If you’ve been wondering why HBO set the next installment of “wealthy people having existential crises in paradise” at The Four Seasons Koh Samui, I can see why they picked this resort. But not everything’s perfect in paradise. At the Swank Guide, we always give you two ways to learn about the world’s most unique hotels and resorts: through text or photos, like in this blog, or you can watch the video about my experience at the Four Seasons.
Why This Slice of Paradise?
Let’s be honest: when your show’s premise involves watching the one percent unravel in five-star luxury, location scouting becomes something of a champagne problem. But the Four Seasons Koh Samui isn’t just another premium beach resort.
Perched on a hillside overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, each villa here is essentially its own private palace, complete with infinity pools that melt into the horizon. The resort sprawls across 42 acres of a former coconut plantation—yet with only 60 villas (and that includes 15 private residences), it somehow feels both vast and intimate, never crowded.
The Perfect Stage for Beautiful Chaos
It’s not hard to see why the show’s location scouts fell for this place. The resort has that particular brand of luxury that feels both effortless and slightly obscene – perfect for the White Lotus theme. The private beach, accessible only to resort guests, stretches for half a kilometer of pristine white sand. It’s the kind of exclusivity that makes you feel special until you realize everyone else there feels special too – a theme the show will mine for all it’s worth.
Winding paths through lush vegetation connect different areas of the resort that, after getting lost a few times, lead you to the main infinity pool, which sits right above the beach. One of the things I love about this resort is that they’ve organized tons of seating both at the beach and pool, so you don’t have to worry about getting up early and snagging your favorite beach chair.
Then there’s the vibe, something that’s hard to describe but you can feel. And that’s where things diverge a bit. The vibe at the pool—and more importantly—the pool bar is sophisticated hipster… the music, architecture, and setting are about as good as it gets. The hilltop bar and restaurant—don’t get me wrong—are super nice, but feel a bit dated… the music and the design’s just not quite as good… It feels a bit stuck in the 90s.
And speaking of design, interior designer Bill Bensley is the one behind the luxe feel here. Bensley’s the same designer behind the Capella Ubud, in Bali, one of my all-time favorite resorts that has to be seen to be believed (since you asked, yes I have a video about that experience too). I do have to say that the Four Seasons is not quite as over the top as Bensley’s wild Bali hotel, and that was a disappointment for me.
Beyond the Drama
But what makes this property good enough to make the Swank Guide list isn’t just its photogenic qualities. It’s the attention to detail that borders on the obsessive.
Take the beds. They’re positioned to face the ocean in every villa. The bathtubs are made from my favorite building material: terrazzo, and the glass wall in the bathroom slides open so you can commune with nature as you soak. The private infinity pools are heated to exactly 28°C, which I guess is the perfect temperature for both swimming and relaxing.
The spa deserves its own paragraph. Set in a coconut grove (because of course it is), it offers treatments that combine Thai healing massage with some modern twists.
The Thai Touch
What sets this Four Seasons apart from its siblings isn’t just the hardware – it’s the software. The Thai staff brings that particular brand of warmth that makes you feel simultaneously like royalty and family. They remember your name, your preferred breakfast table, and somehow anticipate needs you didn’t even know you had.
For Foodies
The resort’s dining options come in two flavors: KOH, the hilltop restaurant that serves up Thai cuisine with a side of wild views, and Pla Pla, the beachside Italian restaurant, which somehow makes sense here, and I, personally, prefer Pla Pla to KOH. Then there’s always room/villa service.
Things You Should Know
As much as I like this place:
- The hills are alive with… golf carts. Too many, in my opinion. Yes, some spots are steep, but plenty of guests take carts everywhere—even when they could easily walk. Not only does this take away from the experience, but it’s not exactly great for the environment either.
- Your wallet will be significantly lighter upon departure.
- The beach, while private, isn’t as expansive as some of Thailand’s more famous stretches—quality over quantity, I guess.
If you want to compare, check out my video on the best resorts in Koh Samui. This is definitely one of them, but there are some incredible places here that are far more value.
Best Time to Visit: November to February is peak season, offering cooler weather and minimal rainfall. Shoulder seasons (March to May and September to October) provide better rates with some trade-offs in weather.
Getting Here: The resort is about 40 minutes from Koh Samui Airport, with transfers available directly through the Four Seasons.
Want to See More?
For a complete tour and review of my experience staying at this slice of paradise-turned-television-set, check out my detailed video review here. Watch as I take you through every nook and cranny of this crazy property, from the palatial villas to the hidden beaches.
Now do this!
- Watch all our Thailand videos here.
- To keep ourselves honest, we pay for our stays. Buy us a coffee in support of our work through our tip jar.
