Paradise in Seclusion
BY MAHMOOD HOSSAIN
Koh Samui is one of the most popular and famous vacation spots in Thailand, with stunning views, crystal clear waters and palm tree-edged beaches. From the laidback life of Lamai Beach to the livelier hub of the island Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui has something for almost everyone. Aside from the many activities to take part in on the island, some visitors simply seek solace from life’s hustle and bustle, and desire to experience the unparalleled elegance of a resort. The InterContinental Koh Samui Resort happens to be exactly that. After spending a wonderful weekend by Taling Ngam Bay, on the island’s southwest coast, this property delivered a brilliant balance of beauty and bliss.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
With my work hat on, I admiringly observed every little detail the property had to offer when we first arrived. Admittedly, it was my first time visiting Koh Samui, but from day one of my visit to this property, I felt that the resort set the standard if you want to have the absolute best experience on this popular island. Just based on the incredible reviews I’d heard and the InterContinental brand, I already knew that if there was one resort on this island that was capable of effortlessly sweeping me off my feet, it would be this one. The 5-star property, situated in an enclave of Taling Ngam Bay, looks absolutely stunning from both an aerial and dock-side point of view. Even the slightly longer way up to the lobby is a brief romantic excursion – a winding road surrounded by plush greenery, weaving in and out of the island breeze and playing hide and seek with the beach views below.
From the Resort Classic Ocean View Room, which I had the pleasure of staying in, to the Club Villa Collection accommodations, this hotel gives guests access to not only its wonderful facilities, but also its incredible views. Not to take away from the décor, interior design, and architecture, which only enhances the experience; but the views from everywhere in the hotel are stunning. With 79 rooms, suites, and villas overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, the Five Islands, and Ang Thong National Marine Park, the 22- acre luxury resort cradles you into a dream state, making you regret the moment you step outside its verdant borders. I, in pure guilt, will attest to that sentiment.
DRINKING AND DINING
My approach to breakfast when on holiday puzzles me. Give me a cup of hot cappuccino and a croissant in the morning, and I’m good to go. However, if you give me the opportunity to spend quality time at a resort, I’ll transform into a Michelin Guide critic, judging every little detail of the hotel’s offerings for the first meal of the day. I’m happy to say that this imposter of a critic was beyond satisfied with the resort’s breakfast offerings at Amber, the resort’s all-day dining restaurant. The staff asked each guest how they would like their eggs, and lo and behold, I received a perfect plate of deliciously-scrambled gold.
By evening, the restaurant transforms into an intimate soiree, surrounded by crimson walls, burgundy jugs and jars, ruby candle shades, and touches of blush for chair pillows. It’s almost as if they had magically appeared from thin air. The dimly-lit restaurant becomes the ideal setting for a ‘wine-down’ and wonderful meal. Amber’s menu offers Thai dishes that are absolutely exquisite, from the vibrant flavours and balanced spices, to the alluring aroma and tantalising bites. Moreover, Amber provides an impressive vegan menu, as well as one with all the tried and tested staples of Indian cuisine, from their samosas to chicken biryani.
Alternatively, guests can elevate the romance by spending calm evenings by the waves at Flames, a beachfront restaurant specialising in lavish seafood and prime-cut meat sizzling on the grill. Just picture yourself with panoramic ocean views, a warm bonfire, a starlit sky, and some of the most mouthwatering dishes that are either flamed, grilled, baked, or barbecued on a charcoal grill or wood-fired oven. Not to mention exceptionally-paired cocktails and glasses of wine.
The property’s flawless views can also be enjoyed at Air Bar, where the cocktails complement the magnificent sunsets. With the ocean breeze, soothing sounds from live performances, and handcrafted Thai-inspired cocktails, this bar becomes the perfect sundowner spot before you prepare to devour a full-course meal.
WELLNESS
In the rare case that this aesthetically- appealing property didn’t already provide an overwhelming feeling of comfort, the resort’s award-winning private wellness sanctuary embraces the needs of an aching body and an exhausted mind. The Baan Thai Spa by Harnn is secluded and perched high above the coconut trees, with yet more serene views. The relaxation can come from either of the five private massage rooms: four standard massage rooms, and another intimate couple’s suite with a Balneo bath and steam room.
THE INSIDE SCOOP
Brilliantly, the resort goes beyond facilitating the best in rest and relaxation. It can also be seen as a sought-after venue for Indian weddings. I had the pleasure of sitting down with the resort’s F&B Manager, Krish Ghosh, to better understand how the resort caters to Indian celebrations.
What enticed you to take on the role of F&B manager at InterContinental Koh Samui Resort?
I remember visiting this property last year, and I had a good feeling about its potential. The location, for one, entices anyone to visit. Second, the F&B offerings already carried a good reputation, but I felt that if I took this opportunity at this position, I would be able to enhance the overall experience. There was also an added challenge of elevating the resort’s Indian cuisine. We are currently focused on taking the Indian cuisine experience to a higher level. This applies to regular dine-ins or to events as beautiful and grand as an Indian wedding.
How would you describe the hotel’s experience with Indian weddings?
As I’ve mentioned, one of the biggest advantages of hosting a wedding at this property is the location itself. It’s breathtaking. Even our private pier is used as an integral element for outdoor wedding ceremonies, for example, exchanging vows on the waterfront. Additionally, we have a beautiful lawn that can fit around 120 to 150 guests. When it comes to catering, our Chef Rajesh has extensive experience in both North and South Indian cuisines, allowing a variety of Indian dishes to be served at celebratory events. We have no issues curating personalised menus for the wedding couple for each of their events, which we all know can span days.
But let’s not forget that Indian weddings go beyond the items on a menu; they’re also all about the ambience of a joyous occasion. Our team is well-versed in providing the exact preparations to enhance the Indian wedding experience, spanning different set-ups, the pattern and flow of service, and the requirements for different cultural and religious rituals. Every angle is carefully attended to, and we make sure the plan is executed to everyone’s expectations.
Coastal Indian cuisine is in trend at the moment. How is the hotel incorporating this element into catering events?
One of the advantages of having Chef Rajesh at the helm is that the quality of our offerings is propelled by his experience. He chooses his own fresh ingredients, and he’s very particular about his masalas. Ultimately, under his guidance, we never want to compromise on the quality and integrity of authentic Indian coastal food. Aligning with our executive chef, we can only improve upon this, as Chef Rajesh has been with us for a short period. It’s also important to note that we also incorporate fusion elements to our dishes.
Are there any new additions or USPs of the hotel that elevate celebratory events?
At the moment, as we continue to improve or discover new aspects of the resort, we do want to increase the workforce, especially for the catering team. As we receive more opportunities to host Indian weddings, we’ll naturally need to bolster our team. Moreover, starting this month, we will offer an elaborate menu dedicated to only Indian cuisine. We realise the need for high-quality Indian food, and we aim to not only provide the best, but also offer a unique dining and catering experience for our South Asian guests.
INTERCONTINENTAL KOH SAMUI RESORT
295 Moo 3 Taling Ngam, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84140 Thailand
Phone: +66 (77) 429 100
Email: icsamui.rsvn@ihg.com
