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Koh Samui Best Luxury Hotel: Kimpton Kitalay Samui Review

Do you know how sometimes your life feels too good to be true? Arriving at the Kimpton Kitalay Samui was one of those moments…

We were kindly hosted by this newly opened luxury hotel (December 2021) and were truly blown away by everything it had to offer.

After three nights our kids were crying when we checked out because ‘I just want to play at the Kids Club for one more hour' and ‘We'll never find a hotel with supercool water slides again'.

Read along to find out everything this family-friendly luxury resort on Koh Samui has to offer.

Kimpton Kitalay Samui review

Disclosure: we were hosted by the Kimpton Kitalay Samui.
Nevertheless, all opinions are my own.

About the Kimpton Kitalay Samui

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The name of this beautiful Kimpton property Kitalay means ‘The song of the Lay people', a tribute to the people native to the surrounding area.

The Kimpton Kitalay Samui has a wonderful joyous vibe, it's lavish and luxurious without being pretentious.

Au contraire, there is no need to pretend anything you're not, no need to dress to a tee for every meal (though by all means do if you feel like it!). So relax and embrace that beach holiday spirit.

You'll feel welcome from the moment you walk into the gorgeous lobby, where the attentive staff will explain everything you need to know and answer every question you may have.

Click here to book your stay at the Kimpton Kitalay Samui

The rooms

Essential Pool Access Room and One Bedroom Suite Pool Access

Image: courtesy of Kimpton Kitalay Samui

Fancy starting your day by taking a dip into the pool straight from your balcony? Book one of the 40 Essential Pool Access rooms (58 sqm.) or the One Bedroom Pool Access Suite (115 sqm).

Important: there's only one suite with direct access to the pool so book ahead when you've got your eyes on this one).

Our kids were a bit too young to go into the pool unsupervised but I imagine this suite is absolutely divine for parents with older kids who can swim.

Perhaps you can finally digitally dust off that book that's been sitting on your e-reader bookshelf for over a year….

One Bedroom Suite

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We stayed at one of the 8 One Bedroom Suites (115 sqm.) which was perfect for our family of 4 (two adults and two kids, 4 and 2 years old).

The suite has a large living area where the wonderful staff had set up a little tent with lots of stuffed animals for our kids to play with.

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The couch could be converted into a comfortable sofa bed, both kids ended up sleeping here though there was also a baby cot set up for our daughter.

However, she wants to be exactly like her big brother and therefore refused to sleep in it… You know, just your typical toddler behavior.

While the sofa bed isn't suitable for adults, kids measuring up to about 1.30m can comfortably sleep here.

The layout of the suite is well thought out, and the sliding doors make it easy to create separate areas for nap time, bath time, or changing clothes in the huge powder room with floor-length mirrors so you can admire your outfit of the day.

Essential Resort View and Essential Sea View

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Image: courtesy of Kimpton Kitalay Samui

The Essential Resort View and Essential Sea View rooms (58 sqm.) are perfect for couples (opt for the king-size bed) or friends traveling together (book the twin beds).

When entering the lobby, buildings 1,2, and 3 are on the left side of the lobby. Buildings 4, 5, and 6 are on the right.

Note that Junio Kids Club, the kids' playground, and the water park are all found around buildings 4-6. If you're traveling without kids you may want to opt for a room in building 1-3.

Check the resort map for more details.

If you prefer a bit more privacy, check out the Garden Pool Villa or the Oceanfront Pool Villa (read more below).

Garden Pool Villa

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Image: courtesy of Kimpton Kitalay Samui

The 171 sqm. One Bedroom Garden Pool Villa is a wonderful option for those seeking privacy and solitude.

Splash around in your private pool, relax on the balcony or enjoy a romantic dinner with your beloved one.

The Garden Villas are also a great option for those traveling with (larger) pets as the space is totally enclosed and your beloved pooch can roam around freely.

Oceanfront Pool Villa

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Images: courtesy of Kimpton Kitalay Samui

The Oceanfront Pool Villas are even bigger than the Garden Pool (224 sqm.) so you'll surely be very comfortable here. Admire the splendid ocean views or walk 10 steps and go for a swim in the ocean.

Relax in the huge bathtub or do some laps in your private pool. If you're traveling with (extended) family or a group of friends, consider booking adjacent villas which are connected via the private patios.

Villa Kitalay

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Images: courtesy of Kimpton Kitalay Samui

While you could hardly call the 628 sqm. Villa Kitalay a room (I mean, our entire house in the Netherlands fits in there multiple times) it's one of the 138 rooms found on the Kimpton property.

This spectacular villa caters to those seeking utter luxury as well as total privacy. With two bedrooms, a gorgeous ocean view pool, a huge bathroom, and a private dining area there's no reason to ever leave your comfortable bubble.

If you're celebrating something special, such as a honeymoon, anniversary, or birthday, consider booking Villa Kitalay (including a beachfront private dining experience). It will make your stay truly unforgettable.

Kimpton Kitalay Samui on-site restaurants

Boho

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Boho is found on the ground floor of the main building and between 7 am and 11 am an extensive breakfast buffet is available here.

Our favorites include the Vanilla & Coconut Porridge, the Eggs Iberico, and the Pineapple Smoothie.

For lunch and dinner, you can enjoy Thai (fusion) dishes, the Nua Pad Phrik Thai dam was divine as was the soft shell crab salad.

Fish House

Be sure to dine here at least once, if only for the amazing views…

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Needless to say, the food is pretty spectacular too, the Pork Iberico and the Avocado salad were our favorites though pretty much everything on the menu is worth ordering.

Hom

Grab a cup of coffee and a quick snack for when you're heading out to explore Koh Samui. Opened from 8 am until 1 pm.

Lanai

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We enjoyed a drink at Lanai when we arrived and ordered a delicious in-room lunch, consisting of the Kimpton Burger, Australian Beef flatbread, fresh fruit platter, and some french fries for the kids.

Shades

Feeling thirsty after swimming a few laps in the gigantic pool? Not to worry, Shades is situated right next to the pool so you've only got to cover a few steps before ordering a nice cold beer, cocktail, glass of wine, or an ice-cold soda.

Kimpton Kitalay Samui kids facilities

When it comes to family-friendly 5-star hotels, there aren't many that do it as well as the Kimpton Kitalay Samui.

Junio Kids Club

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Let's start at the ocean-themed Kids Club Junio, where kids between 0-12 can enjoy over 500 sqm. of funtastic things to do.

There is a spiral slide, a soft cushioned play area for the youngest members of the family, a ball pit, a reading area, and lots more.

Every day kids can take part in fun and educational activities, such as making a shell keychain, painting a coconut or creating a leaf card.

Junio is open from 9 am until 6 pm.

The Playground

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Do your kids want to play outside instead of indoors? No problem, take them to the playground across Pimãanda Spa (read more below) and let them run around until it's time for lunch.

There are two swings, a little house with a slide, and two teeter-totters. And, not unimportant, a little shady bench for the parents.

The playground is open from 9 am until 6 pm.

The Waterpark

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According to my kids, this was by far the best part about the Kimpton Kitalay Samui. Having gone down the slide once or twice myself I have to agree;-).

There is just something irresistibly fun about splashing around in the water!

The Aqua Park is open from 10 am until 5 pm.

The Kids Menu

Perhaps you've got adventurous eaters who, despite their young age, have already come to appreciate Thai cuisine in all its glory. But… chances are they just want to eat french fries and pasta.

The Kids Menu caters to all needs!

There is fried rice with chicken for those who are willing to sample a non-spicy local dish, penne pasta with tomato sauce for fans of the Mediterranean kitchen or perhaps they'll fancy a ‘this is disgusting!' (see below…).

While waiting for dessert your kids can complete the coloring page on the back of the menu (coloring pencils are supplied).

Clever kids stuff

Do you know how as a parent you're always a bit on edge when eating at a restaurant? Trying to keep the tableware from breaking and precariously balancing a kid on your lap while maneuvering your spoon over your little ones' head trying not to spill sauce on her blonde curls.

Not at the Kimpton Kitalay…

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There are high chairs available at all the restaurants as well as plastic plates, cutlery, and cups. Kids can pick their favorite Disney character (Winnie the Pooh, Mickey Mouse, or a pretty princess).

These small but thoughtful little details will elevate your dining experience to a whole new level. Who knows you might even be able to enjoy your own meal while it's still hot.

Other facilities at the Kimpton Kitalay Samui

Swimming pools

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On the day of our arrival, my son and I made it our mission to swim in all the pools of the Kimpton Kitalay Samui. It took us quite a while since there are 5 large swimming pools, plus the Kids Waterpark.

Needless to say, that's where we spent most of our time because it made our 2-year-old daughter and 4-year son utterly happy.

The swimming pools are open from 9 am-7 pm (the water park closed at 5 pm).

Gym & Yoga

When eating so much delicious food, working out is a necessity… I used the spacious and air-conditioned gym a couple of times during our stay and often found it empty (I went early in the morning and after dinner).

There is a selection of dumbells, kettlebells, a few cardio machines, and fitness equipment. Don't forget to check the schedule for (complimentary) yoga classes and other group workouts.

The gym is open 24/7, in case you suddenly get the urge to work out around 3 am.

Spa

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Pimãanda is the name is the Spa at Kimpton Kitalay and it translates to ‘Paradise of Wondrous Sea'.

Enjoy the Wonderful Wanderer (Chinese reflexology), Bliss of Rumpaa (a combination of Thai massage, Yoga Stretching, and Swedish therapy), or the Pimãanda Signature Package (200 min) for the ultimate relaxation.

Don't forget to stock up on plenty of HARNN toiletries with the Kimpton Kitalay signature scent (a delightful combination of sea salt and patchouli, I got slightly addicted to this stuff during our stay).

Water sport activities

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You're staying next to one of the most beautiful beaches on Koh Samui, with a wonderful ocean begging to be explored. And, I'll say this again, with all that delicious food it's always a good idea to get some exercise.

Go paddleboarding or kayak to Koh Fan Noi, a tiny island just offshore Choengmon Beach (on the right side of the beach).

Kimpton Kitalay Samui Specials

Pet-friendly

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Want to bring along your furry friend? No problem at all! What's more, their stay is complimentary.

Friendly labrador Emma (the dog of the general manager) will welcome them to the Kimpton Kitalay Samui, where the pet-loving staff will cater to their every need as well as yours.

Your pup can play in the dog park, relax on plush pillows, and will never have to go far for a drink from one of the dog bowls spread around the complex.

Other services include pet strollers, toys, grooming kits, and access to the Kimpton Kitalay pet concierge.

Read more about the pet policy here.

Social hour

It's always fun to get to know other travelers and what better way than by enjoying a (complimentary) drink together while exchanging stories?

Social hour is a daily event from 5 pm until 6 pm, on the right side of Lanai bar.

Ice Ice Baby

Rum raisin, chocolate, or popcorn caramel? Those are just a few of the delicious homemade ice cream flavors to choose from. Ice cream is served complimentary each afternoon at SHADES (next to the main pool).

Personal touches

The attention to detail at the Kimpton Kitalay Samui is amazing and it's what truly sets this hotel apart from others.

When we arrived in our gorgeous one-bedroom suite there was an extensive welcome package waiting for us with all the ingredients to make the perfect gin-tonic, freshly squeezed juice for the kids, and a box of colorful sweets.

Throughout our stay, we found handwritten notes in our room wishing us a good night's sleep, a cute dolphin plushie, a jar full of cookies, and other thoughtful little surprises.

When dining in one of the onsite restaurants the staff always went out of their way to make our kids happy, helping them sharpen the coloring pencils or letting them choose their favorite Disney plastic plate.

Kimpton Kitalay Samui impression

Want to see more of the Kimpton Kitalay Samui? Check out my IG reel:

Review Kimpton Kitalay Samui: in conclusion

I hope this review of the Kimpton Kitalay Samui will help you decide to book a stay. Koh Samui is a wonderful island that should feature on any Thailand itinerary.

If you've got a question, leave a comment below or send me a message.

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Ali

Sunday 18th of December 2022

Very informative! Thank you! Quick question - was your crib a travel crib or a sturdy wooden one?

Thanks!

Lotte

Monday 19th of December 2022

Hey Ali,

Thanks for reading:-) The crib was a sturdy wooden one, I looked through my photos to see if I got a picture of it. Found one though the quality isn't great:

.

Have a lovely trip and let me know if you've got any other questions:-) Lotte