Koh Samui has been talked about for decades so we were a little worried that we might encounter a Thai Cancun-meets-the-Gold-Coast. However, we were super keen to visit this island because we had heard of the incredible X2 Samui resort.
Although Samui is bigger and more developed than the neighbouring islands of Koh Tao and Koh Phan Ngan, we were thrilled that it’s still quiet and has so much to offer.
X2 Koh Samui is located just far away from the popular Lamai beach to feel secluded, but close enough to easily reach the action if that’s what you want. Truthfully, we loved our resort so much that we didn’t head out very often. X2 was just too lovely to leave!
X2 has created the atmosphere of a private boutique resort – there are enough rooms to have all the facilities you need (gorgeous spa, massive pool, free shuttles to town, excellent restaurant), but it’s also quiet enough for some serious down-time. It often feels like your own private resort! With amazing staff who are always willing to go above and beyond, relaxing is very very easy.
The rooms are simply fantastic. There are two kinds of rooms: the one-bedroom villa or the two-bedroom villa. They are new, modern, carefully designed, and all have their own private pool. Â We stayed in a one-bedroom villa which was large and very comfortable. They all have a large outdoor relaxing nook to that is characteristic of the design of the hotel. Our room had a huge bathtub, a great coffee machine & TV. Not to mention that extremely comfortable bed!
The architecture of this hotel is simple phenomenal. The lobby alone is a design dream. The mixture of textures – concrete slabs with an angular shaped metal wall – as well as the grey coloured concrete mixed with bright orange (a signature colour of the hotel) create intrigue and drama instantly. It is brutal and minimalist. Completely zen but also immensely interesting. The openness and extra-large dimensions generate a sense of expansiveness and indulgence. Restrained luxury at its best.
As this hotel is a boutique spa resort, the spa is of utmost importance. The rooms are designed with the same colour and material scheme of dark greys, and polished concretes. They are subtly lit with red candles that create a dim orange glow. The access to the spa is lined with beautiful trees that form a sacred private space.
The restaurant is a large warehouse space, again generating an enormous expansive feeling. Although it could be quite a cold place, in fact it is very warm and comfortable. This is because the designers have dressed the main seating areas with low sofas rather than normal tables to create intimacy and coziness. The restaurant overlooks the beach and the swimming pool.
The pool is enormous and once again adds to the playing with scale that the whole hotel does so successfully. Behind it is a raised platform with a large rectangular box used as a space for rest and relaxation. It also features the box shaped nooks that we see in the villas and at the main entrance.
X2 is a stunning designer boutique hotel. A place for complete relaxation that is not only ideal for romantic getaways but also for people like me with families with young kids. An architectural masterpiece that design lovers shouldn’t miss.
X2 Koh Samui
Architecture by Begrey
Photography and Styling by Sheila Man
