Soneva Kiri, Koh Kood

As soon as your private plane touches down on the relatively uninhabited Koh Kood Island, you are immediately transported back in time. Untouched rainforests, stunning beaches and traditional workmanship create a tangible sense of tranquillity and seclusion. Set amid luscious surroundings on a secluded bay on the north-west coast of Koh Kood Island – Soneva Kiri is a true tropical oasis.  The surrounding clear oceans lull you into a sense of peaceful living and with 24 vast villas and 11 private residences, it’s a sense of luxury living too.

LOCATION

From Bangkok, it’s a scenic 90-minute flight and speedy 5-minute boat ride to find this hidden paradise. We love Soneva Kiri for its beautiful views alone, but if gazing out onto the stunning ocean whilst sipping a Mai Thai is not enough, there is plenty more on offer. Embark on an underwater adventure with expert divers to discover the swirling hues of the coral gardens, or engage your cultural side and visit the oldest settlement on the island, built on stilts, and learn about traditional Thai fishing. You’ll never go hungry here either. Whether you prefer dining on the beach or in the trees, be sure to sample as much of the exquisite food as possible, cooked by a Three Michelin Star chef.

YOUR ROOM

Merging chic with rustic, the décor of the resort uses wood from local fishing villages to create a simple yet effective appearance. The luxury villas are furnished in keeping with their island surroundings, offering a charming and relaxing feel. As well as private pools, the villas also boast outdoor bathtubs under starlit skies; after bath-time, slip into the organic cotton sheets on the perfectly positioned beds, which reveal breathtaking views of the jungle camouflaging your hideaway. Each villa has its own Mr or Ms Friday, who will cater to your every need, and private electric buggies are also at hand to escort you wherever you’d like to go on the island.

WHY WE LIKE IT

As well as enjoying the night sky from your bath, the open-air cinema is an absolute favorite. Fully immersed in nature, the auditorium stands on stilts over the water – it’s a cinema setting unlike any other. Nibble on gourmet snacks and sip personalized cocktails and feel whisked away with the magic of the film and your surroundings.

SUSTAINABILITY

SLOW LIFE is Soneva Kiri’s ethos: Sustainable Local Organic Wellness Learning Inspiring Fun Experiences. A bit of a mouthful to say, nonetheless, this concept is echoed throughout all the hotel’s operations. Working with the local community, electric buggies, regular seminars with leading environmentalists and rainwater-harvested reservoirs are a small selection of initiatives. Ask our Travel Experts about the ‘Stay for Good’ promotion, where you can receive a free night stay when you volunteer your time to support the work of local ecologists, horticulturalists and marine biologists.