For serious luxury in Thailand, look no further than the stunning resort of Soneva Kiri. The surroundings, the sunsets, the white sands, and the service are all taken very seriously here, but the vibe itself is laid back, chilled out, and simply everyone is smiling!
Near Far Collection Special Offer
Soneva Kiri is a member of our Near Far Collection which means that when you book a room via our luxury travel concierge you get brilliant extra benefits at no extra cost.
Our exclusive benefits at Soneva Kiri are a complimentary early check-in / late check-out, free upgrade to the next room category (all subject to hotel availability), daily buffet breakfast for up to two in-room guests, as well as a $100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during your stay. Guests staying for 4 nights or more will also benefit from a Beach dinner for two once during your stay, a Koh Kood discovery trip, and Thai cuisine cooking class for two with Khun Benz once during your stay.
Why We Love This Hotel
Yes, it’s breathtakingly luxurious, but it’s the scenery that will have you truly agog. And the resort makes the absolute most of its little corner of paradise by being so spread out that every guest needs (and gets, you’ll in Soneva land now) their very own private electric buggy to get about the resort.
Location
Soneva Kiri is tucked on Koh Kood, which is Thailand’s fourth-largest island but also its least populated, meaning untamed jungle, pristine beaches, and wonderful peace. The island remains relatively undiscovered by the tourist hoards and so is unspoiled and feels like visiting the authentic Thailand of old. The resort itself is spread on a vast 41-hectare (102-acre) site of lush tropical rainforest, which overlooks the clear, turquoise waters of the resort’s private bay.
Best Time To Visit
The tropical monsoon climate of Southeast Thailand means a rainy season from July to October, which is best to avoid, and a dry season from March to June where the humidity can be rather high; your optimum time is between November to February when it’s also dry, but not as humid.
How To Get There
Fly into Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport, and from there, you are in the very capable hands of Soneva Kiri. First, you are met and escorted to the resort’s ultra-luxurious private plane, where you can simply sit back and enjoy the scenic 70-minute transfer flight to a neighboring island. Then hop on a speedboat for the final 5-minute journey to the resort itself.
Style & Character
Yes, this resort is very luxurious, and there’s a certain glamour attached, but it’s so tastefully done with natural materials and lots of wood, and always keeping the island and surrounding foremost. The whole premise of Soneva is about the simple life, about getting back to what is really important, and shoes don’t make the cut – barefoot luxury is THE way to live!
Service & Facilities
The Spa is exceptional, and most of the treatments are designed to ease stress and help you fully exist in this barefoot paradise. Spend your days on the private white-sand beach, by the large infinity pool (which you might even get to yourself as many guests tend to stay at their own pools!), at the fitness center, on the tennis courts, or enjoy a spot of snorkeling (day or night!) or canoeing. Soneva resorts have a wonderful sense of childlike fun; there’s an open-air cinema, an ice cream parlor, a chocolate room, and one of your dining options (which you must not miss) involves you being hoisted to the treetops to dine 30 feet high!
The service is personalized, quite literally, by your very own Mr or Ms Friday; the butler who greets you as you arrive and is on hand throughout to meet your every whim. All the staff are wonderful, though, and those smiles definitely appear very genuine.
Rooms
The ultra-luxe, 35 pool villas are very spacious, with huge private terraces and incredible views. The excellent facilities include fully equipped kitchens, dining areas, and living rooms (both inside and out) and vary from one to five bedrooms.
Best Rooms
Your trickiest decision here will be which villa you select. The best way to come to a decision is to decide whether you want the shade of the jungle, in which case the Bayview Pool Villa Suite or Sunset Ocean View Pool Villa Suites are your best option, or if you’d prefer maximum sun exposure, then the Beach Pool Villa Suite are perfect.
Food & Drink
There are three main restaurants; the signature Thai gourmet restaurant, Benz’ is on stilts over the water, and you reach it by boat; oh, they rather fabulous have no menu. For European fare with a Thai twist, the View offers fine dining with, you’ve guessed it, an incredible view! Your final option is the Dining room, more relaxed and sociable with an impressive reputation as THE best breakfast buffet you’ll ever eat. There’s also a poolside restaurant to keep you refreshed during the day and a Wine Cellar – just don’t forget to dine in those treetops too!
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