Embracing island living, Kimpton Kitalay Samui has officially opened its doors, marking the luxury boutique brand’s first resort in South East Asia.
The resort’s name is derived from two Thai words: ‘kita’, which means ‘song’ or ‘singing’, and ‘lay’, which translates to ‘sea’ and encapsulates the spirit of the local community. ‘Kitalay’ is thus a joyous ode celebrating the siren song of the sea. The warmth of human connection and sense of community are woven in an idyllic escape, and intertwine into every aspect of the resort through references to the stories and culture of the island’s fishing village.
Standing upon double-tiered, stilt-suspended platforms, the resort is a fusion of contemporary design and traditional accents. Local Thai design agency, P49 Deesign integrated rustic wooden elements from repurposed driftwood, nostalgic veranda-style features and timeless accents such as local artwork by Thai artisans. Earthy palettes and wave-inspired terrace furnishings lend rustic character to the 138 design-led guestrooms and pool villas, complemented by interwoven Thai basketry motifs on the bathroom floors and local artwork upon the walls.
Within the rooms, handwoven ocean blue cotton robes are custom-designed by local Samui tailors. An elevated bath experience in the oversized-bathtub awaits with the resort’s signature sea salt and patchouli-scented bath amenities by HARNN including bath bombs, bath salts and milk baths.
Kimpton Kitalay Samui boasts five distinct and immersive dining venues. LANAI offers a journey of discovery through finely-curated coffees including Thai single origin coffee, artisanal teas and locally-produced spirits. Fish House is an elevated all-day beach house dining with its range of classic seafood flavours as well as innovative seafood bao buns or local-inspired spicy nam jim sauce. Guests can also look forward to lounging at SHADES Ocean Lounge and Pool Bar for refreshing poolside cocktails and beach events, dine at the Thai lifestyle café, Boho, or partake in freshly baked fun at HOM Baking Company with its extensive range of creative baked goods, confectionery, specialty teas and cold press juices.
With connection and wellness top of mind, Pimãanda by HARNN graciously pampers those seeking to restore balance with its 14-step spa ritual, or its signature treatment, “Paradise of Wondrous Sea”. In addition to the 24-hour gym, guests can also enjoy a dip in the resort’s outdoor pool or their own private pools located within the villas; or try “Rue Sri Dad Ton” – Thai Hermit’s programme which teaches self-stretching and body manipulation poses that boosts energy and harmonises minds
“Koh Samui is renowned for its breath-taking beauty and village living, and this inspires the immersive guest experiences – our take on the return of Samui’s way of life, at the resort,” says Michael Janssen, General Manager, Kimpton Kitalay Samui.
