Soneva Kiri | LuxeList

TRAVEL

A Seaside Sojourn at Soneva Kiri, Thailand

NOVEMBER 2023

- team luxe List

Easily one of the most exciting resorts in Southeast Asia, Soneva Kiri is a must-visit for island lovers looking for an escape with their loved ones. There’s no better place where you could get everything, all at once.

Thailand, as a destination, is pretty popular for its exquisite beaches, wild forest belts, waterfalls, and a whole other city life including shopping avenues, nightclubs, and all that jazz. Holidaying there had only been at the prospect of backpacking or monastery-hopping, etc. for quite a few years until modern retreats and the concept of a luxury getaway made an entrance into the city’s landscapes. The pristine beaches of Thailand were the first to get exposed to such establishments.

Situated on Koh Kood Island, Soneva Kiri is a luxury resort by the Soneva group that features 33 private villas, 11 restaurant options providing 14 dining experiences, magnificent swimming pools, a Spa, a Wine Cellar, an array of boutiques, gardens, tennis court, watersports facilities and so much more. The resort aims to blur the distinction between a relaxing holiday and an adventurous escapade while remaining true to its signature style of luxury and Thai hospitality.

LOCATION

Among Thailand's islands, Koh Kood is a hidden gem renowned for its pure natural beauty and largely unexplored terrain. The island is known for its lush jungles, clean waterways, and white sand beaches, making it the ideal location for an opulent retreat.

Soneva Kiri prides itself on offering visitors a degree of luxury that is unmatched in the industry. Few places in the world can compare to the tranquillity and exclusivity you'll experience the moment you step foot on the island.

Guests arrive at a private airfield on the nearby island Koh Mai Si, then sail a short motorboat ride to a jetty that directs into a lovely bay island. The villas are a testament to the resort's commitment to luxury and privacy. Whether you choose a Beach Pool Villa Suite with direct beach access, a Cliff Villa Suite with panoramic ocean views, or a Hill Pool Villa Suite nestled in the rainforest, each accommodation offers spacious living areas and a private pool, ensuring that you have ample space to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty around you.

VILLAS

The resort houses a total of 33 spacious villas that blend seamlessly with the breathtaking beauty around. A few villas are located right on the beaches, while some offer a den-like experience being in the middle of a rainforest, others are perched atop a cliff. Guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation because every villa ranging from one to five bedrooms, offers stunning views, a private pool, dining areas, luxurious amenities, and a personalized service 24x7.

The villas are designed in an eco-friendly way to preserve the natural wonders around them and offer a sustainable and minimal yet luxurious structure to the rooms. The open-air bathrooms and decks are among such features.

DINING

When we mentioned that Soneva Kiri offers everything for everyone all at once, we meant it! The number of dining options and experiences will leave you astonished, wanting to explore all that’s there.

The Dining Room, located atop a cliff, serves Mediterranean and European cuisine. The breakfast spread at the restaurant will have you feeling hearty and energized. For guests wanting to try the local Thai food, Kruua Mae Tuk (Tuk’s Kitchen) is the place to be at. Serving authentic gourmet Thai specialties, this restaurant does not have a menu, instead, they emphasize improvisation of flavors, Thai ingredients, and local seafood. The View is their modern restaurant, offering unparalleled views of the shoreline, a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine, and zesty drinks. Treepod Dining, a bamboo pod heightened up to six meters in the air so you can gaze down on the rainforest and waves below while an acrobatic waiter serves your meal via a zip line. Other food and wine options include So Spirited, So Deli-cious, So Guilty, So Chilled - dedicated parlors to relish a variety of ice creams, chocolates, cocktails & mocktails with tapas, and the finest charcuterie boards.

The dining experience will be a paradise for food enthusiasts at Soneva Kiri.

EXPERIENCES

Soneva Kiri is not just a serene getaway but it also offers opportunities for adventure, exploration, and unforgettable memories. The resort has a curated list of experiences for all the guests be it a large family or a couple; everyone will be left overwhelmed with the range of activities.

The variety of experiences ranges from immersing in the art and culture to experiencing wellness treatments, watersports, cruising, sightseeing, etc.

The Seven Days, Seven Beaches experience is something not to miss out on. One can discover Thailand’s most beautiful beaches, bays, and hidden coves. The boat becomes your private beach club at anchor: snorkel, swim ashore to sunbathe, go kayaking or paddle boarding, and enjoy a gourmet lunch, prepared on board. Each day takes you to a different beach, including Klong Chao Beach, Ao Kluai, Koh Rang’s Blue Lagoon, Klong Han Beach, Ao Tapao, Klong Ngamko Beach, and Takhian Beach. For couples, Soneva Kiri can arrange A Galaxy Dinner to cherish the simple joy of dining under the stars, right on the beach, in a romantic setting with candles around, a personalized menu, and a chilled bottle of Champagne – the entire setup surrendered with utmost privacy and serenity.

Some of the other noteworthy ones include a Floating Breakfast arranged for you at your private pool, exploring the Koh Kood Island and the lush rainforests by car, A Thai cooking class by Chef Tuk from Tuk’s Kitchen, Night Snorkelling with Bioluminescent Plankton, a gorgeous lunch spread inside a Mushroom Cave, the Private Cinema Paradiso arrangement to watch your favorite movie in a private treehouse, the Yai Ki Trek, stargazing, etc.

Soneva Kiri’s spa, Soul, is a haven for wellness lovers. Offering Thai massage therapies, healing facials, private steam and sauna rooms, a dedicated yoga pavilion, and a Watsu pool. This charming spa hidden away inside a rainforest will rejuvenate all your senses and ensure recovery from the stress of daily life.

Soneva Kiri, Thailand, stands as a testament to the Soneva Group's commitment to redefining luxury travel. The resort provides an unmatched holistic experience whether you spend your days sunbathing by the ocean, enjoying a Watsu treatment while floating in the water, going on a night time snorkeling excursion, or snacking under a canopy of trees - it’s the best of hospitality among breathtaking natural beauty.

With its lavish villas, exceptional dining, and unique eco-conscious experiences, it has set a new standard for luxurious getaways in Thailand and beyond. It's not just a resort; it's a destination where grandeur meets sustainability in perfect harmony.