Following the launch of Samui’s ultra-luxe Ritz-Carlton last October, The Cape Kantary Hotel chain is bringing the competition with its own super-sleek all-villa Cape Fahn Hotel, set to open this Sept 15.

Taking over a small private island just a little offshore of Koh Samui, the project’s 22 pool villas are bordered by a long stretch of white sand, which branches off to connect with Samui’s Choeng Mon Beach at low tide.

Interiors see Cape Kantary’s signature style of wooden construction, wall panels, high ceilings and earthy tones, with splashes of blue providing some added flair.

The hilltop Ocean View Pool villa is where you want to stay, where the room opens out to a picture-perfect private plunge pool overlooking the sea (rates start at B24,431 per night).

Not to miss are the hotel’s restaurant, The Crest—a "Bistronomic" fine-dining spot featuring infinite views over the Gulf of Thailand—and the weekly Moonlight Cinema where you can float on a pool chair while enjoying a classic Hollywood film.

To access the hotel, you can take an hour’s boat ride from mainland Surat Thani, or a few-minutes’ ferry ride from Choeng Mon Beach. Alternatively, you can walk across when the tide’s out.