Where to stay in Koh Samui and Koh Phangan

Arrival is via a 40 minute speedboat dash from Koh Samui and your boat arrives on the beach, so be prepared to ditch the shoes and dabble your toes – this is definitely barefoot territory. A stunning, white sand beach fringed by the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand greets your arrival, Koh Phangan remains that unspoilt, rustic and untouched island from your travelling days; this is the real Thailand, how Thailand used to be. Contemporary style pool villas blend into the landscape with Pool Suites located on the second floor, offering huge terraces and outdoor plunge pools.

Belmond Napasai is a charming boutique property with understated elegance and splashes of Thai flavour, located on a private beach with a swathe of villas lying along the beach front and sneaking up the hillside behind.

SALA Samui is a great option for honeymooners and couples looking for a romantic, luxurious and peaceful retreat. It is located on a quiet stretch of beach in Choeng Mon, a scenic and low key area in the north-east of Koh Samui, just 15 minutes from the airport. This part of the island offers an ideal escape with easy access to the bars and nightlife of Chaweng Beach or the restaurants at the quaint Bo Phut Fishermans Village, both just a short taxi ride away.

It feels like a million miles from anywhere, peaceful and secluded with some of the most jaw-dropping views over the Gulf of Siam we have seen. In true Six Senses style it has a real feel of rustic luxe but there is absolutely no compromise on the luxury element, the blend is just perfect. 66 wooden-clad villas are scattered across a gentle hillside and there is a wonderfully relaxed ambience about the place. Each villa is perfectly in tune with its surroundings, utterly private and all with outstanding views.

Anantara Lawana nestles at the very northern end of Chaweng beach on Koh Samui - far enough from the hustle and bustle of this busy area to be a tranquil oasis, yet close enough for guests to take advantage of the many shops, restaurants and bars Chaweng has to offer. The unique architecture is inspired by the island's original Chinese merchant settlers which blends with a beautiful tropical setting that could only be Thai. A unique feature of the resort is Sky Hug - Anantara Lawana's signature dining experience, set in the tree tops in a private sala that overlooks the sea. Other dining options include Ocean Kiss and private in-villa dining. And of course the Infinity edged pool and Anantara Spa is not to be missed!

There are many beachfront, luxury resorts on Koh Samui, and indeed in Thailand, but every now and again you come across one which seems to epitomise everything you would expect from a fabulous retreat in the ‘land of smiles’. The Banyan Tree Samui is just such a place. Set into the hillside, the resort commands exceptional views over the sapphire waters of Lamai Bay which lap the pristine white sands of the beach below.

Melati Beach Resort is another Turquoise favourite, perfect for both couples and families it’s certainly one of Koh Samui’s hidden gems. It enjoys a secluded beachfront setting at unspoiled Thongson Bay on Samui’s northern-most tip, just 10 minutes from the airport and within easy reach of the island’s lively Chaweng Beach area as well as the renowned Bo Phut Fisherman’s Village, with its many shops and restaurants.

Santiburi Beach Resort, a member of the exclusive ‘Leading Hotels of the World’ group, is located on a 300 metre private swimming beach in Mae Nam Bay on the north coast of Koh Samui, just 15 minutes from Samui Airport and 5 minutes from Bo Phut fisherman’s village with its many shops, restaurants and bars. The resort offers 71 luxurious Suites and Villas set within 23 acres of exotic palm filled gardens and is a perfect choice for families seeking a hotel with plenty of activities for children.

If you crave the intimacy and charm of a boutique family-run establishment then look no further than the truly enchanting Zazen. With a peaceful location on Bo Phut Beach there are just 26 rooms to choose from. The design echoes a stylish Thai home with warm wood and cool terracotta floors, rich Thai silks and a large veranda. In keeping with the boutique style, the spa here is small, but perfectly formed, with outdoor treatments salas and a free form swimming pool. For adventure seekers, the location of Zazen means you are perfectly placed to discover the beautiful island of Samui.

Nestled amongst the verdant hills and fronting turquoise waters in the secluded north-east corner of Koh Samui, The Ritz Carlton is the ultimate in elegant, luxury island escapes.