Embracing island living, Kimpton Kitalay Samui opens as the brand’s first resort in South East Asia
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.
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 celebrating the siren song of the sea. The warmth of human connection and sense of community are woven in an idyllic escape and intertwined 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 newest luxury beachfront resort. Tranquillity 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 are also offering 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 is an enchanting fusion of contemporary design and traditional accents. Local Thai design agency, P49 Design integrated 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. An elevated bath experience in the oversized bathtub awaits with the resort’s signature sea salt and patchouli-scented bath amenities by HARNN including bath bombs, bath salts and milk baths.
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 or 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, dine at the Thai lifestyle café, Boho, or partake in freshly baked fun at HOM Baking Company with its extensive range of creative baked goods, confectionery, speciality teas and cold press juices.
The resort’s lifestyle programming – part of Kimpton’s DNA – delivers memorable experiences; starting with a morning kickstart experience to Kimpton’s Social Hour, where the brand’s vision to enable human connection comes to life as guests mingle with locals. Not forgetting the furry guests, Kimpton Kitalay Samui’s Pets Programme will delight with special amenities and treats, and even a pet spa experience.
