Cover The atmosphere in front of the room of Kimpton Kitalay Samui Hotel (Photo: Kimpton Kitalay Samui)

Samui has been touted as one of the hottest locations to watch for ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3, so we'd like to invite you to explore the island paradise's many special spots, including restaurants, attractions and must-do activities.

The wait is almost over as the hit series 'The White Lotus' has officially announced its third season, with a very special location, Koh Samui, Thailand, a filming location that many did not expect.

The success of The White Lotus is considered a phenomenon of the series of the year by sweeping 10 Emmy Awards 2022 out of 20 nominations. It stands out with its combination of drama, comedy and thriller, as well as inserting sharp criticism of high society. It set a record for the highest rating of HBO in 3 years with 4.1 million viewers at the end of Season 2 and received a high score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes of 94%.

Read more: Kimpton Kitalay Samui: Experience a Luxury Getaway with Art on Samui

In addition to the awards and ratings success, the series has also created a tourism phenomenon for filming locations such as Hawaii, Sicily, and most recently Koh Samui. And this time, in addition to the quality work that we have been waiting for, the introduction of the cast is also worth watching when we see Lisa as an actress that many people have been waiting to see.

Where to stay

Kimpton Kitalay Samui

Less than 10 minutes from Koh Samui Airport, you will arrive at Kimpton Kitalay Samui, a hotel that stands out with its distinctive black wooden Thai house building made by local craftsmen of Samui, an iconic place that all guests must walk through. Experience the swimming pool that stretches as far as the eye can see into the sea, then relax in your room or villa by the sea. And of course, the hotel has prepared a variety of beach activities for you to enjoy, such as Stand Up Paddle Board, kayaking and many more. And don't miss Shio Japanese Dining & Sushi Bar, a Japanese restaurant with a sushi bar on Koh Samui, ready to serve with a view of Choeng Mon Beach.

Kimpton Kitalay Samui Hotel
Address: 10/79 Bo Phut Subdistrict, Koh Samui District, Surat Thani

Kimpton Kitalay Samui
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10, 79, Bo Put, Amphoe Ko Samui, Surat Thani

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Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui

Another world-class hotel tucked away on a lush hillside at the far end of Koh Samui, the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui features private villas that gradually descend to a private beach. Each comes with an infinity pool and panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand.

A must-see highlight is the Secret Garden Spa, hidden amidst lush tropical gardens, offering spa treatments that combine local wisdom with luxury, using herbs and essential oils from the resort’s organic garden to create personalized treatments.

There are also many exclusive activities to choose from, whether it's training in Muay Thai with a professional trainer in a quiet corner by the sea or sailing on a private yacht to see the small islands in the Gulf of Thailand, with a personal chef service who will create a special meal by the beach, creating a superior and memorable relaxation experience.

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
Address: 219 Ang Thong Subdistrict, Koh Samui District, Surat Thani

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โรงแรม Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui (Photo: Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui)
Above Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui (Photo: Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui)
โรงแรม Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui (Photo: Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui)

Six Senses Samui

Another luxury resort you don't want to miss, hidden away on a steep cliff on Koh Samui, Six Senses Samui offers a relaxing experience that combines luxury with sustainability. The highlight here is The Ocean Retreat, a private villa that floats above the sea with an infinity pool that stretches to the horizon, offering one of the most beautiful sunset spots on the island.

Set on a clifftop terrace, Dining on the Rocks offers award-winning cuisine highlighting organic ingredients from the resort’s gardens, allowing guests to participate in picking fresh produce from the garden and learning how to cook with a professional chef. Relaxation activities include Sound Releasing, a therapy using sound therapy amidst nature to balance the body and mind, reinforcing the brand’s unique wellness retreat philosophy.

Six Senses Samui Hotel
Address: 9/10 Ban Plai Laem, Cheong Mon Subdistrict, Koh Samui District, Surat Thani

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วิวมุมสูงของห้องพัก The Ocean Retreat ที่ Six Senses เกาะสมุย (Photo: Six Senses Samui)
Above Elevated view of The Ocean Retreat room at Six Senses Koh Samui (Photo: Six Senses Samui)
วิวมุมสูงของห้องพัก The Ocean Retreat ที่ Six Senses เกาะสมุย (Photo: Six Senses Samui)

Where to eat

Kapi Sator

For a taste of authentic Southern Thai cuisine, head to Kapi Sator. This family-run business prides itself on using fresh, locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. Signature dishes not to be missed include Southern-style crab curry, fresh oysters from Kanchanadit District, Surat Thani Province, and eight-hour stewed pork. There are also daily specials made with seasonal ingredients.

Shrimp paste and stink beans
Address: 25/236 Thawi Rat Phakdi Road, Bo Phut Subdistrict, Koh Samui District, Surat Thani

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นำเสนออาหารใต้แท้ๆ ที่ร้านกะปิ สะตอ (Photo: Instagram / @kinkubnon)
Above Presenting authentic southern food at Kapi Sator Restaurant (Photo: Instagram / @kinkubnon)
นำเสนออาหารใต้แท้ๆ ที่ร้านกะปิ สะตอ (Photo: Instagram / @kinkubnon)

CHADA

A southern style Chef's Table restaurant that is a collaboration between Chef Jeremy Simien and Chef Tang Chitlada Sirachadapong, both of whom are passionate about the charm of traditional Thai food, whether it's the 'Lang Nuea Wagyu Chop Lang Ya' menu, which is grilled Wagyu beef in betel leaves, or 'Samui Tempura', which combines organic southern herbs with a sour puree from local Samui herbs, under the concept of conserving and using the ocean, sea and marine resources for sustainable development.

CHADA Chef's Table
Address: 87 Na Thon Community, Ang Thong Subdistrict, Koh Samui District, Surat Thani

Chez Francois

Despite its location on Koh Samui, Chez François is a must-book destination for French food lovers. Chef François Peillard creates classic French dishes with a contemporary twist. Popular signature dishes include the Coq au vin (chicken stewed in French red wine), the Beef Wellington (tender pastry-wrapped beef), and the Beef Carpaccio (thinly sliced raw beef with a special sauce), all of which are meticulously prepared using the finest ingredients. This restaurant is a must-visit for both tourists and locals looking to experience fine French dining on this paradise island.

Chez Francois
Address: 33/2 Village No. 1, Fisherman Village, Bo Phut Subdistrict, Koh Samui District, Surat Thani

Tatler Asia
Above Chez François, a French restaurant on Koh Samui that you shouldn't miss (Photo: Chez François)

Phen Siri

Experience the authentic taste of southern food at Pensiri, a local restaurant that conveys the charm of southern food to the fullest. The must-try menu items are the spicy shrimp paste and pork chili paste with authentic southern flavors. But the signature dish is the crab curry noodles set, served with four side vegetables. The highlight is the rich curry and spicy flavor, worthy of being a famous local restaurant on Koh Samui that is known as one of the southern restaurants that you can't miss.

Phen Siri
Address: 80/30 Moo 3, Suan Uthit Road, Chaweng Beach, Bo Phut Subdistrict, Koh Samui District, Surat Thani

Read more: Ultimate Luxurious Villas: 5 of the best luxury villas in Thailand for a dream vacation

Hug Samui

This restaurant is located in a quiet seaside setting on Koh Samui. In addition to its outstanding local cuisine that emphasizes fresh seafood and traditional curry pastes, it also has a bar area that selects a variety of wines and creative cocktails to sip in a romantic atmosphere at night. This is a popular place to celebrate special occasions, whether it's a wedding or a special Chef's Table meal in a cozy, hidden gem atmosphere that provides a friendly and relaxing feeling. And of course, at night, don't miss the special fire baton show.

Hug Samui & Ai Bar
Address: Mae Nam, Koh Samui District, Surat Thani

Where to drink

Nahm

This romantic beach bar is a perfect blend of classic fishing village and contemporary. The bar features a variety of cocktails and a wine list. Located on the beach not far from the Big Buddha Temple on the west coast of Koh Samui, Nahm offers a beautiful view of the orange sunset sky. If you stay until late, you can watch the fireworks from squid fishing boats in the sea at night. In the evening, this bar is the perfect destination for a special meal, whether it’s a fancy dinner, a proposal, or just a special moment by the sea.

Nahm
Address: 16/9 Bo Phut Subdistrict, Koh Samui District, Surat Thani

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Above The atmosphere inside Nahm restaurant by the sea (Photo: Nahm)
Tatler Asia
Above Drinks inside Nahm (Photo: Nahm)

Easy on Tam's

A new zone under the care of Coco Tam's Koh Samui after Coco Tam's has become one of the must-see destinations for tourists, complete with food, drinks and shows that have become Koh Samui's signature.

Make the most of your relaxing time at Easy on Tams, a speakeasy bar and social club located on top of Coco Tam's that combines seaside relaxation with the novelty of partying. The second floor serves as a secret bar, seamlessly hidden from the hustle and bustle of Cocotam's Restaurant. With a Mid Century atmosphere, warm lighting and a perfectly blended disco bar, it serves special drinks during your relaxing time.

Easy on Tams
Address: 62 Bo Phut Subdistrict, Koh Samui District, Surat Thani

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Easy on Tam's บาร์ลับบนเกาะสมุย (Photo: Easy on Tam's)
Above Easy on Tam's, a secret bar on Koh Samui (Photo: Easy on Tam's)
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Easy on Tam's บาร์ลับบนเกาะสมุย (Photo: Easy on Tam's)
Above Easy on Tam's, a secret bar on Koh Samui (Photo: Easy on Tam's)
Easy on Tam's บาร์ลับบนเกาะสมุย (Photo: Easy on Tam's)
Easy on Tam's บาร์ลับบนเกาะสมุย (Photo: Easy on Tam's)

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Kornpath Parn-on
Lifestyle Editor, Tatler Thailand
Tatler Asia