DISCOVERING NIKKI BEACH RESORT & SPA, KOH SAMUI
NIKKI BEACH KOH SAMUI: LIPA NOI BEACH LUXURY
The seawater along Lipa Noi beach feels like warm bathwater and there are long stretches of untouched golden sand where you can see shadows of the palm trees in the calm beautiful aqua blue.
In the distance, ferries take passengers island hopping; it is the perfect location for Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Koh Samui where chilled-out luxury lounging meets Thai tranquillity and the only decisions you need to make is whether you lay your towel down on the sand or a daybed.
Since its grand entrance onto the scene in 2010, Nikki Beach has been the key luxury resort Koh Samui to drop your bags and your worries to embrace those few days of a lifestyle that’s as laid-back as it is lavish.
Signature Elegance: The Beach Club Experience at Nikki Beach
Nikki Beach started as a trendsetting venue in Miami Beach in 1998 and has evolved into a global lifestyle brand, encompassing a worldwide network of beach clubs, hotels, fashion, and a charity, all embodying the spirit of celebrating life.
The brand is particularly famous for its beach clubs and in Koh Samui, the signature crisp, white daybeds and umbrellas are accompanied by easygoing tunes, and palms that flutter gently overhead in the lightest of breezes. Our arrival comes early in the week when the pool vibes are chilled and the party crew is recovering from the full moon parties on nearby Koh Phangan the weekend just past, which suits us perfectly.
There’s a slight air of aloofness to some of the staff who appear as laid-back as the lounging hotel guests. It’s an unusual experience to the Thai hospitality we’re used to but we embrace it nonetheless. As a hotel guest, you automatically get preferential access to the club so once we’re shown to our sizeable daybed overlooking the beach, there appears no hassle to continually order drinks.
As the afternoon wears on the music gets a little louder, the guests a little more relaxed and the daybeds are almost all full; it’s not hard to imagine how much partying goes on here towards the weekend. However, if that isn’t your vibe then the resort villas and suites are separate enough to the club for it not to cause any issues.
Exclusive Accommodations: Inside the Suites and Villas of Nikki Beach Koh Samui
The signature sleek, minimalist vibes throughout the resort intertwine with the local zest, creating a backdrop that’s as photogenic as it is plush. The 48 suites and villas are so close to the beach, you can taste the salt in the air.
We’re staying in one of the pool view suites which is opposite the 75m long resort pool (in addition to the beach club pool) where a few lengths would challenge many a decent swimmer.
The suites feature natural materials that bring together Thai traditions with contemporary touches; dark wooden floors are complimented with cool grey stone and black and white photographs of glamorous stars from a bygone era (Elvis and Sophia Loren in our suite) decorate the walls. However, it’s the large terrace balconies and patios that are a great addition to each of the suites, and where we spent much of our time. Whether upstairs or on the ground floor of the two-story building, the sizeable space gives the feeling of being part of a resort but with the addition of private lounging that allows guests to sprawl out on patios that are perfectly designed for sunset-catching, and binge-watching box sets with sea views.
Culinary Delights: Dining Experiences at Nikki Beach Koh Samui
The Escape restaurant is a casual beachfront gem that serves a mix of local and Mediterranean flavours, offering a unique dining experience with stylish decor that includes a dreamcatcher swing and cosy bean bag seating. Here seafood is grilled to your preference (tuna, pink please) and cocktails are a spicy Thai delight.
At the Beach Bar we grab a casual breakfast with a mix of a la carte and buffet and for lunch enjoy tasty Baja Fish Tacos made with local snapper and order the Nikki Beach’s Famous Chicken Satay. We don’t know why it is famous, perhaps because it isn’t skewed, but it tastes delicious famous or not. We notice that orders for the huge-looking sushi boat coming in thick and fast from the larger groups of Beach Club visitors and it is understandable as they look like a work of art.
Unparalleled Location: The Tranquil Beauty of Lipa Noi Beach
The west side of Samui sees the best sunsets, and this particular area of Lipa Noi is so quiet that neighbours include just a handful of small resorts and restaurants. If you’re looking for chilled-out full-on relaxation, then you’ve found it here.
Activities and Amenities: Leisure and Wellness at Nikki Beach
For those seeking something more than lounging the resort offers paddle boarding, kayaking, electric surfing, and yoga by the ocean. The Tone Gym is open round the clock, equipped for both cardio and strength training, alongside outdoor sports gear.
Sense 8 Spa invites guests to rejuvenate with a diverse menu of treatments, from massages to facials and hydro treatments, promising a holistic wellness experience.
Local Exploration: Embracing the Quiet Charm of Lipa Noi
A post-sunset walk is a real treat as the light fades and allows the green glow of fishing boats in the distance to light up the horizon. There are a few small locally-owned restaurants dotted along the beach which are worth a visit to support the local economy and enjoy a local beer.
If your idea of a perfect getaway involves luxury that doesn’t try too hard but delivers, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Koh Samui is where you need to be. Marrying a touch of laid-back luxe with the enchanting soul of Thailand’s island paradise it’s a perfect mix.
To book a stay at Nikki Beach check out offers at Luxury Escapes.
Fused flew to Koh Samui from Bangkok with Bangkok Air – find flights, schedules and prices here.
