Embracing island living, Kimpton Kitalay Samui opens as the brand’s first resort in South East Asia.
BANGKOK – Kimpton Kitalay Samui, the first resort in South East Asia for IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury boutique brand has officially opened its doors. This highly-anticipated opening promises a differentiated stay with its take on the Samui way of life, through the brand’s signature heartfelt service, locally-loved restaurants and bars and distinct design approach to create one-of-a-kind spaces that infuse local culture with relaxed luxury.
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 by Kimpton celebrating the siren song of the sea as well as the warmth of human connection and community in an idyllic escape, and this is woven into every aspect of the resort through references to the stories and culture of the island’s fishing village.
Located on Choengmon Beach in the northeast of Koh Samui and just minutes away from the Koh Samui International Airport, Kimpton Kitalay Samui will be the island’s only village-styled oceanfront resort. Tranquility and privacy will be easy to find as the resort occupies a quiet cove along the pristine beach, far from the hustle and bustle of Chaweng. “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. We will also offer Kimpton’s signature perks including a nightly-hosted Social Hour, the brand’s industry-leading Kimpton Pets Programme, and an approachable luxury experience fuelled by a team who champions heartfelt, human connections,” said Michael Janssen, General Manager, Kimpton Kitalay Samui.
Standing upon double-tiered, stilt-suspended platforms, the resort will conjure the romance of a village intimately connected to the sea through an enchanting fusion of contemporary design and traditional accents. Local Thai design agency, P49 Deesign expertly applied 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 rooms 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; guests can enjoy music on the go with the portable splash-proof Bluetooth speaker from Marley No Bounds. An elevated bath experience in the oversized-bathtub in each room awaits with the resort’s signature sea salt and patchouli- scented bath amenities including bath bombs, bath salts and milk baths. Guests are also invited to contact the Face Mask Sommelier for a ridiculously personal consultation for the perfect scented face mask as part of their bath time ritual.
First-class food and beverage programmes play a big part in Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants across the world. Kimpton Kitalay Samui boasts five distinct and immersive dining venues. Consider LANAI a new kind of library – it 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 and 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, dining at the Thai lifestyle café, Boho, or partaking in freshly baked fun at HOM Baking Company with its extensive range of creative baked goods, confectionery, specialty teas and cold press juices. The resort’s lifestyle programming – part of Kimpton’s DNA – delivers memorable experiences; starting with a morning kickstart coffee and tea, to Kimpton’s Social Hour, where the brand’s vision to enable human connection comes to life as guests mingle with locals. Not forgetting furry guests, Kimpton Kitalay Samui’s Furry Guest Programme will delight with special amenities and treats such as Spirulina Ice Cream, and even a Pet Spa Day experience.
Inspired by a buzzing seaside port, Junio is the 500sqm, split-level Kids Club at Kimpton Kitalay Samui designed for interaction, creative play and active exploration. Little guests can learn new skills like tie-dye, coconut leaves weaving or roll up their sleeves for a day tending to plants and growing their own sprouts at the resort’s Herbs Garden.
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”. Inspired by the Manora dance dramas of the southern provinces of Thailand, it begins with the Kasi Thara Bath Ritual before moving onto a natural pearl body scrub that readies the skin for the Trio of Bliss, a warm oil massage that combines three massage techniques. Apart from a 24-hour gym, guests can also enjoy a refreshing 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.
TravelDailyNews Asia-Pacific editorial team has an experience of over 35 years in B2B travel journalism as well as in tourism & hospitality marketing and communications.
