar, before moving to One Rai for a sundowner with views over the Andaman Sea. Baan Talat is a fun market-themed restaurant doing street food-style dishes, but for special occasions, The View serves up fine-dining set menus with stunning vistas. Meat lovers can't miss top-notch steakhouse, The Ranch, while al fresco Pak Tai serves awesome wagyu burgers and fish tacos to private booths overlooking the resort's artificial coral reef. Breakfast at Shook! is pure indulgence. 

Why we'd come back: This resort blends luxury, relaxation and delicious food for one unforgettable getaway.