Luxury Hotel Review: InterContinental Koh Samui’s Beachfront Resort
Complete luxury at the InterContinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort
The InterContinental Koh Samui commands one of the best panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand for over 24 years. With recent renovations in 2012, the luxury resort continues to compete as a top five-star beachfront accommodation on the island.
Location & Surroundings
Situated on the west coast of Koh Samui, the InterContinental Samui truly has one of the most stunning views on the island of the endless waters and islands on the horizon. While most tourist resorts are closer to the airport in Bo Phut and Chaweng, the resort’s Taling Ngam beach location boasts of exclusivity and seclusion for the ultimate getaway.
After a 45-minute drive from the airport along the coast to the other side of the island, you step foot into paradise. The view that welcomes you makes the whole journey and choice to stay at this resort completely worthwhileThe lobby greets guests with sweeping views from left to right of the water and surrounding islands. The varying elevation of the resort privileges you to the best views in all areas of the propertyJust below the lobby are sitting areas, the Air Bar, a restaurant, and an infinity pool to fully enjoy this amazingly picturesque view. Down below sits the resort’s port where the private speedboat takes guests on daily adventures
Beach & Pools
The InterContinental Samui stands out from the competition of luxury resorts with its facilities, including the beachfront property and numerous pools for guests to enjoy all day and night. You can dip into an infinity pool with views of the mountainous inland and endless waters, or into the beach pool with a swim up bar for cocktails, or the exclusive multi-colored pools near the villas.
While the resort may feel farther away from a lineup for restaurants, bars, and shops, the private and exclusive beachfront property completely makes up for the distance when you lay out on the loungers on the sandThe main infinity pool with commanding views of the surrounding island. Under the midday sun, the intense heat discourages sunbathers. So, instead of a hot tub, the open-air hut covers and cools down swimmers in the shade
With the InterContinental Ambassador Membership, guests enjoy a guaranteed upgrade to this room comprising of a 65 square meter layout with a king bed, sitting area, desk space, a large bathroom, and a balcony with epic views of the Gulf of Thailand.
The king bed situates itself to look out at the view when you wake up in the mornings. Guests can also enjoy pillows of their preference with the pillow menu located next to your bed, including firm or soft pillows, or even long body pillowsThe bathroom sink comfortably accommodates two guests, including an enclosed toilet. The room comes with ample bottled water in the bedroom and in the bathroom. Guests can also expect the standard toiletries found in all luxury hotelsMost of the bathroom space go to the bathtub and shower, especially the shower. As there are no curtains, the open shower area makes it feel like you are showering in a room. One note, the grouts the shower showed the age and lack of maintenance – perhaps it would be better to wear slippers while showering here
Epic Views from the Room
The best part of this Resort Classic Panoramic Ocean View Room is most definitely the view. On your balcony, you can enjoy the views from your day beds or from the outdoor dining table. The glass railing allows you to see the most of the waters and horizonFrom your room and balcony, you can watch the resort’s speedboat arrive back at the port in the afternoons. You can also watch guests enjoy the water activities provided by the resort, including jet skiing, kayaking, and more
