The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui - SHA Extra Plus Travel Guide

Introduction

Nestled along the quiet, golden shores of Mae Nam Beach in northern Koh Samui, The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui - SHA Extra Plus delivers the brand’s signature luxury paired with unfiltered Thai coastal charm. Tucked away from the crowded southern resort hubs, this five-star retreat is ideal for romantic getaways, family vacations, and wellness retreats alike, with strict Thai health and safety certifications to put travelers at ease.

Hotel Overview

Located at 9/123 Moo 5, Tambon Bophut, Mae Nam Beach, Koh Samui 84320, Thailand, the property boasts three outdoor swimming pools: two free pools including a stunning cliffside infinity saltwater pool, and a third paid saltwater pool for guests seeking extra seclusion. A private gated beach area provides exclusive access to soft sand and calm Gulf of Thailand waters, with complimentary sun loungers and umbrellas for all guests.

All rooms and suites come with private balconies, air conditioning, soundproofing, coffee machines, kettles, and premium private bathrooms with deep soaking tubs, free toiletries, bathrobes, and slippers. On-site amenities include free property-wide Wi-Fi, complimentary parking with valet service, and a free airport shuttle to and from Samui International Airport, just a 20-minute drive away. Multilingual staff speak English, Thai, Malay, Cantonese, and Mandarin for seamless travel for Chinese-speaking guests.

Dining highlights include a widely praised breakfast spread with options for every diet, in-room breakfast service, a beach bar, full restaurant, and children’s menus and paid children’s buffets for families. Active guests can enjoy free tennis courts, bike rental, on-site water sports, and paid minigolf, while wellness lovers can book paid treatments at the full-service spa, join complimentary yoga classes, or work out at the paid fitness center with personal training options. The property also offers a kids’ club, indoor and outdoor play areas, and paid babysitting for traveling families.

Nearby Local Attractions

Just 10 minutes’ drive from the hotel, the iconic Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) sits atop a small headland, boasting a 12-meter-tall golden Buddha that draws pilgrims and sightseers alike. Climb the steps for panoramic ocean views and browse the nearby local handicraft stalls for handwoven silk and coconut shell souvenirs.

Further south, the colorful Fisherman’s Village in Bophut is a 15-minute drive away. This preserved colonial-era waterfront district is lined with wooden shophouses turned boutique shops, open-air seafood restaurants, and a famous weekly Friday night walking street market where you can sample street food like mango sticky rice and pad thai.

For a quiet day trip, the nearby island of Koh Phangan, 30 minutes by speedboat from the nearby pier, is famous for its soft white sand beaches and full moon parties. Even if you don’t visit during a party, the island’s quiet coves and crystal-clear water make it perfect for a day of snorkeling or relaxation.

Travel Tips

Book your stay in advance during peak season (December to February) to secure ocean-view rooms, which sell out months ahead. Pack reef-safe sunscreen if you plan to use the hotel’s water sports equipment or go snorkeling, as Thailand bans harmful single-use plastics and sunscreens that damage coral. Take advantage of the hotel’s free airport shuttle to save on transfer costs, and ask the concierge to book private longtail boat trips around the island for a more personalized experience than large group tours. If you have dietary restrictions, notify the hotel in advance to arrange custom meals at no extra charge.