Spending a luxurious holiday on the pristine beaches of Koh Samui is a dream come true. Known for its beautiful beaches with aquamarine waters and golden sands, Koh Samui makes for the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Nestled in this emerald green island is an uber-chic luxury resort enveloped in both style and tradition – Meliá Koh Samui, this year’s winner of the Luxury Lifestyle Awards’ Best Luxury Resorts in Asia category.

Meliá Koh Samui overlooks secluded Choeng Mon Beach on the north-eastern tip of Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand. Situated only five kilometres from Samui International Airport, the resort features a host of entertainment facilities and is the pinnacle of luxury holidaying in Thailand. Nine different categories of rooms and suites provide a wide range of choice for guests to enjoy modern amenities as well as the island’s traditional seafaring culture. The Deluxe Rooms offer standalone bathtubs on private balconies and the Premium Pool Access Rooms’ terraces segue to the remarkable lagoon pool that meanders through the resort’s lush grounds like a river. Meliá Koh Samui has converted merchant vessels, that are more than 100 years old and once traversed the Gulf of Thailand, into elegant two-storey suites called The Level Boat Suites with beach or garden views, or direct access to the lagoon pool.

Rooms and suites that belong to “The Level” – an upgraded level of service with an array of bespoke privileges – provide exclusive access to the executive lounge, The Level Lounge. It’s an exquisite venue that boasts a vast open terrace, surrounded by a water feature, with panoramic views of Choeng Mon Beach. Private check-in and check-out, daily à la carte breakfast, an all-day open bar with snacks and drinks, afternoon tea and cocktails from 5.30pm-7.30pm are among the many benefits.

Indulge in a lavish breakfast at the cheerful Koko Kitchen and then move on to a kayaking session off the shore of Choeng Mon Beach. Spend some time mastering how to cook Thai delicacies in an innovative cooking class before taking a dip in the two-level infinity pool with sunken seating. End your day  sipping on the choicest of cocktails at the Pool Bar followed by an exclusive degustation menu crafted by award-winning chef Azizskandar Awang at Breeza Beach Restaurant and Bar.

“It is a great honour for the entire team to be recognised by the esteemed Luxury Lifestyle Awards committee. At Meliá Koh Samui, we strive to excel in giving the finest experience to all of our guests and we are delighted to be representing Asia in the category of Best Luxury Resort in Asia”, said the resort’s general manager Ernesto Osuna.

Meliá Koh Samui is the perfect family destination. Managed by trained professionals, the Kid’s Club is packed with colourful installations, cool activities, toys and more and is situated adjacent to a mini water park with a shallow pool, slide, mushroom fountain and giant tipping bucket. The resort is also home to the sophisticated YHI spa, a state-of-the-art fitness centre and a collection of MICE facilities including a ballroom.