When Four Seasons opened its first property in Thailand, it was one of a kind. Set amidst the rice fields of Chiang Mai, there was nothing quite like it anywhere in the world. Since then the company has added a bustling city hotel in Bangkok to its portfolio and opened a Tented Camp in Thailand’s exotic jungles where Thailand meets Laos and Burma – The Golden Triangle. Now Four Seasons is heading to the beach with a hillside retreat in Koh Samui at Laem Yai peninsula. With properties in the city, countryside, jungle and now, the beach, Four Seasons offers a Thai getaway rich in experiences, Thai custom and topography.

The approach to Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui is nothing short of dramatic. The driveway leads up a very steep hill to a set of heavy wooden doors, flanked on either side by six metre high walls. With the sound of a ceremonial Thai gong, the doors open to reveal the turquoise waters surrounding the peninsula, the fine white sand of the Resort’s private beach below and the neighbouring islands in the distance – all from 350 feet above sea level. Also perched above the sea are the lobby and the main restaurant with equally breathtaking views to the north and to the west, a relaxing place to watch the sun set.

The majority of the Resort’s accommodations are nestled into the hillside. All 60 villas are built on stilts amongst the coconut, jackfruit and mango trees on the property – a former orchard. In total, 856 coconut trees were retained and protected during construction. The respect given the natural surroundings in the development of the villas make them feel like private hideaways, reminiscent of the traditional Southern Thai residences that inspired the design. Two beach villas are even more secluded at the water’s edge, one of which can only be accessed via the beach. In addition to the villas are two larger beachside residences for guests who require extra space and privacy.

The Spa is designed with the same focus on solitude and seclusion as the accommodations. Five individual spa pavilions have ample indoor and outdoor treatment areas for two, as well as steam, bath and shower areas. Featuring treatments that are indigenous to Thailand, the Spa focuses on holistic therapies with fusion techniques from Thai, Yogic and other Asian cultures.

Seafood, Thai and Italian are the order of the day at the Resort’s restaurants. When the catch of the day arrives on the shores of the Resort, guests can consult with the chef to choose their fish for dinner and decide how they would like it to be prepared. Dinner can be served right on the beach or high above it on the crest of the Resort.

A series of ‘Thai Collection’ packages enables guests to combine a visit to Koh Samui with stays at the Resort’s sister hotels in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the Tented Camp Golden Triangle.