WHETHER you’re planning a getaway or working remotely, Koh Samui, Thailand, should be on your travel map. Known as Coconut Island, it boasts stunning beaches, natural landscapes, rich culture, and vibrant markets.
Located 700 km south of Bangkok, you can reach Koh Samui via a direct flight to Samui International Airport or a scenic ferry from Surat Thani.
For a luxurious stay, book a room at Explorar Koh Samui – Adults Only Resort and Spa. Located in Mae Nam, this serene retreat offers exclusive accommodations, excellent amenities, and curated experiences perfect for relaxation or adventure.
A serene escape at Explorar Koh Samui
During my recent media FAM trip to Koh Samui, I had the pleasure of staying at the resort for four nights. Arriving in the evening, the resort provided the perfect setting to unwind and begin my island experience.
From the moment we arrived at the resort, we were welcomed with warmth and genuine hospitality.
The reception team greeted us with big smiles and a refreshing coconut drink, complete with the option to add a local rum shot. The drink was ice-cold, delicious, and set the tone for what would be an exceptional stay.
After check-in, we were escorted to our rooms. I was given a Garden Pool Villa, and as soon as I stepped inside, I was awestruck.
The 64-square-metre villa featured a 20-square-metre private pool, separated from the bedroom by a sleek glass sliding door.
The design offered complete privacy, ideal for a romantic getaway. The villa also had a cozy living area, a spacious bathroom with a double rain shower, and high-speed internet throughout, even by the plush bed.
Outside, the private pool deck was equipped with bean bags, perfect for lounging in between swims.
Sustainability at heart
What stood out even more was the resort’s commitment to sustainability, which was evident throughout the property.
For instance, the room number signs were crafted from coconut shells, adding a charming local touch. Even the personalised bathroom amenities adhered to this ethos, with sustainable packaging and shampoo infused with a delightful coconut extract scent.
Co-founder and chief marketing officer of Explorar, Tim Sargeant, shared insights into the resort’s sustainability efforts, saying they wanted to take it a step further.
“We didn’t want to stop at eliminating plastics, straws, or even switching to bamboo straws.
“That is why we developed the coconut story. Given that Koh Samui is known as the Coconut Island, we wanted to honour this identity.
“If we were going to provide guests with coconuts daily, we needed a way to repurpose and reuse the materials we would otherwise discard.
“This led to a unique initiative where the discarded coconut materials are recycled and transformed by local craftsmen into distinctive pieces,” he explained.
Villa and suite options to suit every taste
Explorar Koh Samui offers a total of 125 rooms, each thoughtfully designed for comfort and relaxation.
In addition to the Garden Pool Villa, the resort offers two other luxurious villas. For those seeking the ultimate indulgence, the luxury Beach Pool Villa is a perfect choice.
This 5-star villa spans 92 square metres and boasts a private pool and terrace, offering serene sea views that stretch to the neighboring Koh Phangan island.
From the glazed bathroom to the spacious interior, every corner of the villa is designed for comfort and relaxation.
Step out onto the private pool deck to lounge on beanbags under a sun umbrella, or take intimate dips in the pool before strolling a few steps to the sandy shore.
Meanwhile, the Junior Spa Bath Villa offers a touch of romance and luxury, perfect for couples. Start your day in a plush bed, refresh in the en-suite bathroom with personalised amenities, and enjoy quiet moments on your private deck.
The highlight is the whirlpool bathtub, complete with hydro massage and flotation settings, allowing guests to unwind in their own private haven.
If villas feel a bit grand, Explorar Koh Samui also offers a range of elegant suites, including the Garden Plunge Pool Suite, Deluxe Sea View Suite, and Deluxe Suite, each designed with style and comfort in mind.
For travellers on a more modest budget, the resort has thoughtfully curated options like the Deluxe Sea View, Deluxe Plunge Pool, and Deluxe Balcony, ensuring there is something for everyone without compromising on quality or experience.
Unique experiences at Explorar Koh Samui
Explorar Koh Samui is not just a place to stay. It is where relaxation, leisure, and productivity come together effortlessly.
From an onsite spa to a dedicated co-working space, this adults-only resort offers something for everyone.
For remote workers, The Exchange Co-Working Space offers the perfect balance of business and pleasure.
Fully equipped and open 24 hours, it features two soundproof private rooms ideal for conference and video calls, catering to guests from various time zones.
“At 2 am, you will often find people here taking calls. It is a lot easier to work in a soundproof space than risk disturbing your partner in the room,” Tim said.
He added that the space is busiest between 11 am and 1 pm, as guests often prefer to handle work after breakfast before relaxing for the rest of the day.
Adding to the ambiance is a ‘living wall’, maintained daily by the resort’s gardeners, which brings a vibrant, fresh feel to the room.
Decor elements include mural-inspired artwork from Explorar’s sister property in Koh Phangan, connecting the two destinations.
“We re-stenciled the original murals onto canvas. It’s a lovely way to tie both properties together,” Tim explained.
For relaxation, the Exhale Spa and Wellness Centre offers four private treatment rooms, a nail salon, and a range of services like foot reflexology, Thai massage, facials, and more.
Guests can enjoy a custom day spa experience for ultimate indulgence.
A feast at Odyssey
During our stay, we had breakfast at Odyssey, the resort’s restaurant, and the experience was unforgettable.
The menu combines Mediterranean flavours with Thai cuisine, and the service was exceptional. Dining by the pool with stunning views of the sea and Koh Phangan made breakfast even more memorable.
Afterward, guests can enjoy a walk along the beach or relax on bean bags under sun umbrellas. What a perfect way to start the day!
On our final day, I had the pleasure of sharing lunch with Tim and the other media attendees. I chose Gaeng Massaman, a delicious dish with slow-cooked wagyu beef cheek, cardamom, and cinnamon.
My Indonesian colleague, Nure, had a custom halal dish recommended by the staff, which smelled incredible. For me, it was a thoughtful touch from the attentive team.
Odyssey’s exclusive dining events
Odyssey is not only known for its exceptional breakfast, but also for its unforgettable romantic evenings, where exquisite food and wine are paired with live entertainment.
The restaurant’s Fine Dining Gastronomic Series elevates dining with unique events throughout the week.
Every Tuesday, the SURF & TURF | The Ultimate Grill Experience offers a selection of charcoal-grilled seafood and premium meats, complemented by live music.
On Thursdays, the Blue Smoke | Greek Experience celebrates Odysseus with a charcoal and wood-fired grill featuring local seafood and meats, plus starters, drinks, and dessert.
Saturdays bring the Sizzling Thai Night, showcasing authentic Thai-Isaan Grill dishes with live music, and for cocktail enthusiasts, the Pop-Up Art of Mixology at the G&T Bar offers expertly crafted drinks.
Chill, swim, and enjoy at Explorar’s Stunning Pool
The infinity pool at Explorar Koh Samui is a true highlight of the resort, offering the perfect spot to relax and unwind. Stretching 50 metres, it’s lined with comfortable loungers ideal for sunbathing or reading a book.
For a bit of fun, you can float on giant rubber ducks, enjoy the lively atmosphere of a pool party, or take advantage of the swim-up bar during happy hour, which runs from 2 pm to 3 pm with great deals on local beers and crafted cocktails.
The surrounding gardens add to the resort’s charm, with tall palms and lush greenery creating a serene environment. Vibrant flowers that attract butterflies further enhance the space, giving it a playful yet luxurious feel.
Explore complimentary classes for guests
At Explorar Koh Samui, guests are in for a treat with a range of complimentary classes available throughout the week.
Whether you are keen to sharpen your cocktail-making skills, learn the art of Thai cooking, or try your hand at Muay Thai, there is something for everyone.
For those looking to unwind, morning yoga sessions offer the perfect start to the day, while a Thai language class lets you immerse yourself in the local culture.
Each day brings a new opportunity to discover something fresh, making your stay even more memorable.
To make sure you don’t miss out, it is a great idea to book your classes through the resort’s easy-to-use app once you arrive.
A memorable stay
My stay at Explorar Koh Samui was nothing short of extraordinary, and my highlight undoubtedly was the Garden Pool Villa. The villa offered a perfect blend of privacy and luxury, with a spacious design and a private pool that made it feel like a personal sanctuary.
The surrounding lush greenery and tranquil atmosphere created the ideal space for unwinding, whether it was taking a dip in the pool or simply relaxing on the patio.
From the impeccable service to the stunning facilities, my time at Explorar truly felt like an escape into paradise.
If you are looking for a serene getaway with a touch of indulgence, this resort offers just that.
