Ritz-Carlton debuts on the Coconut Island

At first sight, the traditional low-rise complex of buildings that make up The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui, blend seamlessly into their tropical surroundings, appearing to be natural outcrops of the lush jungle and gently-sloping beachfront.

These charming buildings that meld into the landscape are just the physical side of this luxurious sanctuary, where soulful Thai tradition is imbued with modern sophistication.

The resort stands on the site of a former coconut plantation - and pays homage to its past through extensive use of natural materials and wood.

Deft design and functional touches throughout its traditional architecture combine with Thai culture experiences, to invoke the true soul of the island and make this resort an authentically immersive Koh Samui experience.

Guests can absorb themselves in interaction with the full fascinating richness of Thai culture, whether it be in cuisine, spa treatments, Muay Thai boxing lessons, or even swimming in warm waters amid thousands of colourful reef fish.

And being a Ritz-Carlton property, immersion in Thai island culture is experienced against a beguiling backdrop of sumptuous luxury.

This entrancing resort has 175 suites and pool villas nestling in 58 acres that overlook the turquoise waters of The Gulf of Thailand.

Sheltered inside is Spa Village Koh Samui, a 3,800 sqm wellness haven anchored in the healing culture of the region - complete with eight treatment suites, three massage pavilions, a yoga pavilion, health bar, and a lap pool with intimate cabanas.

A magnificent spread of restaurants and bars offer cuisine reflecting the Koh Samui experience: Pak Tai, serving fine dining interpretations of traditional southern Thai cuisine with views over the swim reef from secluded individual dining terraces; Shook!, a stylish interactive dining space of innovative Asian and Western dishes complemented by fine wines; Sea Salt, with international classics and Thai favourites in a relaxed dining atmosphere; Tides, ideal for sun-lovers to unwind with refreshing cocktails from the poolside bar; and One Rai, offering cocktails and Asian inspired snacks.

On Saturdays, Koh Samui’s tradition and culture are even more pronounced with Baan Talat, an outdoor food market experience with street food stalls, dancing and crafts.

And for a complete hands-on local encounter, guests can sign up for cooking classes to unlock the secrets of southern Thai cuisine, that include journeys to a nearby market for seasonal produce.

If all the cuisine doesn’t have a big enough kick, there’s always the resort’s Muay Thai Gym with its indoor kickboxing ring, where trained instructors teach Muay Thai – the aptly-named Art of Eight Limbs martial art, where fists, feet, knees and elbows are used in entertaining fitness routines.

Quintessential Thai experiences of a much gentler persuasion can be had at the one-of-a-kind temperate Swim Reef, which teems with more than 50 species of fish. It’s the largest of its kind in South-east Asia and offers unique snorkelling and fishfeeding encounters with its friendly residents.

Weddings here are also events rooted in the Koh Samui experience and can be customised to personal preferences - lifetime vows are exchanged at Sala Thai, an elevated pavilion overlooking the sweeping Gulf of Thailand.

All in all, the soul of this fascinating island has never been so eloquently expressed.

For more and to reserve this resort contact: ritzcarlton.com