The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui — Attraction in Ko Samui

My wife and I stayed here for 3 nights in February 2023 and even though we had a good time, it wasn't exactly perfect. I was torn on how to adequately rate our stay since there was really excellent things found at this resort that we loved, but also sadly some things that kept it from reaching that elite level, I would give it 3.5 but rounded up. First, this resort is very big, with lots of elevation change, the main way to get around is to call a buggy & wait to ride to wherever you headed, so you will need to get used to riding around everywhere. Fortunately, my wife and I were in building 8 which was the closest to the main F & B / pool area and were able to walk down every morning for the gym, then the amazing breakfast and/or pool area. Although the resort is basically built into a cliff, some of the landscaping was a bit dull, with patches of dead grass or just low shrubs, there was really no garden area or any sort of flower display other than basically palm trees (don't get me wrong love me some palm trees). It was just noticeable when compared to other RC properties where they always seem to have wonderful landscaping. The breakfast buffet at Shook! is hands down incredible. Absolutely massive spread with anything & everything. The seating area itself is more or less in the middle of the resort with open air windows and lots of natural light. The food was very delicious, my wife and I every day looked forward to waking up and heading to this place, we always would find something new to try as they rotate some of the dishes so it doesn't get dull. Coffee was excellent as well. The only thing missing was the mimosa cart ! The pool area was big with lots of seating and umbrellas so you can always find a place no matter what time of day you go down. The guys working the pool area are super funny and personable, it just seemed like there wasn't enough of them to cover the huge area. We only saw 2 guys walking around and there was just too many guests to be able to adequately get to everyone, I think they need to at least double the size of the staff in this area especially during peak times to provide a good level of service. (Also could we get a small thing of snacks?!) The beach is pretty pebbly and rocky, if you are expecting a sugar soft beach... fair warning here, you will be disappointed, this is made up for though by the really massive / nice infinity pool. We didn't get a chance to try any of the restaurants at the resort unfortunately, during our stay the steakhouse was closed (3 days in a row seems long for a 5 star resort restaurant to be closed), and we were pretty Thai-ed out as we had been in Thailand for over a week already, in case you didn't know EVERY restaurant has a Thai menu, doesn't matter where or what kind of cuisine there will be a small Thai menu lol. Keeping with tradition we did order in room dining (24 hr menu!) and it was excellent. The food was easy to order, hot, and came to our room fairly quickly. Lastly, we had a select terrace room with ocean view, and although it was nice, it was a bit "spartan" on the inside. I understand the theme of super modern but it just came off as dull and cold, not to mention the mattress is firm as a rock which was unexpected. On our final day at the resort, we had some morning rain showers and discovered our room leaked from the ceiling. Luckily the leak was in the foyer area so it was over any of our clothes or electronics or anything, but still not great to have leaking water in your hotel room. We informed the front desk in the morning, however when we were checking out (2 pm+) no one had come to repair, so a bit alarming if it had really continued to rain hard. All in all, we had a good time staying at this resort, the people are super friendly and personable and very helpful. The resort itself seems to be a bit older and not as immaculately kept as some of the other RC properties are. For this price point, were hesitant if we would recommend/ return as there are so many other properties...

Oh man, I feel a little bad writing this review because the staff are nice and trying to make sure you have a great stay, but then I also wish someone wrote this review before I arrived here, and the feedback is needed to improve. Since I wasn’t asked whether I enjoyed my stay, I am leaving this review here.

I'm rating three stars in the context of my other experiences staying at Ritz-Carlton properties, which consistently beat my expectations. In general I agree with the review left by J Mo; this hotel is by no means terrible, but it is just not up to par to Ritz standards and prices, and they should maybe consider holding off on receiving guests for a bit, because I will certainly think twice before considering the Ritz again after this.

A lot of the amenities were not yet finished; the spa was damaged, couldn’t find the fish reef they are advertising with, and general surroundings just don’t feel polished. Don't be fooled by the pictures they put up online!! I'm not a fool and can see they are computer renders, but I expected something at least somewhat resembling what they present online. It really feels like false advertising at this point. The atmosphere is nothing like they make you believe on their website, so do yourself a favor and check out some traveler’s photos.

The property itself felt half-finished. Again and again it was mentioned that they are currently in soft-opening phase, but they seemingly have no issue charging you the full price. I stayed in an ocean view suite, and I only got about 4 inches of sea view if the wind was blowing the trees away; the rest was covered by trees and the back of some kind of utility (?) building. Walking to my suite gave me flashbacks to staying in three star resorts in Turkey; down two flights of stairs through characterless hallways. Just not what I expect from a brand with the prestige of Ritz-Carlton.

Since we arrived early, we had to wait at the pool for a bit which is perfectly fine, but afterwards we were whisked to our room without much of an introduction to the property. I was constantly asking myself if I was missing the one thing that would make my stay great (hint: it’s not there, yet).

The room itself was nice; everything is new and it is spacious, but there was construction dirt on the balcony, some furniture was scuffed (which isn't a huge deal), phone didn’t work so couldn’t call reception or buggies that were needed to get around the property, and had to walk down to the concierge every time we needed one. These little things added up over the course of our stay. For the price I paid for my ocean view suite (600EUR avg. over two nights), you can literally get a really nice villa elsewhere on the island. The property is built on a hill-side, which is great for views (if you get lucky with your room!) but makes you dependent on their buggy service, which often requires longer than acceptable wait times.

On the last night of our stay we decided to have dinner at Shook!, I believe their flagship restaurant on this property. Staff really friendly once again, but we ended up paying about 6000THB (150EUR) for four dishes which were mediocre at best. Chicken was red inside, beef overcooked. Ambiance was nothing close to what they advertise with - I guess they know so they leave the computer renders on the website. Felt like a slightly upgraded buffet hall with fluorescent lighting to match (if anyone from the Ritz reads this: please do something with the lighting here, it will greatly improve the atmosphere).

All in all, staff is great - property needs a lot of work before their supposed grand opening in March, and their service needs polish. Not sure how they got their 4.9 star rating here, but figure that out for yourself. I am absolutely fine paying Ritz prices, but then I expect everything from arrival to check-out to match that. Until it does at this property, I believe your money is better spent elsewhere if you are considering a stay...

Ritz Carlton, Koh Samui is a 5-star tropical paradise that enchants your senses through the soulful sounds of waves, mouth-watering culinary options, and unique cultural immersions along Thailand’s spectacular gulf.

Service – The exemplary staff at the resort are warm, friendly, attentive and non-intrusive. The front office staff welcomed us with brimming smiles and a wonderful “Mali-scented coconut” drink. The check-in process was smooth, quick and easy. Khun Sasi, a waitress at Pak Tai restaurant within the hotel was beyond compare as she represented the epitome of Thai hospitality. She provided excellent food recommendations, very soft-spoken and extremely attentive. The buggy drivers were efficient and dropped us off with a traditional ‘wai’ whenever we used their service. While we had limited interactions with the housekeeping staff, the turndown service always left with a surprise (i.e. beautifully sprinkled rose petals in a very inviting jacuzzi foam bathtub). At breakfast, we had the wonderful pleasure of being served by Khun Beauty.

Accommodations – We stayed at Villa #9115 which is their ‘Ultimate Pool Villa’. The 97 sqm villa provides breathtaking panoramic ocean views that can be enjoyed from various sections including their King-sized bed, indoor sofa, and bathroom. Large windows throughout the villa allows for an ample amount of sunlight to shine through. The luxurious natural-stone designed bathroom features double sinks, bathtub with separate shower and a rainforest showerhead. The amenities also had an exquisite fragrance. The water pressure and temperature consistency were excellent. Other villa features include a working desk (with sufficient charging ports), coffee and tea making facilities, a safety deposit box, and a replenished minibar. The bedroom also had an LCD TV (which we could connect with our android stick) and a portable sound system. Wifi speeds were stable and they did not require any log-in which made it seamless. Most of our time was spent outside at the terrace which features a private infinity pool, outdoor dining area, sun loungers and an outdoor shower. The highlight for us were the unparalleled and uninterrupted views of the turquoise blue waters as seen from the private pool. The stillness was spiritual to say the least.

Breakfast – The breakfast is served at “Shook” restaurant which features spaced-out cozy booths with wooden screens for privacy. We awoke to the scent of freshly baked croissants and delectable pastries. For eggs, we thoroughly enjoyed their eggs benedict which had perfectly poached eggs and a well-balanced hollandaise sauce. The breakfast had a wide range of local and international options including a salad bar, freshly squeezed juices and your usual American breakfast offerings. The homemade granola is an absolute must try with the perfect level of sweetness, saltiness and crunch. In the bakery corner, the buttered croissants and coconut Danish is not to be missed.

‘Pak Tai’ restaurant – One of the best Thai dining experiences we have had so far thanks in large part to our waitress, Khun Sasi. We ordered the “Tofu Yum Pak Kood” (wild fern salad, tofu, roasted coconut with red onions and a mild lime dressing), “Poo Nim Thord Grathiem” (soft-shell crab in garlic pepper sauce), “Pla Gao Neung Siew” (grouper, ginger-soy sauce, sesame, mushrooms, celery and spring onion). The aromatic Thai herbs and natural ingredients in each dish led to an explosion of flavors that would lead any palate to wanting more. We especially enjoyed the grouper fish which was very fresh and well filleted. Accompanying each dish was a healthy low-fat jasberry rice. To top of this wonderful meal, we enjoyed a coconut icecream (“Kati”) with some condiments.

Other facilities – The resort also features 2 secluded beaches, a swim reef, spa, fitness center, Muay Thai ring, tennis courts, table tennis, basketball, watersports, and a 18-hole mini golf...