Far from the heaving resorts in Thailand’s more accessible locations such as Phuket or Pattaya, Koh Kood might be the country’s fourth largest island, but it has long been celebrated by free-spirited beach-loving aesthetes for its cinematic ocean frontage, tranquility and far-flung seclusion just off the coast of Cambodia. The perfect spot then, for the eco-friendly Soneva brand to launch its second outpost.
Hidden among the lush vegetation towards the north of the island, speckled with local fisherman and windswept palm trees, the 36-villa resort has been created entirely from sustainable timber, while the bright and airy rooms - with outdoor bathrooms - have been dressed in mint greens, sunflower yellows and timeless leather textures. Though it’s difficult to spend too much time indoors, when each villa has its own sizeable shady veranda and infinity pools with bracing views of the ocean to frolic in.
An adventure-packed itinerary of activities from windsurfing to snorkelling is on offer, but personally, we’re staying put for the hotel’s numerous in-house experiences, not least the outdoor cinema and stargazing observatory. For those in full vegetation-mode, the resort also has its own self-service chocolate pantry and homemade ice cream parlour to boot.
