20 Apr 2026
Tags: kimptonkitalaysamui.com
KOH SAMUI, THAILAND — April, 2026 — Kimpton Kitalay Samui, the celebrated oceanfront resort gracing the peaceful shores of Choeng Mon Beach, has earned a prestigious place among the Top 10 Best Resorts in Thailand for DestinAsian Readers' Choice Awards 2026. The honor recognizes the resort's enduring dedication to crafting deeply personal guest experiences rooted in the warmth, culture, and natural beauty of Koh Samui.
Since opening in 2021 as Kimpton's first resort in Southeast Asia, Kimpton Kitalay Samui has woven itself into the fabric of the island. Its name is drawn from two Thai words: kita, meaning “song” or “singing,” and lay, meaning “sea,” a word that goes beyond a simple definition and reflects a deeper sense of locality, belonging, and connection to both place and people. Together, Kitalay becomes a joyous ode to the sea, sung by the community who calls it home. This sense of connection shapes everything the resort does, creating moments of genuine connection between guests, team members, and the island community they share.
Set within a quiet cove just 10 minutes from Samui International Airport, the resort's 138 rooms, suites, and villas are thoughtfully designed to reflect the island's fishing village heritage, where contemporary Thai elegance meets the unhurried rhythms of coastal life.
Central to the recognition is the resort's MICHELIN Key distinction, complemented by its acclaimed culinary journey across five distinctive venues. FishHouse Restaurant & Bar, listed in the inaugural Thailand edition of the MICHELIN Guide, leads a dining program that moves from fresh seafood and Thai flavors to artisanal coffee and poolside cocktails, all set against the backdrop of the Samui seafront.
Beyond dining, the resort's recognition reflects the breadth of experiences on offer: the Kitavaree Spa & Wellness, with its immersive 14-step ritual using organic, locally sourced ingredients; 1,500 sqm of pool space anchored by an Olympic-sized infinity pool; the JUNIO Kids Club, one of the island's most celebrated children's facilities; and Kimpton's beloved nightly Social Hour, which brings guests and locals together in the spirit of community.
As Thailand continues to captivate the world's most discerning travelers, Kimpton Kitalay Samui stands proud as one of the island's most cherished destinations, a place where the song of the sea is felt in every detail.
For reservations, media enquiries, or further information, please visit kimptonkitalaysamui.com or contact the resort directly.