I escaped the city for a weekend to Thailand’s paradise island. Here’s why Koh Samui’s newest resort is worth the trip...
Bangkok and Phuket are two of Thailand’s famed tourist destinations that make regular appearances on many a passport. Now, it’s time to add Koh Samui to the list. Before visiting, I was told that besides a smattering of temples and waterfalls, there aren’t a whole lot of tourist attractions on the island. But maybe that’s the draw. Koh Samui was made for relaxing retreats, where all you need to do is eat, drink, spa, swim, and repeat. No jam-packed itineraries necessary.
The island’s shoreline is home to a lineup of resorts. Along the picturesque Chaweng Beach, a new name piqued my interest, and I gladly took up the offer for a weekend getaway. Enter Marasca Samui, a new resort hotel that just opened its doors. This follows hot on the heels of the success of Marasca Khao Yai. With all the luxe amenities and impressive design you’d expect from a casual-luxury resort, it sits just about 10 minutes away from the airport – a convenience that’s music to my ears.
Welcome to Marasca
Upon arrival, I was greeted with local tea served with pandan syrup. Cold towels were given, infused with Marasca’s signature scent, an essential oil blend of lavender, rosemary, mint, orange and cedar wood. As I strolled through the open-air lobby adorned with contemporary local art, the soothing ambience immediately set the tone for a rejuvenating retreat.
Does “marasca” sound familiar? The resort draws inspiration from the cherry that shares its name, aiming to curate “cherry on top” moments for guests through thoughtful touches. Beyond that, there are references of this coastal fruit around the property. Get a scoop of the signature cherry ice cream with crumble at the ice cream cart (it serves free ice cream daily from 4.30pm to 5.30pm), and spot the cherry-shaped ornamentations sitting on the shelves near the lounge.
Before being ushered to my room, I was invited to download the Marasca app, with access to a live chat after scanning a QR code with my room number. It was like a virtual butler service, where I could ask questions and send my requests at any time of the day.
Comfort + serenity = the ideal escape
The ultimate getaway with some serious luxury built in, the ‘Homey with Pool’ room was my perfect stay for tropical R&R. The room was more like an apartment, outfitted with modern amenities, a plush bed, a spacious bathroom (with a bathtub), a sofa, a dining table, and a private pool. There are only two of such rooms, so fastest fingers first!
When it was hot out, I loved that I was just steps away from a refreshing plunge in the private pool. Morning views were fab too – waking up at 7am for a dip was one of my best decisions on this trip. The sunlight was pleasantly warm and stunningly golden, and the resort was delightfully serene.
Is this the most thoughtful stay ever?
With just over 60 rooms, Marasca Samui isn’t a sprawling resort where you can get lost in. That said, this cosy stay punches well above its weight for its size. What it may lack in square metres, it makes up for with incredible hospitality (the live chat was just one part of its attentive service!). At every turn, thoughtful touches show how much consideration goes into designing this experience.
Wanna have a picnic by the beach (or the pool)? You don’t even have to ask for a picnic basket – there’s one waiting for you in the room, stocked with coconut flower water, coconut crisps, and fish crackers (it’s all complimentary). And if you forgot your hat, slippers, or beach bag, worry not ‘cos you’ll find them by the door. There’s also a portable Marshall speaker if you’re thinking of blasting tunes.
In the pantry, caffeine-free coffee pods and tea bags cater to those who want to avoid the caffeine jitters; while the vegans and lactose-intolerant can have their latte fix with high quality oat milk in the fridge. Don’t miss trying the lemongrass butterfly blue pea tea.
For stay-in entertainment, go ahead and borrow games (like PS5, Monopoly, and Nintendo Switch) from the hidden room near the reception (look for a gold door handle near the shelves). This cosy nook stores an eclectic array of items in an effort to cater to every possible need. Games aside, there are Polaroid cameras, weights, foam rollers, electric fly swatters, Dyson hair dryers, and more.
Waterfront feasts and tipples
Indulging in a feast is a mandatory part of any holiday. Bright and early the first morning, off to the breakfast spread I went. Meals are served at Cabanas, a day-to-night restaurant and beach club by the pool, just a few stairs away from the beach. Hang out indoors to dine under the AC, or chill out on the deck chairs or sofa seats by the pool overlooking the beach.
For breakfast, juices, pastries, spreads, salads and cereals are laid out buffet-style; while other items on the menu can be ordered a la carte (with unlimited orders). Starting with a local favourite, the khao tom chicken was a tasty congee that was healthy and comforting. Craving eggs? I’d say to give the truffle scramble a miss, and go for the eggs Benedict instead. When it comes to drinks, Thai iced tea is a must – and I liked that there was the option to customise the level of sweetness.
Every Saturday, the Daydream at Cabanas programme features an unlimited set menu, DJ sets, and performances happening from lunch till dinner. Sundown entertainment also includes spectacular fire shows – grab a seat along the beach or by the sundae station for the best views. Keep your eyes peeled for other entertainment programmes that’ll be launching on other days of the week.
Here’s the lowdown on Cabanas: the multi-cuisine restaurant consists of seven different stations. House of Pad Thai serves local must-tries; Via Emilia Pizzeria brings one of Bangkok’s best pizza brands to the resort; Two Hands Tacos offers Mexican street eats; Crisp & Co brings you all the fried treats; Stix whips up satays and grills; Raw serves sushi and poke bowls; and the sundae station promises scoops of refreshing ice cream. Vegetarians and vegans, you’ll find a selection of plant-based options, too.
The two-storey cabanas are by far the best chill out spot. Overlooking the pool and right by the DJ booth, booking this space means that you’ll have an entire cabana for your crew, with a dedicated wait staff bringing the food and drinks to your table. The pad Thai, sushi, and succulent grilled fish were some of my favourite eats.
There’s never a bad time to drink when it’s a vacay, so a few tipples were on the agenda. My top picks were cocktails inspired by Thai dishes and street food, such as the guava concoction shaken with salt and chilli, and the bright bevvy inspired by mango sticky rice.
I alternated between mocktails too, and was pleasantly surprised that they’re not the only non-boozy pours on the menu. There’s also a selection of alcohol-free bubbly and vino. The zero-alcohol rosé is a treat if you’re nursing a hangover!
If you’re in the mood to venture out, you’ll be pleased to know that Chaweng Beach’s main stretch of pubs and restaurants are right at the doorstep of Marasca Samui. Set foot outside the resort and you’ll find yourself on the touristy street of this buzzing district, no further transport necessary.
Spa days are meant to look like this
I was looking forward to a good spa session, and Marasca Samui didn’t disappoint. I sipped on butterfly pea tea with a dash of lime juice (which turns the tea a pretty violet hue!) as I selected my preferred treatment and massage oil. There are facials that combine natural skincare ingredients with the latest technology, traditional massage treatments, and even massage options with special lava shells. After opting for a classic massage to knead away tense knots, I was ushered into a room to change into a bathrobe and have a foot bath. Then, a ring of the singing bowl signified the start of the relaxing treatment.
I have sensitive areas where I’m easily tickled, and I had a shoulder ache that required more effort to relieve. Simply put, I’m probably not the easiest customer at the spa. But my massage therapist, Kae, expertly navigated my requests without missing a beat. Her hands glided over my pain points, skilfully kneading away my knots while putting me at ease. 10/10 would recommend!
Following the massage, she recommended keeping the oil on for an hour before taking a shower. Capping off my experience with dried mango and a cup of ginger tea to warm me up, I was well and truly blissed out.
Waking up for wellness by the beach
If the private pool and beachfront lounging don’t satisfy your aquatic instincts, then the array of water sports will. Book a sesh on the kayak or a paddleboard – ideally, during golden hour for the best views.
I was after a zen retreat after escaping the hectic city, so it was sunrise yoga on the beach for me. Think hot yoga, except the heat is 100% natural, and your asanas are complemented by the sound of lapping waves. Workout classes are conducted on the sand by the turquoise-striped lounge chairs, where you can chill out after breaking a sweat. Hot tip: remember to load up on sunscreen and insect repellent.
On my last day, I said yes to a spirited Muay Thai class for fitness and fun against the backdrop of crashing waves. I ended my morning with a green juice tasting by the Homegrown garden – pop by to spot the juice cart, where the resort’s chefs will blend up a juice of your choosing, using herbs plucked fresh from the garden, along with tropical fruits.
(Yoga classes, Muay Thai classes, and water activities like kayaking and paddle boarding are complimentary for all guests. Private yoga and Muay Thai classes are available on request at 2,200 THB per hour.)
Celebrating local, loving the planet
Just when I thought there’s nothing more to love about this vacay, I learnt about Marasca Samui’s support of local artisans and the environment. Bathrobes are made from recycled clothes, while the beach hats and bags are made from local Thai plants. Visit the retail store for knick knacks created by local brands and artisans (psst: if you love the bath amenities from your room, you can purchase them here).
Around the resort, the artworks on display are created by local artists. From the ceramic hand work inspired by sea foam by the reception, to the batik artwork at the spa that celebrates the abundance of the sea, there’s an array of masterpieces that draw inspiration from the city’s coastal location and natural elements.
Goodbye, island paradise
Recounting my trip after getting back to regular life, I have to say: the post-vacation blues are real, but they’re even worse when you’ve gotten back from a tropical paradise.
Marasca Samui isn’t a star-studded resort. But its unique blend of casual luxury means that you can enjoy elevated wellness without forking out exorbitant prices. It has just enough of the bells and whistles of a luxurious stay, without the hefty price tag or the excessive frills. Prices start at around $250 for a two pax stay with its grand opening offer (valid for bookings made before 31 August 2024, for stays now till 20 December 2024) – a fab deal for a rejuvenating reset, if you ask me.
Marasca Samui, 159/104 Moo 2 Bophut Sub District, District, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
