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August 26, 2024

Where to stay on Koh Samui with kids?

Which Koh Samui hotels are best for families? Which resorts are the most kid-friendly? Where should I stay on Samui with a toddler or a teenager?

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Where to stay on Koh Samui with children?

I receive emails nearly every week asking: Which Koh Samui hotels are best for families? Which Samui resorts are the most kid-friendly? Where should I stay on Samui with a baby, a toddler or a teenager? The answer – this post – sat a very long time in the draft phase. Very. Long. Time. I put it off for years, knowing that it would mean far too long with a spreadsheet 20+ columns wide. So here – at long last – are Koh Samui’s best hotels for families with kids of all ages (and attention spans). It’s a whopper – enjoy!

SALA Samui Choengmon Beach Resort

Which is the BEST Koh Samui hotel for kids?

Much like there’s no best beach on Koh Samui, there’s no one “best” hotel for children or families. There are, you’ll see below, dozens of worthy options at every budget level – perfectly suiting your family’s interests and requirements. If you’d like to start with a ‘Koh Samui 101’ beach-by-beach guide, see where to stay on Koh Samui for options at all price points.As for best? Insert giant grain of salt. Kids and hotels aren’t a one-size-fits-all answer. My recent experiences with children at Koh Samui hotels include:

The little boy who couldn’t have cared less that there was a beach because the hotel cat had just had kittens.
The world’s pickiest eaters encouraged by germaphobe parents.
The sun-sensitive children whose mother (flying solo) needed to keep them entertained out of the sun all day, every day (poor woman!)

None of the families above ended up using (or noticing) the kids’ pool that had seemed so important on the first search. I’ve spent hours scouring not only the depths of my own Koh Samui mental encyclopaedia but my “working list” of 100+ particularly note-worthy Samui hotels and resorts – the brand new, the big guys, the little guys, the do-gooders, the award-winners and total secrets. Let’s begin!

1. Melati Beach Resort & Spa

Melati Beach Resort & Spa

Why should you stay at Melati Beach Resort? For a cast-away beach holiday, in beautiful surroundings.

Location: On a quiet beach near Choeng Mon. Aside from a (fantastic) small beach restaurant next door, absolutely nothing is within walking distance of Melati. Car rental is highly recommended. Within, though, the very large resort is very walkable and has lots of public outdoor space. 4- to 5-star, large resort (77 rooms)

Babysitting? Yes
Free WiFi? Yes

Kids’ club? Yes. In addition to a playroom for small children, there’s a mixture of free and paid kids’ activities every day. Novel offerings include kite-making, painting, beach soccer, pizza cooking classes and balloon art.

Children’s pool? Yes (or, more accurately, there’s a separate adults-only pool called the Sanctuary Pool. It’s a few minutes’ walk from the main pool area at the beach so is very quiet). The main family pool is at the beach and has a separate, shallow area for children to paddle. The beach, though, is truly the main attraction.

Other fun stuff and goodies? A special children’s spa room (for 3-12 years old) with kiddie treatments. Private Thai boxing lessons, and beach or pool volleyball tournaments against the staff. Also make use of free bike rental and kayaks (1, 2 and 3 people), in-room movies, and a pool table. Melati’s gardens are particularly large, with tons of ponds, foot-bridges and plants to explore.

Kids’ food? Dinner options include fish & chips, spaghetti Bolognese, etc. 24-hour room service.

Best room for families? 41 villas offer private pools and all rooms have a living room with a daybed. For tons of room, book a Family Pool Villa Suite (200 m²/2,152 ft²) which will accommodate 5 adults max and includes a 28 m²/301 ft² private pool. For even more space, book a massive Presidential Suite (347 m²/3,735 ft²) which includes a 32 m²/344 ft² private pool.

2. SALA Samui Choengmon Beach Resort

SALA Samui Choengmon Beach Resort

Why should you stay at SALA Samui Choengmon Beach Resort? Sneak in a second honeymoon and/or come for quiet time as an adorable family. Oh, and lots of sandcastles and great coffee. SALA Samui caters to honeymooners but, given its private villa set-up and beautiful, quiet beachfront it’s an equally great choice for families. Entertainment, however, is largely yours to provide. Bring beach toys.

‍Location: On a pretty corner of Choeng Mon Beach (next door to the new Kimpton Kitalay Samui). Meaning? Lots of restaurant options, enjoyable morning and sunset walks, and the convenience of Choeng Mon high street. 5-star, large resort (69 villas)

Free WiFi? Yes
Kids’ club? No.
Babysitting? Yes, at an hourly rate per child.

Children’s pool? There’s an “everyone” main pool right on the beach, and a separate adults-only lap pool. Most villas have private plunge pools.

Other fun stuff and goodies? A fantastic staff that delights in making your stay in all sorts of ways – little touches galore.

Kids’ food? Lots of choices that kids will love: including crepes, waffles and homemade porridge for breakfast….and honey from an actual honeycomb.

Best room for families? For lots of space, book a 2-bedroom pool villa suite (176 m²/1894ft²): you’ll get a 3X5 metre pool and an open-air bathtub. Request a baby gate if staying in a pool villa. Of 69 villas, 53 have private pools.

3. Melia Koh Samui

Melia Koh Samui

Melia Koh Samui is the reinvention of Choeng Mon’s Imperial Boat House. Its beachfront pool features a kids’ water park and lots of shallow-entry spots. For inside play, there’s a kids’ club (and a 24-hour gym for you).

4. Bo Phut Resort and Spa

Bo Phut Resort and Spa

Why should you stay at Bo Phut Resort & Spa? For its best-of-all-worlds location, with a private pool to boot. It won more TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards in recent years than any other Koh Samui hotel, including 2nd place for Top 25 Hotels in Asia.

Location: Right on Bophut Beach and just a few minutes' walk to Fisherman’s Village. Both are great for families with children of all ages and you won’t need to rely on a rental car or taxis. There’s tons to do in this area but it’s also very quiet and laid back. 4.5-star, medium-large resort (61 rooms)

Babysitting? Yes
Free WiFi? Yes
Kids’ club? No

Children’s pool? The main pool has a separate shallow section for children.

Other fun stuff and goodies? Kayaks and windsurfs are available for booking free of charge. Ping pong. Cooking classes are available for families and a fairly basic selection of babysitting activities (colouring, arts and crafts, etc.). Children receive a stuffed animal on arrival.

Kids’ food? Fisherman’s Village is within easy walking distance, with some of the beach food options on the island.

Best room for families? Of 61 rooms, 32 are villas. Garden Pool Villas have huge indoor space as well as a generous private pool and decked garden. A Premier Pool Villa adds even more space and a little more gloss.

5. Garrya Tongsai Bay

Where to Stay on Koh Samui with Kids? The Tongsai Bay

Garrya Tongsai Bayy

Why should you stay at Garrya Tongsai Bay? For its fantastic staff, amazing wildlife, tennis and a shady beach-front pool.

Location: Near Choeng Mon, in its own quiet bay. An island stalwart, totally secluded on its namesake bay. A very private spot (also very car-dependent for outside excursions – or kayak across the bay to eat on nearby Choeng Mon Beach). Tongsai Bay’s beach sand isn’t quite as soft as on Chaweng – but you don’t have to share it with anyone. The resort has steep steps throughout, so most transport is by chauffeured golf buggy. True 5-star, large resort (83 rooms) – Samui’s preeminent green resort

Babysitting? Yes
Free WiFi? Yes
Kids’ club? No

Children’s pool? Yes. The main pool, at beach level, is zero slope entry in places and has tiki umbrellas built into the pool… so you can sit in the shade while in the pool – rare! A shallow children’s pool attaches to the main pool. There’s a second, adults-only pool, slightly up the hillside with an infinity edge. Children aged 15+ are welcome in this ‘Half Moon Pool’.

Other fun stuff and goodies? As an eco-resort that loves its wildlife, there are no jet skis or motorised watersports at Tongsai Bay. Instead, you’re free to use their Hobie cat, canoes, windsurfs and snorkel equipment (with staff available to help beginners). Enjoy a garden and orchard tour, plus in-room music, a recreation room with books and games, a flood-lit tennis court, a pool table and ping pong.

Kids’ food? At breakfast alone, there’s a choice of waffles, pancakes, and smoothies – with pizza available the rest of the day. Free drinking water is available throughout the resort.

Best room for families? Tongsai Pool Villas and Seafront Pool Villas have 3.3m x 7.3m private pools and can be linked together for larger groups. These are the largest room types, at 170m²/1829ft². You also get an extra bed (a real one) free of charge for children up to age 15. All 83 rooms have private outdoor bathtubs.

6. Hyatt Regency Koh Samui

Hyatt Regency Koh Samui

Another new option in the Choeng Mon area. Hyatt Regency Koh Samui is a rarity on the island for its waterslide and kids’ splash park. A large play area and a kids’ club give you options both in and out of the sun.

7. Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort

Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort

Why should you stay at Anantara Bophut Resort & Spa? For its supremely walkable location and beautiful, beach-front pool.

Location: on Bophut Beach. Right on Bophut Beach (next door to Hansar Samui) and within easy walking distance to Fisherman’s Village. See its sister property on the northern edge of Chaweng – Anantara Lawana – you might try both! 5-star, large resort (106 rooms)

Babysitting? Yes, requires 24 hours’ notice. Minimum 2 hours.
Free WiFi? Yes

Kids’ club? Yes. The Baan Ling Noi Kids’ Club (Little Monkey). Activities include sandcastles, beach soccer, coconut painting, treasure hunts, etc.

Children’s pool? No, but the main resort pool is very big.

Other fun stuff and goodies? A kids’ spa menu, and watersports lessons for children over 12. Also on site: tennis courts, a movie library, ping pong, facilities for early arrivals / late departures (including showers) and blackout blinds (great for babies and jet lag).

Kids’ food? Kids' menus and mocktails are available, restaurants provide colouring kits.

Best room for families? All rooms have large Terrazzo bathtubs. Anantara Vacation Club apartments come with washers/dryers.

8. Anantara Lawana Resort & Spa

Anantara Lawana Resort & Spa

Why should you stay at Anantara Lawana? For dipping your toe near, not quite in, Samui’s action (plus incredible sunrises). Like many resorts built on Samui’s steep hills, you won’t get far with a pram/stroller. Plan to carry babies and toddlers around the resort (or wait a moment for a golf cart).

Location: Chaweng. Tucked into its own bay, so a very quiet experience (the busier part of Chaweng is a 10-minute walk). See its sister property on Bophut beach – Anantara Bophut Resort & Spa – you might love both! 5-star, large resort (122 rooms)

Babysitting? Yes
Free WiFi? Yes
Kids’ club? Yes

Children’s pool? No, though you can book a villa with a private pool. The main resort pool is a beach-front infinity pool and is very big.

Other fun stuff and goodies? Free kayaking and movie library. Your fresh towels turn into animals every day. Sit around the pool or on the beach long enough and a fresh fruit skewer or popsicle might just appear….

Kids’ food? The resort has a (fairly fancy) treehouse restaurant, plus 24-hour room service. Kids menus are available. Banana crumble pops up on the dessert menu!

Best room for families? Anantara Lawana offers really big rooms (the smallest is 52 m²/559ft²), all with big soaker bathtubs. To get the most space, book a Two Bedroom Lawana Pool Villa (which includes a small private pool). Add extra beds to any room or villa for a small nightly charge (cots are free).

9. Banyan Tree Samui

Banyan Tree Samui

Why should you stay at Banyan Tree Samui? For fantastic service, a big (separate) kids’ pool and stand-up paddling.

Location: Lamai (in its own bay), Koh Samui’s southeast. Tucked into its own bay with a beach only guests can access. As the shore is slightly rocky for a few metres, there are beach shoes available for guest use. As for accessibility, it’s built on a very steep hillside so you can (A) walk around and work up a sweat or (B) call for a golf cart, usually a 5-10 minute wait. To explore outside the resort you’re largely car-dependent or use the twice-a-day shuttle bus to visit nearby Lamai town and neighbouring Chaweng, slightly north. True 5-star, large resort (88 villas)

Babysitting? Yes, with advance notice
Free WiFi? Yes
Kids’ club? Yes. Ages 4-12. Activities include various games, and arts and crafts, with active options like learning traditional Thai dance.

Children’s pool? Yes. In addition to the main beach pool, the children’s pool is separate in a secluded garden area. It’s a very decent size (ample space for all sorts of swimming games), with a fish fountain feature and a nice seating area for parents with sunbeds, umbrellas and outdoor sofas. For dedicated kids’ pools, removed from the main pool area, Banyan Tree has the biggest on Samui.

Other fun stuff and goodies? There’s a library and games room (offers Jenga, a cards table, etc). A large lawn at the beach for soccer, running around and other games. Table tennis. For water sports, there are kayaks, Hobie cats, snorkelling and stand-up paddling – with life jackets provided. A welcome stuffed toy and nightly goodies are nice extras.

Kids’ food? Range of Thai and Western options, including great pizza.

Best room for families? Every Banyan Tree villa has a private pool. Many are infinity edge. Villas vary in their outlook (you might prefer being higher up for a better view, or closer to the beach, pool and restaurants) but all are 130m²/1399ft².

10. Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui

Why should you stay at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui? For the very best, of the best, of the best – staff, service, and kiddie care.

Location: Bang Po, Koh Samui’s quiet northeast. Your privacy is utmost at Four Seasons Resort – the property sits on a steep hillside hidden from the road. Other than golf buggies you won’t see or hear traffic for your entire stay. Choose to stay here if you want to decamp within the resort and never leave – it’s a decent drive of 30-45 minutes to the airport and most island attractions. The resort has its own beach in a small bay with very soft sand (kept perfectly maintained). Unless you’re a mountain goat, plan to explore the resort from the back of a chauffeured golf buggy. True 5-star, large resort (74 villas and residences)

Babysitting? Yes
Free WiFi? Yes – even in your airport transfer vehicle!
Child policy? Assuming your children are under 18 years old, they can stay in your room at no extra charge – whether you need to add extra beds or a cot.

Kids’ club? Oh, yes yes yes – and it’s free to participate! The Kids For All Seasons programme runs every day (8:00 am – 5:00 pm) for kids aged 2 to 12 years. Activities change daily and include coconut painting, message in a bottle, umbrella and batik painting, plaster models, cooking class, cookie decorating and traditional Thai games. Typically the morning activities are held outside and, when it’s hotter in the afternoon, in the air-conditioned kids’ club (underneath the fitness centre, if you like to treadmill on vacation). For its complimentary, fantastic range of activities, I think Four Seasons offers the best kids’ club on Koh Samui.

Children’s pool? In addition to your private villa pool, there’s the main resort pool at the beach (82 feet long) where children are more than welcome.

Other fun stuff? Where to start? On the water, you have free use of a Hobie Catamaran, family kayaks, boogie boards, stand-up paddleboards, plus fishing and snorkelling gear (and the expertise of a beach crew if you need help getting started). Back on the beach, enjoy coconut pétanque, beach soccer, beach table tennis and beach volleyball. Still not tired? Try a kids’ Muay Thai lesson (ages 4-15 years). Play tennis on one of two floodlit courts. Or book a kiddie spa treatment, including a teen facial or ‘island princess manicure’ (ages 6 to 11 years old with parental accompaniment). To explore further, take a resort garden tour together.

Resort goodies? In your room, there’s a Lavazza coffeemaker for early morning excitement. Hypoallergenic pillows are available on request. Kiddies get a child-sized bathrobe and foam bath toys, plus a welcome toy on arrival. Nightly treats are a sweet surprise.

Kids’ food? Kids’ menus are always available and, on arrival, there’s a special children’s snack platter. Parents will note that there’s a different fresh-squeezed juice daily, plus natural yoghurt and granola. Kids might be distracted by the homemade Magnum chocolate ice creams that appear on the beach.

Best room for families? You can't go wrong, but with small children (under 12), choose a Family Villa. Two adults and up to 3 children have their own sleeping areas (a king bedroom and convertible living room/sleeping space with two twins + an option roll-away twin bed) and share a large bathroom with both a huge soaker tub and an outdoor rain shower. Outdoors, you have an outdoor living room with a 15m²/161ft² private infinity pool. These villas are popular so book well in advance. For easy beach access and shorter ‘commutes’, book a beach villa. They don’t have the views of higher-up villas but you’ll never have to wait for a golf buggy. For even more space or with older children, consider a two-bedroom Residence Villa. In total, the resort has 60 villas and 14 two- to five-bedroom Residences.

11. Bandara Resort & Spa

Bandara Resort & Spa

A superb Bophut Beach choice for families. Bandara has – I think – the best-designed family rooms on Koh Samui. Pool options include beachfront pools and a children’s pool.

12. Centara Reserve Samui

Centara Reserve Samui

Brand new! A total renovation of the former Centara Grand – reinvented as a five-star stunner with literal acres of beachfront swimming pools. One of the pools is for families, while the other is designated adults-only.

13. Kimpton Kitalay Samui

Kimpton Kitalay Samui

A new jewel in Choeng Mon Beach’s crown. Kimpton Kitalay Samui has just opened next door to SALA Samui Choengmon Beach Resort (described above) and offers a stunning kids’ club, with the same beach and location benefits as its neighbour.

‍Tip: If you’re hunting for a great room rate, look at months outside of both hemispheres’ school holidays, like slightly quieter September and October (or nearly dead November – though it’s the height of Samui’s rainy season). The Christmas/New Year holiday period is peak season.

14. SAii Samui Choeng Mon

SAii Samui Choeng Mon

Why should you stay at SAii Samui Choeng Mon (formerly the Outrigger Koh Samui, before that AKARYN Koh Samui)? Sunrises. If you’re going to be up early with jetlag or hyper children, you might as well enjoy a sunrise.

Location: On Hanuman Bay, a small beach between Choeng Mon and Chaweng. A great location just a 10-minute drive to Chaweng – meaning a vacation as quiet as you like. SAii Samui Choeng Mon is on Hanuman Bay, a secluded little beach between Choeng Mon and Chaweng. It shares the beach with just one other hotel: Sea Dance Resort. The beach is a bit rocky, but beach shoes and snorkelling gear will keep you busy exploring. 5-star, medium resort (52 suites)

Babysitting? Yes
Free WiFi? Yes

Kids’ club? No, but a daily kids’ activity schedule includes cartoon plaster painting, glass painting, T-shirt painting, Thai origami and balloon art, etc. (Some activities are at an additional charge). Kids’ life jackets are available for free beach kayaks.

Children’s pool? No, there’s one main resort pool plus your private pool. Prefer the beach? If you require more shade, a mobile tent is available to keep kids safe in the sun.

Other fun stuff and goodies? Beach yoga and cooking classes are also available to enjoy.

Kids’ food? There’s a wood-fired pizza oven at the beach – with delicious results.

Best room for families? Every suite has a private pool, plus a large stone bathtub. Book a private pool villa for the most space (200 m²/2,152 ft²), which has an 8m pool.

15. Zazen Boutique Resort & Spa

Zazen Boutique Resort & Spa

Why should you stay at Zazen? For boutique bliss, with incredible food. Zazen’s home page invites you to “Escape Into Your Inner Self”, which gives you an idea of the ambient noise level around the small pool. While not ideal for noisy kids and definitely not a space for cannonballs, teenagers absorbed in their headphones will be welcome guests.

Location: At the far west corner of Bophut, meaning a slightly longer walk to Fisherman’s Village. 4-star, small boutique resort (26 bungalows)

Babysitting? Yes
Free WiFi? Yes
Kids’ club? No
Children’s pool? No.

Other fun stuff and goodies? A very boutique range of experiences you won’t find elsewhere, like a butterfly release ceremony on New Year’s Eve (kids are very welcome to participate). Kayaks and paddleboards are also available. Peruse the movie library for something to watch in your room.

Kids’ food? Zazen is a renowned ‘foodie paradise’ on Samui, with top quality everything. If it’s edible, it can be arranged.

Best room for families? To get the most space, book a Garden Villa (65 m²/699ft²). There are a few beach-front villas, however, they have less floor space and a maximum occupancy of three people. Note that none of the bungalow styles offers bathtubs.

16. Six Senses Samui

Six Senses Samui

Why should you stay at Six Senses Samui? For a total get-away, becoming ‘one with nature’ and relishing peace and quiet.Location, near Choeng Mon on its own quiet bay. Like The Tongsai Bay and Vana Belle, Six Senses is built into a steep hillside and boasts the privacy of its own bay and quiet beach. Six Senses’ ethos is seclusion – the outside world (other restaurants, amenities, signs of life) is meant to seem far-away. To explore elsewhere you’re car-dependent. The beach, though very secluded, isn’t a paddling beach. At low tide it can be rocky, so pack beach shoes. True 5-star, large resort – with impressive green resort credentials (66 villas)

Babysitting? Yes, for an hourly fee.
Free WiFi? Yes

Kids’ club? No. You’ll enjoy Six Senses most if your kids (A) can swim – in your private pool and (B) they can entertain themselves while you read or sunbathe. Pack pool toys like diving sticks!

Children’s pool? No. In addition to private villa pools, there’s one main resort pool (large, infinity-edge). It’s a popular honeymoon spot… do your kids come with reliable volume control?

Other fun stuff and goodies? A working farm that’s an absolute wonder to explore.

Kids’ food? There’s a children’s menu available and 24-hour room service.

Best room for families? 52 of the 66 villas have private pools, and many are split-level so you have more space and privacy. Both the villa pools and main resort pools are infinity-edge, requiring extra-close supervision. Extra beds are available for a nightly fee and cots are free.

17. Hansar Samui Resort & Spa

Hansar Samui Resort & Spa

Why should you stay at Hansar Samui? For incredible food and an enormous, saltwater ocean-view pool. A romantic spot with lots to offer families.

Location: on Bophut Beach, just a quick walk to Fisherman’s Village. Next door to Anantara Bophut, there’s a very quiet (mostly pedestrian) road between the hotel and the beach. This separation means you’re a little higher at pool level, for better views. 5-star, large resort (74 rooms)

Babysitting? Yes
Free WiFi? Yes
Kids’ club? No, but there’s lots to explore nearby in Fisherman’s Village.

Children’s pool? Yes, a (tiny) dedicated baby pool near the enormous 15 x 30-metre main pool.

Other fun stuff and goodies? Cots, sterilisers, baby baths (with baby shampoo) and a stuffed toy on arrival. Lots of produce grown on-site (in solar-powered greenhouses).

Kids’ food? Homemade ice cream on the beach bar/pool deck.

Best room for families? Sea View XL rooms offer the most space (75 m²/807 ft²) and freestanding bathtubs. Beachfront rooms are slightly smaller (67 m²/721 ft²) but have better beach proximity.

18. Vana Belle

Vana Belle

Why should you stay at Vana Belle? For a “near, not in” Chaweng location and the privacy of your own family villa (with a private pool and great beach access). Vana Belle won 9th place in the 2021 Travellers’ Choice Awards for Top 25 Hotels — Thailand.

Location: Chaweng Noi, a quieter stretch of beach. Just south of Chaweng, on a quiet bay (Chaweng Noi). As at The Tongsai Bay, golf carts help you navigate this steep, hillside resort. True 5-star, large resort (80 villas)

Babysitting? Yes
Free WiFi? Yes – but join the Starwood Preferred Guest programme to make sure.
Kids’ club? No.

Children’s pool? Yes. It connects to the main pool – it’s small but shallow (50cm). Children under 12 must have adult supervision.

Other fun stuff and goodies? Join in various children’s and family activities available on a rotating monthly schedule: these include snorkelling, soap carving, beach soccer, etc. (Additional fees apply).

Kids’ food? Kids’ menus are available, with the option of an SPG® Kids Pass which gets your child ‘free’ food … at an additional daily rate.

Best room for families? Beautiful hillside villas with infinity pools will better suit children well past their “climbing” phase. For teenagers ready to sunbathe all day, Vana Belle villas offer tons of space for everyone. Every villa has a private pool and accommodates three adults, with the option to add roll-away beds for children and cots for babies. Room sizes range from 86m² to 211m² (925ft² to 2271ft²). Some rooms come with butler service.

19. Conrad Koh Samui

Conrad Koh Samui

Why should you stay at Conrad Koh Samui? For perfect lazy days. Pull up the drawbridge for a private paradise break – with sunsets! Conrad Koh Samui is a non-smoking hotel.

Location: Taling Ngam, a very quiet corner of Koh Samui. About as far from Koh Samui Airport as you can get – but you earn perfect sunset views for your efforts. Again, Conrad Koh Samui is a very tucked-away, exclusive experience built into a steep hillside. It offers you views, views and more views. Travel by golf cart down to the beach and main pool, where watersports and a great poolside bar/grill awaits. The resort likely suits “pool people” more than “beach people”. Though very pretty, the beach isn’t very big and is quite rocky. Hammocks a few metres out in the ocean are an ideal family portrait spot. True 5-star, large resort (64 villas)

Babysitting? Yes
Free WiFi? Yes
Child policy? Children 12 years old and under stay for free (excluding meals) if using existing villa beds/bedding.

Kids’ club? Yes, The Turtle Kids Club is open 10 am to 6 pm daily (call ahead to make sure) for kids aged 4-12. Complimentary activities include handicrafts and group games (with video games available for older kids).

Children’s pool? No, but there’s a large main resort pool down by the beach. Expect it to be very quiet given that each villa has such a large private pool.

Other fun stuff and goodies? For a memorable family excursion, take a complimentary boat ride to a nearby uninhabited island, Koh Tan – with some snorkelling, too. Indoors, each villa has a flat-screen TV plus on-demand movies, video games, the Disney Channel (in English), blackout curtains, and – for jet-lagged parents – an espresso machine. Baby powder, baby shampoo and lotion are nice touches to the bathroom amenity basket. A games chest in each villa offers rainy days or noon-sun entertainment: Scrabble, Monopoly, Jenga, etc.

Kids’ food? Kids’ menus offer easy options and smaller sized portions (fish fingers and chicken nuggets at Jahn, for example). Restaurants (other than the pool bar and grill) have a smart-casual dress code for dinner – likely children get a free pass on this one. High chairs are available, and – at Zest – kids get kiddie plates and cutlery, and colouring activities. Or, order room service and eat besides your pool. Tuck snacks, ice cream and drinks into a full-sized in-room fridge.

Best room for families? For lots of space, book a Two-Bedroom King Ocean View Pool Villa. It’s split over two levels, with two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchenette and – like every villa at Conrad – a private infinity pool (12 metres/40 feet). Have an even larger group? There’s a 3-bedroom villa option too.

20. Santiburi Koh Samui

Santiburi Koh Samui

Why should you stay at Santiburi Koh Samui? To enjoy a sporty, active vacation together – on the water and off.

Location: Maenam, right on the beach. Santiburi sits on a 300-foot frontage directly on Maenam Beach. (They call it a “private” beach which is a slight stretch of the truth, but it is a very quiet area). It’s ideal for the family that needs to be busy, yet is just a short drive to neighbouring Bophut, Fisherman’s Village, as well as Santiburi’s 18-hole golf course in the hills nearby. Unlike many resorts in its class, it’s built on the flat – so you can walk (or bike) around with ease. 5-star, large resort (71 rooms and villas)

Babysitting? Yes, at an hourly rate
Free WiFi? Yes

Kids’ club? Yes. Kids’ Club offers various arts and crafts activities – plus cooking classes – for ages 3+. Open daily from 9 a.m. 'til 6 pm. Additionally, a kids’ activity centre has facilities including a playground, a small petting zoo (hens, chicks, rabbits, turtles), table tennis, darts, video games, a small library, etc.

Children’s pool? Yes. In the same pool area as the main resort pool. Both are in the centre of the resort, a 2-minute walk from the beach.

Other fun stuff and goodies? Kids’ Muay Thai lessons, daily soccer, a squash court, two flood-lit tennis courts, a 1.2km jogging track, plus ice cream and fruit delivered to you on the beach twice a day (gratis). On the water, there’s a great range of craft available to try, including surfboards (though there’s unlikely to be any surf), windsurfs, sailing dinghies and five Hobie cats, plus life jackets and fishing equipment. Kids can also borrow mountain bikes to explore the resort. Cribs and beach toys are available if needed.

Kids’ food? Kids’ menus and high chairs are available. Themed restaurant nights include a weekly beach BBQ.

Best room for families? For the most space, book a Two-Bedroom Duplex Suite (91 m²/979ft²). This offers you two bedrooms, plus a living room and a bathroom with a large bathtub and separate shower. Uniquely, the suite is split-level with the master bedroom upstairs for a little more privacy. To enjoy your own private pool, book a Beach Front Villa with a plunge pool – it’s the perfect paddling size.

21. InterContinental Koh Samui Resort

InterContinental Koh Samui Resort

Why should you stay at InterContinental Koh Samui Resort? It’s a very family-friendly resort. At Christmas, Santa might arrive by jet-ski. Stay here for sunsets and near-total seclusion.

Location: Taling Ngam, in Koh Samui’s sleep southwest. One of the most remote parts of the island. Expect a 45+ minute drive from the airport. A beautiful beach you’ll share only with other hotel guests. Swim shoes are recommended as sea urchins are occasionally seen in this part of the island. Great sand for sandcastles and beach soccer, plus hours of shell-hunting. 5-star, large resort (79 rooms)

Babysitting? Yes
Free WiFi? Yes

Kids’ club? Yes. First-rate! Caters to two age groups: 4-7s and 8-12s. Planet Trekkers kids’ club operates from a thoughtfully designed play centre beside the beach pool, so kids can easily come and go to their poolside parents. A mixture of free and paid activities includes indoor (arts and crafts) and outdoor (sports) activities, such as a resort eco-tour, beach soccer, cooking classes, hair braiding and tennis camp.

Children’s pool? Yes, there’s a small children’s paddling pool beside one of the resort’s two large infinity pools. In addition, there are five more pools dotted around the resort’s hillside – all in vibrant Skittles colours: purple, yellow, orange, blue and red pools make seven total (plus the small kiddie pool). More options, in more interesting colours, than any other Samui resort.

Other fun stuff? A certain highlight is the big wood ‘rope’ bridge connecting hillside villas to the main hotel building/restaurants – truly a Tarzan experience for little kids! Two flood-lit tennis courts, plus mini beach soccer, table tennis, mountain biking, Muay Thai, and beach volleyball. A Water Sports Centre offers Hobie Cat catamarans, sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, kayaking and snorkelling. Children 12+ are welcome to join the professional cooking class (additional charge).Goodies? Kids staying in suites and villas receive a children’s bathrobe, slippers, bubble bath and beach toys.

Kids’ food? Yes, and great healthy options, too! Children up to 4 years old eat free (from any of the restaurants’ children’s menus), while children aged 4–12 receive a 50% discount from any of the restaurants’ a la carte menus (food and beverage), including buffets. Don’t miss the ice cream cart at the beach.

Best room for families? For tons of space, book a Two-Bedroom Family Villa. All rooms offer wine fridges for the deserving parents (be sure to bring a few bottles from home – wine is pricey in Thailand).

22. Sandalwood Luxury Villa Resort

Sandalwood Luxury Villa Resort

Why should you stay at Sandalwood Luxury Villa Resort? Come for a ‘do nothing’, total get-away vacation (with views, views, views). Oh, and they were a Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Award winner … six years in a row.

Location: On a very steep hillside between Chaweng and Lamai. High on a hill near Lamai, not walkable to anywhere whatsoever (but amazing views instead). Instead, easily rent a car or enjoy a twice-daily complimentary shuttle service to and from Lamai and Chaweng. 4- to 5-star, very small resort (10 villas)

Babysitting? Yes
Free WiFi? Yes
Kids’ club? No – this is a spot for guests to enjoy doing as little as possible

Children’s pool? No. The resort has 5 pools shared variously between 10 villas.

Other fun stuff and goodies? Borrow snorkel equipment, floatation devices, and pool toys. Children’s movies are also available. Guests receive a local mobile phone to easily get in touch with staff (like when you want picking up from the beach or need an instant restaurant recommendation).

Kids’ food? Menus include “recognisable kid food” (in adult portions) like burgers, ice cream sundaes, etc.

Best room for families? Of the 10 villas, 2 have full kitchens including full-size fridges and stove-tops (ovens are uncommon in Thai kitchens). For two-bedrooms, choose Lotus Villa (150 m²/1614ft² over two floors). For three bedrooms and a private 40m²/430ft² infinity pool, choose Leelawadee Villa. Of the two, the latter is more secluded.

23. Belmond Napasai

Belmond Napasai

Why should you stay at Belmond Napasai? For family relaxation with a bit of quirk, plus lots to do. Belmond Napasai is the even-better reinvention of ‘Napasai by Orient-Express’.

Location: Directly on Maenam Beach, the resort is built on the flat so you can walk around and explore the gardens at leisure. Rent a car to give yourself the option of eating outside of the hotel. The resort environment is unpretentious, and a little rustic. 5-star, large resort (69 villas and residences)

Babysitting? Yes
Free WiFi? Yes

Kids’ club? Not exactly, but a “Secret Countryside” for kids includes goats, pigs, geese, chicks, rabbits and water buffalo! Free kids’ tennis lessons every Friday morning.

Children’s pool? Yes. There’s a small children’s pool and an adjacent infinity-edge freshwater pool (the resort’s main pool), which overlooks the ocean. The kiddie pool has steps around the sides for parents, while the range of furniture around the entire pool area provides lots of options (read? sleep? chat? play?) and offers a great deal of shade when you need it.

Other fun stuff and goodies? A great range of complimentary guest activities (schedule changes daily) includes tai chi, cooking Thai sweets, abs fitness classes, muay Thai, yoga, pilates, Thai massage classes, windsurfing, fruit & veggie carving. SCUBA lessons at an additional charge. Two tennis courts. Pool table. Kayaks and stand-up paddling. Beach croquet. “Angel Bliss” massages for children.

Kids’ food? Kids’ menus are available and lots of produce is grown on-site. Better still? Homemade ice cream.

Best room for families? Book a Villa Suite for a family of four – they offer 92 m²/990ft² of space. The even bigger Residences have private pools and full kitchens.

24. Buri Rasa Village Samui

Buri Rasa Village Samui

Why should you stay at Buri Rasa? It’s a sweet boutique hotel on a soft white sand beach – need I say more? Buri Rasa Village won 12th place in the 2021 Travellers’ Choice Awards for Top 25 Hotels — Thailand.

Location: Chaweng Beach. Ideal for a family that loves the beach and for older kids who’d enjoy a little freedom to explore Chaweng on foot. 4-star, medium resort (32 rooms)

Babysitting? Yes
Free WiFi? Yes
Kids’ club? No
Children’s pool? No. The main (only) pool is small on first look (though, with only 32 rooms, it’s a small hotel). Ideal if you prefer the beach anyway.

Other fun stuff and goodies? Complimentary daily ice-cream.

Best room for families? Choose a Rasa Family Suite, which has a convertible living room/second bedroom (90 m²/968 ft² total space).

25. ShaSa Resort & Residences

ShaSa Resort & Residences

Why should you stay at ShaSa Resort & Residences? For your own apartment, a full kitchen, and lots of space.

Location: Laem Set, on Koh Samui’s south coast. ShaSa is far away from Chaweng’s nightlife – that’s kind of the point – so your after-dark options involve a bottle of wine on your apartment’s large balcony. For daytime excursions, car rental is recommended. There’s no beach per se (it’s a rocky area) but free beach shuttles to Lamai are available twice daily. If you’re happy to have a stay-put vacation, it’s a stunning part of the island. 4- to 5-star, medium resort (32 suites + 1 villa)

Babysitting? Yes
Free WiFi? Yes
Kids’ club? Yes. Activities include batik painting, crafts, a small library, video games and Lego.

Children’s pool? Kind of – both the two large resort pools have small paddling areas. The two pools have ocean views and are very big. Around the pool areas, koi ponds and waterfall features break up the landscape and increase guests’ space and privacy.

Best room for families? Every room has an ocean-view balcony. Booking a Deluxe room puts you higher up (on the 3rd or 4th floor) so you have a better view. For a family of four, book a 2-bedroom Seaview Suite (144 m²/1,550 ft²). With a larger group, 3-bedroom suites are available. For the price, ShaSa’s apartments are particularly large and have full, modern kitchens.

26. Kanda Pool Villas

Where to Stay on Koh Samui with Kids? Kanda Pool Villas

Kanda Pool VillasWhy should you stay at Kanda? For a private pool, a beach worth exploring, and a convenient location.

Location: North of Chaweng, towards Choeng Mon. Close to the airport. The small beach is fairly rocky (not ideal for swimming) but perfect for sandcastles and shell-hunting. Shuttle buses to nearby Chaweng. Kanda's small beach is in its own bay so is as “private” as can be. 5-star, small resort (36 villas)

Babysitting? Yes (Repeat visitors note that their kids loved their babysitter so much they had to invent reasons to go out)
Free WiFi? Yes
Kids’ club? No.

Children’s pool? No, though all villas have private pools. The resort’s main pool is big and overlooks the beach.

Other fun stuff and goodies? Kayaks available.

Kids’ food? Every villa has a full kitchen.

Best room for families? Every villa at Kanda has a private pool, many with ocean views. Depending on your group’s size, you might book a 2-, 3- or 4-bedroom villa. To avoid needing golf cart transport (or a steep walk), book a villa lower down and closer to the pool/beach.

Your questions

Where’s the water slide?

Melia Koh Samui

I receive a lot of emails asking for resort recommendations with kids’ water parks and extensive water slides. If you want the kiddie infrastructure you’d find in Orlando, you won’t find it on Samui – it’s a much more low-key island with old-fashioned, make-sand-castles kids’ entertainment (however Melia Koh Samui and Hyatt Regency Koh Samui are two new options with slides and splash parks).

For massive family resorts in Thailand, with all the stuff, look to Phuket or Pattaya. Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket and Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya have enormous water parks – even a lazy river, right at the resort. (I don't recommend Pattaya as a family destination, but this hotel does have good kids' facilities).

Hi there! Would you recommend the Anantara Lawana or the Sala Choeng Mon Beach for a family suite with a pool? Kids are 10 and 5 Xx

‍I think SALA Samui Choeng Mon vs Anantara Lawana is a toss-up between the beach and a kids' club. Choeng Mon is a better beach and is ideal for kids as it's soft sand (good for sandcastles) and big enough for walks and paddling. You've also got enough to explore on foot. Anantara Lawana has a kids' club and offers various family activities but the beach is quite small and rocky, you'd want to wear water shoes.

How to choose? Assign points: Round 1 – Soft beach vs kids' club. Round 2 – How much you want to lock yourselves away vs wander around the resort vicinity. Round 3 – Will you be up at sunrise anyway? Might as well enjoy the view (+1 point for Anantara Lawana).

‍Tip: Are you renting a villa? Double check exactly which rooms of the house have their own A/C units. Sometimes the kitchen and living areas are just fan-cooled, which doesn’t really cut it for sissies like me.

Are your children welcome?

‍Amongst many notable national characteristics, Thais love children. The fatter your toddler the better – you’ll be fighting off hotel staff and waitresses keen to cuddle and babysit. As such, don’t read “lack of children’s pool” on a hotel’s facility list as “children not allowed”. It’s a very inclusive island.

Except for a few adult-only resorts, well-behaved children are welcome everywhere – even in high-end resorts and restaurants.

Where’s best? If you’re the (proud) parent of a gold-medal guppy who will complete 500 screeching cannonballs from sunrise daily – perhaps steer clear of the island’s most popular honeymoon/couples’ resorts. Identify them as chic and discreet places that like the word ‘serenity’.

What about star ratings?

‍Star ratings vary widely on Koh Samui – especially at the 3- and 4-star levels. Many of the options that follow might seem equivalent in terms of stars, but offer very different levels of service, amenities and overall experience. Price and a close study of photos and provisions is a better bet.

For all your other questions?

‍If you find this useful, you’ll find even more helpful detail for all aspects of your trip in The Koh Samui Guide – nearly 400 pages of island FAQs, things to do and what to eat, plus rainy day ideas and packing guides.

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